Manufacturer: Mecmesin, UK

Overview of Helixa-i Automated Torque Tester

The Helixa-i automated torque tester is controlled by software run on a computer. It delivers both consistency and reliability by controlling the key test parameters of torque, angle and speed. This means that the inherent variability found when using a manual torque tester is almost fully removed. It is relied on by professionals around the world to objectively assess the quality of their precision components and fine assemblies.

The Helixa-i is the perfect solution for measuring low and medium torque on a variety of delicate or finely-engineered products. Its sensitivity and precision alignment make it suitable for testing high-quality assemblies, such as those found in cosmetics, jewellery, electronics, pharmaceutical and medical industries. Its versatile construction even allows for an axial force to be simultaneously applied whilst torque is measured - essential for products such as child-resistant closures.

The precision of the Helixa-i combined with Emperor control & acquisition software enables you to fully characterise the torque and friction in the rotation of parts and components. Where more than just a peak torque is required, use the power of Emperor to build a detailed extended profile to fully reveal the true performance of the test object.

It's precision alignment between gripping fixtures and samples gives high accuracy to deliver reliable and repeatable test results. This makes for an ideal tester to assess new product development against a specification.

The automated Helixa-i testing system comprises four key elements:

Test frame

The Helixa-i and Helixa-xt have a precision motorised test frame which is designed to apply torque from a few mN.m right up to a capacity of 6 N.m. Its high-quality construction, manufactured under ISO 9001 quality standards, ensures the ultimate in repeatable testing.

When seeking to precisely measure such low torque it is often crucial to make sure that no extraneous forces are applied to the test object during the test. The innovative design of the Helixa-i and Helixa-xt allows you to counterbalance the weight of a grip thereby removing its influence upon the object under test.

Its versatile construction even allows for an axial force to be simultaneously applied whilst torque is measured - essential for products, such as child-resistant closures, which require a mechanism to be engaged before they can rotate. 

Make use of your own PC to run its software and take advantage of its small footprint to make it the ideal choice as your bench-top torque tester.

Torque sensors

The HTC range of interchangeable torque sensors is specially adapted to the Helixa-i and Helixa-xt. They plug into the frame and their calibration characteristics are immediately recognised by the tester without any input from the operator.

Seven different sensors, all measuring from zero, are available to cover the range from 0.1 N.m up to 6 N.m. This ensures that you have the optimum selection to meet all your torque testing needs. Measurement accuracy is an outstanding ±0.5% of the sensor capacity.

Each HTC sensor is delivered as standard with its own calibration certificate traceable to national standards.

Software

Emperor software is at the heart of the Helixa-i and Helixa-xt test systems. It runs on any Windows computer and controls the motor of the test frame whilst collecting data at an impressive 1,000 Hz from the ITC torque sensor and angle encoder of the frame.

Step-by-step test routines can be quickly and easily created according to the exact requirements of your testing procedures. The most commonly used test routines can then be simply selected by the operator using their 'favourites' button or from a standard drop-down list.

By plotting measurement data in real-time on a graph the operator can identify exactly how the test specimen is performing. Preset calculations are used to analyse the data to determine whether the specimen has met the pass/fail criteria of the quality-control specifications.

At the end of the test, the powerful reporting module within Emperor™ allows the operator to issue a test report as a PDF. Additionally, the data can be exported to Excel or to the network for further analysis by a Statistical Process Control (SPC) package.

Gripping fixtures

Holding your test specimen in place without it slipping is essential to obtaining repeatable results. Mecmesin has designed a range of torque grips to hold a variety of components. They include miniature chucks and mandrels to hold plastic and metal test specimens, fixing tables to secure bottles and containers plus many more. 

The varying nature of specimen sizes and shapes often makes it necessary to design and produce a special grip. Mecmesin's team of design engineers can work with you to develop the best grip for your specimen and utilise our 3D printers to produce lightweight, precision fixtures to meet your needs.

Overview of Vortex-i Automated Torque Tester

The Vortex-i and Vortex-xt automated torque testers have been helping professionals around the world to objectively assess the quality of their components and assembled products for more than 20 years.

They have become the accepted testers in industries as diverse as food and drink, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and automotive.

They are ideally suited to a packaging manufacturer wishing to assess the bridge torque of a tamper-evident closure right through to an automotive controls designer looking to perfect the ‘feel’ of a rotary switch.

The motorised Vortex-i is controlled by software run on a computer and the Vortex-xt uses a touchscreen console to host the software. They deliver both consistency and reliability by controlling the key test parameters of torque, angle and speed. This means that the inherent variability found when using a manual torque tester is almost fully removed.

The automated Vortex-i and Vortex-xt testing systems each comprise four key elements:

Test frame

The Vortex-i and Vortex-xt feature a sturdy, twin-column, motorised test frame which is designed to apply torque up to a capacity of 10 N.m.

Specimens up to 440mm tall and 280mm wide can easily be tested in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

It requires a PC or touchscreen console to run it's software and has a small footprint making it the ideal choice as a bench-top device.

Torque sensors

The ITC range of interchangeable torque sensors is specially adapted to the Vortex-i and -xt. They plug into the frame and their calibration characteristics are immediately recognised by the tester without any input from the operator.

Six different sensors are available to cover the range from 0.3 N.m up to 10 N.m. This ensures that you have the optimum selection to meet all your torque testing needs. Measurement accuracy is an outstanding ±0.5% of the sensor capacity.

Each sensor is delivered as standard with its own calibration certificate traceable to national standards.

Software

Emperor software is at the heart of the Vortex-i and -xt test systems. It runs on any Windows computer and controls the motor of the test frame whilst collecting data at an impressive 1,000 Hz from the ITC torque sensor and angle encoder of the frame.

Step-by-step test routines can be quickly and easily created according to the exact requirements of your testing procedures. The most commonly used test routines can then be simply selected by the operator using their 'favourites' button or from a standard drop-down list.

By plotting measurement data in real-time on a graph the operator can identify exactly how the test specimen is performing. Preset calculations are used to analyse the data to determine whether the specimen has met the pass/fail criteria of the quality-control specifications.

At the end of the test, the powerful reporting module within Emperor™ allows the operator to issue a test report as a PDF. Additionally, the data can be exported to Excel or to the network for further analysis by a Statistical Process Control (SPC) package.

Gripping fixtures

Holding your test specimen in place without it slipping is essential to obtaining repeatable results. Mecmesin has designed a range of torque grips to hold a variety of components. They include chucks and mandrels to hold plastic and metal closures, fixing tables to secure bottles and containers plus many more. 

The varying nature of specimen sizes and shapes often makes it necessary to design and produce a special grip. Mecmesin's team of design engineers can work with you to develop the best grip for your specimen. These are then produced on our 3D printers to create lightweight, precision fixtures or, for higher load applications, they are made from metal at our machine-shop.