This it the website for the Radial Expansion Tester. This is a machine that is being made to test if plastic extrusions can be turned into medical baloons of varying diameters.

The Radial Expansion Tester must be able to complete the folloing tasks:

• Actuate an axial force of up to 150 lbs with minimal slipping
• Pressurize extrusions up to 300 psi
• Control the temperature of 2 inches of extrusion up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit
• Work with unexpanded diameters ranging from .2-.625"
• Measure expanded diameters up to 2.5"

The following subsystems have been selected to accomplish these tasks.

• Axial Loading: Triple-Stack Nema-34 Stepper Motor coupled with a ball screw
• Heating: A custom made nozzle combined with an air heater
• Diameter Measurement: LS-7070M Digital Micrometer
• Clamping: Pnuematic clamps powered by air cylinders