compression and tension test stand s - mecmesin · multitest-dvcompression and tension test stand s...

MultiTest-dV Compression and Tension Test Stands

Operating Manual

431-459-02

March 2016

ii Mecmesin MultiTest-dV Operating Manual

Important

It is essential that you familiarise yourself with the contents of this Manual and the separate Guide to Safe Use of Mains Powered Test Systems (part no. 431-398) before attempting to operate your MultiTest-dV Test System.

Scope

This reference manual covers operation of MultiTest-dV force test stands (0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 kN), intended for use with Mecmesin digital Advanced Force Gauges. Operation of gauges is covered in separate manuals for these products.

For operating in conjunction with Vector Pro™ Lite, see the manual 431-464, VectorPro Lite for dV Test Stands.

2016 © Mecmesin Ltd, supplied with Mecmesin test systems and not for redistribution

Part no. 431-459-02

MultiTest-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin iii

Contents

1. Items Supplied with your Test Stand 1

2. Installation 2

2.1 Unpacking the stand 2

2.2 Lifting the test stand 2

2.3 Locating the stand 2

2.4 Mains power supply 2

3. Assembly and Operation 3

3.1 Bolting the test stand to the work surface 3

3.2 Fitting the feet to the stand 4

3.3 Fitting and connecting a digital force gauge 4 Connect an AFG to the MultiTest-dV 5 Cable management 5

3.4 Attaching grips and fixtures 5

3.5 Setting the limit stops 6

3.6 Test stand states 7

3.7 Front panel controls 7 Emergency stop button 8 Dial control 8 The display 9 The multi-function selector buttons 9

3.8 Settings 11 Settings: Jog settings 11 Settings: Units 12 Settings: Tests 12 Settings: Language 15

4. Specification 16

iv Mecmesin MultiTest-dV Operating Manual

MultiTest-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin 1

1. Items Supplied with your Test Stand

MultiTest-dV test stand (0.5, 1.0 or 2.5 kN)

Dovetail gauge bracket (for fitting a gauge to the crosshead)

Allen key for tightening crosshead to gauge bracket

Mains cable

Document: A Guide to Safe Use of Mecmesin Mains Powered Test Systems

Document: MultiTest-dV Compression and Tension Test Stands, Operating Manual

Available accessories

For a full range of digital force gauges and accessories, please go to the Mecmesin website www.mecmesin.com, or your local distributor, as listed on the back cover.

When using a Mecmesin Advanced Force Gauge (AFG) use communications cable part no. 351-092 to connect the gauge to the MultiTest-dV.

When using Mecmesin VectorPro™ Lite software, use communications cable part no. 351-093 to connect the stand to MS-Windows computer.

2 Mecmesin MultiTest-dV Operating Manual

2. Installation

2.1 Unpacking the stand

When you first receive the stand please check that there is no obvious damage to the packaging. If there is any sign that the packaging or the test stand itself has been damaged, please contact Mecmesin or your authorised distributor immediately. Do not use the stand until you have done so.

We strongly recommend that the packaging is retained, as this can be useful if the machine needs to be returned for calibration.

Section 1 lists items that should be included with your test stand. Please contact Mecmesin or your authorised distributor if any items are missing or damaged.

2.2 Lifting the test stand

The unpackaged weight of the test stand is given in the Specification table at the back of this manual. Do not try to lift heavy loads unaided. Use suitable lifting equipment if necessary.

2.3 Locating the stand

The test stand should be positioned on a suitable, level, stable work surface.

2.4 Mains power supply

MultiTest-dV test stands can be used on 110–120 or 220–240 V ac 50-60 Hz supplies. The rear fuse carrier will be set for your local requirement, but is reversible, so should you replace a fuse, the correct local voltage must be selected. The voltage that is selected is the one where the arrows meet:

Fuse carrier Carrier removal


3. Assembly and Operation

3.1 Bolting the test stand to the work surface

In order to comply with European regulation and safe use of the equipment, single column stands should be secured to the bench as follows:

Test stand Height (mm) Feet/fixing supplied Bolting recommended?

0.5-dV 1710 Anchor brackets Yes

1-dV 1510 Anchor brackets Yes

2.5-dV 941 Rubber feet No

The extended-length test stands MultiTest 0.5-dV and MultiTest 1-dV are supplied with base anchoring brackets to allow the test stands to be bolted to a bench. Screw the anchoring brackets to the four positions on the base plate of the MultiTest 0.5-dV or 1-dV using the M6 screws provided. Secure the test stand to the bench using suitable fasteners.

