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
Manual Version | Date | Update Description |
2025-AS-01A-EN | 09/2025 | Initial Manual Version |
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