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I have some tests I want to do on rocket construction, specifically comparing 3D printed parts to traditional techniques, for which I need a UTM.
However, I don't know enough about them yet. First question is what capacity do I need? I want to be able to do basic tests such as tension and 3-point bend on materials such as plywood and G10. I also want to be able to do compression tests with a piston on assemblies such as a MMT inside a body tube and pull tests such as ripping fins off.
Second question is how can I get one for a not-crazy price? I got a quote for a 30KN machine from Instron and as you might expect, that's too expensive. I don't care about formal calibration (as long as the numbers are close to accurate and consistent). I looked on AliExpress and they have machines for about a tenth of the price, but I'm guessing they're not complete (load cells, fixtures, computer, software, etc.).
Volume is probably where I'm most flexible. I think 500mm should be enough for compress and pull tests where I don't need to use the jaw fixtures. It would be nice to have 750mm to be able to crush nose cones, but that's not critical.
Does anyone know how to size and buy a UTM for hobby purposes? I'd even consider building one, but the ones I've seen don't seem like they'd be able to break plywood and G10.
However, I don't know enough about them yet. First question is what capacity do I need? I want to be able to do basic tests such as tension and 3-point bend on materials such as plywood and G10. I also want to be able to do compression tests with a piston on assemblies such as a MMT inside a body tube and pull tests such as ripping fins off.
Second question is how can I get one for a not-crazy price? I got a quote for a 30KN machine from Instron and as you might expect, that's too expensive. I don't care about formal calibration (as long as the numbers are close to accurate and consistent). I looked on AliExpress and they have machines for about a tenth of the price, but I'm guessing they're not complete (load cells, fixtures, computer, software, etc.).
Volume is probably where I'm most flexible. I think 500mm should be enough for compress and pull tests where I don't need to use the jaw fixtures. It would be nice to have 750mm to be able to crush nose cones, but that's not critical.
Does anyone know how to size and buy a UTM for hobby purposes? I'd even consider building one, but the ones I've seen don't seem like they'd be able to break plywood and G10.