Using the Data Acquisition, Computer-Control and SSM-Suite Software

Indentation Testing --

  • Automated Ball IndentationTM (ABI)
  • Haggag Toughness Method (HTM)
  • Indentation-Creep
  • Indentation-Stress- Relaxation

Beneficial Applications:

  • Routine Testing, New Alloy Development
  • Weld, HAZ, and Base Metal Evaluation (Stress-Strain Gradient)
  • Low and High Temperature and High Strain Rate Testing
  • Radiation Damage and Pressure Vessel Annealing Verification (Nuclear Industry)
  • Quality Control (Aerospace, Automotive)
  • Environmental Degradation Studies (e.g. Thermal Aging)

Advantages of ABI testing:

  • Testing can be performed directly on the component, thus eliminating the need to destroy the component and cut samples. We can design and manufacture custom fixtures if necessary, and we have a local machine shop to keep costs low.
  • The nondestructive ABI test provides a stress-strain curve and fracture toughness data [Haggag Toughness Method (HTM)] eliminating the need to perform Tensile and Fracture Toughness testing. And the test takes less than two minutes to perform. 
  • For failure analysis, new alloy development, or when testing at extreme high/low temperatures, only small amounts of material are needed. The smallest specimen size is 0.2" x 0.2" x 0.1" thick. The specimens need to be prepared for indentation testing with two parallel smooth (63 rms or better) surfaces.
  • Small specimens can also be mounted in Bakelite (avoid epoxy since it is too soft and will affect the test results).
  • Test specimens may also be the broken halves of traditional destructive specimens (e.g. tensile, Charpy V-notch, fracture toughness).
  • The ABI test technique is the only test that provides accurate stress-strain curves on small welds and their heat-affected- zones (HAZs). It can provide an overlay of the stress-strain curves from the base metal, weldment, and the HAZ for instant comparison of mechanical properties. Weld specimens should be properly etched to reveal the HAZ.

Universal Testing Machine--

The SSM Systems, in addition to performing the patented ABI technique, also perform all conventional destructive testing including fracture toughness and tension tests. The tests are fully computer controlled using SSM-Suite program modules.

  • Tension testing
  • Fracture Toughness (KJc)