The Ross flex tester measures how fast a cut grows in vulcanized or synthetic elastomer that is bent again and again. It suits PU, PVC and TPR foams and almost any flexible sheet-like material, but its usual home is the shoe sole.
One end of the specimen is clamped to the holder arm; the pierced end sits between two rollers that let it bend freely. On every cycle the pierced area is bent over a 0.4″ (10 mm) rod through 90°. The standard puts the rate at 1.7 ±0.08 Hz, that is 100 ±5 cycles per minute. After a set number of cycles the operator measures the length of the notch and rates the sole by how fast it grew.
The tester bending specimens through their cycle.
The two models are the same machine with a different number of grips.
| Item | NG-ROSS-6 | NG-ROSS-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Grips | Grips for 6 test films | Grips for 12 test films or 6 outsoles |
| Bending angle | 90° | 90° |
| Bending speed | 100 ±3 cpm | 100 ±3 cpm |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 19.7 × 24 × 21.6″ (500 × 610 × 550 mm) | 19.7 × 24 × 21.6″ (500 × 610 × 550 mm) |
| Net weight | 231 lbs (105 kg) | 231 lbs (105 kg) |
| Power supply | 110 V / 60 Hz, 1 ph | 110 V / 60 Hz, 1 ph |
| Vacuum pressure | 65 mm Hg | 65 mm Hg |
The standard configuration covers everything needed to cut and run a first set of specimens.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Main unit | 1 |
| Standard die mould | 1 |
| Hole puncher | 1 |
| System manual | 1 |
Tell us how many specimens you run at a time and we will confirm which of the two models fits. A quick request online is enough.
Need Additional Quality Control Equipment to Build Your Laboratory?
Flex cracking testing is only one part of a complete quality control laboratory. NextGen can help you equip your entire lab with rheometers and viscometers, abrasion and flex testers, ageing and salt spray chambers, hardness and rebound testers, specimen cutting presses, and other supporting solutions, all coordinated as one complete project.
NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester is a versatile machine designed to test the resistance of vulcanized or synthetic elastomers to cut growth. The machine can be used to test a wide variety of flexible sheet-like materials, including PU, PVC, and TPR foams, as well as other materials commonly used in the footwear industry.
The Tester is particularly useful for testing shoe soles subject to continuous bending and flexing during use. By subjecting the soles to continuous flexing in 90-degree angles, NextGen's Ross Flex Tester can determine its ability to resist cracking or damage over time.
In addition to shoe soles, the Ross Flex Tester can test rubber, leather, textiles, and plastics. The machine can test up to 12 specimens simultaneously, which enables efficient testing of large batches of materials.
To sum up, NextGen's Ross Flex Tester is a valuable tool for quality control and product development in the footwear and flexible material industry.
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NextGen’s Ross Flex Tester vacuum pressure is essential for holding test specimens in place during testing. The Flex Tester uses a vacuum to hold the specimens in place, ensuring they remain in position throughout the test.
The vacuum pressure of the NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester is 65mm-Hg. This pressure level is sufficient to securely hold the test specimens in place, preventing any slippage or movement during the testing process. The vacuum pressure is adjustable. This allows operators to optimize the pressure according to the specific requirements of their testing applications.
The vacuum pressure is an important factor in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the testing results. Without this feature, there is a risk that the test specimens could move or slip during the test, leading to inaccurate results. By using a vacuum to hold the specimens in place, NextGen's Ross Flex Tester ensures that the testing conditions are consistent and reliable, producing accurate and repeatable results that can be used for quality control and product development purposes.
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The damage and cracking degree of the specimen after the Ross Flex Test is evaluated by measuring the length of the notch of the test piece. The notch is the area where the material is subjected to the most stress during the test and is prone to damage and cracking. After a specified number of test cycles, the operator will measure the length of the notch to determine the degree of damage.
The degree of damage is evaluated based on the test specimen's zigzag resistance relative to the notch growth rate. The zigzag resistance is the material's ability to withstand repeated bending without cracking or breaking. A higher zigzag resistance indicates a more durable material.
