ME218

Instron Tensile Test Instructions:

1. Turn on the Instron test stand (a small black
switch facing the wall on the lower right hand
side of the machine)
2. After the Instron has warmed up, push the IEEE
button on the control panel to enable it
3. Turn on and log on to the desktop computer
adjacent to the test stand if needed
4. Select the Instron Series IX icon on the desktop
5. If a video error pops up select `ok
6. Select the Test icon
7. Type in me218 for the data file and push `ok
8. Select the 99 ME218Tensile test method and
push ok
9. Type me218 for the ASCII file name and push `ok
10. Open the bottom vise by turning the hands CW
NOTE: DO NOT shear the small $15 screw in the
vise. If you do you owe me $15!
11. Obtain a sample
12. Measure the samples diameter and record it
13. Slide the test sample into the bottom vise, slide
the sample all the way down
14. Lower the top vise until in nearly touches the top
of the sample
15. Open the top vise by turning the handles CCW
NOTE: DO NOT shear the small screw in the vise
16. Raise the sample into the top vise. Make sure
there is enough surface area on the sample in
each vise to grip properly
17. Clamp the bottom vise by turning the handles
CCW. Use both hands to tighten.
18. Put the extensometer on the sample. Make sure
it is not touching the top or bottom vise
19. Push the IEEE button
20. Reset the ground level by pressing GL Reset on
the control panel
21. Zero the load sensor by pushing BAL in the
yellow Load box on the control panel, then
press enter on the keypad

22. Zero the strain sensor by pushing BAL in the

yellow Strain box on the control panel, then
press enter on the keypad
23. Clamp the top vise by turning the handles CW,
use both hands to tighten
24. Push the IEEE button to enable communication
with the computer
25. Select Start Test in the computer program
26. Enter the diameter of the sample and push ok
twice
27. The test stand will begin to tension the sample
and run until the Yield Point is reached
28. When indicated, remove the extensometer
29. Place the plastic shield in front of the test piece
30. Select ok on the computer
31. The test stand will continue to tension the
sample until it breaks
32. After the test is finished, push ok
33. Observe the graph and record the following on
the worksheet:
a. Modulus
b. Yield Strength
c. Ultimate Strength
d. Ultimate Strain
34. Remove the plastic shield
35. Raise the top vise a couple inches
36. Unclamp the top vise by turning the handles
CCW and remove the top piece
NOTE: DO NOT shear the $15 pin
37. Unclamp the bottom vise by turning the handles
CW and remove the bottom piece
NOTE: DO NOT shear the $15 pin
38. To continue with another test and sample, start
over at line #11
39. To stop testing exit any programs, turn off the
test stand, and log off of the computer