Tester’s Technical Information
MFT-5000 Overview
High density/high stiffness floor standing platform with anchor design.
Capable of performing various standard and customized tests according to international standards (ASTM/DIN/ISO).
Accommodates interchangeable modules for easy change of test configuration. Options for Integrating 3D optical surface profilometer, Raman etc.
Capable of performing various standard and customized tests according to international standards (ASTM/DIN/ISO).
Accommodates interchangeable modules for easy change of test configuration. Options for Integrating 3D optical surface profilometer, Raman etc.
The MFT-5000 is based on the principle of modules. We divide the modules into different types:
- The Load Cells: It applies the load and reads the friction force, which can, in turn give us the friction coefficient.
- The Functional Modules: Also called drives, have a motor that applies a movement to a sample. This movement is necessary for friction testing.
- The Sensors: They give information relevant to the test: temperature,displacement, and conductivity.
MFT-5000 Technical Specification
- Max. loading force up to 10000 N
- Z travel distance up to 150 mm, encoder resolution: 0.1 um
Servo-controlled loading, fully programmable
Travel Speed: 0.002-5 mm/s
In-situ wear-depth monitoring
- Off center loads up to 5000 N (rotary drive etc.)
- Long X-Y motorized sample stage travel. Medium and low speed linear reciprocating motion.
MFT-5000 Dimensions
Its weight varies based on the options installed and starts at around 295 kg. The optional vent port for external ventilation from the top of the tester has dimensions of 12.7cm (5”).
- frame of instrument
- X&Y motorized stage : 130 mm x 270 mm
- Z-motorized stage: 150 mm
- Z2-motorized stage: 150 mm (optional)
X&Y motorized Stage Overview
Outer enclosure, EMO switch, exhaust fan
Automatic recognition of installed modules and drives.
Automatic recognition of installed modules and drives.
The base plate is a platform equipped with two X-Y motorized stage allowing it to move horizontally. The Z-motorized stage allows to apply the normal force, Fz, with the instrument.
The two X-Y motorized stage, i.e displacement tables, are controlled by different modes:
The two X-Y motorized stage, i.e displacement tables, are controlled by different modes:
- joystick, software with positioning control or video image with the optional optical microscope.
- The X-Y motorized stage is setup at a low speed for safety reasons. But careful and attention must be taken when operating the instrument.
The X-Y motorized stage have been set at low speed (5 mm/sec) on the standard instrument (other speeds: maximum speed 50 mm/sec on special request only).
The stage is moving laterally at a low speed for safety reasons.
The stage is moving laterally at a low speed for safety reasons.
Watch out getting your fingers or any personal stuff stuck while the base plate is moving.
X&Y motorized Specification
- X Linear Reciprocating Drive : Speed 0.001-6 mm/s; max travel: 130 mm
- Y Linear Reciprocating Drive : Speed 0.001-50 mm/s, max travel: 270mm
(Y motor changed to higher torque motor with maximum 6 mm/s speed when some high torque test modules are selected)
XY Stage Speed or Torque Variation
SPN010021 | XY Stage Speed Change | Replaces default XY stage motor - X 6mm/s and Y 50mms speed with selected motors in this section. X 10 mm/s, Y 50 mm/ |
ㅤ | ㅤ | ㅤ |
Tester’s Plate
The serial number and manufacturing dates are located on the front of the machine,
behind the door:
behind the door:
Thermo-controller
DAQ Box and Analog Input
Safety
Risks
Foreseeable misuse
Misuse can result in serious injury and damage to the tool. Foreseeable misuse includes, for example:
- Any use of the tool other than that for which it is intended or any use other than that for which it is intended.
- Operating the tool in non-compliant and potentially explosive environments.
- Operating the tool without the intended safety devices or with defective safety devices.
- Modifying or disabling the safety devices.
- Programming the machine with values out of the specified range.
- Failure to observe the operating instructions.
- Installing software that is not approved by the tool manufacturer.
- Carrying out maintenance work on an unsecured tool.
- Placing objects on work surfaces.
- The installation of spare parts and the use of accessories and equipment that are not approved by the manufacturer.
Making structural changes to the tool without the consent of the tool manufacturer and subsequent risk assessment.
- Failure to observe the maintenance instructions.
- Failure to observe signs of wear and damage.
- Service work performed by untrained or unauthorized personnel.
- Deliberate, unintentional, or reckless handling of the tool during operation.
- Operation of the tool in an obviously faulty condition.
- The use of external energy sources that are not approved by the tool manufacturer.
Permissible Aids and Operating Materials
The following auxiliary and operating materials may be used on the tool:
- Isopropanol
- Latex gloves
The recommended cleaning agent is isopropanol. Isopropanol is a flammable solvent and
must be used in compliance with the safety data sheet. Restrictions may apply in relation
to environmental regulations concerning the total quantity of permissible solvents.
