Instron (Norwood, Mass.) announced today that it is introducing a new generation of universal testing systems.

The 3400 and 6800 Series are successors to the company’s 3300 and 5900 Series systems and are available in single- and dual-column models with capacities ranging from 500 N to 50 kN. Instron said it has added features and improved specifications to make mechanical testing simpler, smarter, and safer. They include:

• The Smart-Close air kit to help reduce finger-pinch hazards by restricting pneumatic grip pressure to a safe level during test setup.
• Collision mitigation to help reduce accidental equipment and specimen damage.
• The Operator Protect system architecture (patent pending), which limits the machine’s movement during test setup, when accidents are most likely to occur.
• Built-in safety coaching, which informs users whether the system is in a safe setup mode, a fully enabled caution mode or an active testing mode.
• Auto-positioning in the 6800 Series systems, to remember the correct fixture separation and starting location for each test method.
• Performance improvements, such as maintenance-free brushless AC servomotors for increased cyclic and creep performance, improved data acquisition and advanced diagnostics.