The VLS3.60DT is a compact and economical entry-level platform that offers a material processing envelope of 24" x 12" x 4" or 1,152 in³. The VLS3.60DT can be equipped with one of five 10.6µm CO2 laser sources ranging in power from 10 to 60 watts or one 9.3µm CO2 30 watt or 50-watt laser source.
This video demonstrates the Matrix Bending Moments experiment operating in manual mode, giving students a practical understanding of how loads create bending moments within a beam. By following the included curriculum workbook, learners collect real experimental data and compare measured values with theoretical calculations, reinforcing key principles of structural engineering and mechanics.
During the experiment, students move a fixed load to multiple positions along the beam while the integrated load cell measures the resulting forces. The measured data is recorded, analyzed, and used to calculate support reactions and bending moments before being plotted on a graph for comparison with theoretical predictions. This hands-on investigation helps students visualize how load position influences internal beam forces and structural behavior.
What You'll Learn
- How to set up the Bending Moments experiment in manual mode
- How load position affects bending moments within a beam
- Using an integrated load cell to measure reaction forces
- Recording and analyzing experimental data
- Calculating reaction forces at beam supports
- Comparing measured and theoretical bending moment values
- Plotting graphs to analyze structural behavior
- Developing practical skills in structural engineering experimentation
Why Study Bending Moments?
Understanding bending moments is fundamental to structural and civil engineering. This experiment allows students to investigate how beams respond to different loading conditions, validate engineering theory through experimentation, and build confidence interpreting structural analysis using real-world measurements.
This video demonstrates the Matrix Shear Force experiment using data acquisition mode, allowing students to investigate how applied loads create shear forces within a beam. Following the guided curriculum workbook, learners collect accurate experimental data while developing a practical understanding of structural behavior and beam analysis.
During the experiment, students apply incremental loads to the beam while an integrated load cell continuously measures the resulting shear force. The measurements are automatically recorded using the Matrix data acquisition software and exported for analysis. Students then use the collected data to create graphs, compare experimental results with engineering theory, and develop a deeper understanding of shear force diagrams and structural mechanics.
What You'll Learn
- How to perform a shear force experiment using data acquisition
- How integrated load cells measure shear force within a beam
- Investigating the effects of changing point loads and load positions
- Recording experimental data using Matrix data acquisition software
- Applying incremental loading to analyze structural response
- Exporting data for graphing and post-experiment analysis
- Interpreting shear force graphs and engineering results
- Reinforcing structural engineering concepts through hands-on investigation
Why Study Shear Forces?
Shear forces play a critical role in the design and analysis of beams and structural members. This experiment allows students to collect real measurement data, visualize how shear forces change under different loading conditions, and connect theoretical calculations with practical engineering observations.
This video demonstrates the Matrix Torsion of Rods experiment in manual mode, where students investigate how different materials respond to applied torque. Following the included curriculum workbook, learners compare the torsional characteristics of brass, aluminum, and steel rods while collecting experimental data for analysis.
During the investigation, students install each rod, measure its dimensions, and gradually increase the angle of twist while recording the torque required at each increment. The experiment is repeated for each material, allowing students to compare torque-versus-angle relationships and better understand material properties, torsional stiffness, and structural behavior through practical experimentation.
What You'll Learn
- How to set up the Torsion of Rods experiment in manual mode
- Comparing the torsional behavior of brass, aluminum, and steel rods
- Measuring torque and angle of twist using integrated LCD displays
- Recording experimental measurements for multiple materials
- Investigating the relationship between torque and angular displacement
- Repeating experiments to compare material properties
- Plotting torque versus angle graphs for analysis
- Reinforcing engineering concepts through hands-on laboratory investigations
Why Study Torsion?
Torsional loading is an important consideration in the design of shafts, drive systems, fasteners, and structural components. This experiment gives students practical experience measuring the effects of torque on different materials, helping them connect engineering theory with real-world mechanical behavior and material performance.
This video demonstrates the Matrix Bending Stress experiment using data acquisition mode, allowing students to investigate how bending loads create stress within a beam. Using the included curriculum workbook, learners configure strain gauges, collect real-time measurement data, and perform engineering analysis to validate theoretical calculations.
