8.4.

1 videoXtens

8.4.1 videoXtens
The videoXtens measures contact-free, and with high
resolution, tensile and compression deformations on all types
of plastic, metals, rubber, composites and foils.
The entire test can be observed on the monitor with the active
target measuring points being indicated, and calculated real-
time values being continuously displayed in the status bar.
You always see what is being measured. Also the video
sequence can be stored for subsequent usage.

It is also suitable for determination of transverse strain, r- & n-
values according to ISO 10113 and ISO 10275, and the yield
strength in tensile tests according to EN 10002-1.
Specimen preparation / marking
The targets for axial gage length are usually made using
marker pens on smooth specimen surfaces or by attaching
self-adhesive targets (strips with black-white contrast). If
transverse strain measurement is required, scanning the
specimen outline is sufficient in most cases, no extra marking
is needed. (Option 2nd measurement axis)

One of the advantages of gage length compensation is that

targets do not need to be accurately positioned which results
in minimum preparation time.

Test sequence
A full image video-camera is focussed on the test specimen
upon which contrasting marks (targets) have been added and
the resulting image is analysed by a PC-Based Video
Processor in real time. The associated software ensures the
distance between targets is continuously measured during
testing.

The digital camera

generates a pixel
image with each pixel
in 256 shades of
Specimen marking on specimen for the videoXtens
grey.

By interpolating the Advantages of the videoXtens

values from multiple • It does not have any influence on the material characteristic
scanning lines using as it is a non-contact extensometer
sophisticated
algorithms, it is possible to considerably enhance the • It is the ideal measuring system for elongation
system’s resolution (see table). measurements of whipping materials (safety belts, steel
ropes, rubber ropes, etc.)
The utilisation of a full image video-camera provides
remarkable advantages during operation. With the videoXtens • Simple adjustment and alignment with respect to the test
the setup of the camera (focus and aperture) is done on a live axis
picture on the monitor.
• The flexible illumination system (Frontlight / Backlight) can
be adapted individually for each test task

All data at ambient temperature All rights reserved

Status: 2008/12 cat. chap. 8.4.1/page 1 of 7
 8.4.1 videoXtens

• The videoXtens can easily be used with a temperature
chamber fitted with heated glass window
• Extremely flexible mounting on the testing machine; either
at the upper or lower test area, with or without a
temperature chamber
• The resolution and measuring accuracy is high over the
entire field of view
• Extensions as well as transverse strain are possible at the
same time
• Test paths are variable and very large, according to the
selection of the picture size or objective
• Automatic test mark recognition and acquisition of the
initial gage length L0
• Optional determination of transverse strain, r- & n values
according to ISO 10113 and ISO 10275, and the yield
strength in tensile tests according to EN 10002-1
• Accuracy class 1 (at a field of view ≤ 200 mm) according to
EN ISO 9513 and accuracy class 2 according to EN ISO
9513 (with 8 mm objective or at a field of view > 200 mm)
• The entire test sequence can be followed on the monitor.
The video sequence can be saved for subsequent
evaluation
Required accessories
Lighting
There is a program of various possibilities available for
lighting or illumination of the testing room in order to achieve
the optimum results according to test set-up and test
requirements.
Lamps in combination with the option of the second measu-
rement axis allows simultaneous bi-axial measurements. That
is, transverse strain measurement at the same time as the
extension measurement. – directly on the specimen edge
without additional marking. For this requirement, there are
lamps available with 420 mm or 840 mm lengths. Width is
190 mm. Includes mounting arm.
For use in a temperature chamber, special lamps are available
for the temperature range of -70°C to 250°C.
Mounting
There are various mounting equipment designs available for
the Allround-Line table-top or floor testing machines. These
allow working with two test areas as well as a good alignment
of the extensometer. For the ProLine, a simple mounting on
the front left is available.
testXpert®
Connection to testXpert® and testXpert® II are possible. A
second, separate, 19"-Monitor is recommended in order to
follow the live picture of the videoXtens parallel to watching
the testXpert® display
Optional accessories
Z-Axis
Option Z-Axis for measurement head, variably
adjustable ± 95 mm, including freely adjustable stops.
This allows the field-of-view to be optimised in reference
to measured travel and resolution.
The field of view (FOV) of the
camera is dependent upon the
distance of the camera to the
specimen and of the objective
lens used.

