Long Gauge Length Axial Extensometers – Model 3542L

Long gauge length extensometers with gauge lengths 100 mm (4 inches) or greater for tensile and compression testing. These units are for long gauge length applications where low-level strain measurements such as offset yield are required.

Epsilon extensometers are COMPATIBLE WITH VIRTUALLY EVERY BRAND OF TEST EQUIPMENT and can be supplied with the correct connector to plug in directly, or supplied with a separate conditioner and amplifier.

Operation of these, and all of Epsilon’s extensometers, are

VERIFIED TO APPLICABLE STANDARDS SUCH AS ASTM E83 OR ISO 9513

using in-house calibration systems that are calibrated with Epsilon’s laser interferometer system.

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The dual flexure design makes the 3542L very rugged and insensitive to vibrations. These extensometers are designed for testing a wide range of materials including metals, plastics, composites and ceramics. Epsilon’s Model 3543 is recommended for applications requiring long gauge lengths and larger measuring ranges.

The Model 3542L comes standard with Epsilon’s quick attach kit, making it easy to mount the extensometer on the test specimen. The quick attach kit can be removed, allowing mounting of the extensometer with springs or rubber bands.

Model 3542L extensometers are strain gaged devices, making them compatible with any electronics designed for strain gaged transducers. Most often they are connected to a test machine controller with electronics for a strain channel, and Epsilon will equip the extensometer with a compatible connector that is wired to plug directly into the controller. For systems lacking the required electronics, Epsilon can provide a variety of signal conditioning solutions that enable connecting to data acquisition systems or other equipment.

For gauge lengths less than 100 mm (4 inches), see Model 3542.

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May be left on through specimen failure in most applications.
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When does an extensometer have to be removed before specimen failure?

Remove model 3542 and 3442 extensometers before specimen failure, or use an Epsilon ONE® non-contacting extensometer, in the following applications:
- Rebar and other materials with textured or rough surface finishes (note: use model 3543 or Epsilon ONE to test rebar through failure)
- Wire cable
- Unidirectional composites and similar materials that explode / disintegrate at failure
- Non-rigid griping systems such as “lever action” wedge grips with moveable grip faces or grips with spherical seats
- Long samples of elastic material
- When the expected elongation of the material exceeds the extensometer’s measuring range (for example, using a 10% extensometer with a metal specimen that fails at 20% elongation)
- Rupture of internally pressurized specimens
Full bridge, 350 ohm strain gaged design for compatibility with nearly any test system.
All models can measure in both tension and compression and can be used for cyclic testing.
Mechanical overtravel stops in both directions.
Standard quick attach kit allows quick mounting to specimens.
Hardened tool steel knife edges are easily replaced. A spare set comes with every extensometer.
High and low temperature options extend operation from as low as -270 °C (-454 °F) to +200 °C (400 °F).
Replaceable arms and spacers for ease of repair. This also allows changing the gauge length for different test requirements.
Includes the Epsilon Shunt Calibration System for on-site electrical calibration.
Rugged, dual flexure design for strength and improved performance. Much stronger than single flexure designs, this also allows cyclic testing at higher frequencies.
Includes high quality foam lined case.

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Excitation: 5 to 10 VDC recommended, 12 VDC or VAC max.

Output: 2 to 4 mV/V, nominal, depending on model

Accuracy: Standard configurations meet ASTM E83 class B-1 and ISO 9513 class 0,5 requirements for accuracy. A test certificate is included.

Linearity: ≤0.15% of full scale measuring range

Temperature Range: Standard (-ST) is -40 °C to +100 °C (-40 °F to 210 °F)

Cable: Integral, ultra-flexible cable, 2.5 m (8 ft) standard

Standard Quick Attach Kit:
Wireforms are included for round samples up to 25 mm diameter (1.0 inch) and flats to 12 mm thick by 31 mm wide (0.5 inch by 1.25 inch); wireforms are available for many other specimen sizes – contact Epsilon

Operating Force: Depends on model configuration, less than 30 g typically

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Quick attach kit wireforms for large specimens
Adapter kits to change gauge lengths
Connectors to interface to nearly any brand of test equipment
Special coatings and stainless steel knife edges available for biomedical tests
Specialty Knife Edges

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Ordering Information

Click table options to configure

pGauge Length
Selecting Extensometer Gauge Length

Extensometer Gauge Length is the distance between the extensometer’s initial measuring points on the specimen. If you are using a testing standard, check the standard for extensometer gauge length requirements. Many test standards specify the specimen dimensions and a matching extensometer gauge length.

Many specimens have a reduced section length that is designed to be greater than the extensometer’s gauge length.

mm or inches	#
100 mm	-100M	100M
150 mm	-150M	150M
200 mm	-200M	200M
250 mm	-250M	250M
500 mm	-500M	500M
600 mm	-600M	600M
4.000 in	-0400	0400
6.000 in	-0600	0600
8.000 in	-0800	0800
10.000 in	-1000	1000
20.000 in	-2000	2000
24.000 in	-2400	2400

pMeasuring Range
Selecting Extensometer Measuring Range

Measuring Range is the measuring capacity of the extensometer in tension (+) or compression (-) in units of % strain, maximum extension, or maximum deflection. When measuring range is in units of % strain, this means the maximum extension as a percentage of the gauge length.

Estimate the maximum strain or extension values you will need to measure, such as the total strain when the extensometer is removed after offset yield or the elongation at fracture. Then select a measuring range for the extensometer that meets or exceeds the requirements for the materials you are testing. If you are using a testing standard, also check the standard for extensometer requirements.

extension	#
±2.5 mm	-0025M	0025M
±6.0 mm	-006M	006M
+12.5/-6.0 mm	-0125M	0125M
+25.0/-6.0 mm	-025M	025M
±0.10 in	-010T	010T
±0.25 in	-025T	025T
+0.50/-0.25 in	-050T	050T
+1.00/-0.25 in	-100T	100T

Temperature Range

degrees	#
-270 °C to 100 °C (-454 °F to 210 °F)	-LT	LT
-40 °C to 100 °C (-40 °F to 210 °F)	-ST	ST
-40 °C to 150 °C (-40 °F to 300 °F)	-HT1	HT1
-40 °C to 200 °C (-40 °F to 400 °F)	-HT2	HT2
-270 °C to 200 °C (-454 °F to 400 °F)	-LHT	LHT

Model Number: 3542L – _ _ _ _ – _ _ _ _ – _ _

Selected Tensile Measuring Range: _ _ _ _

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Model 3542L Available Versions: ANY combination of gauge length, measuring range and temperature range listed above is available, except as noted. Other configurations may be available with special order; please contact Epsilon to discuss your requirements.

Example: 3542L-200M-0125M-ST: 200 mm gauge length, +12.5 / -6.0 mm measuring range, standard temperature option (-40 °C to 100 °C)