The technique of splitting
Today, the time-consuming, imprecise grinding down of test specimens is being replaced by separating them into layers by the splitting technique. Splitting machines are accordingly used in laboratories and experimental departments so that layers can be analyzed. For analytical purposes, the material is split into standard test specimens for further examination as to their physical characteristics. Examinations are often carried out in companies’ own laboratories, as well as independent laboratories, research institutes and material testing centres. ‘Splitting’ means, first, the reduction of materials of irregular thicknesses to a specified thickness, or reduction from a given starting thickness to a specific finished thick-ness. Depending on the properties of the material, the minimum thickness of a split layer may be approximately 0.1 mm. Secondly, splitting also defines preparing for a layer analysis (separating a workpiece into several layers) for quality testing purposes. These call for a standard test specimen, which has been split from a certain layer of the material and die-stamped, and may be e.g. 2 mm +I- 0.1 mm in thickness.
How a splitting machine works
Applications for splitting machines
FORTUNA splitting machines are used by the rubber and plastics industries, predominantly in laboratories but also in production operations. They function to within ultra-fine tolerances and are used Throughout the world in type of situation where the high-precision separation of materials is an absolute must.
In researching and developing new materials, in the performance of quality tests and inspections or in investigating complaints, FORTUNA machines not only simplify the task in hand to a considerable extent, but also enable tests to be carried out with scientific accuracy and with reproducible results.
Various potential uses and laboratory applications (to internationally valid test standards) are given below.