About Shimadzu

Shimadzu Corporation launched 11 models of AGS-X Series Table-Top Type Precision Universal Testers in Japan on 20 April 2009. Under the banner, "Now More Convenient to Use," these testers are easier to use while achieving the highest measurement accuracy, control accuracy, and test speed for standard testers in their class.

The AGS-X Series is mainly targeted at quality assurance departments for the testing of rubber, plastics, and films, materials that require a large number of test cycles. Despite the low cost, these easy-to-use testers meet diverse testing requirements by offering high test force accuracy, greater safety thanks to a safety guard to protect against flying debris, and a variety of functions to enhance test efficiency.

The TRAPEZIUM LITE X data processing software was launched simultaneously. TRAPEZIUM LITE X runs under Windows VISTA and communicates with the AGS-X through a USB port. TRAPEZIUM LITE X can be operated from the AGS-X operating panel to call up test methods, start testing, and print reports. It offers a new style of testing that enhances work efficiency.

Autograph precision universal testers are used for the strength testing of various materials. They accommodate diverse types of testing, including tensile, bending, compression, and repetitive testing. These testers are essential for the quality control of materials and research and development into new materials. They are used in a wide range of fields by automobile, chemicals, steel, metals, food, textile, and pharmaceuticals manufacturers, university and government testing laboratories, and product inspection stations. Of these, the chemical field, consisting of plastics, rubber, and films in Japan and overseas, represents the largest market and the greatest demand for standard-class testers. The chemical market shows the greatest promise for future growth and is the major target for introducing these high-performance, safe, and low-cost products.

These products achieve the maximum level of performance. They extend the test force range from 1/500 to 1/1 of maximum test force (from the previous 1/250 to 1/1), and enhance the guaranteed test force accuracy to ±0.5% indicated value (from ±1%). A safety guard to protect against flying debris is supplied as standard to contribute to operator safety.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Autograph Precision Universal Testing Machine. It is the core product in Shimadzu's testing machines business. Shimadzu is the leading manufacturer of testing machines with more than a 50% share of the approximately 5-billion yen Japanese domestic market. Introducing the AGS-X Series should expand Shimadzu's sales in this market to further enhance our market competitiveness.

The worldwide market for precision universal testing machines is huge, at over 25-billion yen, leaving ample opportunity for business expansion. These products offer high accuracy and convenience at a reasonable price. They meet both Japanese and overseas standards and Shimadzu has introduced them as global strategic products to further promote the company's world market strategy.

The main features of this series are summarized below.

• World-class test force measurement range from 1/500 to 1/1 of maximum test force permits testing over a wide test force range with a single tester.
• Test speed range expanded to 0.001 to 1,000 mm/minute (from 0.5 to 500 mm/minute). Maximum return speed after completing testing is increased from 500 mm/minute to 1,500 mm/minute, enabling accurate and rapid testing.
• A safety guard to protect against flying debris is supplied as standard to contribute to operator safety.
• Control testing and print reports from the tester or from the PC. The system accommodates the user's preferred testing style.
• The TRAPEZIUM LITE X user interface with a blue screen color and elliptical buttons is user-friendly and easy to use.
• The tester and TRAPEZIUM LITE X software support three languages: English, Japanese, and Chinese. Many JIS/ISO/ASTM-compliant test method files are pre-installed to simplify testing according to these standards.