Non-contact optical testing for advanced materials
UVX3D Video Extensometer: High Precision 3D Strain Measurement
What is a Video Extensometer?
A video extensometer is a high-precision, non-contact optical device used to measure the strain and deformation of a material during physical testing. Specifically, unlike traditional sensors, it captures data without touching the specimen, eliminating mechanical interference.
What is UVX3D?
UVX3D is a range of advanced video extensometers that utilise stereoscopic 3D technology to provide robust, high-fidelity data. While traditional 2D systems are prone to errors caused by out-of-plane movement or specimen rotation, the UVX3D’s dual-camera setup ensures measurement integrity even in complex testing environments. Furthermore, because it arrives factory pre-calibrated and preconfigured, the system immediately and reliably delivers accurate measurements, completely eliminating the need for complicated manual calibration or optical setups. Beyond real-time data capture, the system features full post-processing capabilities powered by Video Gauge™ software. This allows operators to save rich video archives and re-analyse or reconfigure test data on any external computer
UVX3D 110
UVX3D 220
Why choose UVX3D for accurate materials testing?
The UVX3D product range sets a new benchmark in measurement integrity, where uncompromising lab-grade precision meets real-world versatility. Because we engineer our systems to exceed the most rigorous global standards, they guarantee your data achieves the highest level of excellence.
- Global compliance: The system fully complies with ISO 9513 Class 0.5 and ASTM E83 Class B-1. It seamlessly supports strain rate-controlled testing for ISO 6892 and ASTM E8, as well as stringent polymer testing for ISO 527, across the entire field of view.
- Pre-calibrated: Every UVX3D model arrives factory-calibrated and ready for immediate testing right from power-up. This plug-and-play functionality ensures highly reliable measurements while completely eliminating tedious manual setup.
- Optical clarity: A cross-polarised setup actively eliminates glare and maintains sharp markings, ensuring users don’t need to think about lighting.
- High resolution: The system delivers a remarkable resolution of 0.5 microns across the entire Field of View.
- Repeatability: Engineered to minimise uncertainty and maximise reproducibility for demanding R&D applications.
How UVX3D provides deeper material insights
Beyond basic measurements, the UVX3D range unlocks a deeper understanding of material behaviour through powerful post-processing and real-time integration. As a result, this allows researchers to observe and discover hidden behaviours that traditional systems miss.
Real-time insights and control:
- Strain rate control testing: The UVX3D range excels at real-time strain rate-controlled testing, consistently deforming materials to meet ISO 6892 and ASTM E83 standards.
- Dynamic test control: Low-latency data rates enable precise control for Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) and dynamic tests.
- Immediate material behaviour analysis: Full-field measurement data provides instant visibility into how materials respond under load, allowing researchers to monitor critical events as they occur.
Post-processing and digital archive:
- Post-Processing freedom: Recalculate or add new measurements long after a test is complete to discover hidden behaviours.
- Full-field Strain Mapping: To expand on these insights, our optional software add-on transforms raw numbers into visual intelligence by mapping the complete strain distribution.
- Digital archive: Furthermore, every test includes a video record for re-analysis, export, or presentation.
Versatile solutions for complex testing environments
The UVX3D range tackles the unpredictable demands of modern testing by offering an expansive capability set that covers virtually any specimen type, geometry, or material. Whether your workflow demands tensile, compression, or high-speed dynamic testing, the UVX3D delivers a singular, robust solution.
- Seamless integration: A highly adjustable mounting kit compatible with the vast majority of Universal Testing Machines (UTMs).
- Industry leading range: Moreover, a generous gauge length range accommodates extreme deformations and varied scales with ease.
- Universal communication: Features configurable +/-10V analogue communications for reliable, high-speed data input and output.
Practical design for effortless laboratory operation
UVX3D redefines ease of use by removing the complexity of traditional optical setups. Because it is a true 3D system, it is inherently immune to out-of-plane movement, thereby giving you the freedom to set up without the stress of perfect alignment.
- Pre-calibrated hardware: All UVX3D models come factory pre-calibrated ready to measure from power on. As a result, operators can reliably perform testing without the need for time consuming and manual set up.
- Optimised workflow: In addition to the seamless hardware, software presets and templates streamline the testing process and significantly reduce operator error.
- Space-saving ergonomics: Furthermore, a mag-lock mount allows the optical head to be effortlessly swung aside when not in use. Along with integrated lighting, UVX3D is automatically configured and optimised for testing.
- Integrated lighting: UVX3D’s integrated module lighting eliminates tedious adjustments, simplifying setup and accelerating your time-to-test.
- Superb ROI: Ultimately, these low maintenance requirements and high throughput deliver long-term value for any laboratory environment.
Products
UVX3D Range
UVX3D 110
Dynamic Advanced Extensometer, Video Gauge
Gauge length: 10 to 80 mm
Minimum specimen width: Axial; 2.1 mm, Transverse; 12 mm*
Working distance: 320 to 360 mm
*Values shown are the minimum verified dimensions for Class 0.5/B-1 performance; smaller dimensions may be measured but are not verified to meet these accuracy classes.
UVX3D 220
Dynamic Advanced Extensometer, Video Gauge
Gauge length: 20 to 200 mm
Minimum specimen width: Axial; 7.5 mm Transverse; 25 mm*
Working distance: 300 to 380 mm
*Values shown are the minimum verified dimensions for Class 0.5/B-1 performance; smaller dimensions may be measured but are not verified to meet these accuracy classes.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question?
Below you will find the answers to our most frequently asked questions in relation to our Vector Extensometer. For any additional questions, please fill out the contact form below.
Do I need to calibrate a UVX3D?
No, user calibration is not required. Every UVX3D module arrives fully factory pre-calibrated and ready to test.
Unlike traditional video extensometers on the market that require tedious recalibration every time the camera moves, the specimen size changes, or the test setup is adjusted, the UVX3D eliminates this entire step.
- You can reposition the system, swap specimens, or alter your testing environment without worrying about throwing the system out of calibration.
- This effectively eliminates the downtime associated with manual calibration grids and setup verifications between tests.
- Ultimately, removing user-calibration variables ensures highly repeatable, accurate, and objective data across different operators and test cycles.
Do I need to annually calibrate my UVX3D?
Annual calibration is a process where the performance of extensometer systems is verified by an external body. To ensure compliance, these organisations often carry a national level certification to carry out this process.
UVX3D comes factory calibrated and ready to test. This “optical” calibration never needs to be repeated in the field. Annual calibration, often referred to as in-situ calibration, can be conducted by a certified body. Conveniently. this is done in the same way as any other extensometer system and requires the recommended specimen marking to be applied to their calibration device.
Can UVX3D perform strain rate controlled test
Yes. The UVX3D is fully engineered to support strain rate-controlled testing. By providing real-time, ultra-low latency strain data, it seamlessly integrates with universal testing machine (UTM) controllers to drive high-precision, closed-loop strain control.
The UVX3D delivers the exact precision required to satisfy the rigid closed-loop strain control mandates of the leading global materials testing standards ISO 6892 and ASTM E8.
How do you use strain maps and what do they show?
Strain maps allow for an in-depth understanding of the object under test. Specifically, they extend beyond measuring strain between two points to that of a full surface.
To begin with, apply a speckle pattern using the provided marking kit and add the strain map tool in Video Gauge. This automatically measures hundreds of points, or nodes, within the marked area. The strain is calculated between multiple nodes within the map, averaged and displayed as a colour contoured heat map of the strain on the specimen. Consequently, this can highlight strain concentrations, allowing for specific analysis.
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For a technical demo and more information on how UVX3D can meet your measurement needs, please fill out the form below.
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