Students begin by configuring a quarter-bridge Wheatstone bridge circuit using strain gauges and precision resistors before applying incremental loads to the beam. As each load is added, measurements are captured through the integrated data acquisition system and exported for analysis. The resulting data allows students to calculate bending stress, compare theoretical and experimental results, and gain practical experience with strain measurement techniques used throughout structural and mechanical engineering.
What You'll Learn
- How to configure a quarter-bridge Wheatstone bridge using strain gauges
- Setting up the Bending Stress experiment using data acquisition
- Applying incremental loads to investigate bending stress
- Collecting real-time strain measurements using integrated sensors
- Measuring beam dimensions for engineering calculations
- Exporting experimental data for post-laboratory analysis
- Comparing theoretical bending stress calculations with measured results
- Developing practical skills in experimental stress analysis
Why Study Bending Stress?
Measuring bending stress is fundamental to understanding how structural components perform under load. This experiment introduces students to strain gauge technology, Wheatstone bridge circuits, and modern data acquisition methods while reinforcing core concepts in mechanics of materials, structural analysis, and engineering design.
This video provides an overview of the Matrix Fundamental Mechanics Materials Kit, demonstrating how students perform practical experiments to investigate the mechanical properties of engineering materials. Designed for classroom and laboratory environments, the kit allows learners to build experiments using the portable work panel while following the included curriculum workbook.
The featured experiment investigates how an aluminum beam deflects under increasing loads. Students measure the beam's dimensions, apply incremental weights, and use a precision dial gauge to record deflection. The collected data is then plotted on a graph, helping students understand the relationship between load and beam deflection while reinforcing important concepts in material science and mechanics.
What You'll Learn
- How to perform beam deflection experiments using the Materials Kit
- Measuring beam dimensions for engineering calculations
- Recording beam deflection with a precision dial gauge
- Applying incremental loads and collecting experimental data
- Plotting deflection versus load graphs for analysis
- Understanding stress, strain, and elastic behavior
- Exploring Young's modulus and other material properties
- Developing practical laboratory and engineering analysis skills
Topics Covered by the Materials Kit
The Fundamental Mechanics Materials Kit supports a wide range of experiments covering beam deflection, stress and strain, torsion, elastic constants, Young's modulus, and other core principles of mechanics of materials. The included curriculum provides approximately 10 hours of guided laboratory activities that combine theory with practical investigation, making it ideal for engineering, technology, and STEM education programs.
The Matrix Fundamental Mechanics Dynamics Kit introduces students to the core principles of dynamics through a series of engaging, hands-on laboratory experiments. Designed for engineering, physics, and STEM education, the kit uses a portable work panel and a guided curriculum to help learners investigate the behavior of moving systems and connect theoretical concepts to practical applications.
In this video, students complete a flywheel experiment from the included curriculum to measure the effects of applied loads on rotational motion. By recording experimental data, calculating torque and angular acceleration, and analyzing graphical results, learners gain valuable insight into rotational dynamics while developing essential laboratory and engineering analysis skills.
Key Engineering Concepts
- How to perform flywheel experiments using the Dynamics Kit
- Investigating the relationship between torque and angular acceleration
- Measuring rotational motion using experimental techniques
- Recording, averaging, and analyzing laboratory data
- Plotting and interpreting engineering graphs
- Exploring pulleys, mechanisms, and energy conservation
- Investigating static and sliding friction
- Developing practical laboratory and engineering problem-solving skills
Topics Covered by the Dynamics Kit
The Fundamental Mechanics Dynamics Kit supports approximately 10 hours of guided laboratory activities covering flywheels, pulleys, static and sliding friction, mechanical mechanisms, and energy conservation. Each experiment encourages students to collect real experimental data, compare observations with engineering theory, and build a strong foundation in dynamics and mechanical engineering principles.
Affordable Industrial Metal Additive Manufacturing
Mastrex is redefining what organizations can expect from industrial metal additive manufacturing. Built around the philosophy of "Affordable by Design," Mastrex develops laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) metal 3D printing systems that make professional metal additive manufacturing more accessible to educational institutions, research organizations, and manufacturers.
