Testing Machine Requirements

You are to triple up with other students to design and build a machine that tests the properties of low carbon steel and aluminum. The machine will be developed and built in stages and you will be required to provide documentation on the process.

Machine Requirements

  • Machine cannot exceed a foot print of 3’ squared and 4’ high
  • Machine can be made from any material as long as that material can handle the forces.
  • The test machine can be DT or NDT and must incorporate at least one of the following.
  • sheer, impact, pressure, sonic, light, chemical or magnetic

If your team chooses any chemical based testing the chemicals and their reactions need to be approved by the chemistry teacher.

  • Springs, gears, motors, and levers can be used.
  • All machines need complete safety guards and devices and safety procedures in place.
  • Machine must be able to be calibrated.
  • The metal you will be testing will be ¼” in thickness and ¼” wide. Length will vary.
  • Test pieces
  • Low carbon steel
  • ControlHeat treatedCold treatedliquid case hardenCarbon case harden
  • Aluminum
  • ControlHeat treatedCold treatedanodize aluminum
  • If your test machine falls outside these metal parameters especially in the (NDT) realm then you will identify the kind of metals you will use.
  • Must have antrigger release (automated to user release at a safe distance)
  • Metal will be bar stock. (May use other types with consent)
  • Cost of machine must not exceed $40.00. Any materials beyond this cost will be bore by the student. You can use wood, metal or plastic to build your machine.
  • Students are allowed to bring in materials as long as they are safe, clean and approved by the instructor.

Write ups

  • What properties/stresses will you be testing. (sheer, tensile, compression, hardness, fractures etc)
  • Complete set of working drawings
  • Force analysis that the machine will undergo
  • Materials list
  • Cost analysis
  • Safety procedures
  • Testing procedures
  • Hypothesis
  • Data analysis
  • Conclusion
  • Build/science log
  • Calibrations