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Force Gauge
Instruction Manual:
FA Series Force Gauge
Fulcrum Inc. 100 Delawanna Ave. Suite 502 Clifton, NJ 07014 Tel. (973)473-6900 Fax. (973)777-8302 www.fulcruminc.net www.torbalscales.com
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Cautionary Notes ........................................................................................................................... - 2 1.1 Main Safety Rules ................................................................................................................... - 2 1.2 Rules for Disposing of a Worn Force Gauge ........................................................................ - 2 1.3 Important Handling Cautions and Warnings ...................................................................... - 3 1.4 Safety Rules for Measurements over 1kN (about 100kg) .................................................... - 4 Chapter 2: Specifications ................................................................................................................................. - 5 Chapter 3: Part Descriptions ........................................................................................................................... - 7 Chapter 4: Keys and Display Indicators ....................................................................................................... - 10 Chapter 5: Functions, Descriptions, Definitions .......................................................................................... - 11 Chapter 6: Mounting Force Gauge on a Test Stand .................................................................................... - 12 Chapter 7: Getting Started ............................................................................................................................ - 13 Chapter 8: Users Menu ................................................................................................................................. - 14 Chapter 9: Force Gauge Menu Diagram ...................................................................................................... - 15 Chapter 10: Applications ............................................................................................................................... - 17 10.1 Data Stored .......................................................................................................................... - 17 10.2 Threshold ............................................................................................................................. - 19 Chapter 11: Units ............................................................................................................................................ - 20 Chapter 12: Configuration ............................................................................................................................. - 21 12.1 Measure Speed .................................................................................................................... - 21 12.2 Auto-zeroing ........................................................................................................................ - 21 12.3 Printout ................................................................................................................................ - 22 12.4 Interface and USB Port Configuration ............................................................................. - 23 12.5 LCD Settings........................................................................................................................ - 24 12.6 Language.............................................................................................................................. - 24 12.7 Date and Time ..................................................................................................................... - 25 12.8 Keyboard ............................................................................................................................. - 25 12.9 Auto-OFF ............................................................................................................................. - 25 12.10 Battery ................................................................................................................................ - 26 12.11 Defaults .............................................................................................................................. - 26 Chapter 13: Taking a Measurement ............................................................................................................. - 27 13.1 Push Force ........................................................................................................................... - 27 13.2 Pull Force ............................................................................................................................. - 27 13.3 Type of Measurement Diagrams ....................................................................................... - 28 13.4 Measurement Setup Diagrams........................................................................................... - 29 Chapter 14: Calibration ................................................................................................................................. - 30 Chapter 15: Maintenance, Trouble Shooting, and Repairing Minor Damage ......................................... - 32 15.1 Cleaning the Force Gauge .................................................................................................. - 32 Chapter 16: Additional Attachments ............................................................................................................ - 33 Chapter 17: Warranty .................................................................................................................................... - 33 Chapter 18: Notes ........................................................................................................................................... - 33 -
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Repairs and any necessary adjustments should only be conducted by qualified personnel. Do not operate the force gauge when any part of the enclosure has been removed. Do not operate the force gauge in potentially explosive atmospheres. Do not use the force gauge for anything other than its designed purpose. Do not operate the force gauge in areas with an excessively high humidity (95% +) Be sure to only use the specified power source Do not unplug the product while it is in use. Only connect the external load cell wires to the force gauge as intended. Use protective eye wear when measuring the breaking point of objects prone to shattering. In the case of suspected damage to the force gauge, turn off the gauge and do not use it until it is
examined by qualified personnel.
If liquid spills into the gauge, do not continue to use, unplug the device and call technical support.
Please dispose of electronic equipment in appropriate recycling centers or by returning to the original point of purchase. -2-
DO NOT let the force gauge fall or drop onto the ground!
DO NOT pass or handle liquids near the force gauge to prevent spillage and liquid damage!
Never use the forge gauge if there is an object or material wedged between the measuring rod and frame! Always line up the measuring rod parallel to the object being measured to prevent the rod from warping and damaging the device!
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2. Connect the wire to the force gauge. 3. Put the load cell on a flat surface and turn the force gauge on. 4. Once the device has initialized, connect a load to the bearings to perform a measurement. *Make sure the force gauge meter is secure so it does not fall or get pulled during measurements.
