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i3D® Method vs. Conventional Tensile Test – Detailed Cost Comparison

This comparison highlights the economic differences between the modern i3D® indentation method and the conventional tensile test, based on realistic parameters. The assessment considers machine investments, specimen preparation, personnel effort, and total costs over five years for a total of 52,000 stress–strain curves.

The i3D® method saves over €1.34 million compared to the conventional tensile test at the same number of tests (52,000 stress–strain curves in 5 years). By eliminating time-consuming specimen preparation and significantly reducing personnel requirements, i3D® is particularly suitable for series testing, R&D, and quality assurance. Integrated automatic quality control and direct testing on the component also make the method technologically superior.

i3D® Method vs. Conventional Tensile Test – Detailed Cost Comparison

1. Machine Investments

Component i3D® Method Tensile Test
Testing device €100,000 €100,000
CNC mill/lathe €60,000
Total €100,000 €160,000

2. Specimen Preparation Costs (per indentation point vs. tensile specimen)

Item i3D® Method Tensile Test
Raw material €1–2 €2–3
Turning/milling €10–20
Grinding of test surface approx. €1.50
Quality control automatically integrated into i3D workflow €2–5
Logistics & handling approx. €1 €1–3
Total per unit approx. €3.50–4.50 €15–30

3. Personnel Effort & Costs

Role i3D® Tensile Test
Testing personnel 3 hrs/week 17.5 hrs/week
Workshop personnel 17.5 hrs/week
Annual costs (50 weeks) €3,750 €48,125
5-year costs €18,750 €240,625

4. Total Cost Comparison (52,000 curves / 5 years)

Cost block i3D® Method Tensile Test
Investment costs €100,000 €160,000
Specimen preparation €234,000 €1,300,000
Personnel effort €18,750 €240,625
Total costs €352,750 €1,700,625

5. Cost per Stress–Strain Curve

Method Cost per curve
i3D® approx. €6.78
Tensile test approx. €32.70

Further Applications

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