The notch growth rate is the rate at which the damage to the notch increases over time due to repeated bending. The rate is measured by taking multiple readings of the notch length during the test. The length of the notch is plotted against the number of test cycles to determine the growth rate.
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The bending speed of the NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester is an essential feature that enables it to simulate the bending and flexing of elastomers under real-world conditions. The industry standard is 1.7 ± 0.08 Hz, equivalent to 100 ± 5 cycles per minute (CPM). The tester is designed to bend the pierced area of the test specimen freely over a 10-mm (0.4 in.) diameter rod through a 90° angle during each test cycle.
The bending speed is a parameter that influences the accuracy and repeatability of test results. NextGen Ross Flex Tester's precise and consistent bending speed ensures that the testing conditions are controlled and repeatable, allowing accurate and reliable results.
The tester's bending speed is also adjustable, allowing for customized testing conditions based on the specific material being tested. This flexibility enables the Ross Flex Tester to be used for testing a variety of elastomers, including polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and thermoplastic rubber foams.
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NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester is designed for durability and reliable performance, but regular maintenance is necessary to ensure accurate testing results and prolong the machine's lifespan. The tester must be kept clean and free of debris, dust, and other contaminants. The rollers must be checked for any damage or signs of wear and tear and cleaned and lubricated as necessary. The grips and holders must also be inspected and cleaned to ensure they are in good working order.
Additionally, the tester must be calibrated regularly to ensure accurate results. Calibration involves testing the machine with known specimens to ensure it operates within the required standards. Calibration should be performed by a trained technician using specialized equipment.
You also need to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and use only recommended parts and accessories. A qualified technician must perform any repairs or replacement of parts. By following these guidelines, NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester will provide accurate and reliable testing for many years.
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ASTM D1052 is an industry-standard test method that measures the ability of the material to withstand the formation and growth of a cut or crack when subjected to repeated bending stresses.
The test involves clamping one end of the test specimen to a holder's arm while the pierced end is placed between two rollers that permit a free bending movement of the test specimen during the test. The pierced area of the test specimen is bent freely over a 10-mm (0.4 in.) diameter rod through a 90° angle at a specified frequency. After a specified number of test cycles, the length of the notch of the test piece is measured, and the zigzag resistance of the test sole relative to the notch growth rate is evaluated.
The NextGen Ross Flex Tester is designed to test virtually any flexible sheet-like material, including PU, PVC, and TPR foams. It also complies with ASTM D1052 standard.
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NextGen's Ross Flex Tester tests the resistance of materials to cut growth. One of the critical components of the test is the diameter of the rod used during the testing process. The tester is designed to bend the test specimens over a 10-mm (0.4 in.) diameter rod through a 90-degree angle during each of the test cycles.
The diameter of the rod used during the test should be consistent with the industry standards set out in ASTM D1052, ISO 5423, and SATRA TM60. NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester complies with these standards, and the rod diameter used during testing is optimized to ensure consistent and reliable results.
The maximum diameter of the rod used during the Ross Flex Test is 10 mm (0.4 in.). This diameter ensures that the test specimens can be bent freely over the rod without excessive stress or strain, while still providing sufficient resistance to ensure accurate and reliable testing results.
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NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester is a highly accurate digital testing system designed to determine the resistance of vulcanized or synthetic elastomers to cut growth. The operational accuracy is 1.7 ± 0.08 Hz (100 ± 5cpm) which meets the industry standards. Such accuracy parameters ensure that the test results are reliable and can be used to make informed decisions about the quality and durability of the tested materials.
The tester has a memory function that ensures the testing conditions are consistent throughout the testing process. This helps to reduce errors caused by changes in temperature, humidity or other external factors. The Flex Tester is equipped with advanced software that allows operators to monitor and analyze the test results in real time, making it easy to identify any deviations or anomalies that may affect the accuracy of the results.
Regular maintenance is required to ensure that the NextGen's Ross Flex Tester remains accurate and reliable. This includes cleaning and calibration of the tester and routine inspections to identify any signs of wear or damage that may affect its performance.