Maintenance, Inspection, and Repairs: All maintenance and repairs on the force gauge and external load cell should only be conducted by trained professionals. * Force gauges with a capacity of 1kN or above are equipped with an external load cell connected by a wire. Bearings are connected to the load cell to prevent excess stress when mounting a load. The meter and load cell are delivered in two separate cases.
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Chapter 2: Specifications
Model FA50 Maximum Capacity Readability (d) Accuracy Measurement Units Maximum Overload Operating Temperature Internal Resolution Process Speed Internal Memory Capacity Interface Assisting Software Display Measurement Options Power Supply Battery Life Measuring Rod Dimensions Weight 50N (~5kg) 0.01N (1g) FA200 200N(~20kg) 0.05N (5g) 0.2% N, kgf, lbf, ozf, kg, lb, oz 20% -10 to 40C 24 bits 10 or 40 measurements per second 8 files x 800 measurements each USB FM (time characteristic, statistical analysis, data archiving) LCD Graphical 61x34mm Peak value measurement, continuous measurement, dynamic measurement (force vs time plot) Lithium polymer batteries set 1000mAh (LP703048P6H type) + supply ~115V 60Hz / 12VDC @ 1.2A ~20h (~45h backlighting off) 11mm (thread M6x9mm) 210x110x40mm (8.4x4.4x1.6in) 700g (1.5lb) FA500 500N(~50kg) 0.1N (10g)
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Model FA1k Maximum Capacity Readability (d) Accuracy Measurement Units Maximum Overload Operating Temperature Internal Resolution Process Speed Internal Memory Capacity Interface Assisting Software Display Measurement Options Power Supply Accumulator Working Time Measuring Rod Dimensions Weight 1kN (~100kg) 0.2N (20g) FA2k 2kN (~200kg) 0.5N (50g) FA5k 5kN (~500kg) 1N (100g) FA10k 10kN (~1t) 2N (200g) 0.2% N, kgf, lbf, ozf, kg, lb, oz 20% -10 to 40C 24 bits 10 or 40 measurements per second 8 files x 800 measurements each USB FM (time characteristic, statistical analysis, data archiving) LCD Graphical 61x34mm Peak value measurement, continuous measurement, dynamic measurement (force vs time plot) Lithium polymer batteries set 1000mAh (LP703048P6H type) + supply ~115V 60Hz / 12VDC @ 12A ~20h (~45h backlighting off) 210x110x40mm (8.4x4.4x1.6in) 460g (1.0lb) + sensor weight FA20k 20kN (~2t) 5N (500g) FA50k 50kN (~5t) 10N (1kg)
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Force Gauge
Rear View
The force gauge is equipped with a socket for an external power supply unit as well as a USB port for a computer or printer. The USB port allows for all measurement results to be loaded onto a computer for further analysis and recordings.
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The following attachments are only usable with the Force Gauge with an internal load cell: Attachment Extension Piece Description Used to extend reach of other attachable tips
Hook
Chisel Point
Flathead
V-Groove
Cone Point
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1 Measuring Rod (Internal load cell only) 2 LCD Screen 3 Keypad 4 Hand Grip 5 Mounting Holes 6 AC Adapter Port 7 USB Port -9-
AUT
1.00N
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ON/OFF UNIT/CLEAR BACKLIGHT ENTER (0) ENTER MENU PEAK MEM PRINT
Main Keys Power On and Off (standby) Change units, Cancel selection, or Change a parameter value Turn Illumination On/Off (ECO Mode) Confirm command, Select an option or digit Zero / Tare Navigation Keys Move cursor up or increase the value of selected digit Move cursor down or decrease the value of selected digit Move to the next menu level or display the next option Move to the previous menu level or display the previous option Confirm the entered parameter or select a highlighted option Function Keys Meter function menu Measures the maximum value Save the result to memory (press and hold for save menu) Print results Indicators Indicates that the weighing result has stabilized Appears after turning off the gauge Slow/fast measurement mode (10Hz/40Hz) Device will automatically acquire measurements Automatic zeroing is on Indicates the type of force being applied and the current forces proximity to capacity. NOTE: (capacity is at + and -) Force Gauge with Internal Load Cell: + = push force - = pull force Force Gauge with External Load Cell: + = pull force - = push force
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Min/Max Threshold Measuring allows the user to select parameters for their measurement with a buzzer to signal if they exceed the selected parameters.
