Load Cell Verification and Calibration

Components:

• Low load argon load cell

• Suspension holder

• Low load suspension

• Ball holder

Screws and Hardware:

• Allen key: 5/64”, 7/64”, 3/32”

Components:

• Argon Load Cell

• Argon Adapter Plate

• Argon Quick Exchange

• Slip Sleeve

• Ball Holder Plate MM002059-00

• Ball Holder

• Optional Components:
  o Extension Block
  o Suspension Plate

Screws and Hardware:

• (4x) 10-32 Screws - BM310612

• (4x) 10-32 Screws - BM310320-5
  SHCS 10-32 X .375" LG PLAIN 18-8 SST

• (4x) ¼ inch button head screws

• (4x) 8-32 Screws

• Allen wrenches: 5/32", 9/64”

In most cases, the Argon adapter plate will already be installed. However, if
installation is required, follow these steps:

1. Mount the adaptor plate plate directly to the Quick Exchange base using the provided 4 x 10-32 x 1.250” long screws using 5/32” Allen wrench.



(Optional) Using the extension Block
---

(Optional) You can also use an extension block to reduce the distance between the load cell and the lower setup.


1. Mount the block extension on the exchange plate with 4 4 x 10-32 x 1.250” long screws using 5/32 Allen wrench.
2. Then the adaptor plate mounted on the extension block with 4 x 10-32 x .625” long screws using 5/32 Allen wrench.

2. Install the load cell on the fast-exchange attachment by fastening the 4 captive screws using a 5/32" Allen wrench.

• Align the sensor so that the ribbon cable port is on the right-hand side
  when viewed from the front.

• This ensures correct orientation in relation to the rear alignment features of the Quick Exchange.

Choosing the right suspension purchased

---

A suspension is used to limit the vibration induced by the sample during testing.

There are several variations of suspensions depending on the maximum load it can be effective on.

 

It is recommended to select a suspension system with the closest higher load rating to the expected load.

Example

---

• For a test at 30N, you would need to use the 50N suspension.
  By doing so, you will mitigate the vibrations the most.

• If you work at 48N it would be better to use a 100N suspension as the 50N suspension would not work for vibrations above 2N.

 

 

 

Medium to High Suspension List

Low Range Suspensions

Range and Components	SPN Number
0.5N suspension L shape	SPN14015-508
1N suspension L shape	SPN14015-509
5N suspension L shape	SPN14015-510
10N suspension L shape	SPN14015-511
Low load sensor clamp Aluminum	SPN14039-512
Low load sensor clamp Steel	SPN14039-513

 

The labeled force represents the suspension capability, not the nominal operating force.
The suspension must be used within this specified range and exceeding this limit will lead to ineffective suspension operation.

1. Mount the suspension between the Argon Sensor and the Ball Holder
   Plate by tightening the 2 captive screws using 9/64” Allen key.




The label of the suspension should face the same direction as the load cell sticker.

1. Use four 1/4” button head screws to secure the assembly to the load cell
   and tighten using a 5/32” Allen wrench.
   Then Insert the slip sleeve into the sensor mount.

2. Place the ball holder into the slip sleeve.

3. Mount the Ball Holder onto the suspension in the same manner as onto
   the load cell using a 9/64” Allen wrench.




⚠️
It is recommended to install the ball holder as far as possible into the suspension while making sure that it does not hit the load cell when the suspension is fully compressed.

Before installing the load cell

---

1. Lower the Z-Axis all the way down using the jogbox, to have access to the attachement.

2. Ensure the Y-stage is moved sufficiently backward to avoid obstruction.
   Although unlikely to cause damage, improper placement may interfere with installation.

1. Slide the sensor assembly with the Quick Exchange into the MFT-5000
   Quick Exchange Dock



 



• Ensure first that the locking wings are forward.

• The front of the load cell (Rtec logo and sticker) is facing you.

2. Lift the Argon Assembly up while tightening the Quick Exchange locks
   outward



 



• Always hold the sensor by its sides to avoid applying force on the sensors.

• Make sure the assembly is firmly wedged up with no vertical play.

