Hallam, Australia -- IDM Instruments Pty Ltd has developed a Mattress Compression Tester to evaluate indentation force deflection (IFD).
The machine, intended for use within the foam and mattress industries, uses a circular indentor foot to determine the force required to deflect the test piece a percentage of its original thickness.
Australian company IDM says the instrument is operated using a software package developed in-house, with features allowing programming of all parameters, operational control and real-time display of the on-going test.
The software also enables the Mattress Compression Tester to be programmed with reference to various testing standards, including ISO, ASTM and AS. Once a testing procedure is entered into the software programme, it can be saved and retrieved for later use, IDM said.
The floor mount instrument enables easy mounting of any sized mattresses, claims IDM. Different sized indentor platens can be used to customise testing capabilities.
Another product from IDM is a Cornell Type Tester for innerspring and Boxspring mattresses, to evaluate the long term capacity of bedding to resist cyclic loading.
Again the machine is controlled by software developed by IDM Instruments. A step-by-step procedure guides users throug the 10.5 h testing sequence, which simulates 10 years of mattress use, the company claims.
Automating the test set-up process is important in ensuring the parameters are not influenced by operator error, said the company.
The Cornell Type Tester is an industry-recognised test, and IDM Instruments points out that it is "currently the sole manufacturer worldwide" of this instrument (pictured).
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