How a Retrofitting Company Upgraded Their Instron 8511 in Just One Day Using TACTUN

Revolutionizing Material Testing: How a Retrofitting Company Upgraded Their Instron 8511 in Just One Day Using TACTUN

Retrofitting material testing machines has long been a challenging, time-consuming process requiring specialized engineering skills and significant downtime. However, TACTUN is changing the game. With our state-of-the-art controller and intuitive no-code platform, retrofitting even complex testing equipment can now be achieved rapidly and without programming expertise. This article showcases how a leading machinery retrofitting company transformed their Instron 8511 material testing machine in just one day using TACTUN—demonstrating the speed, simplicity, and effectiveness of our solution.

Addressing the Challenges of Outdated Material Testing Equipment

Material testing machines, such as Instron 8511, plays a critical role in evaluating the mechanical properties of materials under dynamic loads, including fatigue testing, fracture mechanics, and high-load applications. As technology advances, these machines often fall behind due to outdated control systems, limited data acquisition capabilities, and slower response times. Our customer, a material testing machinery manufacturer, faced these very challenges but found that traditional retrofitting options were costly, complex, and required extensive software engineering.

The TACTUN Approach: A Swift, No-Code Solution

With TACTUN, the customer was able to overcome these hurdles swiftly and efficiently. Our hardware controller and no-code software platform enabled the retrofit to be completed in just one day—a process that typically takes weeks with other solutions. TACTUN’s advanced controller, a state-of-the-art system designed to enhance motor control and data acquisition without requiring any programming skills was the perfect fit to elevate the Instron 8511 to modern standards.

Enhanced Control Features

One of the standout features of TACTUN’s controller is its advanced adaptive control system. This capability significantly improves the machine’s response accuracy, allowing it to adapt to varying load conditions dynamically.

The smooth transition between control modes — whether it’s switching from force control to displacement control or any other mode — ensures that tests are conducted with minimal interruptions and maximum precision.

Another features important incorporated into the controller for fatigue testing systems, especially with servo hydraulic control are Advanced PID control, Feed-Forward control and Dither, which can be fully configured by the builder to meet exact needs of each of the machines.

Superior Data Acquisition and Local Processing with Edge Intelligence

TACTUN’s controller brings high-precision data acquisition to the table, with specifications such as a 32-bit Wheatstone bridge input for load cells and a 24-bit AC signal conditioning input for LVDT sensors. This enhanced capability allows for more accurate data capture, critical for complex testing scenarios. Additionally, TACTUN’s edge intelligence processes critical data locally, reducing dependence on network connectivity and enhancing data privacy — a crucial feature for sensitive material testing environments.

Custom Dashboard Builder: Tailored Control at Your Fingertips

A key highlight of TACTUN’s platform is the dashboard builder functionality, which empowers users to create fully custom dashboards for each test method. This feature allows for a highly personalized user experience, enabling operators to set up and monitor tests with dashboards that reflect their specific needs and workflows. This not only improves efficiency but also provides a level of control and insight that generic software cannot offer.

Rapid Setup and Full Ownership of the Solution

The customer was able to install the TACTUN controller, configure the end-user software application with our no-code software builder, and have the machine operational in just a few hours. This rapid setup is not only a testament to TACTUN’s ease of use but also underscores the value of our platform—eliminating the need for external developers or lengthy learning curves. Furthermore, the software application created using TACTUN’s platform is fully owned and licensed by the customer, giving them complete control over their retrofitted machinery and the flexibility to adapt as needed.

Why TACTUN Outshines Traditional Retrofitting Options

TACTUN stands out in the retrofitting landscape by putting the power directly into the hands of the customer. Our no-code platform, advanced control features, and customizable dashboards provide a level of functionality and ease of use that is unmatched. For material testing machine manufacturers looking to modernize their equipment without the typical barriers, TACTUN offers a clear path to efficiency, speed, and technical excellence.

This upgrade not only addressed the immediate needs of the customer but also positioned them for future growth. The retrofit extended the life of the machine and will allow it to keep pace with the evolving demands of materials testing.

Machine Specifications

Number of columns: 2
Distance between columns: 14″
Test specimen max. length: 27″
Overall dimensions (W x D x H): 39″ x 35″ x 98″
Actuator: 10 kN 3,000 PSI hydrostatic actuator with 4″ stroke & LVDT
Load cell: 10 kN fatigue rated
Servo valve: Moog model 760-1000A
Hydraulic power supply: 3,000 PSI water cooled

TACTUN Controller Specifications

Model: TCM-10203-B
Current output for valve control: 16-bit, +/-100mA
Wheatstone bridge input for load cell: 32-bit, 14kSps
AC signal conditioning input for LVDT: 24-bit, 1MSps

Ready to Transform Your Testing Equipment?

Discover how TACTUN can revolutionize your material testing processes. With our innovative controller and software platform, retrofitting material testing machine becomes a straightforward, fast, and empowering experience, letting you focus on what you do best—delivering precise and reliable material testing machinery.

Share this post:

acceleration feedforward