Vicamatic Automatic Vicat Needle Apparatus

EN196-2, EN 480-2,ASTM C191, AASHTO T131, NF P15-414-431, DIN 1196-1198

Download Vicamatic Automatic Vicat Needle Apparatus PDF file here

The setting time determination of cement and mortars is one of the most important parameters for the quality inspection and verification. The Production and new mortars, admixtures and similar materials with the research activity has highlighted the need of sophisticated test apparatus capable of performing a variety of independent test cycles and procedures on numerous test specimens.

Our New VICAMATIC apparatus fully satisfies these requirements and is capable of performing tests with start delays, adjustable dropping rate auto –mode and free or driven drop. The driven drop option allows the adjustments of the drop or lifting time within 10 -50 seconds. The VICAMATIC can also be equipped with needle cleaning device with water container for testing in water as prescribed by EN.

Description

VICAMATIC apparatus consists essentially of a mechanism of four different stepper motors, which control the sliding weight with needle, the rotation and displacement of the table and the chart drum. The displacement of the sliding weight with needle is recorded by a pen in the chart drum and also read by an encoder for the data acquisition. The automation of the system is obtained by an electronic control chard with microprocessor. The front control panel includes the membrane keyboard with large graphic display.

Features

Automatic test cycle
Double recording: analogical on paper and digital by electronic sensor
Storing of test results, settings and data
Large graphic display to follow the test in real time
RS 232 output for connection to PC and printer
High flexibility in programming the test cycles as test start delay, dropping rate auto-mode, free or driven drop
RS 485 network facility for connection to PC of up to 16 independent Vicamatic for data acquisition and processing
Fully conforming to EN, ASTM, AASHTO, BS and similar
High versatility and vast applications: from the standard use in local laboratories to the multiple use in research and central laboratories
Also suitable for tests on gypsum conforming to EN 13279-2

The test parameters to be set are the following:

Reference standards: EN, ASTM, General purpose, single drop
Frequency of penetrations (to be selected between frequency input by user or calculated semi-automatically)
Free fall mode or driven fall mode
Adjustable test start delay
Penetration measurement by encoder
Test data: test number, operator, client, date, hour, cement type, water percentage, humidity, delay, mode (automatic or manual)
Permanent memory for data storage
Clock calendar
5 languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian

Use of a single apparatus
Main advantages:

Production of a test graph report on paper
Display of test data in real time
Possibility of connection to a simple serial Printer
Possibility of connection to PC via RS 232 port

Use of a Multiple System
Main Advantage (in addition to the above):

Test system expandable any time to up to 16 units for PC connections
The single units to be connected to the PC network can be located in different places and not necessarily all together
Powering down one unit does not prevent the use of all other units in the network
The units can be independently programmed

Multiple configurations: Test software

The multiple options (from 2 to 16 units) have been carried out for PC connection with the testing software, giving the following performances:

Real time display of the setting curve of all connected units
Zoom and curve displacement option and measurement of intervals between two selected points by graphic cursors
Each curve window can be changed to the display of test data
Memory storage of all test data and diagrams by exportable database
Generation of test files
Printing of test certificate including logo and client letterhead, setting curve and test data.

Technical specifications

Total rating: 25 W
Voltage: 230 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph. or 110 V, 60 Hz, 1 ph.
Dimensions (lxwxh): 180x300x440 mm
Weight : 10 Kg / 22 lb approx

The Vicamatic apparatus is supplied complete with the needle (1.13 or 1 mm diameter depending on the version), mould (EN or ASTM depending on the version), glass plate, 5 pens and 1 pen holder, 100 printed charts.

Accessories:

Vicasoft: The data acquisition and elaboration software with RS232 /RS485 serial cable for PC and network Connection up to 16 units
Needle Cleaning Device and Water testing kit