Over or under crimping often results in expensive product failure, re-call or re-work. Crimp joint testing ensures the integrity of the final product but, more importantly it ensures the effectiveness of the crimping tool itself, as it can be calibrated according to test results.
Application
The only way of really knowing the strength of a crimped terminal is to pull it. This can reveal production problems, where strand nicks, incorrect crimp height, or effects from changes in terminal supply, may not be clearly apparent. Assembling tensile test data in statistical process control (SPC) systems will also alert for tooling tolerance drift.
In design phases, it can also be valuable to see not just at what force a crimped joint fails, but the manner in which it fails. Strands can begin to break, a connector itself may deform and break, the whole conductor may break, or slip or pull out of the crimped barrel. Any elongation in the wire tail must not be construed as slippage in the joint. Factors such as these can be identified on a full force-time trace using our programmable tensile testers, as part of the development of jointing specifications.
Testing
At Mecmesin we offer a range of equipment for performing tensile testing on crimped wire terminals. Machine selection is dependent on the force capacity required, the amount of testing being done, and where.
When it comes to quality control, motorised pull testers are key to improving the accuracy of tensile test data by eliminating operator variants; as well as reducing operator strain and injury.
Our small, horizontal bench-mounted tester is used for destructive tensile testing of wire terminals, splices and cable ties. Applying a force of up to 1 kN, operators can insert single wires quickly for rapid-throughput, with a single button press to run the test.
Peak force at break is displayed along with clear pass and fail indication. Four speed settings are available: 25, 50, 100 and 200 mm/min. to comply with all regular test standards. This makes the CrimpTest-1 kN a high-reliability everyday tester, requiring minimal training and maintenance. Designed for convenience, constant use and batch processing in production environments.
Alternatively our WTST product range of vertical systems (typically used in QC labs) can measure the ‘hold at load’. With software-controlled options available different pre-programmed test routines can be launched easily by operators. Rapid and accurate data capture of break loads and live graphing, our software automatically calculates results to clearly indicate the pass/fail status of samples being tested.
With higher load capacities (2.5 kN to 50 kN) Mecmesin’s vertical wire terminal strength testers offer a suitable test platform for a wider range of cables. Test reports can be generated as a PDF or exported to Excel.
These robust pull testers are very simple to use and highly accurate, from the affordable WTST-dV through to the twin-column WTST rated up to 50 kN. Versatility of fixturing means it is also suitable for alternative use in different applications.
Why chose Mecmesin?
As a leading designer and manufacturer of pull testing equipment for over 40 years, Mecmesin has helped thousands of companies to achieve enhanced quality control standards when testing the mechanical strength properties of crimped, soldered and welded terminals. Our versatile solutions mean you can apply industry standard test methods for quality control, during design and routine testing on the production line.
Manufactured under strict ISO 9001 quality standards, Mecmesin’s wire terminal strength test equipment (also known as pull testers) are highly accurate, reliable and provide excellent value for money. Mecmesin provides a comprehensive service to make sure you get the right solution for your testing and budget.
Mecmesin pull testers enable you to:
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prove conformance to test standards
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guarantee quality assurance to your customers
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identify tool calibration drift as early as possible
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identify problems in production process (eg cut strands in stripping process, incorrect crimp height ..)
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increase production efficiency by minimising manufacture of out-of-specification parts
Contact Details
T – +44 (0) 1403 799979
W – www.mecmesin.com
Mecmesin Ltd,
Newton House,
Spring Copse Business Park,
Slinfold, West Sussex,
RH13 0SZ, United Kingdom
