BioLab Software

When you select the test type, the interface asks for the parameters of that test, such as specimen geometry, span, notch or sled mass, and offers the corresponding indicators:

The operator chooses which indicators to follow during the test without affecting acquisition: all data are recorded, and the selection only defines what is highlighted on screen and in the report.

In a linear test, the crosshead moves in a single step, up or down, at constant speed in mm/min, constant force in N or variable force in N/s. The test ends at the selected stop condition: percentage force drop, maximum force, maximum displacement or time, with the option to pause by position, force or time.

The script mode splits the test into steps, each with its own movement, speed and setpoint. A repeater sends execution back to an earlier step as many times as defined: three loading and unloading steps with 50 repetitions result in 50 cycles. A window tracks the status of each step during the test.

Features that prevent lost tests:

• Preload: reaches the defined load before data acquisition starts.
• Slip detection: detects the sudden force drop of a specimen that has slipped out of the grips.
• Automatic switch from extensometer to encoder at the defined strain, so the extensometer can be removed before fracture.
• Batch testing: series of specimens with the same parameters, numbered automatically; recommended for series of 5 to 30 specimens.

Once the test is finished, the operator marks the elastic region with two clicks on the chart, and BioLab draws the Young's modulus line and the parallel line with an adjustable 0.2% offset to obtain the yield strength. Final area and final length complete the reduction of area and elongation.

In the Report, every saved test can be reviewed with zoom, point-by-point value readout and unit changes without rerunning the test, then exported to PDF, HTML or CSV. Your company details are added to the report automatically.

In a Dashboard, several tests of the same type are overlaid on one graph, and BioLab calculates the maximum, minimum, mean and standard deviation of each result. The software only compares tests of the same type, with the same units and the same standard.

Available units

Force	dyn, N, daN, kN, MN, gf, kgf, tf and lbf
Position	mm, m, inch and foot
Stress	Pa, kPa, MPa, GPa and TPa
Graphs	Force vs. position, stress vs. strain, force vs. time, stress vs. time and force vs. strain

Tests are stored in the default local database (SQLite) or in a corporate database: MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle or PostgreSQL. When a new version needs to change the database structure, BioLab copies the local database before changing anything and aborts the update if the copy fails; with a corporate database, it asks for confirmation so the IT team can make the backup. Manual backups can be saved to a USB drive, a network location or the cloud.

During operation, the software works together with the machine's safety devices:

• With the safety door open, the maximum speed automatically drops to a configurable safe value, and a test can only start with the door closed.
• The emergency stop button, upper and lower limit switches and the load cell limit are shown on screen in real time.
• The load cell is recognized automatically, and the machine is always limited to its rated capacity.
• Equipment errors, such as overload or communication failure, are interpreted and shown as descriptive messages, and critical errors stop the test.

The safety devices comply with the Brazilian machinery safety standard NR-12.

What grows over time is the database and, above all, recorded videos. Laboratories that record video often should size the disk according to their own routine.