MultiTest 0.5-dV and 1-dV are supplied with anchoring brackets


3.2 Fitting the feet to the stand

Fitting rubber feet to the base of the test stand

The MultiTest 2.5-dV is supplied with rubber feet. Support the stand and fit the four rubber feet to the base of the stand.

3.3 Fitting and connecting a digital force gauge

The MultiTest-dV has a dovetail bracket attached to the moving crosshead, which tightens by using an Allen key on the embedded screw. A bracket (part no. 432-427) is attached to the back of a Mecmesin AFG or AFTI digital force gauge. Slide the gauge sideways onto the dovetail and tighten with the Allen key. To prevent damage, do not over-tighten the grub screw in the dovetail when a gauge bracket is not present.

Tightening the dovetail when mounting the force gauge


Connect an AFG to the MultiTest-dV

This enables load data to be fed to the stand for load-controlled testing (see p. 12, AFG Control). A Mecmesin AFG digital force gauge is connected using cable part no. 351-092. Connect the 15-pin D connector to the top socket of the AFG, and the RJ11 plug to the stand:

Rear view of MultiTest-dV

On the gauge Comms menu, set the gauge baud rate to 115,200, and ‘TX Units’ and ‘TX sign’ both to On.

The gauge can also be run from its power supply rather than internal batteries.

Connect the test stand to a PC (VectorPro Lite users only)

If you are using VectorPro™ Lite software, connect the USB B port to a PC using cable part no. 351-093.

Cable management

It is essential that no cables are permitted to interfere with the controls or any moving parts.

3.4 Attaching grips and fixtures

For flexible attachment of a variety of accessories, and improved alignment, the MultiTest-dV is fitted with an anvil plate to accept fixtures with different screw threads. This is attached with four bolts using an Allen key. For alignment, the anvil plate can be loosened, moved forwards or back, and the bolts retightened.

USB B connector for PC (VectorPro Lite only)

RJ11 connector for AFG digital force gauge


Upper grips and accessories are attached directly to the force gauge being used.

3.5 Setting the limit stops

Limit stops help prevent damage to loadcells by stopping crosshead movement before moving fixtures come into contact with static parts of the stand. Their positions are adjusted after the fitting of fixtures and test samples.

There are two manually-set limit stops. These are set by slackening the thumb-screw, moving the stop to a new position, and retightening. When the crosshead meets a stop, it activates a switch. This will stop crosshead movement at an upper or lower limit.

Limit stops on a MultiTest-dV

Limit switches are also used to set cyclic test start and end positions (page 14).

upper and lower limit stops


3.6 Test stand states

The test stand can be in one of five states:

A. test readiness (ready to start, or complete)

B. testing (crosshead moving)

C. stopped (interrupted, or emergency stop)

D. crosshead control (for jogging, or positioning the crosshead manually)

E. settings menu

In each state, the selector buttons have functions described by icons.

3.7 Front panel controls

dial lights

dial button

dial wheel

emergency stop

display

button functions

status messages

multi-function selector buttons


Emergency stop button

Push to immediately stop crosshead movement. Rotate the button to release it and resume crosshead control. Do not simply restart a test. Rectify the situation and/or any residual tension or compression forces. If cycling between loads, reset the gauge before resuming testing.

Dial control

The lights

The lights surrounding the wheel show in three colours, and three states, indicating the status of the test stand:

Green: pulsing, ready to test; Amber: static, test complete Red: static, test stopped rotating: scrolling a menu rotating: crosshead moving or interrupted

The wheel

When in jogging mode (by selecting the double arrows button in test status) the wheel drives the crosshead directly up (clockwise) or down (anticlockwise). This is an alternative to using the jog buttons, which move the crosshead at the up and down speeds as set in Settings > Jog Settings.

The wheel is also a speed controller. The jog buttons move the crosshead at the set speeds, but rotating the wheel clockwise whilst holding a jog button will increase the speed, and rotating the wheel anticlockwise will decrease the speed. The set speed is restored when the jog button is released.

enable crosshead jogging


The wheel is also turned to navigate the menus. When in a selection menu, the wheel cycles through the selections and their values. This is an alternative to navigation using the up and down arrow buttons (see E: Settings buttons below).

The button

The central button is used to confirm a menu selection. It is equivalent to the tick button.

The display

The display indicates the stand status and mode (ready, stopped, test type , speed, cycle count, settings menu), and when ready: displacement, speed and (with AFG attached), load.

An icon shows when a gauge is not detected.

The functions of the four buttons at any time are indicated by a series of icons.

