2D Load Cell Argon Series - SPN02012

Table of Contents Step-by-Step Installation Introduction Required Tools and Components Mounting the Argon Sensor on MFT-5000 Mounting the Argon Sensor on MFT-2000 Ensure the graphite adapter plate is installed Mounting the suspension Rotary Application Type Reciprocating Application Type Block-On-Ring Application Type Quotation for this one Brake Test Holder Autre Holder Tribocorrosion sample holder Installing the Ball Holder Installing the Argon (MFT-5000) Installing the Argon (MFT-2000)

Step-by-Step Installation

Introduction

This manual applies to the following tester

MFT-5000

MFT-2000

MFT-2000 A

SMT-5000

This type of Load Cell is composed of a singular part, which makes it easier to use. Inside this Load Cell are two piezo sensors, one measuring Fz and the other measuring Fx.

In this example of standard assembly, you can see on the front side of the 200N load cell a sticker which is the calibration unit of each axis force, fz and fx, necessary to read correct value based on those reference value.

The 100N suspension assembled on it 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.

Exemple of holder into their suspensions:

Required Tools and Components

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”

Mounting the Argon Sensor on MFT-5000

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

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.

Without extension block (left) and with extension block (right)

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

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

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.

Mounting the Argon Sensor on MFT-2000

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

The narrow side of the fast exchange plate’s should point to the left of the front load cell as this side 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 block:

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

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

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

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

The narrow side of the fast exchange plate’s should point to the left of the front load cell as this side 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.

Ensure the graphite adapter plate is installed

Generally, the graphite plate is already installed on the load cell, make sure to have it installed to continue.

Otherwise install it by fastening the 4 x 6-32 x .250” long screws using 7/64” Allen key.

Mounting the suspension

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.

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.

Rotary Application Type

Ball On Disk / Pin On Disk

Pin/Ball holder preparation

The ball holder along with the provided collet can also accommodate circular pins.

Loosen the nut to free the ball.

Insert the adjusting pin into the holder, then the ball.
Provided for standard test: Ball, .250" (1/4") (6.350mm) Dia
E52100 100Cr6 grade 25 Alloy Steel.

Hold the holder vertically, so the ball is resting on the pin.
Using a 1/8" Allen key, fasten the screw inside the holder to slightly push the ball.

Once the ball is retracted enough, fasten the nut to secure it.

For preliminary testing: The ball may be reused by rotating it to expose a unworn contact surface.
For final measurements: It is recommended to employ a new ball for each test to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

Extension holder

Use the extension only in particular cases where the ball holder cannot reach the sample.

Increasing the ball holder length can negatively affect test results, especially in reciprocating tests. Whenever possible, use the load cell extension block instead.

(to reduce the distance towards the sample)

Universal Ball holder Overivew

1. Test Ball or Pin

Rtec balls catalog

Upper Sample Holder for 1000℃ Chamber

Upper Sample Holder for 1000℃ Chamber	Part no.
0.5 inch ball	SPN030060-55
0.375 inch ball	SPN030060-54
0.25 inch ball	SPN030060-53
3 mm ball	SPN030060-56
6mm diameter cylinder	SPN030041-462
6.3mm diameter cylinder	SPN13108
9.5mm diameter cylinder	SPN030041-463
12.7mm diameter cylinder	SPN030041-464
15mm diameter cylinder	SPN030041-465

E52100 Alloy Steel / HRC60

304 SSt / HRC25

440C SSt / HRC58

WC Tungsten Carbide / HRC75

SiN Silicon Nitride

Nonporous Alumina Ceramic balls

PTFE

Available Ball size :

1.6mm

3.9mm

6.3mm

9.5mm

12.7mm

2 . Nut

3. ER11 Collet

General metric range avalaible: from 1 mm to 7 mm (0.5 mm increments)

Each collet has a clamping range of 0.5 mm
ex: an ER11-3 mm collet can also clamp pins/balls with a 2.5-3.5 mm diameter.

