CellScale UniVert User manual

UniVert
Mechanical Test System
User Manual
version 3.0

Mechanical measurement and analysis of materials
CellScale provides scientific and medical researchers with turn-key systems for
measuring the mechanical properties of materials. We provide user-friendly
software, an easy-to-use patented attachment system, and effective data
analysis tools.
Our foundation was laid at one of the world’s leading research institutions –the
University of Waterloo. We understand research and aim to provide effective
solutions at a reasonable price.
Explore our web site www.cellscale.com or contact us to learn more about our
measurement systems.
© 2021 CellScale. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced,
displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of the
copyright holder. For permission, contact CellScale Biomaterials Testing at
[email protected].
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Table of Contents
General Information......................................................................................................................... 1
Environmental and Electrical Specifications................................................................................ 1
System Assembly......................................................................................................................... 1
Connections to Supply................................................................................................................. 1
Safety Warnings........................................................................................................................... 2
Manual Operating Controls.......................................................................................................... 2
General Maintenance................................................................................................................... 2
Approvals and Certification.......................................................................................................... 2
Testing Terminology........................................................................................................................ 3
Multiphase Test Cycles................................................................................................................ 3
Phases, Cycles, and Test Sequences......................................................................................... 4
Test Phases: The Smallest Unit of Testing.................................................................................. 5
Control Modes.............................................................................................................................. 5
Control Functions......................................................................................................................... 6
Test Modes and System Configurations...................................................................................... 7
Software Overview........................................................................................................................... 8
Output Files and Data Structures................................................................................................. 9
Setting Up & Starting a Test.......................................................................................................... 10
Overview.................................................................................................................................... 10
Step 1: Start a New Test............................................................................................................ 10
Step 2: Reset the Actuator......................................................................................................... 11
Step 3: Specify Test Type.......................................................................................................... 12
Step 4: Zero the Load Cell (occasionally).................................................................................. 12
Step 5: Modify Testing Parameters (optional) ........................................................................... 13
Step 6: Mounting a Specimen.................................................................................................... 15
Platen Mounted Specimens ................................................................................................... 15
Grip Mounted Specimens....................................................................................................... 16
3-Point Bend Specimens........................................................................................................ 18
Step 7: Execute the Test............................................................................................................ 19
Step 8: Terminate the Test Prematurely (optional).................................................................... 19
Step 9: Saving the Template (optional) ..................................................................................... 20
Additional Settings......................................................................................................................... 21
Configuring Output Data Files.................................................................................................... 21
Advanced System Settings Dialogue......................................................................................... 22
Data Averaging....................................................................................................................... 22

Force Control Settings............................................................................................................ 23
Force and Displacement Control Settings.............................................................................. 24
System Stiffness Compensation ............................................................................................ 24
Range Limits.............................................................................................................................. 25
Configuring the Live Charting Graphs ....................................................................................... 26
Reviewing Test Results................................................................................................................. 28
Overview.................................................................................................................................... 28
Selecting Images........................................................................................................................ 29
Image Playback Options............................................................................................................ 29
Image Tracking: Overview ......................................................................................................... 30
Image Tracking: The Points Display Option .............................................................................. 33
Camera ...................................................................................................................................... 34
Image Tracking: The Displacement Option ............................................................................... 35
Image Tracking: The Strains Option.......................................................................................... 36
Data Overlay.............................................................................................................................. 37
Exporting Tracked Data ............................................................................................................. 38
Exporting Images and Movies.................................................................................................... 40
System Hardware Settings............................................................................................................ 41
Controller.................................................................................................................................... 41
Load Cell.................................................................................................................................... 41
Actuator and Motor .................................................................................................................... 42
Temperature............................................................................................................................... 43
System Calibration and Advanced Tools ...................................................................................... 44
Load Cell Calibration.................................................................................................................. 44
Attached to System ................................................................................................................ 44
Calibration Plates ................................................................................................................... 47
Zero Position Calibration............................................................................................................ 49
Custom Position Calibration....................................................................................................... 51
System Stiffness Compensation................................................................................................ 52
Snap Image Feature .................................................................................................................. 55
Update Firmware........................................................................................................................ 55
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................. 57
Communication Errors: Read File or Write File ......................................................................... 57
Actuator Limits ........................................................................................................................... 58
Emergency Stop......................................................................................................................... 60
Appendix A: Unpacking and Initial Setup ...................................................................................... 61
Tools .......................................................................................................................................... 61

Components............................................................................................................................... 61
Fasteners................................................................................................................................... 65
Appendix B: Load Cell Installation................................................................................................. 70
Appendix C: Software Installation.................................................................................................. 72
Appendix D: Test Setup................................................................................................................. 78
Tension Test Setup.................................................................................................................... 78
Vertical Configuration............................................................................................................. 79
Horizontal Configuration......................................................................................................... 82
Compression Test Setup ........................................................................................................... 85
Vertical Configuration............................................................................................................. 85
Horizontal Configuration......................................................................................................... 87
3-Point Bend Test Setup............................................................................................................ 89
Appendix E: Camera Setup........................................................................................................... 92
Webcam..................................................................................................................................... 92
Scientific Camera....................................................................................................................... 93
Appendix F: Media Bath Setup...................................................................................................... 99
Vertical Media Bath.................................................................................................................... 99
Horizontal Media Bath.............................................................................................................. 106
Appendix G: Changing Grip Springs ........................................................................................... 112
Appendix H: Low Force Load Cells............................................................................................. 116
Tension Test Setup.................................................................................................................. 117
Vertical Configuration........................................................................................................... 118
Horizontal Configuration....................................................................................................... 120
Changing Grip Springs......................................................................................................... 122
Compression Test Setup ......................................................................................................... 125
Vertical Configuration........................................................................................................... 126
Horizontal Configuration....................................................................................................... 127

