Artemis Environmental Stress Cracking Apparatus (ESCA): Superior Resistance Analysis

Artemis is proud to introduce the Environmental Stress Cracking Apparatus (ESCA), a high-precision instrument engineered to evaluate the susceptibility of ethylene plastics to environmental stress-cracking. Developed in strict accordance with the ASTM D1693 international standard, this system is an essential tool for polymer laboratories analyzing the Environmental Stress-Cracking Resistance (ESCR) of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

The ESCA simulates conditions where soaps, wetting agents, oils, or detergents accelerate mechanical failure, allowing for the identification of potential ruptures caused by tensile stresses significantly lower than a material's short-time mechanical strength.

Thermal Precision & Stability

• Advanced Temperature Control: The 316-grade stainless steel bath is managed by a 1/16 DIN PID digital controller and a PT100 platinum resistance thermometer.

• Exceptional Accuracy: The system maintains critical test temperatures—typically 50 °C or 100 °C—with a precision of ±0.5 °C.

• Uniform Heat Distribution: An integrated stirrer motor ensures absolute temperature stability throughout the bath, while an electronic timer monitors the total test duration.

High-Capacity Specimen Architecture

The internal configuration is optimized for high-throughput testing without compromising accuracy:

• Immersion Rack: A 316 stainless steel rack accommodates up to 46 borosilicate test tubes submerged in a heat transfer medium.

• Constant Stress Application: Each tube is supplied with a rubber stopper and a brass specimen holder designed to maintain constant stress on the mid-section of the test samples.

• Volume Efficiency: Each specimen holder can house up to 10 specimens simultaneously.

Comprehensive Sample Preparation Suite

To ensure results remain consistent and repeatable, the apparatus includes a full specialized tooling kit for specimen preparation:

• Standardized Cutting: A dedicated 38mm x 13mm sample cutting die.

• Precision Notching: A sample nicking jig to initiate controlled stress points.

• Handling Tools: A sample bending clamp and a sample transfer tool for secure specimen management.

Safety & Global Compatibility

• Integrated Protection: For operator safety, the unit is fitted with a secondary thermostat, an emergency stop, and a protective bath lid.

• Power Specifications: Available in both 110–120V (60 Hz) and 220–240V (50 Hz) configurations to meet global laboratory requirements.