Data Storing allows the user to save their data either in the RAM of the device or in any of 8 open files of 800 samples each.
Measure Speed allows the user to set the speed at which the force gauge takes measurements. This is useful when trying to be precise with measurements. Offered at 10Hz (slow) and 40Hz (fast).
Internal Calibration is used to calibrate the force gauge with an external calibration mass or by configuring your geographical location parameters.
Statistic Graphing is used to chart the results of a sample of measurements. Results can be viewed in a bar graph or an axis graph.
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2. Once the force gauge is mounted connect a desired attachment. 3. If desired, other attachments can be connected to the base of the test stand. 4. To measure forces turn the knob on the test stand clockwise to raise the unit up and counterclockwise to lower the unit down. Note: The test stands knob moves the gauge 3mm, up or down, per full turn or rotation. - 12 -
1. Press the ON/OFF key to turn the device on. Fulcrum, Inc. 100 Delawana Ave. Clifton, NJ 07014 www.fulcruminc.net As the device powers on it initializes itself. Do not move or attempt to use the device during this process. Note: To accelerate the initialization process, press the MENU key. The results from the prior initialization will be used.
ZEROING
FA0017
ZEROING
2. Once the force gauge is turned on and has a suitable tip attached for your measurement, align the device so that it is parallel to the object measured. Note: Before beginning the measurement, tare the force gauge by pressing the 0 key.
______
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The USERs MENU includes: 1. Applications Advanced measurement functions. 2. Units Choose the unit of measurement you wish to use. 3. Configuration Allows you to change the operation settings of the force gauge. 4. Calibration Allows you to calibrate the device for weight. 5. Info Contains basic information about the device.
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The APPLICATIONS menu includes: 1. Data Stored This allows you to view statistics from your recently saved measurements as well as choose to either manually or automatically save future measurements. 2. Threshold This option allows you to set parameters (min/max) for your measurements. It also gives you the option of setting up a notification if thresholds are exceeded.
STATS Count: Total: Average: MAX: MIN: St. dev: 100 990g 9.9g 12g 8g 3.78g
To view the statistical analysis of a set of measurements open up the STATS function
In addition to reading the numerical data, the results can be viewed in graph form as either a Histogram (Bar Graph) or a Chart (Graph w/ time axis).
To load, save, or print the results, navigate to the bottom of the STATS menu and select a function.
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SAVE DATA 2009-12-17 10:00 < FILE02 > ... < FILE08 >
When SAVE is chosen for the results, the SAVE DATA screen appears listing all 8 files. The file being used to save the current set of results will be automatically renamed with the date and time of the save. The file can be renamed to a custom title by pushing up and down on the directional keys.
The two types of modes are MANUAL and AUTO. DATA STORED 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Stats Mode <MANUAL> <AUTO> Number of samples 100 Sampling time 0.1 sec Exit AUTO: Saving will take continuous measurements at the frequency set until the total number of samples is reached. When the gauges Mode is set to automatic the Number of Samples and the frequency of the samples (Sampling Time) will need to be set. Max Samples = 800 Max Rate @40Hz = .025sec Max Rate @10Hz = .1sec
DATA STORED 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Stats Mode Record Memory Exit <MANUAL> <AUTO> <R/-> <R/D&T> <RAM> <F01> <F02><F08>
MANUAL: When this option is chosen, you must press the memory button on the keypad each time you wish to record a measurement.
When the device is set to manual you must also set the Record and Memory.
Record - When the force gauge is set to Manual, the format that statistics are recorded in must be set. R/R/D&T The results of a set of measurements are recorded. The results of a set of measurements are recorded with the date and time of each sample.
Memory This function allows data to be saved directly to either the Random Access Memory (RAM) of the unit or in one of the devices 8 open files. The RAM is a temporary save, which will not keep the data once the device is turned off. To save the data permanently save it to one of the files (File 01 File 08).
