String Technology UK, a specialist worldwide supplier of strings for tennis rackets has purchased an LFPlus materials testing machine from Lloyd Instruments for checking the tensile strength, elongation at break, knot strength and elongation percentage of strings at given loads. The instrument operates under computer control using NEXYGENPlus material test and data analysis software and is fitted with 2kN horn grips.

String selection can significantly influence the performance of a given racket. String Technology UK supplies polyester and co-poly monofilament strings, the fastest growing sector of the string market, to top brand racket manufacturers and distributors. During the manufacturing process (extrusion) of polyester and co-polyester monofilament tennis strings over 30 quality checks are made, starting with the raw material through to the final collection of the material onto drums.  However, String Technology UK has extended the quality checks by adding tensile testing during processing of the string ready for retail distribution, to ensure enhanced levels of repeatability from batch to batch.

Elongation is measured at 45kg force to replicate the ball hitting the strings. Knot strength is measured because if this is too low, the string will break.  Full testing is carried out at regular intervals during processing (1 in 500 samples) plus product is randomly selected for further analysis. Future tests will include a load then relaxation cycle to allow tension loss over time to be measured.

Although there is no specific testing standard for tensile testing of tennis racket strings, NEXYGENPlus test and control software offers an extensive library of pre-defined test set-ups based on international standards as well as the facility to set up routine tests or create an advanced multi-stage test, with the ability to monitor all aspects of data analysis.

The LFPlus single column universal materials testing machine is an easy to use solution for material testing applications up to 1 kN (225 lbf) capacity.  The machine uses high accuracy interchangeable XLC Series load cells. Tension and compression testing with cycling to load and extension limits are standard features.

Note for Editors

Lloyd Instruments is a unit of the AMETEK Measurement & Calibration Technologies Division. Chatillon is a registered trademark of AMETEK, Inc. AMETEK, Inc. is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company and a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electric motors with annual sales of $2.5 billion.  Visit www.lloyd-instruments.com and www.chatillon.com for more information.



Further Enquiries:  

Suzanne Sharpe, Lloyd Instruments Ltd. 12 Barnes Wallis Road, Segensworth East, Fareham, Hants PO15 5TT UK. Tel. +44 (0)1489 486399 Fax. +44 (0)1489 885118 E-mail: Suzanne.sharpe@ametek.co.uk