Suitable precautionary measures must be taken in the storage, usage, and disposal of these chemicals, which should be treated as hazardous substances.
must be used in compliance with the safety data sheet. Restrictions may apply in relation
to environmental regulations concerning the total quantity of permissible solvents.
Suitable precautionary measures must be taken in the storage, usage, and disposal of these chemicals, which should be treated as hazardous substances.
Ensure that repairs are carried out in a timely manner.
- All work on live parts of the electrical installation must only be carried out when the tool is de-energized.
- Only allow protective covers on the tool or tool parts to be opened by qualified electricians, when the tool is de-energized.
The machine can be switched OFF by operating the ON/OFF switch on the back of the machine.
Note: Before accessing any electrical box, please make sure to follow LOCKOUT protocol as mentioned in maintenance manual.
Danger from Heavy Loads
The weight of the tool and some tool components exceeds the permissible load capacity for one person.
- Two people are required to transport the UP-3000 unit.
- Mechanical assistance (e.g. a forklift) can be of use to move the machine.
In the event that the machine needs to be displaced from the place of installation, contact Customer Service.
Emergency Switch (EMO)
To stop the equipment in an emergency situation, press the emergency stop button.
Figure 5: Image of the EMO button
Once the emergency stop button has been activated, the equipment cannot be restarted until the emergency stop button has been released. This is done by twisting the knob to the operational position.
Warning: Please make sure that the reason for EMO activation is resolved before releasing the emergency stop button.
Temperature Controller Switch
The Temperature Controller is located in the lower part of the MFT-5000 platform, on the left side of the tester. The GFCI switch trip is located at the back of the Temperature Controller. This switch turns on or off the Temperature Controller.
Figure 6: Image of the switch at the back of the temperature controller
Warning: In the event that the temperature controller box is trip/faulted (GFCI switch), please contact Rtec-Instruments Support service before trying the chamber
again.
Note: In the event that the temperature controller box has to be opened, follow the LOCKOUT protocol as mentioned in the maintenance part of this manual.
Protective Equipment
Protective equipment increases the level of safety and protects Operators from potential health risks. The Operators must wear protective equipment when performing work on or with the tool. The tool Operator must have the following protective equipment at their disposal:
Safety Goggles – Not Mandatory
Safety goggles protect the eyes from flying debris, splashes of media, and lasers. Corrective safety goggles must be adapted to the wearer's visual impairments. Safety goggles are not mandatory, as the machine can be operated solely when the chamber is closed.
Safety Gloves
Media-resistant protective gloves protect hands against aggressive media, mechanical, and thermal hazards. Their use depends on the application requirements.
Respiratory Protection – Not Mandatory
Respiratory masks have particle filters or gas filters and protect Operators from inhaling dangerous substances. Combination filters consist of a gas and particle filter. Its use is not mandatory, as it depends on the materials being tested.
Safety Shoes – Not Mandatory
Safety shoes protect the front part of the feet with a protective metal cap and a puncture- resistant and skid-proof sole made of antistatic, acid-resistant, and oil-resistant material. Their use is not mandatory but according to local regulations.
Responsibility of the Tool Operator
The tool is used in the commercial sector. Therefore, the operator is subject to the local statutory obligations for occupational safety. In addition to the safety instructions in these operating instructions, the operator must comply with the safety, accident prevention and environmental protection regulations applicable for the field of use of the tool. Ensure the following points:
The responsible employees obtain information on the applicable occupational, health,and safety regulations and prepare a risk assessment to determine additional hazards resulting from the specific working conditions at the tool's place of use. These assessments must be implemented in the form of operating instructions.
Do not allow any changes or modifications without the written consent of RTEC Instruments Inc.
- Replace defective components and worn parts of the tool immediately with original spare parts.
- Do not allow the operation of the tool without covers or with locks disabled.
- Maintenance and repair work may only be carried out by qualified personnel.
- Ensure that all employees who handle the tool have access to the operating instructions provided and other applicable documents at all times. Furthermore, ensure that the instructions contained therein are consistently followed.
- Ensure all employees who handle the tool are adequately trained for its operation, according to specifications from RTEC Instruments Inc.
- Do not remove, alter, or obscure warning signs located on or within the tool, or in any way change their content or legibility.
- Do not attach additional signs or make other additions or modifications that detract from the observance of warning signs or plaques placed by RTEC Instruments Inc.
Other Electrical Risks
- Work on electrical tools, components, and electrical connections of the tool may only be carried out by qualified electricians.
- If an electrical problem occurs, turn off the tool and call a qualified electrician immediately.
- When the isolation is damaged, interrupt the power supply.
