Tensilkut Catalog, Circa 1955

In this day of instant electronic communication, it’s hard to believe that 60+ years ago, not only was everything mailed, but Tensilkut’s catalog, when it arrived in the mailbox, contained a tensile test bar which had been cut on the Tensilkut.

The 1955 Tensilkut catalog included a drawing of the only tensile bar we made at the time, along with an actual specimen!

I don’t imagine the founder of Tensilkut ever imagined a time when we could not only send information to customers nearly instantly, but also a time when we’d be able to make videos available for people to see whenever they wished.  Despite sea changes in communication, the need for his original machine remains very real – and at least one of the machines made in his first couple of years remains in service today.

A Blast From The Past

Recently, while browsing the Tensilkut Ancient History file, our catalog from October 1, 1956 appeared.  It was a simple affair, with a heavy sheet as front and back cover, and a single sheet describing the entire Tensilkut line, consisting of the Tensilkut (one model only) and its template.  The cover was adorned with a four-color photograph, glossy, of course (at a time when color photography was less common and rather expensive).

The cover of the original Tensilkut catalog, from October 1, 1956!

How far we have progressed today, to our line containing numerous models of the Tensilkut I, Tensilkut II and CNC Tensilkut III for preparing flat tensile specimens, along with the Tensilgrind for high hardness flat samples, and machines for round and notched test specimen preparation!

Visit our website at www.tensilkut.com to see how greatly our line of equipment has expanded, and how we can assist you with your test specimen preparation needs.

ASTM D412 Die C Tensile Specimens

Tensilkut Master Templates 50-92, 50-93 and 50-94 for preparing rubber test specimens in accordance with ASTM D412 Die C: Available for use on Tensilkut I and Tensilkut II models.

50-94 Tensilkut Template for ASTM D412 Die C

50-93 Template: ASTM D412 Die C

50-92 Template

Flexural Specimen Preparation

For .500″ wide strips, Tensilkut Master Templates will prepare specimens in accordance with ASTM D790.

50-72 Tensilkut Master Template for preparing .500″ wide ASTM D790 specimens

Tensilkut Master Templates for preparing ASTM D790 flexural specimens using all available Tensilkut I and Tensilkut II machines.

50-73 Tensilkut Master Template for preparing .500″ wide ASTM D790 specimens

50-74 Tensilkut Master Template for preparing .500″ wide ASTM D790 specimens

 

Also available: Templates for preparing 1″ ASTM D790 flexural specimens.

50-77 Tensilkut Template for 1.000″ wide flexural specimens in accordance with ASTM D790: for use on 10-20 and 10-40 series Tensilkut I and 10-82 Tensilkut II

Tensilkut Master Templates for preparing 1.000″ wide flexural bars in accordance with ASTM D790 are available for use on all Tensilkut I and Tensilkut II models.

50-78 Tensilkut Template for 1.000″ wide flexural specimens in accordance with ASTM D790: for use on 10-30 and 10-58 series Tensilkut I and 10-85 Tensilkut II

50-79 Tensilkut Template for 1.000″ wide flexural specimens in accordance with ASTM D790

ASTM D1822 Type L Tensile Impact Bars

Master Templates for preparing ASTM D1822 Type L Tensile Impact bars for use with the Tensilkut I and Tensilkut II:

50-69 ASTM D1822 Type L Tensilkut Master Template: for use with 10-68 or 10-78 Tensilkut I or 10-88 Tensilkut II

50-68 Tensilkut Master Template in accordance with ASTM D1822 Type L

Templates for preparing ASTM D1822 Type L specimens on all available Tensilkut I and Tensilkut II models

50-67 Tensilkut Master Template for preparing ASTM D1822 Type L Tensile Impact Specimens

ASTM D1822 Type S Tensile Impact Bars

ASTM D1822 Type S Tensile Impact bars are typically used when the available material is too small to prepare traditional impact bars.  Tensilkut Engineering has a master template to fit every Tensilkut I and Tensilkut II machine which will easily prepare these test bars.