UniVert User Manual
1
General Information
The UniVert is a precision test instrument designed for the compressive and tensile testing and
analysis of materials including polymers, biological specimens, and 3D-printed constructs. The
UniVert system includes a test station and an integrated software interface to run and analyze
test results.
Environmental and Electrical Specifications
Electrical Input
100-240VAC, 50-60Hz
Current Rating
2.71 Amp
Environmental
Conditions
Maximum Operating Temperature
25ºC
0% - 95% Relative Humidity
Installation Category
Category II
Pollution Degree
Degree 2
Data Connections
1 –USB for camera/PC
communication
(USB 3.0 for scientific camera)
1 –USB for controller/PC
communication
System Assembly
Some basic assembly and setup is required. An unboxing and setup guide can be found in
Appendix A.Load cell installation is detailed in Appendix B and software installation is
described in Appendix C. Test setup and configurations are described in Appendix D. Camera
setup is described in Appendix E.
Connections to Supply
Connect the power supply into a properly grounded 100-240VAC power source to ensure safe
operation. Ensure that the power cord is easily accessible at all times. The use of an
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is recommended to protect against data loss.
The mains supply voltage fluctuations should not exceed 10% of the nominal supply voltage.

UniVert User Manual
2
Safety Warnings
This equipment must be used in accordance with the procedures outlined in this manual.
Operators of this equipment must be instructed in safe operating procedures to prevent injury
and/or damage.
Ensure that the area around the moving actuator is clear before commencing test protocols.
The UniVert presents a pinch hazard to extremities. Keep hands clear of moving parts for the
duration of the test.
Manual Operating Controls
There are 2 manual switches on the front of the baseplate. The main power switch of the UniVert
system is the leftmost switch (activating a green LED) and the Emergency stop switch (E-stop) is
rightmost. The E-stop will stop power to the motor and instruct the software to stop a test if one
has been executed. If the E-stop has been depressed, it must be rotated to return it back to its
original position.
The E-stop should only be used in emergency situations only since it will require a power cycle
and actuator reset to set up a new test after it has been depressed (see Setting Up & Starting a
Test: Step 8 for more details).
General Maintenance
Clean the system as needed with mild detergent and water or alcohol based cleaning solutions.
Approvals and Certification
This product conforms to applicable CE standards.
System Alert
This equipment must not be disassembled by the user or modified in any way except that
which is described in this manual.

UniVert User Manual
3
Testing Terminology
The UniVert is designed to apply uniaxial compressive and tensile forces to a variety of materials.
This includes soft metals, plastics, and composites as well as biological materials.
Multiphase Test Cycles
In order to properly characterize and test a specimen, it is often necessary to load it to different
degrees and at different rates. There are three main reasons for doing this:
Preconditioning - Especially for biological specimens, the goal of preconditioning is to restore a
specimen to its physiological or in vivo state. During the process of specimen storage and
preparation, a specimen may swell, dry out, have its material fibers realign, or its molecules
reorganize. It may take multiple preconditioning cycles for a specimen to be restored to its natural
state.
Reproducing Physiological Conditions During Testing - By applying various loads and load
rates, natural expansion and contraction of a specimen can be reproduced (for example, the
pulse pressure in an organ). In as much as the physiological conditions can be recreated, the
specimen can be tested in a more realistic state.
Varying Test Conditions - Variable loads and rates allow you to create a variety of test profiles
to best study your specimen.

UniVert User Manual
4
Phases, Cycles, and Test Sequences
As the following diagram demonstrates, each application and release of load on the specimen is
called a test cycle. The same test cycle can be repeated multiple times to achieve a certain goal
(preconditioning, physiological conditioning, or testing); this is called a test set. Finally, a test
sequence is made up of multiple test sets.
The above example describes the following:
•The entire diagram presents a full test sequence.
•Within that sequence, there are two test sets: the first set applies preconditioning to the
specimen; the second set executes the actual test on the specimen.
•Within the first set (preconditioning), two identical test cycles are implemented to bring
the sample to a satisfactorily preconditioned state.
•Finally, the second set (testing) is made up of three cycles.

UniVert User Manual
5
Test Phases: The Smallest Unit of Testing
The test phase is the smallest unit of the test specification. There are five phases within a cycle.
Each phase serves a specific purpose:
Preloading- Preloads are applied to bring a test to a well-
defined starting point. Because the dimensions of a
specimen may change as a result of a loading cycle
(stretching of fibers, viscoelastic effects, plastic
deformation, or localized material failure at the attachment
points), the preload adjustment compensates for any of
these changes in specimen geometry.
Stretching - During the stretch phase, a deformation is
applied to the specimen. The deformation can be specified
either in terms of force applied or displacement achieved.
Note that in this context, the stretch phase refers to either
stretching (for a tension test), or compression (for a
compressive test).
Holding - The deformation can be held for a given
duration. The duration for which it is held is dependent on the nature of the testing.
Recovering - The recovery phase is the time during which the force being applied to the
specimen is removed. The duration of the recovery time is configurable and dependent on the
nature of the testing.
Resting - Finally, the rest phase is the time between the end of one cycle and the beginning of
the next. Some tests may specify a short recover time or no recover time, while others may
specify a longer time. The duration is configurable and dependent on the nature of the testing.
Control Modes
There are two control modes which define the basic approach to a given test: displacement
control and force control:
Under displacement control, the displacement of the specimen is predefined. The
UniVert stretches or compresses the specimen until the predefined displacement is
achieved (specified in mm or %). The force required to achieve the displacement is an
output of the test.
Under force control, the force applied to the specimen is predefined. The UniVert
stretches or compresses the specimen until the predefined force is achieved (specified in
newtons [N]). The displacement required to achieve the force is an output of the test.