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10.2 Threshold
The THRESHOLD option is used to set up parameters when using Min/Max measurements. When the Min/Max values are exceeded, the devices buzzer sounds. To get to this screen go to APPLICATIONS in the Main Menu. 1. To enable the Min/Max notification, change the status from OFF to ON. 2. Set the Min and Max parameters. 3. Set the buzzer type.
THRESHOLD 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Status: MIN MAX Buzzer Exit <ON> <OFF> 1.000kg 2.000kg <MODE1> <MODE2>
There are 2 options that can be used to signal that the the parameters have been exceeded: - MODE1 short signal upon exceeding MIN, long signal upon exceeding MAX, - MODE2 interrupted signal below MIN, continuous signal above MAX, no signal for OK.
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Kilograms force: 1 kgf = 2.205 lbf Pounds force: 1 lbf = 16 ozf Ounces force: 1 ozf = .028 kgf Newton: 1 N = 0.10197 kgf
* Units can also be changed by pressing the Units/Clear key on the keypad.
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12.2 Auto-zeroing
Auto-zeroing is used to prevent small amounts of force, resulting from unwanted variables, from affecting measurements. This process is achieved when undesired measurements (e.g. vibration, movement, etc.) are picked up by the force gauge, but immediately tared and therefore are not recorded. AUTO-ZEROING 1. Status 2. Range 3. Exit <ON> <OFF> 002 d Auto-zero uses the d setting to select the range up to which the force gauge will not record. The highest the auto-zeroing can be set to is 100 d. This is 100x the smallest amount normally picked up by the force gauge (i.e. 1.00N, 0.100kg, .100lb, 1.00oz). - 21 -
12.3 Printout
The PRINTOUT menu allows you to customize the information that is transmitted to the computer. This information is used for printing and analyzing. The basic software for transmitting information from the force gauge to the computer is TORBAL Communication. To access this function go to CONFIGURATION in the Main Menu. PRINTOUT Heading Date Time ID1> ID2> ID3> Measurement Number Signature Exit Communications Printout Example:
In this menu you can check off the information that you wish to be included on your analysis. ID1, ID2, and ID3 are options that are used for adding custom notes (up to 20 characters). Use the up and down arrow keys to create the text.
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-Parity (refers to the alteration of the process that the bits are sent and received in): none, odd, even. -Sending (the transmission method during measurement): Normal Waits for stable results after pressing PRINT before sending. NO STB Sends results regardless of stable results after pressing PRINT. AUTO STB Automatically sends after the result has stabilized. CONTIN. Sends continuous transmissions (approx. every 0.1s).
Description of the data transmission protocol when working with a computer (LonG): The scales transmit the result as follows (8 bits, 1 stop, no parity, 4,800 bps): ComputerGauge: initiating signal S I CR LF (53 h 49 h 0Dh 0 Ah), GaugeComputer: gauge indication according to the following format (16 bytes) Description of individual bytes: byte 1 - - or space byte 2 - space byte 3-4 - digit or space byte 5-9 - digit, comma or space byte 10 - digit byte 11 - space byte 12 - k, l, c, p or space byte 13 - g, b, t, c or % byte 14 - space byte 15 - CR byte 16 - LF - 23 -
The Backlight feature gives you options for when you would prefer the backlight on. ON OFF ECO BAT The backlight is always on. The backlight is always off. The backlight can be turned on by holding the backlight key on the main keyboard. The backlight is turned off after 30 seconds of inactivity to preserve battery life.
The Direction option allows you to control, which direction the screen faces. UP DOWN AUTO The screen is always upright The screen is always upside down. The screen automatically adjusts to the direction the force gauge is being held.
The LCD time option can be set to display the date and time on the top bar on the main screen.
12.6 Language
This menu allows you to choose the language you wish the force gauge to be displayed in. Access this function by going to CONFIGURATION in the Main Menu. LANGUAGE 1. Language 2. Exit <PL><ENG><DE><ESP> There are 4 languages available to choose from: -PL Polish -ENG English -DE German -ESP Spanish
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12.8 Keyboard
This menu allows you to turn sounds on or off when pressing the buttons on the main keyboard. Access this function by going to CONFIGURATION in the Main Menu. KEYBOARD 1. Beep 2. Exit <ON><OFF> <ON><OFF>
12.9 Auto-OFF
This menu allows you to set the force gauge to automatically turn off in order to preserve battery life. Access this function by going to CONFIGURATION in the Main Menu. AUTO-OFF 1. Status 2. Exit <ON><BAT><OFF> -ON The device automatically shuts off after 5 minutes of inactivity. OFF -BAT The device will shut off automatically when the battery is low. -OFF The device will only turn off when the user presses the ON/OFF key.
