Shimadzu, celebrating its 150th anniversary, continues to meet industry demands through innovation in analytical instrumentation and composite materials testing. Founded in 1875, the company combines a century of testing expertise with a deep focus on customer support, training, and service.
At the core of its portfolio is the AGX-V2, considered one of the industry's highest-class testing machines. Designed for modern composites, it delivers the load capacity, stiffness, and repeatability required to meet today's evolving specifications.
Meeting Modern Testing Demands
Shimadzu notes that designers increasingly demand accredited methods with high reproducibility. Beyond standard tensile testing, compression and shear tests are widely applied, while specialised methods such as compression after impact are gaining traction, particularly in aerospace.
For composite specimens, conventional 'dog bone' samples are avoided to preserve fibre integrity. Instead, Shimadzu applies load introduction elements to ensure a uniaxial stress state and reduce stress concentrations. Alignment is critical, particularly in aviation standards, though most specimens remain flat and straight.
Data and Standards Challenges
Unlike metals, composites lack a comprehensive empirical database due to wide variability in fibre types, matrices, and orientations. While some automotive programs have attempted to align composite standards with metal testing, the aviation sector continues to maintain distinct approaches. Standards such as ISO 17025 and Nadcap are increasingly viewed as essential benchmarks, underpinning customer confidence.
Role of Simulation
Simulation and visualisation are becoming indispensable in assessing strain distribution and validating models. Shimadzu highlights the dual role of testing: supplying accurate input data and confirming simulation outcomes. Physical and virtual testing are now interdependent, particularly as not all composite structures can be tested directly.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Shimadzu expects demand for more specialised testing, including for sustainable composites and recyclates. The company is actively developing solutions to address these new materials and processing routes.
Source: www.shimadzu.co.uk
