ASTM E1856-13(2021) PDF

Overview

ASTM E1856-13(2021), Standard Guide for Evaluating Computerized Data Acquisition Systems Used to Acquire Data from Universal Testing Machines, provides essential guidelines for assessing the performance, calibration, and documentation of computerized data acquisition systems (CDAS) in the context of quasi-static material tests. The standard is highly relevant for technicians, engineers, and laboratories that use universal testing machines (UTMs) equipped with digital recording and analysis systems. Adhering to this guide helps ensure the reliability, accuracy, and traceability of measurement data, all of which are critical for quality assurance in materials testing.

Key Topics

• Evaluation and Documentation Procedures The guide outlines comprehensive methods for evaluating computerized data acquisition systems, including comparison with manual methods and participation in interlaboratory studies (round robin testing).

• Calibration and Verification Emphasizes the importance of regular calibration of both universal testing machines and their associated CDAS, referencing related practices for force calibration, extensometer verification, and alignment checks.

• Definitions and Metrics Provides clear terminology for key measurement concepts, such as basic data (digital equivalents of analog measurements), derived data (computed results like peak force or modulus), data acquisition rate, resolution, transducer-channel bandwidth, and system response.

• Factors Affecting Data Quality Identifies influences such as calibration errors, input errors, software algorithms, specimen alignment, bandwidth limitations, and environmental noise, all of which can impact data precision and accuracy.

• Reporting Requirements Recommends structured reporting to document machine details, software versions, calibration data, test results, and deviations to support traceability and ongoing system validation.

Applications

• Materials Testing Laboratories Utilize this standard to systematically evaluate and document the performance of computerized data acquisition systems for universal testing machines. This ensures measurement data are accurate, reliable, and traceable to national standards.

• Calibration and Quality Control Supports regular calibration and verification processes for force measurement, extensometer performance, and data acquisition system accuracy, critical for compliance with laboratory accreditation and quality management systems.

• Interlaboratory Comparisons Facilitates round robin studies, enabling organizations to compare the performance of different machines and data systems, identify systemic issues, and validate computer-derived results against manual calculations.

• System Upgrades and Modifications Provides guidance on re-evaluating and documenting CDAS following hardware updates, software changes, or other modifications that may affect system performance or data interpretation.

• Troubleshooting Data Discrepancies Assists in diagnosing causes of data anomalies, such as calibration differences, inappropriate test speeds, resolution limitations, and algorithm inconsistencies, thereby maintaining high standards of measurement integrity.

Related Standards

• ASTM E4 - Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines
• ASTM E8/E8M - Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• ASTM E83 - Practice for Verification and Classification of Extensometer Systems
• ASTM E1012 - Practice for Verification of Testing Frame and Specimen Alignment Under Tensile and Compressive Axial Force Application
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• ASTM E6 - Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
• ISO/IEC 17025 (Not referenced in the standard, but commonly used in testing labs) - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

Conclusion

Implementing ASTM E1856-13(2021) helps organizations achieve high standards of data integrity, traceability, and reliability in mechanical testing using universal testing machines with computerized data acquisition systems. By following this guide, users can better ensure that their data acquisition, storage, and analysis methods lead to accurate characterization of material properties, supporting product quality and compliance in a range of industries.

Keywords: computerized data acquisition, universal testing machine, ASTM E1856, calibration, materials testing, data acquisition rate, resolution, bandwidth, derived data, traceability, force measurement, quality assurance.