Specimen Marking

Overview

Vector measures strain or extension via markings applied to the specimen.

There are three mark types: Rings, Filled Circles, and Speckles.

The mark type used depends on specimen geometry and Vector variant.

Vector	Flats Using Rings or Filled Circles	Flats Using Speckles	Rounds Using Speckles
U200	W ≥ 8 mm	W ≥ 5 mm	Ø ≥ 6 mm
U70	W ≥ 4 mm	W ≥ 2 mm	Ø ≥ 2.5 mm
B80	W ≥ 4 mm when axial W ≥ 10 mm when transverse	W ≥ 1.5 mm when axial W ≥ 10 mm when transverse	Ø ≥ 2 mm when axial Ø ≥ 12.5 mm when transverse

The ink choice and preparation depend on the Vector variant, material appearance and behaviour.

Warning

Ensure that the correct marking kit is used with each Vector variant

Marking with Rings and Circles

Circles are filled ring markings. The diameter of the ring varies with the Vector variant.

Kit - U200

Kit - U70

Kit - B80

Uses

Geometry

Vector	Using Rings or Filled Circles
U200	W ≥ 8 mm
U70	W ≥ 4 mm
B80	W ≥ 4 mm when axial W ≥ 10 mm when transverse

Appearance

Preparation

1. Clean specimen to remove grease and dust

   

2. Ensure stencil is clean and pen nib is true.

   

Worn nibs can be removed and reversed for extended use.

See section on Maintenance of Vector Marking Kit for more information.

Warning

Do not touch reduced section of specimen once cleaned.

Application

For high-straining applications, filled circles are preferred.

Select stencil orientation for gauge length.

Using Vector U200

Using Vector U70 or B80

Using B80 in transverse

1. Align stencil to reduced section of specimen.

2. Evenly draw markings.

3. Remove stencil.

   Take care to avoid smudging the markings.

   

   The B80 Combined Stencil works in a similar way.

   

Examples for U200

Good Examples

Poor Examples

Examples for U70

Good Examples

Poor Examples

Examples for B80

Good Examples

Poor Examples

Marking with Speckles

Kit

Uses

Geometry

Vector	Flats Using Speckles	Rounds Using Speckles
U200	W ≥ 5 mm	Ø ≥ 6 mm
U70	W ≥ 2 mm	Ø ≥ 2.5 mm
B80	W ≥ 1.5 mm when axial W ≥ 10 mm when transverse	Ø ≥ 2 mm when axial Ø ≥ 12.5 mm when transverse

Appearance

Using Vector U200

Using Vector U70

Using Vector B80

Preparation

1. Clean specimen to remove grease and dust

   

2. Ensure stamp is free from a build-up of ink or debris.

   

Place stamp on top of ink pad between marking specimens

Information

For new stamps:

Clean and check that the stamp is clean and grease free.

Then apply speckle marks onto scrap material several

times to prime stamp for general use.

Warning

Do not touch reduced section of specimen once cleaned.

Application

1. Prepare work area.

   Place a clean sheet of paper under specimen before stamping.

2. Prepare specimen.

   Apply a basecoat, if required, using the contrasting ink.

3. Select Stamp Orientation for Gauge Length.

Using Vector U200

Using Vector U70

Using Vector B80

3. Ink Stamp.

   Light even pressure.

   

4. Apply stamp to specimen.

   Firm even pressure.

   

Information

Allowing for the ink to dry slightly on the stamp before applying will minimise the likelihood of slipping.

Information

A crisp ‘peeling’ sound when removing stamp from specimen is a good indicator that the speckle pattern has been applied effectively.

Warning

Ensure that entire stamp pad is evenly coated in ink.

Application Technique

For best results, vary the technique based on the geometry of specimen.

Flat Specimens

Round Specimens

Take care to not roll stamp over existing speckle markings.

Examples for U200

Good Examples

Good speckle patterns consist of high contrast speckles, with evenly inked blots covering a large area of the specimen.

Poor Examples

Examples for U70

Good Examples

Good speckle patterns consist of high contrast speckles, with evenly inked blots covering a large area of the specimen.

Poor Examples

Examples for B80

Good Examples

Good speckle patterns consist of high contrast speckles, with evenly inked blots covering a large area of the specimen.

Poor Examples