EXTEND™ System Upgrades
Extending the Life of Your Universal Testing Machine Investment
Instron is committed to ensuring that your investment in a testing system keeps pace with advances in computing technology and changes to testing standards while retaining compatibility with the latest software and accessories. Aging components can lead to unplanned downtime, which can delay results and ultimately bring portions of your business to a halt. System upgrades help mitigate this risk while opening the door to new capabilities, increased efficiency, and simplified testing.
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Replace At-Risk Components
Instron's EXTEND system upgrades are designed to extend the life of your existing test system by providing critical updates. The EXTEND program aims to mitigate risks to your testing process by replacing obsolete components with current hardware, software, and electronics from Instron’s 5900 series test systems.
Every System Upgrade Includes:
5900 Control Electronics
- Data collection rates of up to 1,000 Hz
- Extension, load, stress and strain rate test control
- Up to 11 input channels when configured
- Automatic recognition and calibration of system transducers
- Compatible with latest Instron accessories including video and automatic extensometers
- Analog output and optional digital input/output
5900 Productivity Panel
- Four user-defined live displays allow operators to constantly monitor vital measurements during pretest adjustments and testing.
- Four ‘Soft Key’ buttons allow the operator to initiate a variety of user-defined commands.
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Bluehill® Universal Software
- Compatible with Instron's latest static testing software, Bluehill Universal, and optional operator dashboard built to optimize your interaction with Bluehill Universal's touch interface.
- Testing with Bluehill Universal helps to ensure compliance with the latest revision of testing standards while also simplifying workflows.
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Model Specific Upgrades
Electromechanical Frames Only
Updates target at risk components of older frames, including:
- Power supply components
- Safety components
- Clutch driver boards
Optional Updates
Static Hydraulic Frames Only
- Updated transducers including load cells, pressure transducers, and encoders
- Move from manually controlled to servo controlled system
- Hydraulic pumping unit
Electromechanical and Static Hydraulic
A system upgrade allows you to replace the at-risk components of your legacy system with minimal downtime. Instron’s field service team performs all system upgrades on site at your location, completing most in less than one day.
4200 Systems
Manufactured Between: 1983-1993
At Risk/Obsolete Components: Electronics, Control Panels, Power Supply Components, Switches, and Encoders
Life Cycle Status: Phase 3 - many of the necessary replacement parts are difficult to source.
What Gets Upgraded? All system upgrades on 4200 systems replace the obsolete components and update critical safety features such as an emergency stop and physical limits.
4400 Systems
Manufactured Between: 1993-2002
At Risk/Obsolete Components: Electronics and Control Panels
Life Cycle Status: Phase 3 - many of the necessary replacement parts are difficult to source.
What Gets Upgraded? All system upgrades on 4400 systems replace the obsolete control panel and 5500 controller, while system upgrades on select floor model systems also address aging power supply components and safety features.
5500 Systems
Manufactured Between: 1993-2010
At Risk/Obsolete Components: Electronics and Control Panels
Life Cycle Status: Phase 3 - many of the necessary replacement parts are difficult to source.
What Gets Upgraded? All system upgrades on 5500 systems replace the obsolete control panel and 5500 controller, while system upgrades on select floor model systems also address aging power supply components and safety features.
Static Hydraulic Systems
Instron has performed system upgrades on 5,000+ Static Hydraulic systems, including brands such as Baldwin, SATEC, and Tinius Olsen.
At Risk/Obsolete Components: Depends on individual system type and age of control electronics.
What Goes into a Systems Upgrade? Our upgrade product line ranges from controller upgrades to full hydraulic system overhauls. Our Applications experts can help identify at-risk components and ensure that a system upgrade not only keeps your machine functional but also increases the repeatability and efficiency of your testing system.
Current Status of Legacy Software
Phase 2
Software in this Phase: Partner
The following conditions apply to software in Phase 2 of Instron's Product Life Cycle:
- No further additions of features or enhancements
- No support for newer Instron hardware accessories
- No support for newer PC hardware and operating systems
Phase 2 software will soon move to Phase 3.
Phase 3
Software in this Phase: Bluehill 3, Bluehill 2
The following conditions apply to software in Phase 3 of Instron's Product Life Cycle:
- No further additions of features or enhancements
- No support for newer Instron hardware accessories
- No support for newer PC hardware and operating systems
- Technical phone support and operator training are on a "best effort" basis
Phase 3 software will soon move to Phase 4, with advanced warning.
Phase 4
Software in this Phase: Merlin, Series IX
The following conditions apply to software in Phase 4 of Instron's Product Life Cycle:
- No upgrades and/or updates available
- Customers will no longer receive notifications about software errors unless they pertain to operator safety or data integrity
Don't See a System Upgrade That Fits Your Needs?
Our Engineered Solutions Group and Applications Team is here to understand your unique challenges and work with you to create a solution that is tailored to your particular testing system. Our solutions range from system upgrades for machines in harsh testing environments to upgrades to competitor systems.
