QCI-009 Operation of UTM

• PURPOSE

• To define a procedure for operation of the Universal Tensile Machine (UTM).

• SCOPE

• This SOP applies to the Quality Control Department.

• REFERENCE(S) & ATTACHMENTS

• References:

  • In-house.

• Attachments:

  • Nil.

• RESPONSIBILITY

• QC Department Head:

  • To prepare the SOP.

  • To confirm the content, correctness, and detailing of the SOP.

• QA Head:

  • To approve the new or revised SOP.

  • To ensure implementation of the defined system.

• QC Technician:

  • Sample preparation, testing, and data recording.

• QC In-Charge:

  • Ensuring adherence to procedure and result verification.

• DISTRIBUTION

• Quality Assurance.

• Quality Control.

• DEFINITION(S) & ABBREVIATION(S)

• Definitions:

  • Nil.

• Abbreviations:

  • Nil.

• PROCEDURE

• Instruments Used

  • Sample cutter / template (10 cm × 10 cm).

  • Polythene sheet and cutting knife.

  • Steel ruler.

  • Analytical weighing balance.

  • Computer system with UTM software.

• Safety Precautions

  • Wear safety gloves during cutting operations.

  • Do not place hands between UTM jaws during operation.

  • Ensure UPS power is ON before starting the UTM.

  • Keep the area free from oil and debris.

• Sample Preparation

  • Cut a large sample from the coil in the machine direction.

  • Using the 10 cm × 10 cm template, cut the test piece.

  • Determine the GSM using an analytical balance and record it.

  • Cut the tensile test specimens using the sample cutter, polythene sheet, and knife.

  • Mark the gauge length on each specimen using a steel ruler.

  • Measure the thickness of each specimen using a micrometer.

• UTM Setup & Operation

  • Switch ON the main power supply, the UPS, and the CPU/system, then press the green switch of the UTM.

  • Log in to the system using password: sipl123.

  • Open the UTS Testing folder.

  • Log in to the UTM software using password: FIE.

  • Insert the sample manually between the UTM jaws and tighten properly.

  • Enter the sample details:

  • 1 Sample name.

  • 2 Cross-sectional area = Thickness (mm) × Width (12.5 mm).

  • Press OK to confirm the details.

  • Select Return from Previous and press OK.

  • Open the Test File.

  • Click Tare Weight until the load reading becomes zero.

  • Click TEST to begin the tensile test.

  • Once the sample breaks, remove the broken piece from the jaws.

  • Measure the final gauge length and enter the value in the software.

  • The system will automatically generate the UTS and Elongation (%) results.

• Calculations

  • Elongation (%):

  • 1 Elongation (%) = [(Final Gauge Length − Initial Gauge Length) / Initial Gauge Length] × 100.

  • Cross-Sectional Area:

  • 1 Area (mm²) = Thickness (mm) × 12.5 (mm).

• Documentation

  • Record the UTS and Elongation results in the test log sheet.

• REVISION HISTORY

+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+ | Revision No. | 00 | Effective | | CC No. | | | | | Date | | | | +----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+ | Details of revision: New SOP | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+