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During the Ross Flex Test, the rollers hold the pierced end of the test specimen, allowing it to move freely and bend over a 10-mm (0.4 in.) diameter rod through a 90° angle, as industry standards require.
The rollers ensure that the test specimen does not slip or move out of position during the test, leading to inaccurate test results and other potential issues. The tester clamps the other end of the test specimen to the holder arm, ensuring it remains securely in place throughout the testing process.
The use of the rollers in the Ross Flex Tester also helps to prevent the test specimen from developing cracks or other forms of damage due to friction between the specimen and the testing equipment, in its turn ensuring that the test results are accurate and reliable.
To sum up, the two rollers in NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester ensure that the test specimen or specimens are held securely and bend freely during the test.
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The maximum bending angle of NextGen's Ross Flex Tester is 90 degrees, with a tolerance of +/- 20 degrees. During each test cycle, the pierced area of the test specimen is bent freely over a 10-mm diameter rod through a 90-degree angle, in accordance with the industry standard.
This parameter evaluates the resistance of vulcanized or synthetic elastomers to cut growth. By subjecting the material to continuous flexing at a fixed angle, the machine can determine the material's ability to resist cracking or damage over time.
NextGen's Ross Flex Tester is designed to operate at a frequency of 1.7 ± 0.08 Hz (100 ± 5 cpm) in order to provide consistent and repeatable results. The machine is also capable of testing up to 12 specimens simultaneously, which enables efficient testing of large batches of materials.
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Ross Flex Tester is designed to determine the resistance of vulcanized or synthetic elastomers to cut growth. The system does so under continuously bend flexing in 90°.
Technical Specifications:
|
Model |
NG-ROSS |
|
# Grips |
12 Chamber Systems |
|
Bending Angle |
90 +/- 20 |
|
Bending Speed |
100±3 CPM |
|
Dimensions (WxDxH) |
19.7x24x21.6" |
|
Net Weight |
231 lbs / 105 kgs |
|
Power Supply |
110V/60Hz/1Ph |
|
Vacuum Pressure |
65mmm-Hg |
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NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester is a digital system designed to determine the resistance of vulcanized or synthetic elastomers to comply with industry standards, including ASTM D1052, ISO 5423, and SATRA TM60.
According to industry standards, NextGen Ross Flex Tester operates at 1.7 ± 0.08 Hz (100 ± 5cpm). This frequency ensures that the test specimens are subjected to a consistent and repeatable bending motion during the testing process. By subjecting the specimens to the same bending frequency, the Ross Flex Tester can accurately measure the material's resistance to cut growth.
The frequency of operation for the Ross Flex Tester is an essential parameter that can significantly impact the testing results. Therefore, using a machine that complies with industry standards and operates at the correct frequency is critical. NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester meets industry standards frequency requirements, ensuring that the results obtained are reliable and accurate.
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ISO 5423 is a standard that specifies determining the resistance of rubber and plastics to flex cracking. You can apply it to both vulcanized and thermoplastic materials. Moreover, it is applicable to any material that can be formed into a sheet-like shape.
ISO 5423 test method involves subjecting a test specimen to continuous flexing at a specified frequency and bending angle until a crack or cut is observed. The test specimen is in the form of a V-shape, and the apex of the V is subjected to the flexing motion. The test is performed at room temperature and under controlled conditions to ensure reproducible results.
ISO 5423 specifies the number of test cycles, the bending angle, and the bending frequency required for the test and provides a rating system for evaluating the degree of cracking or cut growth.
NextGen’s Ross Flex Tester complies with ISO 5423 standard.
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Yes, NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester can be customized for specific applications based on the customer's requirements. The standard configuration of the machine includes 12 chamber systems and is capable of testing 12 specimens simultaneously. Nevertheless, you can modify the number of chamber systems, grips, and other parameters to meet your specific needs.
For instance, NextGen can customize the unit to test larger or smaller specimens or modify the bending angle and speed to meet specific industry testing standards. We can also customize the tester to work with specific types of elastomers or other materials.
