Required Tools and Components
Introduction and Specification
The one dimension load cell allows for decoupling for friction and down force sensor.
1D or one dimension Z force/load cell is used to measure down load during the test. The load cell is mounted directly on the Z assembly or on the fast exchange mounting blocks.
The friction arm allows for higher system rigidity and higher friction accuracy measurement at higher load.The sensors comes with two technology, strain gauge based and piezo sensors. Piezo sensors are recommended for applications that requires high frequency response and works only for reciprocating tests.
Load cells are tested and calibrated across wide temperature and humidity ranges. Data is close-looped with the Z motor. The Z load cell contains an amplifier board with friction sensor input and communicates via ethernet cable. Standard ranges and accuracies are listed below. Designed and manufactured at our San Jose facility.
Custom ranges available on request.
Applications –High load tests using various modules.
Applications –High load tests using various modules.
- This type of Load Cell is composed of 2 different parts, each one responsible for one axis of force.
- One arm with a piezo sensor will measure the friction force along Fx, while Fz will be applied and recorded by another component.
1D+1D Specifications
Fz 1D Sensor
Range | Resolution | Part no. | Alternate |
Fz Range: 2 to 200 N; | Resolution: 7 mN | SPN14046-519 | SPN0201Z-200 |
Fz Range: 5 to 500 N; | Resolution: 15 mN | SPN14046-520 | SPN0201Z-500 |
Fz Range: 10 to 1000 N | Resolution: 30 mN | SPN14046-521 | SPN0201Z-1000 |
Fz Range: 20 to 2000 N | Resolution: 60 mN | SPN14046-522 | SPN0201Z-2000 |
Fz Range: 30 to 3000 N | Resolution: 90 mN | SPN14046-524 | SPN0201Z-3000 |
Fz Range: 50 to 5000 N | Resolution: 0.15 N | SPN14046-523 | SPN0201Z-5000 |
Fx 1D Sensor
Range | Resolution | Part no. |
2 to 200 N | 7 mN | SPN0201Z-200 |
5 to 500 N | 15 mN | SPN0201Z-500 |
10 to 1000 N | 30 mN | SPN0201Z-1000 |
20 to 2000 N | 60 mN | SPN0201Z-2000 |
30 to 3000 N | 90 mN | SPN0201Z-3000 |
50 to 5000 N | 0.15 N | SPN0201Z-5000 |
Fz Installation
Mounting the Fz Load Cell
- Quick-exchange attachement
- Sliding plate
- Block extension
- Fz load cell
Ensure that the quick-exchange plate is properly mounted on top of the load cell:
- 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.
- Mount the block extension on the exchange plate with 4 4 x 10-32 x 1.250” long screws using 5/32 Allen wrench.
- 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
Install the Fz load Cell
- Lower the Z-Axis all the way down using the jogbox Z-axis control.
- Slide the FZ-1D arm into the quick-exchange mount.
- Secure the arm by locking it in place.
Always power off the instrument before connecting or installing any load cell
or accessory.
or accessory.
{{if Fz}}
Fx Installation
Arm montage (if dismounted)
The Fx sensor should come pre-built. However, if you need to build it, follow the following steps:
- 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.
- Fix the capacitive sensor to the vertical arm with 2 x 8-32 x .875” BM310290-11.
The sensor face with the threaded insert.
- Attach the friction arm to the pivot base with 8-32 x .375” BM310280-05 with a 9/64 » allen key.
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- Fix the piezo sensor to the vertical arm with 2 x 8-32 x .875” BM310290-11.
{{if piezo}}
Please refer to the 3 threads of the base which must point downward to ensure proper angular movement of the pivot base.
Mount the Fx-1D Arm
- Remove the right panel of the MFT to access to the fixation hole and sticker
- 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 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.
positions 5 and 7.
- 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.
Mount the Spring Assembly
- Use a 5/64" Allen wrench to mount the springs to the front and back of the Fx-1D arm.
- Ensure proper tension and secure the spring assembly.
{{if gauge}}
Attach the Load Cell Cables
- Connect the Sensor Cable.
- Connect the Fx Arm Cable to the Fz Load Cell.
{{gauge}}
- Connect the piezo DB9 cable to the frame connector.
{{piezo}}
- Raise the Z axis
Ball holder Spring Setup
Sleeve, insulator cap and the adaptor are placed on the top of the holder.
in order to be used with the suspensions.
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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.
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.
Self-Adjusting Block holder preparation
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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
ASTM Rtec Block Catalog
HRC 58-62 Roughness 4-8 Uinch → D3704, G77, G176
SPN13136-145
SPN13136-145
HRC 27-33 Roughness 20-30 Uinch → D2714, D3704
HRC 58-62 Roughness 20-30 Uinch → D2509
SPN13136-146
SPN13136-146
- Level the block sufficiently into the holder.
- Tighten the securing screws on each side.
Block holder Spring Setup
Sleeve, insulator cap and the adaptor are placed on the top of the holder.
in order to be used with the suspensions.
- Slide in the block holder adapter sleeve.
- Add the first cap to the top of the ball holder.
- Place the spring onto the cap.
- Add the top cap on top of the spring.
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The pictures below show the actual montage step directly on the arm.
Follow the next step to continue
Installing the montage into the arm
- Unscrew the thumb screw/knob present on the front of the arm
You can now open the securing block and insert the holder.
- 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
For the block holder: Make sure that the notch matches the extrusion of the block holder
- Slide the sleeve into position and loosely secure it.
Level the arm
Use the built-in level on the 1D arm to ensure the arm is mounted horizontally.
- Manually press the arm so the ball holder contacts the sample, as the level must be evaluated when the pin/ball is in contact with the surface.
- Slightly loosen the tightening screw/knob.
- Adjust the arm position up or down until the level indicator shows proper alignment.
- Once the 1D arm and block holder aligned and level, tighten the sleeve
securely.
The collets must be fully inserted into the arm
- The ball holder and arm can remain suspended
Confirm the assembly is secure and aligned
Please verify this important aspect of the setup, as they can be easily forgotten or ignored, possibly affecting the quality of the testing and result.
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
Manual Versions
Manual Version | Date | Update Description |
ㅤ | 09/2025 | Initial Manual Version |
Made with Bullet