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High Temperature Self-Supporting Furnace Extensometers (1200 °C) – Model 3448

Designed as a low-cost option for tensile testing with furnaces, these extensometers use Epsilon’s self-supporting design and do not require cooling or mounting brackets.

Self Supporting Furnace Extensometer Model 3448 1 featured
Epsilon brought the first self-supporting, axial furnace extensometer using ceramic fiber cords to market in 1995.
Epsilon’s engineers performed evaluations of cord positions in both the standard ceramic fiber cord attachments (elevated above the ceramic rods) and the induction heater version (rods and fiber cord attachments parallel to one another), and found the performance of each to be identical.
Operation of these, and all of epsilon’s extensometers, are verified to either ASTM E83 or ISO 9513 standards using in-house calibration systems that are calibrated with epsilon’s laser interferometer system.

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Epsilon developed this low-cost high temperature extensometer for tensile testing of metals, composites, and ceramics in furnaces at temperatures up to 1200 °C. The units are held on the specimen by light, flexible ceramic fiber cords. These make the extensometer self-supporting on the specimen; extensometer mounting brackets are not required. The side load on the test sample is minimized because of the self-supporting design and light weight of the sensor.

The combination of radiant heat shields and convection cooling fins allow this model to be used at specimen temperatures up to 1200 °C (2200 °F) without any cooling. High purity alumina ceramic rods are used. These are available in any length that is required to fit your furnace. A spare set is included with every extensometer. Specify chisel, vee chisel or conical contact points as desired.

Static tension or compression tests that are not in strain control can be performed with a single unit. For labs performing numerous high-temperature tensile tests in a row, as well as labs performing high-temperature tensile tests or cyclic fatigue tests in strain control, models 3549 or 7650A are recommended instead of model 3448.

Most materials testing furnaces with a port for an extensometer will readily accept a Model 3448. For induction heating systems, model 3448 may be used if the induction coils do not interfere with the 3448’s arms and cords. Epsilon generally recommends models 3549 or 7650A for induction heating applications due to their higher performance and simplified compatibility with induction coils. For vacuum furnace applications, use model 3549.

Model 3448 extensometers are strain gaged devices, making them compatible with any electronics designed for strain gaged transducers. Most often they are connected to a test machine controller with electronics for a strain channel, and Epsilon will equip the extensometer with a compatible connector that is wired to plug directly into the controller. For systems lacking the required electronics, Epsilon can provide a variety of signal conditioning solutions that enable connecting to data acquisition systems or other equipment.

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  • May be left on through specimen failure.
  • Full bridge, 350 ohm strain gaged design for compatibility with nearly any test system.
  • Mechanical overtravel stops in both directions.
  • All units come with high purity alumina ceramic rods.
  • Mounts with flexible ceramic fiber cords. Very simple to install, this design eliminates the need for external support brackets. Cords that have worn out are easily replaced by cutting a length of new cord from the included spare supply.
  • Use without cooling to 1200 °C (2200 °F).
  • May be used on nearly any furnace with side entry cut-out for extensometers.
  • Includes the Epsilon Shunt Calibration System for on-site electrical calibration.
  • Rugged, dual flexure design for strength and improved performance.
  • Includes high quality foam lined case, a spare set of ceramic rods, and 7.3m of spare ceramic fiber cord.

Download Data Sheet

Excitation: 5 to 10 VDC recommended, 12 VDC or VAC max.

Output: 2 to 4 mV/V, nominal, depending on model

Accuracy: Standard configurations meet ASTM E83 class B-1 and ISO 9513 class 0,5 requirements for accuracy. A test certificate is included. Rod lengths >250 mm (10″) can affect the final class rating.

Linearity: ≤0.15% of full scale measuring range, depending on model

Temperature Range: Ambient to 1200 °C (2200 °F)

Cable: Integral, ultra-flexible cable, 2.5 m (8 ft) standard

Contact Force: Adjustable, approximately 200 g depending on configuration

Operating Force: 10 to 20 g typical

ce-certified

 

Download Data Sheet

  • Gauge length adapter kits
  • Spare ceramic fiber cord (sold in 7.3m lengths)
  • Connectors to interface to nearly any brand of test equipment
  • Rod tips can be straight chisels, conical tips or vee chisels; specify when ordering

Download Data Sheet

Product Videos

 
Setup instructions for the Model 3448 self-supporting furnace extensometer
 

Ordering Information

Click table options to configure

Gauge Length i
mm or inches #
10.0 mm -010M 010M
25.0 mm -025M 025M
50.0 mm -050M 050M
0.500 in -0050 0050
1.000 in -0100 0100
2.000 in -0200 0200
Measuring Range i
% strain #
±5% -005¹ 005
±10% -010 010
+20%/-10% -020 020
+50%/-10% -050 050
+100%/-10% -100² 100
Model Number:  3448_ _ _ __ _ _ _
Model Number:
3448_ _ _ __ _ _ _
Model 3448 Available Versions: Any combination of gauge length and measuring range listed above is available, except as noted. Ceramic rod lengths are made to fit furnaces as required. Please provide furnace dimensions at the time of order. Other configurations may be available with special order; please contact Epsilon to discuss your requirements.
¹For 10 mm and 0.5 inch gauge lengths, the ±5% strain range is only available with short ceramic rods.
²Not available in 50 mm or 2.0 inch gauge lengths.
Example: 3448-0100-020: 1.000 inch gauge length, +20%/-10% measuring range, room temperature to 1200 °C

Repairs/Service

If your unit is in need of service, calibration or repair, initiate the RMA process with us and we will be happy to assist.

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Our 2022 Extensometer Catalog, Version 110 is now available! Not finding something you’re looking for? Ask us about a custom quote.