The illuminating lamp is suitable for all types of markings:

adhesive etiquette, felt-tip markers, pattern tracking.
95 mm
Lamps are available for normal field-of-view lighting with with Option
active length of 300 mm, or for an expanded field-ofview with Z-Axis
an active length of 500 mm. An objective lens < 25 mm is Before the test After the test
recommended for the larger field-of-view.
Illustration of field of view and of distance to the object

In addition, an LED lamp is available which can greatly reduce

interferences from external light sources. The lamp works in
the infra-red range. This eliminates flickering LED light which
could bother the operator. The active length is 300 mm.

All data at ambient temperature All rights reserved

cat. chap. 8.4.1/page 2 of 7 Status: 2008/12

Second measurement axis
Option for parallel acquisition of the transverse strain directly
on the specimen edge (necessary for determination of the r-
value).
Parallel extension and transverse strain
Strain control
Strain control is possible with the videoXtens using this
option. This is recommended in Standard ISO 6892 – Method
A. There are mandatory pre-tests necessary to determine the
ideal setup of the customer.
Strain distribution
The option, strain distribution, is used to determine localized
strains which are then available as channels in testXpert®. The
automatic recognition and evaluation of up to 11 measure-
ment marks is possible. In addition, a balancing of the
beginning gage length can be performed in order to follow the
necking-in automatically in real time (according to EN 10002,
annex G).
Automatic balancing of strains for a necking-in according to EN 10002 - annex G
All data at ambient temperature
Status: 2008/12
8.4.1 videoXtens
Two camera measurement system
Alternative 1: Two cameras are mounted in the videoXtens
casing. Advantage: Measurements are made in coarse and fine
ranges with jolt free switching. This gives a high resolution in
the initial range at small gage lengths, while ensuring a large
measurement path is still available. This option also allows a
camera to be used for transverse strain, and the resolution for
the transverse strain measurement will be optimised.
Alternative 2: Two separate measurement heads. That means a
second videoXtens casing with camera. Advantage: This
allows a variable beginning gage length while ensuring a
higher local resolution. The minimum distance between the
two cameras is 180 mm.
videoXtens with two cameras in one videoXtens casing: 1st camera for fine
range, 2nd camera for coarse range, with option strain control
Marking template for metals and plastics
For standardized specimen marking according to commonly
used plastics and metals Standards.
Marking template
All rights reserved
cat. chap. 8.4.1/page 3 of 7
 8.4.1 videoXtens

Technical data
Description Item number
videoXtens 013567
Includes measurement head with digital camera, software for image aquisition and analysis, accessories
case with adjustment jigs and markings. Measurement path dependent upon the field of view:
Field of view 50 mm 100 mm 200 mm 500 mm 1000 mm
Resolution 0.25 µm 0.5 µm 1 µm 2.5 µm 5 µm
L0 = 5 mm to 1000 mm; max. test speed: 1000 mm/min; max. measuring rate 65 Hz
Weight 7.5 kg
Accuracy grade 1 (at field of view < 200 mm), Accuracy grade 2 (at 8 mm objective or field of view
> 200 mm), according to EN ISO 9513
ProLine videoXtens 013561

l
Roel
k
Zwic
Includes measurement head with digital camera, software for image aquisition and analysis, accessories
case with adjustment jigs and markings. Measurement path dependent upon the field of view:
Field of view 50 mm 100 mm 200 mm 500 mm 1000 mm
Resolution 0.5 µm 1 µm 2 µm 5 µm 10 µm
L0 = 5 mm to 1000 mm; max. test speed: 1000 mm/min; max. measuring rate 65 Hz
Weight 7.5 kg
Accuracy grade 1 (at field of view < 100 mm), Accuracy grade 2 (at 8 mm objective or field of view
> 100 mm), according to EN ISO 9513