The multi-function selector buttons

A: Test readiness

No force gauge connected

Start test sequence (B)

Go to jog mode (crosshead control) (D)

Go to settings (E)

Menu: use buttons or wheel


B: Testing

Interrupt test. This stops crosshead movement, leaving the stand in a state of test readiness.

C: Stopped

Emergency stop button pushed. Message: ‘Emergency Stop’. Release the emergency stop to regain control and remedy the situation before resuming testing.

If this button is pressed, the message is ‘Interrupted: User’, and the test readiness buttons (A) are displayed.

The Start test button resumes testing. Cyclic testing returns to the first cycle action. Important! Under AFG control, the gauge MUST be reset first.

Crosshead stops automatically. Crosshead has reached an upper limit (load signal from a connected gauge set to Stop, or a limit switch) and stopped. Further travel in this direction is prevented.

Crosshead has reached a lower limit (load signal from a connected gauge, set to Stop, or a limit switch) and stopped. Further travel in this direction is prevented.

D: Crosshead control

Shows up and down speeds as set

Zero (tare) crosshead displacement.

Jog crosshead at up speed as set (or turn wheel clockwise)

Crosshead has reached an upper limit (load signal from a connected gauge, set to Stop, or a limit switch) and stopped

Jog crosshead at down speed as set (or turn wheel anticlockwise)


Crosshead has reached a lower limit (load signal from a connected gauge, set to Stop, or a limit switch) and stopped

Go back to test readiness (A)

E: Settings

Confirm selection (or press dial button)

Navigate up a menu selection or value (or turn wheel clockwise)

Navigate down a menu selection or value (or turn wheel anticlockwise)

Go back to previous menu item, or from Settings (E) to test readiness (A)

3.8 Settings

All settings are made by moving the selection marker to the required item or digit, and confirming with the tick button or using the central dial button.

Settings: Jog settings

Up Speed

Down Speed

Range: mm/min mm/sec in/min

0.1 to 1200.0 0.0017 to 20 mm/sec 0.004 to 47.2 in/min


Settings: Units

Displacement mm, in

Speed mm, in (per unit time selected)

Time min, s

Settings: Tests

Displacement

In a displacement test, the crosshead will move between two reference points that are relative to tared zero. Ensure that the limit switches allow the required travel.

Cycle Count 0-9999

Up Speed

Down Speed

Speed is always positive units, same range as jog speeds (above)

Upper Displacement

Lower Displacement

Available displacement depends on test sample height, fixtures used, and the tared zero position.

A +ve displacement is the distance to travel above tared zero, and –ve is below.

Initial Stroke Select which direction the crosshead should move to start the test cycle. Note that depending where the crosshead has been left, it may need to first move in the opposite direction through tared zero to reach the starting point.

AFG Control

With an additional cable (351-092), a Mecmesin AFG Mk 4 digital force gauge, or AFTI Mk 4 with load sensor, can be used to set load limits to control crosshead movement during a cycle. In the gauge Comms menu ‘Port’, set the gauge baud rate to 115,200, and TX Units and TX sign, both to On.

Loads, action (reverse/stop/cycle) and cycle count are all set on the gauge. The stand can then be set to:

• cycle to a maximum load or break condition then reverse

• move to a set load or break condition and stop

• cycle between two load values, or to detect a break, and stop.


Examples

• Move the crosshead at a given speed until the applied load is 50 N, then reverse at a given speed to a limit switch position.

• Move the crosshead at a given speed until the sample breaks (a percentage drop in applied load, detected by the gauge) and stop.

• Move the crosshead at a given speed until the applied load is 20 N, then reverse to a zero load, reapply the load, and continue this cycle for as many times as set by the gauge.

Up Speed

Down Speed


Initial Stroke Select which direction the crosshead should move to start the test cycle. Note that depending where the crosshead has been left, it may need to first move in the opposite direction through tared zero to reach the starting point.

Performing a load-cycled test

1. Adjust the gauge for upper and lower load limits, and cycle count, or to Reverse at a load limit or break. Note that:

• on an AFG gauge, compressive forces are –ve, tensile forces are positive

• the cycle counter in the gauge decrements, whereas the stand cycle counter increments

• the Reverse command from the gauge sends the crosshead to a limit switch, which stops it.

2. Set up the test stand for AFG control, with speed and initial stroke direction.

3. Ensure the limit switches are positioned to allow adequate movement and/or to protect against collision between the loadcell and fixed parts.

4. Place/secure the test sample, set the crosshead initial position, and zero this.

5. Always ensure Reset is pressed on the gauge before commencing a test.

6. Start the test

At the end of a test, or in a stopped condition, you may need to move the crosshead to clear a sample or to remove a load. Be very careful not to increase a load: the dial wheel is turned clockwise for up, anticlockwise for down. Never restart a test from a stopped condition, and always Reset the gauge.

