The 'roboTest F' robotic testing system is designed for flexible specimens, such as films, textiles and fleece materials, but even metals and wires can be tested using the corresponding grips and tooling.

The main benefit of this sophisticated testing system is its ease of use. It allows testing to be carried out overnight and at weekends thereby reducing the need for shift working and saving costs for many organisations. In addition it is possible to carry out testing using unsupervised or relatively unskilled operators. The variance which often occurs with traditional testing systems is eliminated resulting in much better accuracy and reproducibility over time.

The sequence starts by entering specimen data into a database. computer. The operator simply loads the specimen into a special magazine. Once tested the specimens are either blown out of the grips using pneumatics or are mechanically removed by the professional robot system. The magazine is adjustable over a range from 100 to 300mm to accommodate different specimen lengths and shapes.

Robotic testing systems simplify the processes required for quality management systems such as ISO 9001. Results and long term statistics are also available in real-time helping to minimise communication inefficiencies between different professional production processes.

Zwick has used a modular design concept which allows testing sequences to be changed or adapted to customer specific requirements. These systems can even be retro-fitted to existing Zwick professional testers.