Basic package for all videoXtens extensometers (1 x required)

Description Item number
PC-Worostation for common installation and operation of a videoXtens and testXpert® or testXpert® II
Includes a 19" TFT-Flat screen, operating system Windows XP, documentation in german or english

Basic package videoXtens in German language 013563

Basic package videoXtens in English language 013565

Please note: When using the videoXtens in connection with CO2 or LN2 cooled chambers, there is a danger of fog build-up if
the humidity is high and a temperature of approx. -20 to 0 °C are used. This means that a waiting time of several minutes may
be necessary before the test can be performed. When the standard adhesive marks are used, the temperature range is limited to
-40 to +120 °C. Outside of these limits it would be possible to work alternatively with marking pens.

When using the videoXtens with a temperature chamber, the measurement signal will be negatively influenced by the altered
optical test conditions. In the temperature range from 0 to +250°C, the main influence is air turbulence which is created inside
the temperature chamber. This creates a noise in the signal which increases by approx. 0.1 µm for every 10 Kelvin temperature
increase. In the negative temperature range down do - 70°C, a build up of fog or ice on the specimen and tools may occur. This
will also affect the measurement signal. This is dependent on the customer specific configuration (e.g. cooling medium,
specimen grips, lighting, specimen material…).

Before making an offer, please clarify the initial gage length L0 and max. extension expected, as these values determine the video
camera's optics (field of view). Please use the diagram on the next page for determining the field of view.

All data at ambient temperature All rights reserved

cat. chap. 8.4.1/page 4 of 7 Status: 2009/03
Status: 2008/12
All data at ambient temperature
Choosing a lens
The necessary FOV (Field of View) for a specific test task can be determined as:
Formula: FOV = L0 + ΔL plus an extra buffer of approximately 10-15 %. Examples: L0 = 80 mm, ΔL approx. 20 % (equals 16 mm)
Calculation: FOV = 80 mm + 16 mm + 9,6 mm (10% of 96 mm) = 105,6 mm

With the diagram shown below the right lens can be determined: 25 mm lens (Check the x-axis (FOV) at the intersection point of lens line and suitable
dotted line „distance of object“. The read value for the field of view must be greater or equal than the calculated FOV)

Attention: Some elongation happens outside the gage length. With low elongation (less than 100%) this is compensated through the buffer of 10-15%.
At high elongation, this compensation needs to be 40-50%.

Distance to
object when
mounting on a
materials
testing
machine with
test area
width...
Distance to object [mm]

with option
Z-axis
... 640 mm

8.4.1 videoXtens
... 440 mm
cat. chap. 8.4.1/page 5 of 7

Field of view [mm]

All rights reserved

Diagram: field of view dependent upon the distance to the specimen for various objective lenses for 1/2” digital camera

The distance between videoXtens and the specimen at a table-top machine (440 mm test area width) is 440 mm. With a floor
model and 640 mm test area width, that distance is 560 mm.
 8.4.1 videoXtens

