De Mattia Flex Tester
The ability of rubber products to withstand repeated flexing without cracking is critical in applications where materials are subjected to continuous bending. The De Mattia Flex Tester is designed to evaluate the flexing endurance of vulcanized rubber by simulating repeated flexing under controlled laboratory conditions of speed, stroke, and degree of deformation.
This test method provides valuable information on a rubber compound’s resistance to flex cracking. During testing, cracks may initiate at points of stress concentration or propagate from pre-existing flaws. Crack growth typically occurs perpendicular to the direction of applied stress, allowing accurate assessment of material durability.
Description
Construction & Working
The IKON De Mattia Flex Tester consists of multiple specimen grips arranged in two tiers, with holding faces aligned in the same vertical plane. One end of each test specimen is secured in a fixed grip, while the other end is held in a reciprocating grip to create continuous flexing and unflexing action.
The grip assembly includes two fixed grips and one centrally positioned reciprocating grip. This arrangement enables half of the specimens to flex while the remaining half are simultaneously unflexed, ensuring efficient testing.
The reciprocating grip is fitted with a gunmetal cushion sliding on hardened and ground high-carbon steel rods for smooth operation. Motion is generated through an eccentric and linkage mechanism driven by an electric motor via V-belts and pulleys. A six-digit resettable counter records the number of test cycles completed.
Construction Features
- Rigid cast iron base plate for stability
- Hammer-tone painted and bright chrome-plated finish for corrosion resistance
- Smooth and durable mechanical drive system
Optional Accessories
- Moulding dies for specimen preparation
- Jig and punch assembly for introducing initial cracks in crack growth testing
| Flexing Angle | 300 cpm |
| Model Number/Name | IK/DMFT/01 |
| Color | GOLDEN |
| Motor | compression set apparatus |
| Grips | 75 mm (adjustable)/ 57.15 mm (adjustable) |
Technical Data:
| Number of specimen tested at a time | Six |
| Maximum opening between grips | 75 mm (adjustable) |
| Travel of reciprocating grip | 57.15 mm (adjustable) |
| Flexing Frequency | 300 cpm |
| Motor | ¼ HP Single Phase 230 V AC |
Related Standard:
| IS 3400 (Part 7) – 1967 | Methods of Test for Vulcanized Rubber
Part 7 : Resistance to Flex Cracking |
| IS 3400 (Part 8) – 1983 | Methods of Test for Vulcanized Rubber
Part 8 : Resistance to Crack Growth |