If the force gauge is switched off when it has been travelling down, further downward movement is disabled. If switched off when it has been travelling up, further upward travel is disabled.


Limits

In a limit test, the crosshead will cycle between the limit switches. Loosen either screw, and move the switch to the required position. A cycle starts when the crosshead is at the first limit switch, and ends back at the same limit switch.

Cycle Count 1-9999

Up Speed

Down Speed


Initial Stroke Select which direction the crosshead should move in to start the test cycle. Note that depending where the crosshead has been left, it may need to first move in the opposite direction to the upper limit switch (for initial down stroke) or lower (for initial up stroke).

Half Cycle

A half-cycle test is to a displacement relative to tared zero. A cycle starts when the crosshead is at the first displacement position, and ends back at the second position.

Example

Upper displacement: +30 mm Lower displacement: –20 mm Initial stroke down

Unless already at 30 mm above tared zero displacement, the crosshead will travel to that point and then move to 20 mm below tared zero, and stop.

Up Speed

Down Speed


Upper Displacement

Lower Displacement

Available displacement depends on test sample height, fixtures used, and the tared zero position.

A +ve displacement is the distance to travel above tared zero, and –ve is below.

Initial Stroke Select which direction the crosshead should move to start the test. Note that the crosshead will initially move to the furthest position in order to move to the required displacement.

Note that depending where the crosshead has been left, it may need to first move in the opposite direction through tared zero to reach the starting point.


Settings: Language

Select the appropriate language. This returns you to the Settings menu in the language chosen.


4. Specification

MultiTest-dV

Rated capacities kN kgf lbf

0.5 50 110

1.0 100 220

2.5 kN 250 550

Displacement

Crosshead travel** 1200 mm (47.3”) 1000 mm (39.4”) 500 mm (19.7”)

Maximum headroom** 1230 mm (48.4”) 1030 mm (40.6”) 530 mm (20.9”)

Positional accuracy ±0.130/300 mm (±0.005/11.81”)

±0.130/300 mm (±0.005/11.81”)

±0.130/300 mm (±0.005/11.81”)

Displacement resolution 0.001 mm (0.000025”)

0.001 mm (0.000025”)

0.001 mm (0.000025”)

Speed

Speed range mm/min in/min

0.1 to 1200‡ 0.004 to 47.2

0.1 to 1200‡ 0.004 to 47.2

0.1 to 1200†‡ 0.004 to 47.2

Speed accuracy ±0.2% of indicated speed

±0.2% of indicated speed

±0.2% of indicated speed

Speed resolution mm/min in/min

0.1 0.004

0.1 0.004

0.1 0.004

Maximum no. of cycles per test 9999 9999 9999

Dimensions

Height 1710 mm (67.3”) 1510 mm (59.4”) 941 mm (37”)

Width 290 mm (11.4”) 290 mm (11.4”) 290 mm (11.4”)

Depth 414 mm (16.3”) 414 mm (16.3”) 414 mm (16.3”)

Vertical daylight 1359 mm (53.5”) 1159 mm (45.6”) 590 mm (23.2”)

Throat depth* 70.5 mm (2.8”) 70.5 mm (2.8”) 70.5 mm (2.8”)

Weight 26 kg (57 lb) 25 kg (55 lb) 24 kg (53 lb)

Electrical supply

Voltage‡ 230 V AC 50 Hz / 110 V AC 60 Hz

230 V AC 50 Hz / 110 V AC 60 Hz

230 V AC 50 Hz / 110 V AC 60 Hz

Maximum power requirements 120 W 200 W 250 W

Load measurement options

Force gauge accuracy up to ±0.1% of full scale (depending on model selected)

† 2.5 kN : recommended maximum speed = 750 mm/min (30 in/min) above 2 kN

‡ Where mains voltage is unreliable, the machine may not run above 1000 mm/min

* Measured on centreline of gauge

** Measured with force gauge and short extension rod fitted


Declaration of Conformity

Mecmesin : a world leader in affordable force and torque testing solutions

Since 1977, Mecmesin has assisted thousands of companies achieve enhanced quality control in design and production. The Mecmesin brand represents excellence in accuracy, build, service, and value. In production centres and

research labs worldwide, designers, engineers, operators, and quality managers endorse Mecmesin force and torque testing systems for their high performance across countless applications.

www.mecmesin.com

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Head Office – UK

Mecmesin Limited

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e: [email protected]

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