NextGen's engineers and technicians work closely with clients to understand their testing needs and provide personalized solutions that meet their specific requirements. We have a wealth of experience in designing and manufacturing material testing equipment, and you can rely on our expertise to deliver high-quality, customized products.
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NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester is designed to test the resistance of flexible sheet-like materials, such as vulcanized or synthetic elastomers, to cut growth. It is used for shoe soles, but it can be used to test various flexible materials. However, keep in mind that the tester clamps the end of the test specimen to the holder's arm while the pierced end is placed between two rollers which must permit a free bending movement of the test specimen during the test. Therefore, the material being tested needs to have a sheet-like shape in order to be clamped and flexed by the machine.
For non-sheet-like materials, other testing machines may be more appropriate. For example, NextGen Universal Testing Machines are designed to test a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and textiles. It can perform tension, compression, bending, shearing, and peeling tests, making it a versatile testing machine for a variety of materials. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the appropriate testing machine based on the material being tested and the specific testing requirements.
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NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester must be calibrated regularly to ensure test results' accuracy and the unit's reliability.
NextGen's Ross Flex Tester is calibrated using calibration weights by placing them on the machine's platform. Weights are selected based on the desired load to verify the tester's accuracy. Only a qualified technician must perform the calibration process.
The calibration procedure involves verifying the accuracy of the machine's force and displacement measurements. The force is verified using a load cell calibration procedure, while the displacement is verified using a linear displacement transducer calibration procedure. During the calibration procedure, the operator also verifies the machine's alignment and checks for any wear or damage to the tester's components.
Regular calibration of the NextGen Ross Flex Tester is recommended to ensure the continued accuracy and reliability of the test results.
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The NextGen's Ross Flex Tester can test multiple specimens simultaneously. The flex tester has 12 chamber systems, allowing it to test up to 12 specimens simultaneously. This feature saves time and increases productivity in the testing process, making it ideal for use in high-volume production environments.
The ability to test multiple specimens simultaneously is useful when testing materials with a high degree of variability, such as elastomers. By testing multiple specimens simultaneously, the machine can provide a more accurate representation of the material's properties, resulting in more reliable test results.
The NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester's 12-chamber system is designed to securely hold each specimen during testing to prevent slipping or displacement resulting in high accuracy in test results. This system is also easy to set up and operate, allowing quick and efficient testing.
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NextGen Ross Flex Tester is a cutting-edge material testing machine that is designed to determine the resistance of vulcanized or synthetic elastomers to cut growth. You can perform tests on polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) foams.
NextGen Material Testing Ross Flex Tester is particularly useful for testing the durability of elastomers used in shoe soles. It can simulate the bending and flexing experience of the soles during everyday use. The unit can test up to 12 specimens simultaneously, which enables efficient testing of large batches of materials.
In addition to shoe soles, Ross Flex Tester can test a wide range of elastomers commonly used to manufacture various products. The tester is equipped with a memory function and can be programmed to perform a specific number of test cycles, ensuring consistent and repeatable results.
NextGen’s Material Testing Ross Flex Tester’s ability to accurately simulate real-world conditions makes it a valuable tool for quality control and product development in the footwear and flexible material industry.
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SATRA TM60 determines the resistance of shoe soles and other flexible materials to flex cracking.
The test method involves subjecting a test specimen to repeated flexing at a constant speed and under controlled conditions until a crack or cut is observed. The test specimen can be of various shapes, such as a rectangle or trapezium, clamped at one end while the other is moved back and forth in a reciprocating motion.
The SATRA TM60 test method specifies the number of flex cycles, the frequency of flexing, and the criteria for evaluating the degree of cracking or cut growth. The standard also provides guidelines for specimen preparation, test equipment, and data analysis. SATRA TM60 is widely used in the footwear and leather industry to evaluate the durability and performance of shoe soles and other flexible materials.
NextGen’s Ross Flex Tester complies with SATRA TM60 standard.
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