The Shimadzu Autograph AGS-V Series is a high-precision universal testing machine built to assess the mechanical properties of a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, composites, and battery components.
Well-suited for applications in electric vehicles, aerospace, and other advanced industries, the AGS-V Series delivers enhanced force accuracy (±0.5 % across a 1/1 to 1/500 load range), an extensive crosshead speed range (0.0005 to 1,500 mm/minute), and high-speed data sampling of up to 5 kHz. These capabilities support more efficient, accurate testing, reducing the need for frequent sensor changes and streamlining workflows.
Features
Operator-Friendly Design with Enhanced Safety
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
Protection Cover
- Protects operators from debris: The protection cover is provided as standard on the front of the test space. Made from high-durability polycarbonate, it blocks ruptured sample fragments and helps protect operators during testing.
- Unintended operation is prevented with an interlock: With the interlock function, test and return operations cannot be performed while the protection cover is open, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Raising/lowering cover with free stop function: The raising/lowering cover includes a free stop function, allowing it to be paused at any desired position for greater convenience.
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
Intelligent Crosshead
- Prevents jig impacts: The intelligent crosshead continuously tracks its position. If jigs move too close together due to an operational error, an impact warning is triggered, and the crosshead stops automatically to prevent damage or injury.
- Contact detection and instantaneous emergency stop: Even when the protection cover is open, such as during jig adjustments or sample setup, the machine actively monitors its status. If it detects any test force changes caused by contact with jigs or hands, it initiates an immediate emergency stop.
- Overload detection function: If a test force exceeds the load cell’s rated capacity, the machine automatically halts the crosshead. This helps reduce the risk of damage to the load cell during jog operation or active testing. (Note: While this function significantly lowers the risk, it does not completely eliminate the possibility of overload-related damage.)
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
Stroke Limit Switch
- Press, set the position, release: The stroke limit switch sets the upper and lower limits of crosshead movement to help prevent collisions between the crosshead and jigs. It features a built-in spring mechanism that locks the switch position once released, reducing the chance of incorrect settings caused by operational oversights, such as forgetting to secure it.
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
Boost Productivity with Enhanced Usability Features
Operation Controller
- User-friendly interface: The system features a color LCD touch panel that automatically displays the most relevant buttons and information based on the current operation. It supports a range of tasks, from adjusting the distance between jigs before testing to monitoring measurement values in real time during tests.
- Machine self-diagnosis function: Key parameters such as sensor amplifier calibration data, machine operation status, power supply voltage, and communication conditions are continuously monitored. If a fault occurs, the system notifies the operator immediately. It also tracks usage hours and the number of test cycles, issuing alerts when predefined thresholds are reached. This supports proactive maintenance planning and helps maximize machine uptime.
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
- Selectable displays: During testing, users can choose an easy-to-read format for viewing measurement values. When displayed across two lines, the values remain clearly visible - even from a distance - making it easier to monitor test progress at a glance.
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
- Automation of the test force electrical calibration function: The test force electrical calibration (typically required at machine startup) is performed automatically, reducing setup time and minimizing manual input.
- Stand-alone testing function: Testing can be conducted using just the operational controller, with no need for a connected computer. Tensile, compression, and bending test conditions can be set directly from the touch panel, and measurement results can be saved to a USB flash drive. Note: The USB flash drive must be prepared separately.
- Voice operation is supported: Voice notifications are provided before crosshead movement, helping prevent operational errors. Sound can be muted if desired.
- Operation sound can be selected in accordance with the environment: Autograph-specific operation sounds have been designed. Users can choose between “pleasant sound for comfortable operation” and “sound that is easy to hear in noisy conditions.”
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
- Multi-Table: Testing can be conducted effectively with limited movement by utilizing a multi-table that accommodates the tools and samples required for testing.
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
Cutting-Edge Specifications for a New Era of Testing Quality
- High-speed data sampling (5 kHz): The high-speed sampling capability has been improved from 1 ms to 0.2 ms. As a result, both rapid and subtle changes can now be captured.
Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated
- Wide range of testing speeds and high-speed crosshead return: With a test speed range of 0.0005 to 1500 mm/minute, the system supports a broader range of testing conditions to suit various material types and requirements. Additionally, the crosshead return speed has been increased to 1650 mm/minute, helping reduce overall test takt time and improve efficiency for users.
- Test force accuracy guaranteed range (1/1000): The guaranteed test force accuracy range has been extended to 1/1000, allowing for more precise analysis (particularly in the test force rise phase) and increasing overall data reliability. This broader range means tests that previously required multiple load cells can now be conducted with fewer, reducing the need for frequent load cell changes and easing the burden on operators.
- Expandability to enable various measurements: With the addition of an optional board, the system can accommodate measurements using a Shimadzu strain gauge-type extensometer. It also supports input from both analog and digital signals, enabling a wider range of measurement types to suit different testing needs.
Optional Board. Image Credit: Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Incorporated