50-64 Tensilkut Master Template for preparing ASTM D1822 Type S tensile impact bars on 10-68 or 10-78 Tensilkut I and 10-88 Tensilkut II models

50-63 Tensilkut Master Template for preparing ASTM D1822 Type S tensile impact bars on select Tensilkut I and Tensilkut II models

50-62 Tensilkut Master Template for preparing ASTM D1822 Type S tensile impact bars

40-74 Tensilbits

Tensilbits are the carbide cutting tools engineered specifically for the high speed specimen cutting achieved with the Tensilkut I and Tensilkut II.  Super-sharp cutting edges combined with the proper angles of cut and relief are essential to achieve the fine shavings required for non-deformed specimen edges.  The 40-74 Tensilbit is used specifically for general plastic cutting operations, and some customers have had excellent results using the 40-74 combined with very light passes to prepare specimens from hard materials such as stainless steel.

40-74 Tensilbit for plastics and hard materials

The 40-74 Tensilbit is an 8 flute, solid carbide cutter with a shank diameter of .500″.  When used properly, Tensilbits can be resharpened, enabling you to extend their life.

40-74 Tensilbit: 8 flute, solid carbide

The 40-74 Tensilbit is designed for use with the 10-20 to 10-70 series Tensilkut I and all Tensilkut II models.  They are in stock for immediate delivery.  Please call for a price, or visit our website at www.tensilkut.com for more information on Tensilkut machines, Tensilbits and Tensilkut Master Templates.

Changing Tensilbits

Tensilbits are designed specifically for use with the Tensilkut I and Tensilkut II series machines.  These carbide bits have a precise diameter with cutting edge angles, rakes and reliefs engineered for optimal surface finish on a variety of materials.  Once a dulled cutting edge on a Tensilbit is noted, do not continue cutting your tensile specimens with that Tensilbit; permanent damage to the Tensilbit, including chipping of the edges can occur, making it impossible to resharpen the Tensilbits for extended use.  A dulled edge will also result in a lesser quality surface finish, yielding inaccurate test results.

Before replacing the Tensilbit, be certain that you’ve used all available sections of your carbide Tensilbit by moving it up and down.  This can be accomplished by loosening the bolt which holds the motor secure within its mount, and twisting the motor to move it up and down, allowing new sections of the carbide flutes on your Tensilbit to be used.

Tensilkut I

To install a new Tensilbit, remove the motor from its mound and loosen the collet with the wrenches provided with your Tensilkut machine.  Remove the worn Tensilbit and insert the new one, sliding it far enough into the collet that it is securely held in place.  Be certain that the chuck, chuck nut and Tensilbit are free of dirt and debris to insure trueness of the bit and accurate alighnment of the carbide cutting edges.

Special Master Templates

Tensilkut Master Templates

Tensilkut Engineering makes a wide variety of special templates to meet each customer’s needs.  The ASTM A370 Template for making tensile samples with an 8″ gauge length is pictured at the top of this picture.  Also shown is a template with bushings for drilling holes for use in pin loaded grips.  Other custom configurations, including very small and very large templates, can be made.

Contact us for more information on completing your specimens.

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Modified ASTM E8 Subsized Tensile Bars

This is the 50-36 Template.  It was developed for people who need a narrower bar than the ASTM E8 standard, but want one longer than the standard subsized specimen.

50-36 Template

The 50-36 template makes a specimen which is .500″ overall width and about 8″ long.  The gauge section is .250″ wide with a taper of .001″ to .002″, a gauge length of 2/00″, and a reduced length of 2.25″.

This template is used with the 10-33 table model Tensilkut I, 10-38 Floor model Tensilkut I, and the 10-85 Tensilkut II.  Similar templates which make the same specimen are available for use with other Tensilkut models.

Please contact us if you would like a quote for this or any other template.