HDT Vicat Softening Point Apparatus The HDT Vicat softening point apparatus is a testing instrument used to determine the softening point of a material. It is commonly used in the plastics industry to evaluate the heat resistance and thermal stability of polymers. HDT Vicat softening point apparatus, HDT Vicat tester, heat deformation softening point tester Dongguan Best Instrument Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.best-tester.com
The apparatus consists of a heating bath, a test specimen holder, and a needle or a flat-ended plunger. The test specimen is placed in the holder and immersed in the heated bath. The temperature is gradually increased at a specified rate, and the needle or plunger is applied to the specimen at regular intervals.
The softening point is determined by observing the point at which the needle or plunger penetrates a specified distance into the specimen. This indicates the temperature at which the material starts to soften and lose its dimensional stability.
The HDT Vicat softening point apparatus is designed to meet international standards, such as ISO 306 and ASTM D1525. It provides accurate and reliable results, allowing manufacturers to assess the suitability of materials for various applications and ensure product quality.
A major bus accident occurred on the A9 highway in Aude, France, on the night of August 11th, local time. According to reports from AFP and the European Times, a large passenger coach overturned, resulting in two fatalities and over 30 injuries. The incident was caused by a passenger attempting to seize control of the steering wheel, leading to a tragic crash.
The bus, operated by Eurolines, was traveling between Marseille and Murcia, Spain, when it took an unexpected detour at 1:30 am near Fito, between Narbonne and Perpignan. As the vehicle veered off the road, it struck the highway guardrail before rolling onto the shoulder. Local prosecutor Bernard Shalmaz confirmed that the driver, a Spanish national, reported to the gendarmerie that a passenger had forcibly taken the steering wheel, trying to get out of the vehicle. Subsequent statements from the passenger confirmed this account.
Two people lost their lives in the accident—both were identified as a 55-year-old Spaniard and a 54-year-old Frenchman. Over 30 others were injured, with two in critical condition. All the injured were quickly transported to nearby hospitals and are currently not in life-threatening condition. Uninjured passengers were taken to a multi-functional reception center in Fito, where they received psychological support following the traumatic event.
This incident adds to a troubling weekend of road accidents in France. On August 10th and 11th, three separate traffic accidents occurred across the country, resulting in 10 deaths. Two of these incidents happened in the Aude region, while the third took place near Lorient in Brittany. In that case, a car with an Evelyn license plate was reportedly speeding, crashed into another vehicle, and caught fire, killing all three occupants at the scene.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the bus accident, while families of the victims are being notified and supported. The tragedy has raised concerns about safety on French highways, particularly during late-night travel.