By reducing the barriers traditionally associated with metal additive manufacturing, Mastrex enables more organizations to bring advanced design, prototyping, tooling, and production capabilities in-house while maintaining the performance and precision expected from industrial metal 3D printing systems.
Metal additive manufacturing has traditionally required significant capital investment, limiting adoption for many organizations. Mastrex changes that by engineering systems that deliver industrial capabilities with a lower total cost of ownership, helping more institutions prepare students and professionals for the future of manufacturing.
Why Choose Mastrex?
- Affordable industrial metal 3D printing systems
- Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology
- Professional-quality metal part production
- Supports research, education, and industrial applications
- Reduced total cost of ownership
- Designed for ease of operation and accessibility
- Ideal for workforce development and advanced manufacturing programs
Mastrex systems support a wide range of applications across engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, defense, automotive, tooling, and research environments. From rapid prototyping to functional metal components, organizations can accelerate innovation while exposing students and engineers to the technologies used throughout modern industry.
Common Applications
- Engineering prototypes
- Functional metal components
- Research and material development
- Tooling and fixtures
- Medical and dental applications
- Aerospace components
- Manufacturing process development
Preparing the Next Generation of Advanced Manufacturing Professionals
As industries increasingly adopt metal additive manufacturing, educational institutions must provide students with experience using the same technologies found in today's advanced manufacturing facilities. Mastrex helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world production by making industrial metal additive manufacturing more attainable for workforce development programs.
Mastrex LPBF Metal 3D Printing Systems
Explore how Matrix TSL aviation training solutions align with key knowledge and skill areas within the FAA Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards. This downloadable guide maps hands-on training equipment to topics including electrical and electronic fundamentals, aircraft materials, fluid systems, aviation physics, flight controls, instrumentation, communication and navigation, aircraft electrical systems, rotorcraft fundamentals, and engine electrical systems.
Use the guide to identify training solutions that can help reinforce both theoretical understanding and practical technical skills in aviation maintenance and aerospace education programs. Download the FAA Curriculum Mapping Guide to explore the Matrix TSL systems associated with individual FAA knowledge and skills objectives and begin planning a more hands-on aviation training program.
See how hands-on training can help students connect engineering theory with practical, real-world applications. This video provides an overview of the training equipment and demonstrates how learners can explore key concepts through practical experimentation.
By giving students the opportunity to work directly with real equipment, educators can reinforce classroom instruction while developing problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills. Watch the video to see the system in action and discover how it can support your engineering or technical education program.
- Explore hands-on engineering concepts
- Connect classroom theory with practical experimentation
- Develop technical and problem-solving skills
- Support engineering and technical education programs
Tech-Labs’ guide, Building Workforce-Ready HVAC Training Programs, outlines a four-phase framework for creating scalable, industry-aligned HVAC programs. It covers program planning, hands-on lab development, curriculum and certification alignment, instructor support, implementation, and future growth.
The guide also examines workforce challenges such as technician shortages, retirements, and rising demand for diagnostic and troubleshooting skills. Readers will learn how schools can balance facility space, equipment, funding, and curriculum needs to prepare job-ready HVAC technicians.
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Item Number:VLS3.60DT -
Item Number:VLS3.75The VLS3.75 is a free-standing platform with a materials processing envelope of 24" x 12" x 8.5" or 2,448 in³. The single laser platform supports a 10.6µm CO2 laser source ranging in power from 10 to 75 watts or one 9.3µm CO2 30 watt, 50 watt, or 75 watt laser source. -
Item Number:VLS4.75The VLS4.75 is a free-standing platform with a materials processing envelope of 24" x 18" x 8.5" or 3,672 in³. The single laser platform supports a 10.6µm CO2 laser source ranging in power from 10 to 75 watts or one 9.3µm CO2 30 watt, 50 watt, or 75 watt laser source. -
Item Number:VLS6.75The VLS6.75 is a free-standing platform with a material processing envelope of 32" x 18" x 8.5" or 4,896 in³. The single laser platform supports a 10.6µm CO2 laser source ranging in power from 10 to 75 watts or one 9.3µm CO2 30 watt, 50 watt, or 75 watt laser source. -
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