Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhanced specimen gripping solutions. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to specimen holder slide guides and methods for use thereof. An example apparatus for handling specimens may include a specimen holder configured to engage a specimen, one or more grippers configured to grip the specimen after insertion, and a guide. The specimen holder may include one or more holding components configured to receive the specimen in a flat position, and one or more securing components configured to securely maintain the specimen flat after insertion into the specimen holder. The guide may include one or more guide components configured for enabling coupling the guide to a component in the apparatus, engaging the specimen holder with the specimen, and enabling movement of the specimen holder with the specimen into the one or more gripper.

Abstract: An example material testing system includes: a pneumatic grip configured to grip a specimen under test based on a supplied pressure; and a processor configured to control the pressure supplied to the pneumatic grip by repeatedly: controlling a fill valve to increase the supplied pressure; allowing the supplied pressure to stabilize after each increase; and adjusting a pressurization time based on comparing an expected pressure increase to an actual pressure increase during the pressurization.

Abstract: An example material testing system includes: a pneumatic grip configured to grip a specimen under test based on a supplied pressure; and a processor configured to control the pressure supplied to the pneumatic grip by repeatedly: controlling a fill valve to increase the supplied pressure; allowing the supplied pressure to stabilize after each increase; and adjusting a pressurization time based on comparing an expected pressure increase to an actual pressure increase during the pressurization.