3. Connect the ribbon cable to the Argon Load Sensor.



 

 

 



The connector only fit one way.

 

Components:

• Fz-1D Load Cell

• Fx-1D Arm: horizontal arm, vertical arm, pivot base, springs

• 1D+1D Arm kit : suspensions, insulator sleeve, slit sleeve, top cap, adaptor, insulator cap, mounting screw

• Universal holder

Screws and Hardware:

• (4x) 1.125 in Screws and Washers

• Allen wrenches: 5/64", 3/16”

The Fx sensor should come pre-built. However, if you need to build it, follow the following steps:

1. Firstly, attach the horizontal arm to the vertical arm.
   Screw the shoulder screw from the bottom hole with FHSHS 6-32 x .750” BM310271-08




There are 2 types of horizontal arms. The longer version is mostly used with environmental chambers. You need to select the arm depending on how long you want the ball holder to be.

2. Fix the capacitive sensor to the vertical arm with 2 x 8-32 x .875” BM310290-11.





The sensor face with the threaded insert.



 

3. Attach the friction arm to the pivot base with 8-32 x .375” BM310280-05 with a 9/64 » allen key.

1. Quick-exchange attachement

2. Sliding plate

3. Block extension

4. Fz load cell

Ensure that the quick-exchange plate is properly mounted on top of the load cell:

1. Mount the fz load cell on the fast exchange plate and tighten the 4 captive screws.
   (4 x 10-32 x 1.250” long using 5/32 Allen wrench).

Incorrect

• The fast exchange plate’s notch should be pointing on the opposite side of the front load cell as this notch will fit into the back of the sliding support.

• The front of the load cell is the face showing the Rtec logo and the unit calibration sticker.

(Optional) With Extension blocks:

---

You can also use an extension block to reduce the distance between the load cell and the lower setup.

1. Mount the block extension on the exchange plate with 4 4 x 10-32 x 1.250” long screws using 5/32 Allen wrench.

1. Install the load cell mounted on the extension block with the 4 captives screws.
   (4 x 10-32 x 1.250” long using 5/32 Allen wrench).

• The fast exchange plate’s notch should be pointing on the opposite side of the front load cell as this notch will fit into the back of the sliding support.

• The component at the top of the picture is the fast exchange adapter.

• The front of the load cell is the face showing the Rtec logo and the unit calibration sticker.

Incorrect

 

 

1. Lower the Z-Axis all the way down using the jogbox Z-axis control.

2. Slide the FZ-1D arm into the quick-exchange mount.

3. Secure the arm by locking it in place.

1. Remove the right panel of the MFT to access to the fixation hole and sticker

2. Position yourself at the right frame of the MFT and place the back of the arm (the pivot base)against the frame, making sure the base of the arm is pressed against it.





Refer to the alignment guide on the side of the instrument to determine
the correct mounting holes.

The level of the friction arm depends on the configuration.

ex: For the block-on-ring configuration without heating chamber, use
positions 5 and 7.

3. Attach the friction arm to the instrument using the 1.125-inch screws and washers to secure the arm. (1/4-20 x 1.000” BM310340-09). Hand-tighten initially; fully tighten with the 3/16” Allen Key after final adjustments.

Sleeve, insulator cap and the adaptor are placed on the top of the holder.

For more information

---

A suspension is used to limit the vibration induced by the sample during testing. There are several variations of suspensions depending on the maximum load it can be effective on. .

It is recommended to select a suspension system with the closest higher load rating to the expected load.
For example, if you realize a test at 150N, you would need to use the 200N suspension. By doing so, you will mitigate the vibrations the most.

 

Sleeve, insulator cap and the adaptor are placed on the top of the holder.

 

 

The pictures below show the actual montage step directly on the arm.

Follow the next step to continue

1. Unscrew the thumb screw/knob present on the front of the arm
   You can now open the securing block and insert the holder.

2. Insert the holer onto the arm and align the slot on the sleeve with the alignment pin on the arm.





The flange of the insulator sleeve must be positioned towards the top of the block holder
For the block holder: Make sure that the notch matches the extrusion of the block holder

3. Slide the sleeve into position and loosely secure it.