What is an Upgrade or Retrofit?
Instron EXTEND Upgrades allow users of Instron and non-Instron testing equipment to upgrade, or retrofit, testing frames with the industry's most advanced electronics and software. High maintenance costs, increasing periods of downtime, and changes to a products’ Legacy status are the primary reasons that companies choose to retrofit or upgrade their system. In many cases, reconditioning the system is the best choice, while in other cases, selecting the trade-in option provides a better solution.
What does Legacy status mean?
Component obsolescence by our electronics suppliers is making it increasingly difficult to support aging testing systems; resulting in various products being placed into Legacy phase, such as:
Instron's EXTEND Upgrades are available in three basic categories based on the type of testing equipment you are using:
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Universal Electromechanical
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Universal Hydraulic
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Fatigue Systems
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Most common models upgraded:
- 1122, 1123, 1125, 1127, 1128, 4201, 4202, 4204, 4206, 4411, 4400 - and more*
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Most common models upgraded:
- Satec, BTE, HVL, TVL, VTL - and more*
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Most common models upgraded:
- 1300, 1340, 1360, 2150, 8000, 8030, 8060, 8500, 8560, 8500 Plus - and more*
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* Retrofits and upgrades are suitable for nearly all Instron and competitor systems. However, if you don’t see your system listed, please contact us today.
How is an Upgrade Installed?
The mechanical components of the test frame are left intact while the old electronics and analog modules are replaced with all new digital controllers and software. Reconditioning of test frames are often performed on-site by ISO-certified Instron Field Service Engineers, and are typically completed in one day.
What non-Instron test frames can be upgraded?
Instron has experience in refurbishing more than 5,000 load frames manufactured by Instron and more than 15 other brands. Below is a list of the major brands that the EXTEND program covers.
| MTS®/Sintech | United | Tinius Olsen | Zwick |
| Baldwin | Shimadzu | Wolpert | Forney |
How are Legacy products supported?
Instron systems covered under our Legacy Product Support Program will be supported to the best of our ability; however, repair is not guaranteed. We will do our best to resolve the issue with the parts we have available; and Instron’s Technical Support department will continue to help customers by recommending solutions, providing previously released software updates, or by suggesting the best migration path to current generation software and products.
Upgrades allow for the use of the test frame’s existing accessories and fixturing, and provide a clean migration path for future enhancements to the frame’s electronics and software.
Upgrades are an ideal way to expand an aging testing system’s capabilities by adding functionality through new software features, and by increasing accuracy and performance.
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