The Vicat testing instrument consists of a bath with an option to mount measuring heads. A built-in thermostat controls the bath temperature. The thermostat ensures a constant increase of the temperature with the standardized gradient over the entire test sequence.
Not only Vicat but also HDT tests can be performed with the measuring heads by simple mechanical conversion. The measuring heads accept the specimen and measure the puncture by the Vicat needle during Vicat tests or deflection of specimens during HDT tests via the installed digital measuring transducer.
In this configuration the Vicat testing instrument can be operated as a manual testing instrument. This means that you have to record the values of the digital measuring transducer and the temperature sequence manually.
We recommend the PC expansion as an accessory. It includes an interface box, the current testXpert software and the respective communication leads. The PC expansion enables fully automatic evaluation of the test job, printout of a test report as well as operation of the Vicat testing instrument via a PC. Temperature and travel values are recorded and saved together with the test parameters.

Advantages

• Optional external re-cooling device for faster attainment of starting temperature
• Testing to ISO 306, ASTM D1525, ISO 75 and ASTM D648.

Applications

Determination of heat deflection temperature (HDT)

• as per ISO 75, Parts 1 to 3, and ASTM D648, Methods A and B, on thermoplastics, hard rubber and fiber-reinforced and filled thermosets.

Determination of Vicat softening temperature (VST)

• of thermoplastics as per ISO 306 and ASTM D1525 .

Determination of creep behavior

• under flexural load