High-Performance Falling Weight Impact Testing for Pipes, Plastics, Composites and Advanced Materials
The Ray-Ran Universal Falling Weight Impact Tester is a versatile, high-precision impact testing system designed to determine the energy required to fracture, crack or rupture a wide range of materials and components. Suitable for quality control, research and development, and product validation, the system performs reliable falling weight impact tests on pipes, sheets, laminates, composites, ceramics and non-ferrous metals.
Designed for maximum flexibility, the tester supports numerous international test methods including ISO 6603, ISO 3127, ASTM D2444, EN 744, EN 1411 and UL 651, making it ideal for laboratories and manufacturers requiring accurate and repeatable impact performance evaluation.
Precision Impact Testing
The standard system features a 2-metre variable drop height capable of producing impact velocities of up to 6.26 m/s with impact energies reaching 314 Joules. Multiple drop weight carriers and interchangeable impact heads (tups) allow the instrument to accommodate a wide variety of materials and testing applications.
A twin guide rail system with low-friction bearings ensures smooth, repeatable vertical impact while maintaining accurate velocity and energy throughout each test.
Designed for Safety and Productivity
Operator safety is integral to the design. An electrical interlock system prevents operation whenever the safety enclosure is open, while the solenoid-operated release mechanism delivers consistent, repeatable drop testing.
Following each impact, the pneumatic carrier return system automatically returns the weight carrier to its preset height, reducing operator effort and improving testing efficiency.
Flexible Testing Configurations
The Ray-Ran Universal Falling Weight Impact Tester can be configured for numerous testing applications simply by changing the support fixtures, clamping systems, impact heads and weight carriers.
Pipe Impact Testing
Using a precision-machined 120° V-rest support, the system evaluates the impact resistance of plastic pipes and tubing. Standard fixtures accommodate pipe diameters from 12 mm to 400 mm, with custom fixtures available for specialised applications.
Flat Plate & Composite Testing
Flat sheets, plaques, laminates and composite materials can be tested using manual or pneumatic clamping fixtures with interchangeable support rings designed to meet various international standards.
Izod & Charpy Testing
Optional fixtures enable the machine to perform Izod and Charpy impact testing, providing even greater laboratory versatility.
Custom Testing Solutions
Ray-Ran can design and manufacture bespoke fixtures and clamping systems to suit specific components, products or proprietary testing requirements.
Test Methods
Round-the-Clock Method
Pipe specimens are subjected to repeated impacts using a specified mass dropped from a defined height in accordance with ISO 3127 and EN 744.
Staircase Method
Successive impacts are performed at varying drop heights depending on previous results to determine impact resistance in accordance with EN 1411.
Features & Benefits
- Universal falling weight impact testing system
- Suitable for plastics, composites, pipes, laminates, ceramics and non-ferrous metals
- Variable 2 metre drop height
- Impact velocities up to 6.26 m/s
- Impact energies up to 314 Joules
- Twin precision guide rail system
- Low-friction bearing load carrier
- Solenoid-operated release mechanism
- Pneumatic carrier return system
- Mechanical raise/lower specimen platform
- Digital height scale
- Electrical safety interlock system
- Compatible with pipe, sheet, plate, Izod, Charpy and component testing
- Operates from 110–240 VAC power supply
- Operating pressure: 100 psi (7 bar)
- CE Declaration of Conformity
- Traceable calibration certificate
- User manual included
- 1-year return-to-base warranty
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | RR/FWT |
| Test Type | Falling Weight Impact Testing |
| Standards | ISO 6603, ISO 3127, ASTM D2444, EN 744, EN 1411, UL 651 and others |
| Applications | Impact Testing, Strength Testing, Creep-to-Failure Testing, Product Evaluation |
| Suitable Materials | Plastic Pipe, Plastic Sheet, Laminates, Composites, Ceramics, Non-Ferrous Metals |
| Maximum Drop Height | 2 metres (standard) |
| Maximum Impact Velocity | 6.26 m/s |
| Maximum Impact Energy | 314 Joules |
| Power Supply | 110–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Operating Pressure | 100 psi (7 bar) |
| Display | Digital Height Scale |
| Dimensions | 950 × 450 × 2500 mm (W × D × H) |
| Weight | 270 kg |
Optional Accessories
- Extended drop height
- Increased chamber capacity
- Pipe V-rest fixtures (12–75 mm)
- Pipe V-rest fixtures (75–400 mm)
- Manual plate and plaque specimen holder
- Pneumatic plate and plaque specimen holder
- Izod testing fixture
- Charpy testing fixture
- Custom-designed fixtures
- Anti-rebound device
- Motorised drop height adjustment
- Digital height scale upgrade
- Velocity indicator
- Drop weight carriers (0.5 kg to 16 kg)
- Custom drop weight carriers
- Standard and custom impact heads (tups)
- Variable weight system
- Low-temperature environmental chamber
Applications
The Ray-Ran Universal Falling Weight Impact Tester is widely used for:
- Plastic pipe impact testing
- Plastic sheet and film testing
- Composite material testing
- Laminates and engineered materials
- Ceramic component testing
- Non-ferrous metal testing
- Product development
- Manufacturing quality control
- Research and development laboratories
Standards
Designed to perform testing in accordance with:
- ISO 6603
- ISO 3127
- ASTM D2444
- EN 744
- EN 1411
- UL 651
Additional standards and customised test methods can be accommodated through optional fixtures and bespoke system configurations.