Progress update of the DIY tensile testing machine
In this video I talk about some recent upgrades for my miniature tensile testing machine. There are two main changes:
I replaced the digital caliper with a DRO. The DRO provides better accuracy (5 um resolution) and better signal (no noise). It also takes up much less space, so it looks better and it makes everything more simple. The only disadvantage of it that it only measures the displacement of one cross head. So, I have to assume that the grips separate from each other equally.
I replaced the thin and narrow belt with a stronger one. The pulley wheels are also replaced on both sides. The current setup is a 1:1 ratio between the planetary gear and the main shaft which holds the worm gears. Currently, I use HTD3M-type pulleys and belts.
The next big step will be to shrink the whole machine. I will cut the lead screws to make them shorter and I will rearrange the motor and the worm gears in order to decrease the length of the whole machine. This will take some time because I need to order and manufacture some new parts.
