The WinCCS hardware/software package is standard on most ATS Direct Load and Lever Arm Testers, and is also available as a retrofit package. Offered exclusively by ATS, this state-of-the-art system offers a number of unique features for enhanced control and monitoring of long-term creep, creep-rupture, and stress-rupture testing.
The result of more than a decade of creep testing software experience and over 30 years of test frame development, WinCCS delivers an industry-leading array of features. Users have access to test control, data acquisition, archiving, analysis, and reporting features. From frame setup, accessory calibration, and specification creation to report generation and data graphing, menu-driven displays lead the operator through easy-to-follow steps that provide accurate, repeatable, and fully-documented test results.
Features
Informative, Easy-to-Use Interface
The system status window includes an easy-to-use menu bar for controlling all aspects of the testing process. This window provides a continuously updated, color-coded overview of important test parameters, such as frame state, furnace temperature and power level, elapsed time, percent creep, and alarm status. The intuitive design of the menu structure allows for specification creation and editing, specimen queuing, system configuration, test initiation and termination, and all other testing, reporting, and maintenance functions. For tasks such as extensometer calibration and weight loading, dialog boxes are displayed to lead the operator step by step through the entire procedure.
Powerful Test Specification Editor
WinCCS gives you the power to easily create customized specifications for any test. Each new test specification generated in WinCCS becomes part of a readily accessible library of stored procedures and can be recalled for future testing or quickly modified for new and similar requirements. Specifications in WinCCS are appended with conditions which comprehensively define testing parameters, such as temperature setpoint and alarms, heating rate, soak time, step loading, pass/fail criteria, and reporting/recording options. Conditions are a very useful technique for extending the usefulness of a single specification, allowing a specification to have multiple conditions such as varying temperature setpoints or different stress levels.
Specimen Queuing and Data Tracking
WinCCS eliminates the common problems associated with manually tracking multiple specimens and test procedures. Specimens are named, dimensions and gage lengths are recorded, and specifications are selected via menu prompts and dialog boxes. This vital information is saved and archived by the software and automatically becomes part of any report associated with that particular specimen. Only fully-defined, queued specimens are available to operators for testing.
Complete Test Control
Fully-defined specimens are kept in a list which is available to the operator for selection. When a particular specimen is selected, WinCCS ensures that only frames suitably equipped for the specification linked with that specimen will be available to the operator for the test. The operator is then prompted, if appropriate for the test, to choose from a list of previously calibrated thermocouples and to follow a step-by-step procedure to calibrate the frame’s extensometer or to use a prior calibration. The specimen is then loaded and instructions are given to apply the required weight. As the test progresses, pass/fail conditions are continuously evaluated, and WinCCS instantly alerts the operator to any anomalies. When testing is complete, the operator is prompted to remove the specimen and record post-test data, such as final specimen dimensions, rupture location, and comments.
Graphing and Report Generation
Reports can be generated at any time for tests in progress or for completed or archived tests. A wide range of report choices is available, including short and long form reports. Short form reports contain basic information for test evaluation while long form reports are custom-configured to include data such as calibration information, cold and hot load, events, and creep data. Data point intervals are selected from a standard list or can be defined by the user. Color graphing of creep, creep modulus, creep rate, cold load, hot load, and temperature is included, as well as the capability for isochronous, multiple-specimen, and Larson-Miller plots. All data can be easily exported for use in spreadsheet programs and publications, or they can be e-mailed and faxed to others.
Controls
WinCCS is now available in two configurations, WINCCS II with the Control Console and the new WinCCS Modular System where all components are housed with in the base of the tester.
WINCCS II
- LCD displays provide an overview of the system status and guide users step by step through procedures such as extensometer calibration
- Each compact frame console unit is capable of controlling two adjacent creep test frames, conserving laboratory space
- Keys allow the operator to respond to prompts initiated by the system.
- The frame console provides local control of drawhead and weight elevator movement
The frame console is an integral component of the WinCCS II system and is a major innovation in multiple-frame creep testing. The console displays step-by-step instructions from the host computer for procedures such as extensometer calibration and specimen loading. Keys are provided for the operator to respond after each step. During testing, critical information such as temperature and creep rate is available at a glance. Each compact console supports two creep frames and is generally mounted on or near the frames at about eye level. The console provides the interface, via input/output connection boxes, between the frame electronics and instrumentation and the host computer. A simple multi-drop RS-422 connection is all that is required from the host computer to the console.
The console provides an important level of protection from system-wide single-point failure: Loss of contact with the host computer will not result in test interruption. The frame console is designed to autonomously continue to control the test frames in the current mode and record data for up to 96 hours. When computer contact is restored, the accumulated data is then uploaded to the host computer.
The WINCCS II System is available on new frames as well as retrofit packages for old outdated creep/stress rupture testers.
Options:
- Single or dual extensometer LVDT transducer signal conditioners for creep testing
- Single or dual extensometer Digital Transducers and signal conditioners for creep testing
- Automatic Hot Step Loading
- Automatic “weightless” Loading
- Stress relaxation testing
- Constant stress testing
WINCCS Modular
- Simplified design where each frame has a single WINCCS Control Board, which includes the CPU, I/O Modules and Thermocouple Modules.
- Optional Portable Display/Control Module with LCD display provides an overview of the system status and guide users step by step through procedures such as extensometer calibration.
The WinCCS Modular System provides the same features as the WINCCS II System except all components are included on one circuit board. This system does not include a display. Instead a Portable Display/Control Module is available to connect to any frame for setup or calibration.This cost effective system is available on both new testers as well as retrofit packages.
Options:
- Portable Display/Control Module
- Single or dual extensometer Digital Transducers and signal conditioners for creep testing
- Automatic Hot Step Loading
- Automatic “weightless” Loading