Futek LCF Series User manual

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LCF Series
Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual

LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 2
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Table of Contents
Features..........................................3
Mechanical Installation ..............................4
Maximum Installation Torque .........................5
Mounting and Installation............................6
Bolt Torque and Tightening Pattern ....................7
Cable Care and Routing .............................8
Electrical Installation ................................9
Shield Usage and Connections.......................10
Calibration.......................................10
Troubleshooting ..................................11
Further Support Resources ..........................13

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LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 3
Key Features
Fz
FxFy
Mz
Mx My
mV/V
VDC
mA
TEDS
We offer a large selection of capacities ranging
from 25 lb to 100,000 lb.
Internal amplifiers for voltage or current output
available on select models.
Integrated TEDS calibration information available
on some models.
Fatigue rated models offer extended life cycles
and longer usage.
Redundant or dual bridge available on select
models.
Designed to offer better off axis and extraneous
load support.
Tension bases allow for tension inline loading

OK
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Mechanical Installation
The following items should be observed
to avoid damage to the LCF sensor during
installation and usage.
• Avoid conditions that exceed the sensors
IP rating.
• Store in a dry area without fixtures.
MAXIMUM MOMENTS AND OFF-AXIS
LOADING
• Extraneous load information can be used
to assist in determining if the sensor
can withstand any unavoidable off-axis
loads and moments. Extraneous load
information can be found at: http://www.
futek.com/extraneous-load-factor
• An extraneous how-to guide can be
found at: http://www.futek.com/files/
pdf/Extraneous_Load_Factors/How_To_
Calculate_Extraneous_Loads.pdf
1. Do not pull on or carry sensor
by cable.
2. Monitor sensor output for
effects on zero output during
installation to avoid damage.
3. Install in a dry, clean
environment, unless IP rating
allows for other environments
LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 4

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LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 5
MAXIMUM CENTER HUB INSTALLATION TORQUE
MODEL CAPACITY (lbs) MAXIMUM BOLT TORQUE
(in-lbs)
LCF300 25 100.0
50/100 100.0
250/500 100.0
LCF400 250/500 700.0
1000 700.0
2500 700.0
5000 700.0
LCF450/LCF455 300 700.0
500 140.0
1000 450.0
2000 1000.0
5000 2100.0
10000 2100.0
LCF451/LCF456 250 140.0
500 450.0
1000 1000.0
2000 2100.0
5000 2100.0
LCF500/LCF505 25000 10000.0
50000 15000.0
LCF501/LCF506 12500 10000.0
25000 15000.0
LCF550/LCF555 100000 38000.0
LCF551/LCF556 50000 38000.0

LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 6
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1. Load must be in line and
centered when compensating
linkages are not used
2. Support surfaces must be flat
and inline
3. Support on the outer ring only
4. Load fixture must contact top
inner ring
Further mounting suggestions:
Mounting and Installation
Below is information for proper mounting and
installation. Refer to the sensor spec sheet
for thread information and proper load cell
orientation to maximize performance and limit
cable interference.
• Measurements are called out on the
sensor spec sheet and have the following
tolerances based on the number of
decimal points present.
DECIMAL FORMAT TOLERANCE
0.x ±0.1"
0.xx ±0.01"
0.xxx ±0.005"
0.xxxx ±0.001"
Active End
Fixed End
90°
Load Plate
Rod-end bearings
& yokes/clevis
Alignment
couplers

LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 7
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Bolt Torque &
Tightening Pattern
PRECAUTIONARY GUIDELINES
Always have sensor plugged in during
installation and handling to monitor output to
avoid permanent zero shift and overload.
It is recommended to use similar mating surface
materials. This will reduce the error caused
by thermal expansion and will maintain the
specifications provided by FUTEK.
For improved accuracy and reduced zero shift
during mounting and bolt tightening make sure
the plate is as flat as possible. For optimum
accuracy the mounting plate should be within
0.0002 in. flatness. If welding or heat-treating
is performed after grinding on the mounting
plate, re-verify that the surface maintained
its flatness. (Heating of materials can cause
warpage.)
Make sure that the mounting plate can support
the applied load with minimal deflection. The
stiffer the plate the higher accuracy you can
maintain.
Follow the diagrams and chart below when
mounting your pancake sensor. Do not fully
torque each bolt to its max at first. Torque all
bolts using the 40%, 80%, and 100% rule. This
will minimize the zero distortion and maintain
sensor accuracy.
DRY TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS FOR HEX HEAD BOLTS
# OF HOLES SIZE CAPACITY SCREW SIZES GRADE 8 (in-lb)
8 Ø 4” 250–10K lb. 1/4-28 95
12 Ø 6” 10K–50K lb. 3/8-24 600
16 Ø 8” 100–150K lb. 1/2-20 1400
16 Ø 11” 250K lb. 5/8-18 3000
20 Ø 12” 400K lb. 3/4-16 4800
Ø4" Ø6"
Ø8–11" Ø12"
1
1
2
7
443
7
5
6
8
12
10
9
11
3
5
6
8
2
114
1
2
16
17
18
15
6
11
12
5
8
9
10
7
14
19
20
13
3 4
7
12
15
16
11
43
5
6
8
10
9
13 2

LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 8
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Cable Care and Routing
• Below is information for proper cable care
and handling. Cable material type and
length can be found online in the sensor
description page.
1. Avoid stress and movement on cable to
avoid damage.
2. Properly secure sensor cable to limit cable
movement influence.
3. Avoid bending the strain relief. Bends in
the cable should not exceed a radius of ten
times the diameter of the sensor cable for
dynamic, or moving, applications and not
exceed a onetime static, permanent, bend
of two to three times the diameter of the
cable.
CABLE JACKET REFERENCE
MATERIAL TEMP CHEMICAL EXPOSURE TARGET APPLICATION HANDLING NOTES
Teflon Excellent Excellent Industrial, medical, aerospace Robust, slick
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Good Good General Soft, flexible, easy to use Not suitable for cold
applications
Silicone Average Fair Automation Soft, flexible, easy to use
Polypropylene Good Good Automation Soft, flexible, easy to use
Polyester Good Good General Soft, flexible, easy to use
Polyurethane Average Good Automation Soft, flexible, easy to use Not suitable for thermal
chambers

LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 9
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Electrical Installation
WIRING AND CONNECTIONS
• The standard LCF load cell series utilizes a
four-pin LEMO®, and six-pin Bendix
• Standard four wire connections are
+ Excitation, – Excitation, + Signal, and
– Signal. The standard coloring code for
the above listed connections are Red,
Black, Green, and White.
• When not in use connect ± Sense wires to
the same instrument location as
± Excitation.
• Six wire connections offer additional
+ Sense and – Sense connections or
TEDS data and TEDS return connections.
Additional connection standard colors are
Orange and Blue.
• Consult the sensor’s online spec sheet for
any further wiring information.
LCF EXCITATION POWER LEVELS
SENSOR FAMILY MAX. EXCITATION
LCF300 20 V
LCF400 18 V
LCF450 20 V
LCF451 20 V
LCF455 20 V
LCF456 20 V
LCF500 20 V
LCF501 20 V
LCF505 20 V
LCF506 20 V
LCF550 20 V
LCF551 20 V
LCF555 20 V
LCF556 20 V
CC1/CC1T
mV/V
BENDIX 6-PIN
PIN COLOR DESCRIPTION TEDS DESCRIPTION
ARed + Excitation + Excitation
BBlack – Excitation – Excitation
CGreen + Signal + Signal
DWhite – Signal – Signal
EOrange + Sense TEDS Data
FBlue – Sense TEDS Ground
FB
A
E C
D
Sensor Receptacle
View
CC4
LEMO 4-PIN
PIN COLOR DESCRIPTION
1Red + Excitation
2Green + Signal
3White – Signal
4Black – Excitation
3
FB
A
E C
D
3
BF
A
CE
D
2 3
1 4
3 2
4 1
C B
D A
B C
A D
B C
A D
Key
Align with key
Sensor Receptacle
View

LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 10
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Shield Usage and Connections
• Cable shielding should be grounded on one
end, either the sensor side or instrument
side to avoid ground loops.
• A shield connection listed as floating on a
sensors spec sheet means the cable shield is
not connected on the sensor side and may
be connected on the instrument side
to ground.
Calibration
• A yearly calibration is recommended. But
verification and calibration period shall be
defined based on application, conditions,
endurance and usage.
• FUTEK offers NIST calibrations as well
as A2LA accredited calibrations for total
uncertainty.
• For more information on available
calibrations visit FUTEK calibration web
page at: http://www.futek.com/calibration-
services.aspx
• For recalibration orders visit the FUTEK
recalibration page at: http://www.futek.com/
recalibration.aspx
• An online summary of calibration results
is available at: http://www.futek.com/
calibrationData.aspx
SHUNT
A shunt is an external resistance applied across
two points on the load cell’s Wheatstone
bridge to generate a known, fixed output from
the sensor.
Shunt results can be used to set up instruments
as well as compare changes to the load cell
output over time and usage.
When selecting the appropriate shunt
resistance for your load cell, we recommend a
resistance that generates an output of about
80% of the sensor’s rated output. It is important
to have a shunt resistance that results in an
output that is less than the full output of the
load cell.
An online shunt calculator can be found at
http://www.futek.com/shuntcalc.aspx to find
a resistance that will generate a certain shunt
output level, or to estimate the output for a
known shunt resistance.
Additionally, recommended shunt resistance
levels may be available on the sensor spec
sheet.
TEDS
Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS)
IEEE1451.4 standard is available for FUTEK
sensors and is utilized by select FUTEK
instruments.
Through the use of TEDS load cell calibration
information can be stored with sensor, or
sensor cable, for use with TEDS capable
instruments.
FUTEK utilizes the Bridge Sensor template 33
for the LCF family.
The following FUTEK instruments are TEDS and
LCF compatible:
IPM Series
Panel Mount Display
IHH Series
Handheld Instrument
Bridge Sensor
XXXΩ
+ Excitation
+ Signal
Shunt Cal
– Signal
– Excitation
Shield
Power Supply
Shield Jacket
Shield
Wires

LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 11
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Troubleshooting
When troubleshooting, we recommend that the sensor be removed from any fixtures. In order to confirm that that sensor
is operating correctly, we suggest placing the sensor on a firm surface, and to apply a known load.
We also recommend using a volt meter with a clean power supply to confirm the sensor is operating correctly.
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE CHECK REPAIRABILITY
High zero output • Sensor is under preload
• Sensor has been overloaded from too
much load, off axis load, or moment.
• Sensor has experienced high cyclical
load fatigue.
• Fixtures or bolting stress for causes of
pre-load.
• Loading and support placement for off
axis loads.
• Avoid excessive moments during
installation.
• Overload shift would not be repairable.
• If zero offset is stable it may be
possible to use sensor by use of Tare
or subtracting zero from sequential
readings.
Non-responsive
zero output
• Sensor or instrument is not powered.
• Sensor is not properly connected.
• Load is not displaced properly onto
sensor.
• Sensor is not supported correctly and
not allowing deflection to occur to
measure load.
• Internal disconnect or short.
• Power and wiring to sensor and instru-
ment.
• Sensor bridge resistance for possible
opens or shorts.
• Perform continuity test on cable.
• Load is placed correctly on sensor
loading surface.
• Sensor loading surface is not obstruct-
ed or supported and able to flex under
load.
• Sensor support is not giving while
sensor is loaded.
• Internal disconnections or shorts would
not be available for repair.
• Sensor cable repair may be available
if disconnect or short is not too close
to sensor.
Non-responsive
high output
• Sensor is disconnected from
instrument.
• An opening has occurred in sensor or
cable connection.
• Sensor has been overloaded and de-
formed causing permanent high stress
on internal gauges.
• Fixture, applied load, or mounting is
causing a high pre-load on sensor.
• Power and wiring to sensor and instru-
ment.
• Sensor bridge resistance for possible
opens or shorts.
• Perform continuity check on cable.
• Sensor zero output to see if sensor
returns to zero or has a high zero load
output due to overloading.
• Remove load and loosen mounting
bolts or fixtures to check if sensor is
being preloaded.
• Overload shift would not be repairable.
• Internal disconnections or shorts would
not be available for repair.
• Sensor cable repair may be available
if disconnect or short is not too close
to sensor.
Incorrect output for
applied load
• Load is not applied correctly to sensor
loading surface or is off axis.
• Fixtures are not secure or obstruct
loading.
• Sensor loading surface is not able to
deflect with applied load.
• Sensor support is not ridged and firm.
• Incorrect sensor output is utilized.
• Placement of load on sensor.
• Fixtures are not impeding ability to
load.
• Support surface is not giving with
applied load.
• Calibration verified outputs are being
used.
• Recalibration is available for confirma-
tion of sensor performance.

LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 12
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SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE CHECK REPAIRABILITY
Zero output drift • Unstable power supply, or noisy power
supply, to sensor.
• Sensor exposed to temperature
change.
• Sensor exposed to pre-load from
fixture or mounting.
• Sensor exposed to liquid or humidity.
• Stability of power supply and noise
levels.
• For temperature changes or unevenly
distributed temperature changes.
• Possible loose fixtures and bolts
• Internal damage from liquid exposure
is not repairable.
• Recalibration is available for confirma-
tion of sensor performance.
Creep in output
while under load
• Load or fixtures are not stable.
• Power supply is unstable or noisy.
• Sensor is exposed to temperature
change.
• Sensor support is not rigid and firm.
• Sensor exposed to liquid or humidity.
• Friction in assembly
• Stability of power supply and noise
levels.
• Fixtures for stability.
• For temperature changes or unevenly
distributed temperature changes.
• Confirm support surfaces are not giv-
ing while under load.
• Internal damage from liquid exposure
is not repairable.
• Recalibration is available for confirma-
tion of sensor performance.
Noisy or unstable
output
• Power supply is noisy.
• Load is not stable.
• Sensor or cable is placed close to high
power equipment.
• Sensor or instrument is exposed to
ground loop with other equipment
grounds.
• Power supply stability.
• Load is stable and fixtures are secure.
• Reroute cables away from high power
equipment.
• Confirm wiring and grounds are not
connected to unintended equipment
ground.
• There are no active electronics in a
load cell, such as capacitors or IC chips
that may contribute to noise.

LCF Tension and Compression Sensor Family Manual 13
10 Thomas, Irvine, CA 92618 USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.futek.com
Drawing Number: EM1045
Further Support Resources
• Tips on noise reduction can be found at: http://
www.futek.com/files/Pdf/Manuals_and_Technical_
Documents/how-to-reduce-electrical-noise-in-your-
system.pdf
• Support information for FUTEK instruments can be
found online at: http://www.futek.com/manuals.aspx
• A one year recalibration is recommended. But
verification and calibration period shall be defined
based on application, conditions, endurance and
usage. Calibration data may be available online at
http://www.futek.com/calibrationData.aspx
• To send in your sensor or system for recalibration
visit our FUTEK calibration web page at: http://
www.futek.com/recalibration.aspx
• FUTEK Technical Support may be reached at: http://
www.futek.com/contact.aspx?form=technical
• To send in your sensor or system for evaluation and
repair visit our FUTEK RMA web page at: http://
www.futek.com/contact.aspx?form=repair
• FUTEK contact information can be found online at:
http://www.futek.com/contact
• Warranty information can be found online at
http://www.futek.com/remWarranty.aspx