Accessories News
The Life Cycle of a Product
The product life cycle represents a series of phases that a product transitions through, beginning when a product is introduced to the market and ending when it is discontinued. Phases identify whether the product is in production and the level of support available.
The time it takes to transition between phases is completely unique to every product, and can depend on a number of factors, including advances in technology, improvements to safety or other features, changes in legislation or industry standards, and/or advancements in manufacturing techniques.
The Instron® Product Life Cycle Policy
Although Instron products are built to last, and we make our best effort to support every product for as long as possible, we do occasionally discontinue products. To help our customers plan for the ultimate evolution of their Instron testing equipment, and to provide recommendations on how to move forward, we created our Product Life Cycle Policy.
The Product Life Cycle Policy outlines the four phases that Instron products progress through, and can help you identify the status of your system.
What Should You Do?
As products progress through the product life cycle, repair options and replacement parts become more limited, which can result in longer downtimes and unexpected costs. Understanding the life cycle status of each of your Instron testing machines and accessories can help you reduce the risk posed by under-performing or unreliable machines that may affect your business performance and your reputation.
To fully understand the risks of doing nothing, or if you need help building a successful business case for upgrading old equipment, request your free Lab Health Check today.
Life Cycle Example #1 | Non-Contacting Video Extensometers
Older Models:
Non-Contacting Video Extensometers (AVE 2663-821) & (SVE 2663-822)
Phase 3: Out of Production/Best Effort Support
[View Product Life Cycle Notice]
AVE 2663-821 (Phase 3)
Instron pioneered the first commercial video extensometer in 1991, and our latest models introduce a range of new features that improve accuracy, data rates, productivity, and more. We also made updates to the SVE and AVE hardware to reduce our dependence on suppliers for critical components, and to ensure compatibility with the latest Windows® operating systems.
Recommended Upgrade Path:
Non-Contacting Video Extensometers (AVE 2 [2663-901]) & (SVE 2 [2663-902])
Phase 1: In Production/Full Support
Life Cycle Example #2 | Pneumatic Grips
Older Models:
Pneumatic Grips (2712-001/-002/-003/-004/-005/-012/-013/-014/-015/-016/-017/-018/-019/-020)
Phase 4: Discontinued Product
[View Product Life Cycle Notice]
A few years ago, Instron introduced a series of pneumatic grips offering a range of new features that significantly improve safety, usability, and productivity. As a result of these advancements, repairing the older grips is no longer cost-effective, and in many cases we can no longer supply replacement jaw faces.
Recommended Upgrade Path:
Pneumatic Grips 2712-04x Series and 2712-05x Series
Phase 1: In Production/Full Support