The Automatic Vicat Apparatus is used for the initial and final setting time determination of cements or mortar pastes. The entire test is fully automatic and gives precise and repeatable results. Results are printed on the integral printer, eliminating the need to install and zero graph paper on the drum. Use of the Automatic Vicat is simplified by the user-friendly menus, available in different languages.
Display
The large high contrast/high resolution LCD display shows the test data together with general functions. It displays the test graph in real time, replacing and replicating the pen tracing on the paper. The apparatus has a clock calendar, used to program the test cycles.
Firmware
The unit is supplied with standard programs to automate all tests according to the following Standards:
EN 196-3:2005 / EN 13279-2 gypsum / EN 480-2 / ASTM C191 / DIN 1164 / DIN 1168 gypsum / NF P15/431 / BS 4550 / 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 ability 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 feature is particularly useful when testing new mortars, additives and when carrying out research that requires sophisticated and flexible applications.
Timer
0 – 999 Minutes
The firmware allows setting a delay time for the start of the test. This is particularly useful when the approximate setting time of the mortar is known and the operator wants to start the test in order to concentrate the penetrations with a short interval of time between them and obtain better measurement values.
Probes
The mobile probe weighs 300g (1000g for the EN, NF Standards), the penetration needle is 1.13mm in diameter (1mm for the ASTM Standard) and it can be programmed in free fall or in guided fall.
Totally flexibility of timings is possible. The penetration times can be selected between 0.5 minutes and 999 minutes (fix interval between two penetrations of a test) or it can be changed during the test for up to 5 different phases with different interval times; it can even be changed automatically during the setting time fixing a penetration depth. The two options described above can be combined. The penetration measurement is read by a very accurate encoder with a resolution of 0.1mm.
The Automatic Vicat also calculates, displays and prints
- Time from sample preparation (set by the operator)
- Test start time
- Remaining time to the next penetration
- Time remaining to the end of the test
- Number of penetrations made
- Remaining number of penetrations to be made
Test Results
The memory can hold more than 50 complete tests, with all test parameters and results.
In the event of a power failure during the test, even for a short time, the test will be invalidated and the apparatus will stop automatically, keeping the set data.
At the end of the test the apparatus will automatically print a report with all the data from the last test, including a graph tracing each single penetration with its time values and penetration number.
A USB port is provided for connection to a separate printer with standard format and HP protocol.
An RS232 interface is also provided to download the test data using Microsoft Hyper Terminal (normally incorporated with Windows operating systems).
The Automatic Vicat Apparatus is supplied complete with integral printer, two hardened needles (1mm diameter and 1.13mm diameter), two conical moulds to EN and ASTM and a glass plate to hold the conical mould.
Power supply: 230V 50-60Hz 1ph 20W
Dimensions: 400mm x 200mm x 470mm high
Weight: 12kg
Click to view a PDF file of the User Guide
A user guide is available to download from the Impact web site www.impact-test.co.uk
