Forney FHS-500-VFD Automatic Compression Machine

The machine features a high stiffness frame and fully enclosed test chamber that is especially suited for high testing volumes and high strength concrete testing.  

FHS Testing Machines frames are manufactured from solid steel into a one-piece, welded unit that exceeds ACI recommendations.

Frame

The load frame is fabricated from solid steel into a one-piece welded unit that exceeds ACI frame rigidity requirements. The hydraulic cylinder assembly is mounted to the bottom crosshead, with force being applied in upward direction and debris protection by flexible rubber bellows and a full frame, rectangular platen.

MATERIALS

Test hydraulic cement, down hole cement, mortar, grout, concrete, self-consolidating concrete, CLSM, flowable fill, proppant, ceramics, metals, and plastics.

HYDRAULIC

The hydraulic unit is supplied as a complete, fully integrated assembly. The unit is pre-piped and pre-wired. It incorporates hydraulic valves, including an optional proportional valve for controlled piston retract required by code for Modulus of Elasticity and Poisson’s Ratio tests.

The human machine interface (HMI),hydraulic unit, E-Stop, and dump valve are directly connected to the compression unit. Single unit design permits easy installation and provides portability without disassembling of hydraulic or electrical components.

ELECTRICAL

A PC-based system utilizes a variable frequency drive to control the hydraulic pump motor. This maximizes efficiency – only running the pump at speeds necessary to achieve the desired pressure. This energy efficient approach dramatically reduces heat build-up in the hydraulic system and greatly extends hydraulic component life.

SAFETY FEATURES

Several safety features are incorporated to protect both operator and testing machine:

Maximum Capacity Protection: A high-pressure safety relief value protects the hydraulic circuit and load frame from exceeding maximum capacity.

Overextension Protection: A piston over-extension limit switch system protects against piston extension beyond maximum travel.

Fragment Safety Guard: Fragment guards with heavy-duty latches and hinges are mounted to both the front and rear of the compression frame. Fragment guards incorporate Lexan® inserts for complete operator protection from flying debris when testing explosive high-strength specimens. Lexan® also permits clear viewing of test in process.

DIGITAL CONTROL SYSTEM

Setup of testing protocol, real-time display of test data, and post-test data transfer is accomplished through the ForneyLink touchscreen HMI. The operator can navigate options for:

• Test Run
• Test Setup
• Machine Setup
• Calibration
• Reporting and Data Transfer
• Diagnostics

Provides simultaneous display of force, stress, and rate of load and displays a real-time graph of Load vs. Time, or Stress vs. Strain. Standard functionality includes data collection by the ForneyLink HMI for printing and transfer. Data from optional extensometer and compressometer displacement transducers are also collected by the HMI. This data is captured with the same timestamp as the load data.