4. Adjusting pin

This pin enables ball position adjustment within the collet.

5. Ball Holder

Holder Specification MSC 81197253

Collet Series	ER11
Shank Type	Straight
Through Coolant	No
Shank Diameter (Inch)	5/8

Minimum Collet Capacity (Decimal Inch)	0.0190
Maximum Collet Capacity (Decimal Inch)	0.2760
Overall Length (Inch)	3-1/2
Overall Length (Decimal Inch)	3.5
Actuator Type	Wrench
Shank Length (Decimal Inch)	3.0300
Collet Nut Diameter (Decimal Inch)	0.6200

6. Extension

For additional information or to place an order, please contact Rtec Support (contact information provided at the end of this manual).

Block On Disk

Reciprocating Application Type

Ball On Plate / Pin On Plate

Block On Plate

Block Sample Quotation

Sliding Piston Ring On Cylindrical Liner

TRIBOCORROSION CONTAINER, PIN SAMPLE HOLDER

d17b3ec9-56b6-423b-9eed-8cd4cf1642ee.pdf

122.3 KiB

Block-On-Ring Application Type

Ball On Ring / Pin On Ring

Block-On-Ring

Self-Adjusting Block holder preparation

The self-leveling block holder will ensure proper contact during the test.

Firstly ,loosen the 2 tightening screws using /16” Allen key.

Slide in the block sample into the block support

Avalaible ASTM Rtec Block Catalog

ASTM: D3704, G77, G176, D2714, D3704, D2509

Level the block sufficiently into the holder.

Tighten the securing screws on each side.

Block sample Quotation

Rtec Test Block Size: 0.620 x 0.250 x 0.4

L x l x h in inches

Reference : MM000128-XX

High Torque Block Holder

38fb87d8-6fcf-4b65-8fe7-bebed9b1f31a.pdf

88 KiB

Quotation for this one

Brake Test Holder

db3303f6-40e7-4005-9f65-5038999bb4ea.pdf

131.7 KiB

56d27173-b4c6-4bff-8758-25b08931bf6f.pdf

196.8 KiB

43fa9c28-885b-4ce4-9202-8e726fd0f749.pdf

155 KiB

Autre Holder

SAMPLE HOLDER, TORQUE SENSOR

f42427f8-72f5-4d69-a5bc-4d9383068a01.pdf

73.7 KiB

SAMPLE HOLDER FOR BRIDGE SENSOR

08bd274b-faae-4e23-803d-359bccdf6e4f.pdf

90.7 KiB

Contact Sample Holder, Fretting Test

AM000569-00

TCT Sample Holder

ed53b290-036a-478f-b0df-bc87c6b29679.pdf

52.1 KiB

HFRR SAMPLE HOLDER, FRETTING TEST

AM000569-06

Tribocorrosion sample holder

4908ec9c-0154-4890-90ef-fe0c665367b6.pdf

117.7 KiB

Installing the Ball Holder

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.

Place the ball holder into the slip sleeve.

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.

Installing the Argon (MFT-5000)

Lower the Z-Axis all the way down using the jogbox.

Before installing the load cell

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

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

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.

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.

Connect the ribbon cable to the Argon Load Sensor.

The connector only fit one way.

Installing the Argon (MFT-2000)

Slide in the load cell into the Z stage rack.

Make sure the 4 screws above the rack are removed.
Slide the load cell with its front facing you and the connector on the right.

Fasten the 4 securing screws by hands.

Connect the ribbon cable. The connector only fit one way.

Hardware Final Notes

Always confirm all screws are hand-tightened and then secured with the appropriate Allen key.

Refer to the full user manual for safety precautions and maintenance schedules

Contact & Support

For technical support or further assistance, please contact:

Rtec-Instruments Support

support@rtec-instruments.com

+1 (408) 708-9226

www.rtec-instruments.com

Manual Versions

Manual Version	Date	Update Description
ㅤ	12/09/2025	Initial Manual Version

2D Load Cell Argon Series - SPN02012 - Medium to High Load

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