Other Mechanical Risks
- Mechanical risks are identified on the tool by means of safety labels in the close proximity to the point of hazard.
- The tool has moving parts (X, Y, and Z actuators) that may catch on foreign objects such as loose clothing, accessories, fingers, hands, and hair.
- Do not reach towards moving parts of the tool when the tests are being carried out.
Other Thermic Risks
Optional items of the instrument include high-temperature chambers. The heating system is protected inside the chamber and the external black part of the chamber is kept at a low temperature. But in reason of heating, safety measures must be maintained.
Warning: Do not put your hands on the heating chamber while heating the chamber or chamber is still hot inside.
Note: When the heating is stopped, keep hardware and software of instrument opened in order to maintain the cooling fans blowing air for better and faster cooling.
Other Risks
- Risk of death due to faulty or dismantled safety devices.
- Severe injuries or death due to individual tool components tipping, sliding, or falling during improper transportation.
- Danger of death by electrocution.
- Risk of crushing, impact, and shock due to falling tools, tool components, and assembly equipment.
- Health hazards due to the improper handling of auxiliary and operating materials (e.g. cleaning agents).
- Risk of collision with tool components.
- Unforeseeable injuries and property damage due to moving parts within the tool.
Failure to observe the hazards may result in serious injury, including death, or pose other health risks.
Risk Assessment Analysis
The Risk Assessment Analysis has been performed in the CE Mark safety and code
conformity report for the Multifunction Tribometer Report #2019-0535 CE Mark. The details
of the report indicates the full Risk Assessment Analysis.
In case of needs of this document, please consult Rtec-Instruments for a copy of the
document.
As an easy indication of information, some basics of the operating of the instruments are
indicated here and provide an easy overview of the steps to be cautious.
conformity report for the Multifunction Tribometer Report #2019-0535 CE Mark. The details
of the report indicates the full Risk Assessment Analysis.
In case of needs of this document, please consult Rtec-Instruments for a copy of the
document.
As an easy indication of information, some basics of the operating of the instruments are
indicated here and provide an easy overview of the steps to be cautious.
- Collision with X,Y,Z-motorized tables
X,Y,Z-motorized tables are setup at low speed for safety reasons but precaution must be
taken when the system is operated.
- Collision of the upper sample holder with lower stage
The MFT software has safety features to stop the displacement when the maximum load has
been reached.
The joystick allows to operate the X,Y,Z-motion when the software is closed, In that particular
case, the safety of the maximum load of the load cell is not active. Position of the Z-motion
must be watched.
- Collision with the 3D Profilometer
The optical objectives must be maintained at a higher position than the sample surface.
- Heating chamber
Optional items of the instrument include high temperature chambers. The heating system is
protected inside the chamber and the external black part of the chamber is kept at a low
temperature. But in reason of heating, safety measures must be maintained.
Do not put your hands on the heating chamber while heating the chamber or chamber
is still hot inside.
When the heating is stopped, keep hardware and software of instrument opened in
order to maintain the cooling fans blowing air for better and faster cooling.
The external parts of the heating chamber are maintained at a low temperature but caution
must be taken when touching the heating chambers.
Commissioning & Installation
Unpacking the main unit
- Cut the straps, keep in mind that the straps may have sharp edges.
- Unscrew screws (3), fixing the side and the rear walls of the crate to the
bottom.
- Open the latches (4) by turning the handles (5)
- Open the front wall of the crate and put it down in order to make a ramp. (6)
Remove the three foamsafety bumps held by Velcro patches.
- Take off the bottom platform from the rest of the body (7) and move it back.
Cut and remove the metallized mylar bag and plastic wrap.
Be careful not to scratch the outer housing of the tribometer.
- Unscrew the screws (8) and remove the fixing brackets (9).
- Unscrew the nuts (10) in order to move it all the way down until it touches down the base part (11). The tribometer shall lower down and stay on the casters
- Carefully roll the tribometer down the ramp while supporting it and move the
system to the installation location.
After unpacking the unit, check it for compliance and for any damages that may have occurred during shipment.
- Place the pads (12) under the 4 feet prior to the position, to reduce the vibration.
- When on the final installation location, screw nuts (10) all the way up in order for the tribometer to be standing with its leveling feet (11) on the basement and not on the casters.
- Adjust the tribometer horizontally using the inclinometer (13) given and the nuts (10).
- Finally, screw both nuts (10) against each other in order to fix them and stop them from moving.
- Plug in the USB’s to the computer (USB cables have numbers that match the number on the computer ports).
- Connect the tool and the computer to voltage as instructed in the facility requirement document.
- Turn on the computer and power on the testers (both switches)
- Use the joy stick to manually move XYZ stages
- Press EMO button to check its operation.