Accessories for the videoXtens and ProLine videoXtens

videoXtens ProLine videoXtens
013567 013561 Item number
Basic package (1 x required)
Basic package videoXtens in German language X X 013563
Basic package videoXtens in English language X X 013565
Lighting (1 x required)
Lamp 300 mm X X 325970
Lamp 500 mm X X 325972
Lamp LED 300 mm, incl. Cut-Off Filter X X 013592
Backlight 420 x 190 mm, incl. mounting unit X X 013593
Backlight 840 x 190 mm, incl. mounting unit X X 013596
Lamp for using in temperature chamber, 250 mm length X 326219
Lamp for using in temperature chamber, 500 mm length X 326221
Objectives: (1 x required)
Field of view at test area width...
...440 mm ...640 mm
Objective 8 mm 380 mm 460 mm X X 355617
Objective 12 mm 260 mm 320 mm X X 355619
Objective 16 mm 190 mm 230 mm X X 326276
Objective 25 mm 120 mm 145 mm X X 355621
Objective 35 mm 90 mm 110 mm X X 013606
Objective 50 mm 50 mm 60 mm X X 355623
Objective 75 mm 32 mm 40 mm X X 018253
Mounting (1 x required)
C-holding frame, front left to table-top and floor testing machines X 325979
L-holding frame, front left to table-top testing machine X 325981
C-holding frame, rear left to floor testing machine X 326213
C-holding frame, rear left to table-top testing machine X 326215
C-holding frame, front left to ProLine X 013562
testXpert® (1 x required)
testXpert®-Connection German X 319810
testXpert®-Connection English X 319812
testXpert® II-Connection: Included in the basic package X X -
Options
Second measurement axis for transverse strain X 013582
Strain distribution, evaluation of up to 11 measurement marks (1 X 009948
Second camera, for existing videoXtens housing (1 X 013583
Second camera, incl. separate videoXtens housing (1 X 013584
Strain control, incl. RS-module, software, cable (2 X 013600
Cut-off filter for further objectives in combination with LED lamp X 026082
Specimen marking template for plastic specimen X X 010406
Specimen marking template for metal specimen X X 010407
Pattern tracking, including option strain distribution (1 X 013598
Picture sequence storage X 325932
Z-axis X X 326223
Measurement marks to videoXtens X X 353379
Tripod for separate positioning X 326217
High performance AD/DA converter X X 021661
Safety shield for the protection of the videoXtens X X 002989
(1
Option only available in combination with testXpert® II
(2
Option is only available in combination with testXpert® II version 3.0 or higher and testControl
All data at ambient temperature All rights reserved
cat. chap. 8.4.1/page 6 of 7 Status: 2009/03
 8.4.1 videoXtens

Remark: Options for the videoXtens in connection with a temperature chamber care available upon request. The option second
measurement axis requires a luminescent screen. The option strain measurement requires an additional slot in the testControl
Electronics.The option second camera requires an objective to be selected for each camera.

videoXtens transverse strain extensometer

• videoXtens’ non-contact, high resolution transverse strain measurement allows determination of r-values to ISO 10113.
• No moving mechanical parts are used, resulting in a maintenance-free system and eliminating costly spares and servicing.
• No specimen marking is required - videoXtens uses a sophisticated edge-detection algorithm.
• The non-contact measurement principle eliminates contact forces in the transverse direction, allowing thin and sensitive
specimens to be tested.
• Compared with traditional mechanical systems, the optical measuring system can be used for testing specimens using very
small gauge lengths (from 15 mm).
Description Item number
videoXtens transverse strain extensometer 013601
Field of view: Width x height 50 x 37.5 mm
Specimen width (at default setting) up to 40 mm
Specimen thickness (at default setting) up to 4 mm
Resolution 0.25 µm
Accuracy class 1 according to EN ISO 9513
Max. measurement rate 65 Hz
Temperature range +10 °C to +35 °C
Weight approx. 1.5 kg
Scope of supply Measurement head with digital camera
Software for image acquisition and analysis
Accessories for calibration
Back light screen with installation kit for load frame

Required accessories for videoXtens transverse strain extensometer

Description Item Number
videoXtens basic package (PC Workstation incl. Windows XP and installation of testXpert® II and
videoXtens software, 19" TFT display and instruction manual)
- English 013565
- German 013563
Mounting unit for videoXtens transverse strain extensometer
- For mounting to Macro Extensometer 013613
- For mounting to multiXtens 013614

All data at ambient temperature All rights reserved

Status: 2009/03 cat. chap. 8.4.1/page 7 of 7