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12.10 Battery
This menu displays the remaining battery life. It also gives you the option of turning off Charging when nonrechargeable batteries are being used (This function only applies to certain models). Access this function by going to CONFIGURATION in the Main Menu. BATTERY 1. Charging 2. Charge level 3. Exit <Off><ON> 80%
* Charging non-rechargeable, alkaline batteries can cause major damage to the force gauge.
12.11 Defaults
This option will restore the original setting that the device was configured under. Access this function by going to CONFIGURATION in the Main Menu. DEFAULTS Restore default settings? NO YES
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* Do not exceed the gauges maximum capacity by more than 20% All stored data can be viewed in STATS (Applications > Data Stored > Stats). From here you can view the data in a histogram or chart. Stored data can also be saved to a computer for analyzing or printing. * When you are packing the force gauge up, make sure to remove any attachments from the measuring rod to prevent damage. - 27 -
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- Input the g-value (gravitational acceleration) of the location where the force gauge is being used.
For this method, the exact g-value must be known and can be typed in using the arrow keys. Note: The g-value of a given location can be found on the internet. (e.g. Wikipedia, a municipality site, etc.)
- Input the Geographical Location of where the force gauge is being used.
If the g-value is not known, the geographical coordinates can be entered. 1. Select Geographic Location 2. Enter the Latitude of the current location 3. Enter the Elevation of the current location By entering these coordinates, the g-value will automatically be updated therefore calibrating the device. Note: The geographical coordinates of a given location can be found through multiple methods including: A GPS, Smart Phone Apps, and the Internet. - 30 -
* Factory calibration can be used to reset the force gauge to its default settings from its original calibration at the manufacturer.
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to malfunction.
2. Make sure no substances get stuck between the measuring rod and the frame of the device.
If anything gets wedged in this area, it can cause the measurements to become inaccurate and can lead to permanent damage of the unit.
* If anything substances do get wedged inside, they should be removed using a tool which does not conduct electricity. 3. Unauthorized personnel should not perform any repairs on the force gauge. If anyone other than a trained technician tries to repair or adjust the force gauge, they can cause permanent damage. Error Indications: Message/fault The message RESETTING is displayed for an extended period of time. AD range exceeded (+/-) The values indicated by the gauge differ significantly from the correct values. Units displayed are different from the selected units. Cause The initializing process is disturbed The initializing process is disturbed The gauge needs to be adjusted. The UNIT/CLEAR key may have been pressed by accident. Recommendation Dont move the force gauge and press T(0) Put the gauge in horizontal position and turn it off and on using the ON/OFF key. Contact a servicing facility to calibrate the gauge. Press the UNIT/CLEAR key several times to display the correct units.
This chrome-plated allen vise clamp is ideal when performing peel testing, or gripping thin material such as film, paper, or foil. The vise is equipped with an adjustable allen screw and interlocking claps which allow for secure sample griping without damage. This chrome-plated manual C-Clamp is designed to secure samples on the testing stand. The clamp also easily attaches to the force gauge and it is ideal for making measurement on wide range of sample shapes and sizes. This attachment should be used when testing samples that need to be gripped over a large surface area. The roller grip attachment is used when measuring tape strength as well as tape adhesives. The grip is ideal for testing any sample that needs to be draped in order to obtain an accurate force measurement.
The two grip handle adapter is especially useful when performing force measurements between 200N and 500N. The handle securely mounts the force gauge meter allowing users a comfortable and firm grip when pulling ir pushing objects that require extensive force. The hook plate allows the TORBAL force gauges to be securely suspended in a hanging position. The kook can be used on all FA models with built-in load-cells. Hanging the force gauge is particularly useful when measuring articles which must be hung on the force meter in order to measure downward pull forces.
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C-Clamp
Roller Grip
Two-Grip Handle
Hook Plate
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