When using the test machine to measure very small distances, the extension readings can be incorrect due to the stiffness of the machine, load cell bending and grip pin movement.
To overcome this there is a setting for machine stiffness that can be set and the extension readings will be compensated for in the embedded software
The newly compensated extension readings are available as a scheme setting in both standalone mode (machine only) or with test software (NEXYGEN MT or
NEXYGENPlus). There is space for 10 individual compensation settings.
The following graph shows one test with compensation and one without. It can clearly be seen that compensation makes a considerable difference to the extension readings. This test was performed with a 100N load cell in compression.
How to set the machine stiffness on your materials testing machine
For
Tension a solid metal bar must be gripped between eye ends. For
Compression, machine eye ends or compression platens can be pressed together.
With the correct load cell fitted, switch on the test machine and allow it to initialize.
From
The top level Test / Edit screen on the test machine console:
Select
Edit
Select
Global
Press the > key twice
Select
Set Machine Stiffness
If no schemes are currently set the display will show
Empty 1….10.
A previous scheme can be edited to use again.
Select the desired scheme to be configured using the < > keys
The scheme can be given a name usually associated with the load cell type for example T100N or C100N for tension or compression.
Select
Setup
Select the test mode either
Tension or
Compression
Select
Set Preload Value
Select
Preload and enter the force to start the extension readings. This is recommended to be 0.5% of the load cell value. Example 1000N load cell, preload = 5N. Other units can be used such as gf or lbf.
Select
Speed and enter
1mm/min. (it is highly recommended that no higher speeds are used).
When preload and speed have been set press the
Enter key once.
Select
Set Limit Value
Select
Limit and set this to the target load needed. This can be full range of load cell or a percentage of (if the test does use full load).
Select
Speed and enter
1mm/min.
When limit and speed have been set press the
Enter key.
The settings are now complete.
Select
Perform. The display will show ‘Performing Test Machine Stiffness’
The test machine will do two cycles. The first cycle checks the physical deflection in the machine and load train. The second cycle performs the measurement compensation for the movement found.
When fully complete the display will return to the
Select Scheme name screen.
To return to the console top-level menu press the
Enter key three times.
Using the scheme in a test (stand alone test machine only)
The stiffness compensation scheme that has been set will be stored in the test machine console memory and can be selected in any test set up.
From the top menu select the test to edit using the < > keys
Select
Edit and then
Setup
Select
Test Type
Press the > key once
Select
Machine Stiffness
Use the left hand up arrow key ^ on the console to select
Enable or
Disable scheme
Use the < > keys to select the scheme name and setup to be used
Press the
Enter key to exit
Select all other test parameters as normal
When a test is now run this scheme (if enabled) will be used and extension readings and results will be compensated.
Note: As the machine memory holds the Stiffness scheme, to clear it from a test setup, it can be disabled in the settings as mentioned above or a Ram Dump of the machine can be performed.
Using the scheme in a test with software (NEXYGEN MT or NEXYGENPlus)
With the test machine switched on and PC connected, open the correct console (
EZ and Plus Series)
Right Click on the console and select
Machine Setup Schemes
Select + button next to Machine Stiffness and from the drop-down menu select the scheme name required.
Select
Save As... to save the console and use this Machine Stiffness setting.
When you open a batch file and run a test, the software using the saved console’s extension readings and results will be compensated.