Vicatronic Automatic Single Station Vicat Needle Apparatus

EN 196/3, D.M. 3/6/68, ASTM C191, DIN 1164, 1168, BS 4550, UNE 80102, NF P15-414, P15-431, AASHTO T131

The Vicatronic apparatus, designed and manufactured using the most recent and sophisticated technology, is used for the initial and final setting time determination of cement or mortar.

The entire test is made in a fully automatic cycle and provides precise and repeatable results. The results are then printed on the integrated printer. The use of this Vicat instrument is extremely simplified by the guiding menu that is available in different languages.

Display

The large high contrast LCD display has a high resolution and displays the test data together with the general functions of the unit. It visualises for the first time in real time the graph of the test (see picture) replacing and simulating the old-fashioned pen tracing on the paper. Vicatronic has a clock calendar that is used for programming the test cycles.

Hardware

The Vicatronic is supplied with the standard programs to automatically test according to the following Standards: EN 196/3, ASTM C191, DIN 1164, DIN 1168 gypsum, NF P15/431, BS4550 AASHTO T131.

Further programs can be developed by the operator using the specific menu “free tests” available on the base firmware; the user has the possibility to set 5 totally free test profiles defining the number of penetrations and the coordinates of each penetration (ray in mm of the circle where the number of penetrations have to be distributed) and number of circles. This possibility is particularly useful when testing new mortars, additives and for research & development that requires sophisticated and flexible applications.

Timer 0 – 999 Minutes

The unit allows activating a delay to begin the tests. This program is particularly useful when the approximate setting time of the mortar is known and the operator wants to start the working of the Vicatronic after a certain time in order to concentrate the penetrations with a short interval of time between them and have better measuring values.

Probes

The mobile probe weighs 300 g (1000 g following the EN, NF Standards), the penetration needle has 1,13 mm diameter (1 mm following ASTM Standard) and its fall can be programmed in free fall or in guided fall. Totally flexible as far as the time is concerned, the penetrations time can be selected between 0,5 minutes and 999 minutes (fix interval between two penetrations of a test) or can change during the test up to 5 different phases with different interval time; it can even change automatically during the setting time fixing a penetration depth. The two options described here above can be combined together.

The penetration measure is read by a very accurate encoder having a resolution of 0,1 mm.

The Vicatronic also calculates, visualises and prints:

• The time from the moment of the sample preparation (set by the operator).
• The time the test starts.
• The residual time to the next penetration.
• The residual time to the end of the test
• The number of penetrations made and the residual penetrations to be made.

Test Results

The Vicatronic can save all the test parameters and results and stores a file with a capacity of more than 50 complete tests. In case of a power outage, even for a short time, during the test duration, the test will be invalidated and the instrument will automatically stop while keeping the set data. At the end of the test, Vicatronic will print the results and test report automatically on the integrated printer. The report includes all the data concerning the last test made including a graph tracing each single penetration with its values of time and penetration number (see example printed).

Vicatronic has a USB connection port for connection to a separate printer with standard format (accessory mod. E044-14)) and HP protocol.

PC Connection and Network Options

Despite the totally independent working of the machine that includes an integrated printer, the Vicatronic has been designed for a PC connection (RS232) with the possibility to download the test data using a common program (Microsoft Hyper Terminal) that is normally included with the Windows PC package. In this case the data processing will have to be made by the operator.

The "Vicat-Win" software (accessory mod. E044-11) allows receiving, managing, processing and completing the test dates; it will trace automatically the graph, personalize and print the test report.

The Vicatronic offers the possibility, buying the kit "Vicat-Net" (accessory mod. E044-12), to connect up to 20 instruments on a network managed by a PC through two pins RJ45 with RS485 protocol. This allows obtaining a complete remote control from the PC of each single Vicatronic.

The details of the performances are following:

• Transfer each single control or function of the Vicatronic on the PC
• Verify in real time each phase of the test being made
• Automatically download the final results at the end of the test on all the connected Vicatronic.
• Process and file at the same time all the tests without mandating the operator to move from his working place.

Additionally the firmware has many other functions detailed in the technical chart that will be transmitted to the user interested to know more about it.

The Vicatronic is supplied complete with the integrated printer, two needle (one with 1 mm diameter and one with 1,13 mm. diameter), two conical moulds EN and ASTM, a glass plate to hold the conical mould.

Power supply: 110 V/60 Hz or 220-240 V/50 Hz
Dimensions: 400 x 200 xh 470 mm. h.
Weight: 13 kg.

Accessories

E044-01
VICATRONIC identical to the model E044, but made with anticorrosion components to be used in places with humidity not below 90% and controlled temperature of 20° C. ± 1° C. as required by the Standard EN196-3.

E044-11

Software “VICAT-WIN” complete with connection cable of 3 metres that allows by the RS232 port downloading, processing, printing and managing all the data directly from the PC.

E044-12
Kit “VICAT-NET” to connect up to 20 Vicatronic on a network by means of two connectors RS485 managed by a PC. The kit includes: the software, the RS232/485 converter and the cable for the connection of one appliance.

E044-13
Complete kit with cable for serial connection RS485, 5 metres long for the connection of one Vicatronic to the PC or to a network (cables with different length are available on demand).

E044-14
Table-top colour printer, A4 format, complete with connecting cable to the UBS port of the Vicatronic.

E043
MOULD TANK to test the specimen immersed in water. The test must be performed in room having a controlled temperature of 20° C. ± 1° C. The saturated humidity is obtained by the immersion in water of the specimen as required by the standard EN196-3.

E044-20
THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM The device produces water at a controlled temperature of 20° C. ± 1° C. that is circulated into the tank E043 to perform the test at controlled temperature and humidity as required by the Standard EN196-3. Can be used only with one single Vicatronic.

Power supply: 220-240 V 1 Ph 50 Hz. 1150W
Dimensions: 615x375x400 mm.
Weight: 24 kg.

E044-21
THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM Same as the mod. E044-20 but can be used simultaneously for “TWO” Vicatronic.

E044-30
NEEDLE CLEANING DEVICE It removes the residual cement particles from the needle keeping it constantly lubricated.

E044-40
CONICAL PENETRATION NEEDLE, having 8 mm. diameter and 50 mm. long, to make gypsum tests following DIN 1168.

E044-41
PROBE 100 g, to make test on gypsum following DIN 1168 Standard

E042-02
Consistency probe dia. 10x50 mm

E042
Needle for final setting EN/BS 1,13 mm. diameter.

E042-01
Needle for final setting ASTM 1 mm. diameter.

E044-45
Additional 700 g weight (NF, EN Standard).

E046-03
“Hardened” 1,13 mm. Ø needle (EN, UNI, NF, DIN, BS)

E055-04
Plastic mould Ø 80/90 x 40 mm. high following UNI

E055-11
Brass mould Ø 80/90 x 40 mm. high following BS

E055-12
Split brass mould two halves Ø 80/90 x 40 mm. (BS)

E055-13
Plastic mould Ø 65/75 x 40 mm. high following DIN

Spare Parts

E046
1,13 mm. Ø penetration needle (EN, UNI, NF, DIN, BS)

E046-01
1 mm. Ø penetration needle (ASTM)

E055-05
Plastic mould Ø 60/70 x 40 mm. high following ASTM

E055-07
Glass base plate

E055-10
Plastic mould Ø 70/80 x 40 mm. high following EN, NF

For further information or to place an order for the Vicatronic Automatic Single Station Vicat Needle Apparatus CLICK HERE, call us Toll-Free at: 1.877.884.TEST, or click on the "HOW TO ORDER" Button