ZwickRoell Automates Plastic Testing with Alex System

ZwickRoell expanded its single-axis testing machine lineup on October 22, 2026, by introducing the Alex automation system for tensile and flexural tests on plastics and elastomers, plasticker.de reported. The setup handles up to 60 specimens on a one-square-meter footprint without constant operator intervention.

Alex Automation System Specimen Handling

The Alex system manages specimen feeding and integrates it into the automated testing sequence to run recurring test series largely without manual input. ZwickRoell designed the setup to increase sample throughput for regular testing volumes while cutting down repetitive handling steps. Standardizing the feeding process also minimizes operator-dependent influences on the test procedure and measurement outcomes. This reduction in manual handling supports higher comparability of measurement values and steadier statistical evaluations during large test series.

ZwickiLine Single Axis Machine Operation

The automation setup pairs with the zwickiLine single-axis testing machine to cover tensile and flexural tests on plastics and elastomers up to a 5 kN test force. Laboratories can run fully automated sequences or switch back to manual operation without undertaking a fundamental conversion. This dual capability allows facilities to automate standard series tests while using the same machine for single tests, special tasks, or changing test programs.

Laboratory Floor Space and Target Applications

Measuring approximately one square meter in floor space, Alex targets applications where space for automation is restricted while accommodating up to 60 test specimens in the setup. ZwickRoell positioned the solution for quality control, testing services, and research and development laboratories that need to automate feeding and testing without deploying a separate large-scale automation cell.