CYCOGS^® brand, STFA Small VCA System

Our Test equipment technology includes our STFA Small VCA System material test system.

The STFA Small VCA Thin Film Analyzer is a capable material test System. 

Such sensors may include load, extensometers, vision, and other sensors. 

General Description 

The STFA is an advanced paper test instrument used for testing and evaluating mechanical properties of planar type materials like paper, plastics, corrugated, composites, textiles, elastomers, etc. 
The load frame (load control) applies a mechanical force and measures the resulting stress. 
An Extensometer provides strain data allowing load related data analysis. 

Applications:
A paper test lab certifying their product.
A research organization testing recycled material properties.
A packaging company simulating corrugated box performance.
A fabric manufacturer testing strengths.

The tests can be conducted under various environmental conditions.  Relative humidity is uncontrolled, the RH and Temperature conditions are passive based on the room’s environment. 
The test types remain as follows: 

Test Types:
Load		Such as tensile, compression, creep and stiffness.
Short column		(edgewise compressive corrugated fiberboard  -  requires short column fixtures.)

Electronics: 

The STFA has few subsystems. 
The power is distributed through the primary unit.  Basic sensors allow the real world to interface with the computer.  The computer is a current generation running Microsoft® Windows®.  The analog interface electronics uses 16-bit or higher precision. 

Software: 

The Microsoft® Windows® based HMI (Human Machine Interface) software controls the STFA. 
Concurrent multithreaded processes ensure a superior level of performance and self-monitoring.  The program running on Microsoft® Windows® is custom designed for this machine.  Basic data storage is in the form of an ASCII text comma separated values (CSV) file that can be read by any software that can read a text file.  The custom software semi-automates sensor calibration.  Data can be played back with a second program using a similar screen for review or demonstrations. 

Other Information: 
The internal load frame uses manual clamps that are adjustable. 
The vacuum system provides sample restraint and air flow. 
Maximum air flow results in minimal restraint. 
The STFA consists of one unit, with other components like the computer. 

Key Benefits:
In-plane compression testing.
Precision load system using load control.
Multitude of test types.
Modern computer control.

Sample Sizes:
Standard load-based test		3.08cm x 15.3cm (1.21" x 6.02")  By special order. (3.08cm X 17.78cm)
High load test		May require a necked (dog bone) sample, depending on expected load:  Necked down to 1.50 cm. (0.59")
Minimum thickness		The actual material properties will determine the minimum thickness.
Maximum thickness		3mm (0.12"), depending on clamp foot design.
Short column test (Option)		5.1cm X 3.2cm (2" x 1.25".)  This sample size may vary depending on ultimate load potential, flute type, etc.
Optional		Pass through sample preparation punches.

Load Range:
Internal load frame capacity		±1.3344kN. (300 lbf.)
A/D conversion		16 bits resolution.
Load control		16 bits resolution. NOTE: this device's cross head motion uses load control.
Load ramp rates		User selected; computer generated.
Calibration		444.8 N (100 lbf.) load ring standard.
Optional		Short column test fixture.

Extensometer:		A precision extensometer is used for motion sensing.
Typical setups		25.4mm (1") gage length 10% extensometer.
A/D conversion		16-bit resolution.
Option 1		25.4mm (1") gage extender for 5% operations.
Option 2		1 - 2mm (micron level) measurement.
Option 3		Optical measurements.

Software: 

Optional  Microsoft® SQL Server® data storage. 

Relative Humidity: 

The standard setup is in a 22.8°C (73°F) 50% room. 
The system can be placed in other environmental conditions, such as a 20% room or a 90% room. 
Please contact us for details and suggestions. 

Option 1  Below 10% operations. 
Option 2  Above 95% operations - Condensing water may result in erratic results. 

Temperature Control: 

The standard setup exchanges heat to ambient room conditions. 
Standard  22.8°C (73°F); 50% RH. 

Connections:
Power		Typically, 120 VAC one phase 10A 60Hz.
Auxiliary inputs		Room condition recording.
Vacuum pump exhaust vent		Vented outside preferable.
Option 1		House vacuum if available, may be used.
Option 2		Network connections.

Please note:

The CYCOGS STFA Small VCA System systems are not waterproof or properly made for extended outside use or in wet or condensation prone environments.  In addition, the STFA Small VCA Systems should not be operated in an excessively dusty or combustible or other hazardous environments.  Although the STFA Small VCA System movements may result in unexpected movements, personal and property damage may occur if used in an unsafe fashion or unsuitable environment.  Proper end-user design, operation, safeguarding, programming and training, including other safe operation tasks and safety procedures are recommended and remains the end-user’s responsibility.  OEM manufacturers and other purchasers of CYCOGS products and systems, as the purchaser, assumes responsibility and potential liability for safe implementation and use of these CYCOGS products and systems.

System configuration and specifications may change without notice. 

CYCOGS reserves the right to make, from time to time, such departures from the detail specifications as may be required to permit improvements in design of its products.  Components made under military approvals will be in accordance with the approval requirements.  The information included herein is believed to be accurate and reliable.  However, CYCOGS assumes no responsibility for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from its use. 

Please contact us here at the CYCOGS Company if you encounter other questions or environmental application needs.

Sales E-mail: sales@CYCOGS.com

The CYCOGS^® STFA Small VCA System projects are under development and offered in advance as a customized manufactured system; Standard models may not yet be available at this time.  As the CYCOGS development effort in core technology and key concepts continues, the CYCOGS^® Company reserves the right to progressively change some specifications and data or is not available or suitable for widespread dissemination for all products.  Pre-production information is not fully available for some specific products at this time.  Sensors, customizations and other integrations may result in an increased cost.

Liability Disclaimer:
The CYCOGS Company is not liable for the use, installation, performance or fitness of this component or system.  Your purchase properly indicates you fully assume the risk of its proper use and its subsequent installation and end user training and potential liability.  The CYCOGS Company patented intellectual property is strictly enforced and carefully protected.  The CYCOGS Company warranties the systems it sells from component defects or hardware failure for the period of one year after completing the purchase.

Please specify your CYCOGS^® brand, STFA Small VCA System design requirements for quotes and purchase.  Advanced orders may be accepted, please contact CYCOGS sales for more information.

Sales E-mail: sales@CYCOGS.com

The CYCOGS^® Company is a privately owned, 100% American company and is based in the state of Wisconsin.
The CYCOGS OEM engineered products and systems are carefully designed, made, built and assembled in the state of Wisconsin, USA.
The CYCOGS^® Company strives to intentionally use American domestic components whenever possible.  Some of the key components may be sourced from the only available manufacturer, which may be owned, created or delivered from other countries.

Sales E-mail: sales@CYCOGS.com

Support E-mail: support@CYCOGS.com