- Rtec Software MFT shortcut is on the desktop of computer supplied.
Overview
This guide walks you through the installation process of the module on an Rtec-Instruments system. It includes mechanical mounting, alignment and electrical connections. Follow all safety precautions and ensure the tester is powered off before beginning.
Hardware Step-by-Step
Remove the fast-exchange plate
- Lower the Z axis all the ways down first for an easier access.
- Remove the fast exchange attachement from the Z-Axis by loosening the 4 screws holding it.
The upper drive will be directly fixed to the Z stage without the fast exchange attachement.
Install the Fz load cell
- Fasten the 4 captives screws as shown below.
The 4-pin holder of the Fz load cell must face downwards.
The slot connector of the load cell must be pointing to the right.
Slide in the upper drive
- Slide the upper drive into the load cell pins.
Please pay attention to the notch, circled in orange, which must point towards the back.
After sliding it in, the upper rotary drive is now supported by the 4-pins.
- To secure the upper drive, tighten the 3 captives screws using a 5/32" Allen key.
There is only one captive screw on the right.
Connect the cables
4Ball Module Installation
4Ball Overview
Required Tools and Components
Assemble and attach the Upper Ball Holder
- Insert the Ball .500" (1/2") (12.700mm) Dia, E52100 Alloy Steel into the collet ball.
- Insert the collet ball into the upper holder.
- Using a 3/32” Allen key or thinner, to push out the ball only.
- Using a 1/8” Allen key or larger to push out both the ball insert holding the ball.
Make sure to match the collet ball’s notch with the dowel pin’s holder.
To dismount the upper holder
Insert a Allen key on its back to fully dismount the whole.
Attach the upper ball holder
- Insert the ER-32 collet into the ring, then place it into the upper drive.
- Slide in the ball holder into the Upperdrive.
- While holding the drive in place using the included 36 mm wrench, use the ER-32 wrench (provided in the kit) to tighten the collet securely.
Tightening using the two wrenches prevents applying direct torque on the upper drive.
Raise the Z-axis using the jogbox, once the drive is properly installed to facilitate next steps.
Mount the self-adjusting platform
Prepare the 4Ball Container
Follow the Dry or Grease Container montage below depending on the test.
Assembling the 4ball oil container
Cleaning procedure before test
- Immerse balls in Stoddard solvent, ultrasonically clean for 5 min.
- Transfer to fresh Stoddard solvent, swirl for 1 min.
- Rinse in n-heptane, swirl or ultrasonically clean 1–2 min.
- Air-dry 10 min in fume hood or warm air stream.
- Assemble immediately into the test cup using clean tweezers.
- Insert the three balls into the empty container, without forgetting the positioning pin.
The thermocouple probe must be pushed close to the balls.
- Put the clamping rings. Make sure the clamping ring with the 3 notches faces towards the ball (opposite from the picture). Then the chuck insert above.
- Finally, put the nut.
Assembling the 4ball grease container
- Empty the container and pull out the thermocouple probe.
- Immerse balls in Stoddard solvent, ultrasonically clean for 5 min.
- Transfer to fresh Stoddard solvent, swirl for 1 min.
- Rinse in n-heptane, swirl or ultrasonically clean 1–2 min.
- Air-dry 10 min in fume hood or warm air stream.
- Assemble immediately into the test cup using clean tweezers.
Cleaning procedure before test
- Insert the grease container with the positionning pin.
Insert back the thermocouple probe.
This pin prevents the ball from slipping during testing.
- Put the circular insert ,then place the 3 testing balls.
Make sure that the thermocouple probe is pushed very close to the balls.
- Put the clamping ring in place, then insert the chuck.
Tighten the 4ball container to 50 ft-lbf (67.8 N.m)
The attachment table must be fixed on a table for this operation. Tapping Inserts for Softwood are provided with the table.
- Take the provided torque wrench and adjust it to 50 ft-lbs (67.8 N.m). Place the 6 Point Impact Socket 2-1/4” on the torque wrench.
- Place the 4ball container on the attachment table by respecting the correct orientation (different pin diameters).
- Tighten the 4ball container on the attachment table using the torque wrench.
The torque tightening is carried out according to ASTM standards, and has a direct impact on the friction outcome, including the welding process.
After use, the torque wrench should be stored at its minimal torque value (10 ft.lbf / 13.6N.m)
Install the 4ball container on the platform
- Align the two guide pins on the self-centering platform with the corresponding holes on the bottom of the sample holder.
The two keyed pins are of different diameters, ensuring correct orientation.
For Oil Preparation
Pour the oil to be evaluated into the test-oil cup to a level around 3 mm above the top of the balls. Ensure that this oil level still exists after the test-oil fills all of the voids in the test-oil cup assembly.
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
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