In times of a shortage of skilled workers, ZwickRoell offers a compact automation solution in the form of the testing assistant Alex (Automated Lab Expert): Specially designed for small series of ten specimens or more, Alex automates tensile and flexure tests, thus creating more free space for skilled personnel in the testing laboratory.
Curtain up for test assistant Alex: The robotic arm is easy to retrofit and requires no more space than a manual operator. The advantage of this particularly space-saving solution is that it makes it possible to efficiently automate even smaller laboratories with low sample volumes. Thanks to its compact design, Alex fits into any laboratory and requires no additional floor fixation. “With Alex, we are revolutionizing laboratory automation by enabling maximum efficiency with minimum space requirements,” says Jakob Brodbeck, Business Development & Product Manager Automation at ZwickRoell. 
(Image source: ZwickRoell GmbH & Co. KG
©
Compatible with AllroundLine table-top testing machines
The Alex testing assistant autonomously performs tensile tests on plastics to ISO 527/ASTM D638, flexure tests to ISO 178 and tensile tests on metals to ISO 6892/ASTM E8. The specimen magazine, which is placed directly on the testing machine, holds 40 specimens and ensures efficient testing. Alex is compatible with all AllroundLine table-top testing machines and can be easily retrofitted.
Significantly less operator influence
With Alex, laboratories in the plastics and metal industry benefit from reproducible results and possible operator influences are also significantly reduced. Automation makes it possible to relieve qualified laboratory personnel of routine tasks and take on more demanding work. Manual testing is also possible at any time – the parking function of the robot arm means that access to the testing machine remains unrestricted. Brodbeck: “Our Alex test assistant is the perfect solution for laboratories looking for automation without compromising on flexibility and precision.” The Alex test assistant impresses with its compact design, which fits into any laboratory, and is compatible with AllroundLine table-top testing machines. Its small footprint of just 30 cm and the fact that it does not need to be fixed to the floor make it particularly flexible. Alex performs tensile and bending tests autonomously and significantly reduces operator intervention thanks to the automatic cross-section measuring device. Manual testing remains possible at all times, and Alex offers a cost-effective automation solution thanks to its short delivery time and attractive prices.
Facts & Figures
ZwickRoell sees itself as a global leader in materials and component testing, and customers benefit from over 160 years of experience in various industries. In fiscal year 2023, the company generated sales of EUR 304 million. The ZwickRoell Group has production sites in Germany, Austria, the UK and China as well as subsidiaries and agencies in 56 other countries. ZwickRoell currently has more than 1,800 employees, 1,200 of whom work at the Ulm site. Web: www.zwickroell.com
