Gilson MC-400PR: 400K Compression Machine with Pro-Plus Controller
MC-400 Series Concrete Compression Machines are precise and dependable for testing the compressive strength of concrete, grout and mortar. These compression testing machines have a 400,000lbf (1,780kN) capacity and come with a Fixed-Height Concrete Compression Machine Mounting Stand for safe and easy handling of samples. The machine can run complete test cycles with minimal operator intervention. These rugged machines can test standard 6x12 concrete cylinders up to 11,300psi. Accessories are available to test different sized cubes, cores, masonry prisms, concrete cylinders and flexural beam concrete strength specimens. Frame stiffness meets or exceeds ACI 363 requirements for continuous loading.
A bottom-mounted hydraulic ram uses an upward force to compress. The first stage uses high volume and low pressure to advance the piston quickly. The 0.75 hp oil-immersed pump switches to the second stage at 135psi of pressure automatically. During this stage the low volume high-pressure flow loads at a continuous rate of 2,000–200,000lbf (8,896–889,600kN) per minute. Be sure to monitor the final load during testing to get accurate results.
The spherically-seated upper platen assembly is 6.5in (165mm) in diameter and is hardened and nickel-plated with a locking stem for quick change out of accessories. The rectangular lower platen is a compression table with a precision-ground piston with O-Ring seal and a Teflon® backup ring in a polished steel cylinder. The machine displays real-time data of the load being applied live.
High-pressure hydraulic safety valve and watchable steel fragment guard doors prevent overloading beyond machine capacity. Pressure bleed hole in the piston prevents ram overextension. Side-mounted controllers can be installed in an optional separate console. Tests low strength concrete beams.
Features:
-
400,000lbf (1,780kN)
-
Meets ASTM C39/39M and E4
-
Meets or exceeds ACI 363
-
Latchable Steel Fragment Guard Doors
-
Piston with pressure bleed hole
-
0.75 hp system for better load control
-
Displays peak load and average load rate at end of test
Included:
-
400,000lbf Compression Machine (115V/60Hz or 230V/50Hz)
-
Pro or Pro-Plus Controller
-
Mounting Stand
Specifications:
Load Capacity 400,000lbf (1,780kN)
Load Rate 2,000-200,000lbf (8,896–889,600kN) per minute
Electrical 115V/60Hz, 13.2 amps
Opening w/ Platens 13.3 x 14.3in (337.8 x 363.2mm), WxH
Lower Platen Dimensions 12 x 18 x 2in (304.8 x 457.2 x 50.8mm) WxDxH
Product Dimensions Including Stand: 39.8 x 20 x 61.2in (1,013 x 508 x 1,556mm), WxDxH
Meets Test Methods: AASHTO T 22 ASTM C 39 ASTM E 4 BS 1610 BS 1881
Concrete Compression Machines
Concrete compression machines are used to test the compressive strength of concrete specimens. The machine applies a controlled increasing force to a concrete sample until it breaks and records the maximum load to calculate the compressive strength. Concrete compression machines are crucial for ensuring the safety and durability of concrete structures. By using these machines engineers and construction professionals can verify that the concrete meets the required strength standards so the structures they build will be reliable.
MC-400PR Features
The MC-400PR is a high capacity concrete compression machine designed for high strength concrete specimens. Features:
-
400,000lbf (1,780kN) capacity for all testing applications
-
Continuous duty hydraulic pump for smooth and consistent operation
-
Average live load rate control for precise and accurate testing
-
Automatic controllers to minimize operator input and reduce human error
-
Test data storage and analysis for review and quality control
-
Solid steel crossheads for stability and accuracy
-
Indicated live load display for real-time monitoring
Why Compressive Strength Testing
Compressive strength testing is the foundation of concrete quality control. It measures the material’s ability to resist loads that try to reduce its size. This test is critical for ensuring the safety and durability of concrete structures. Industries such as construction, aerospace and automotive rely on compressive strength testing to verify that concrete meets the required strength standards. By knowing the compressive strength engineers can make informed decisions about the suitability of concrete for different applications so the structures they design will be reliable and safe.
Compression Testing Best Practices
To get accurate and reliable compression test results you must follow best practices:
-
Proper specimen preparation and curing of concrete cylinders to ensure the samples are representative of the concrete being tested.
-
Accurate live load rate control to maintain a consistent force application throughout the test.
-
Minimal operator input to reduce human error and variability.
-
Regular calibration and maintenance of the compression machine to ensure accuracy and reliability.
-
Use automatic controllers for consistent and repeatable testing conditions.
-
Test data storage and analysis for ongoing quality control and evaluation
By following these best practices you can get accurate and reliable compression testing and get valuable information about the strength and performance of your concrete specimens.
Applications and Benefits of Concrete Compression Machines
Concrete compression machines are used in many industries such as construction, aerospace and automotive to test concrete specimens compressive strength. The benefits are:
-
Accurate and reliable test results for quality control and safety.
-
They save time and increase productivity by simplifying the testing process.
-
They reduce material waste and costs by ensuring concrete meets the required strength before use.
-
They improve concrete structure durability and performance by providing critical strength information
By using concrete compression machines industries can ensure their concrete structures are safe and durable and meet the highest quality and performance standards.
Technical Specifications and Options
Technical specifications of concrete compression machines vary by model and capacity but common options are:
-
Concrete cylinders and molds for specimen preparation
-
Low strength concrete beam testing platens for special testing applications
-
Automatic controllers and data analysis software to simplify the testing and get complete data analysis
-
Calibration kits and maintenance tools to ensure machine accuracy and longevity
-
Load cells and indicators for load measurement
-
Testing procedure guides and training programs to ensure operators follow best practices and safety protocols
These options are essential to get the most out of your compression machines, get accurate and reliable test results and maintain the highest quality control.
