Mecmesin Vortex-d User manual

Vortex -d
Torque Test Solutions
Operating Manual
Motori ed Torque Stand
t e s t i n g t o p e r f e c t i o n

Contents
The Vortex -d
eneral Information 2
Installation 3
Using the Vortex-d4
Front Panel Control 4
Communication 7
Measuring and Displaying Torque 8
Dimensions 11
Vortex-dSpecifications 12
Appendices 14

page 1
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Mecmesin’s Vortex-d motorised torque test frame. With correct use it
will provide many years of accurate and reliable service.
The Vortex-d has been specifically designed as an easy-to-use torque testing solution within
a broad range of industries. It is an ideal system for testing bottle closures, child-resistant
closures and all other torque applications.
Before Use
Upon receiving the unit, and before installation, please do the following:
Before moving the test stand, refer to the safety advice given in Appendix 1.
Check that no obvious physical damage has been sustained by the packaging material or the
test stand itself. If any damage is evident please notify Mecmesin or their authorised
distributor immediately.
Appendix 2 lists the items, which should be included with your test stand. If any item is
missing, please notify Mecmesin or their authorised distributor immediately.
We strongly recommend that all the packaging and fixings are retained for any further transit
requirements. When using the Vortex-d, please ensure that the ventilation holes situated on
the back of the unit are not obstructed.
The Vortex -d
Maintenance
When cleaning the keypad care must be taken to avoid liquids, especially alcohols, seeping
around the edge of the membrane. Therefore, we recommend the use of a lightly dampened
cloth to avoid liquid spillage onto the membrane.

page 2
Mecmesin are proud to introduce the Vortex-d, our new
motorised torque measurement system. The Vortex-d
provides a versatile and accurate method of applying
torque at an affordable price.
The Vortex-d is a twin-column motorised torque
measurement system with a load rating of up to
10 newton metres (N.m), and a speed range of
0.1 to 20 revolutions per minute (rpm). It must not be used
with load ratings above 10N.m. Complemented by a
Mecmesin AFTI (Advanced Force/Torque Indicator) display
unit, ‘smart’ static torque transducer, and (if purchased)
upper and lower mounting tables, it constitutes a key
component in torque measurement systems suitable for
accurately testing a wide range of products. The Vortex-d
enables a repeatable and constant test speed to be set, thus
reducing variability in test results which can arise from
operators manually performing tests at different speeds.
There is one standard model of the Vortex-d.
The dimensions, speed range and capacity have been
carefully optimised to cover the most common test
procedures and specimen sizes used by quality
departments throughout the manufacturing industry.
The Vortex-d has been designed and manufactured in a
controlled system to ensure compliance with all relevant
European Community Directives.
Before operating ensure that the Vortex-d has been
assembled as described on the next page entitled,
‘Installing the Machine’.
General
Information

page 3
Please refer to the test stand image shown on page 10 for
further guidance.
• Slide the AFTI swivel mounting bracket ( ) onto one of
the pillars.
• Tighten the central adjuster knob (C) to secure.
• Slacken off the side adjuster knobs (B).
• Ensure that the loading dish (A) is facing upwards and,
the central adjuster knob (C) faces forward (as illustrated)
• Align the holes in the crosshead with the pillars of the
base unit, and ensuring that the crosshead remains
horizontal, gently slide the crosshead down onto the
pillars.
• Tighten both side adjuster knobs (B).
The system is now ready to install any extra components
which have been purchased:
• Using an appropriate Allen key, attach a ‘smart’ static
torque transducer to the transducer holding plate (D)
using the four M6 bolts supplied.
• Attach an AFTI to the swivel mounting bracket ( ) using
the two M5 bolts supplied.
• Connect the static torque transducer cable to the AFTI
and Static Torque Transducer.
• If the lower mounting plate option has been supplied,
attach the lower mounting plate to the lower platen
turntable spacer (F) using the 4 M4 countersunk screws
supplied.
• If the upper mounting plate option has been supplied, fit
the upper mounting plate onto the square drive of the
torque transducer and secure with the two grub screws
located in the mounting plate.
Installing the
Machine

page 4
Connecting-up
Check voltage selected is correct.
The required power supply voltage (110-120V or 220-240V)
is indicated by the value shown in the black panel within
the fuse cartridge housing. Your local Mecmesin
representative will already have checked that the fuse
cartridge has been installed correctly for the supply voltage
of your country.
It is possible to modify your Vortex-d for operation in a
country with a different supply voltage by: turning off the
power, removing the fuse cartridge housing, checking that
both fuses are fitted, rotating the cartridge through 180°,
then reassembling and reinstalling.
The new voltage rating will now be displayed in the black
panel.
Connect your Vortex-dto an appropriate mains supply; turn
on the power switch at the bottom of the Mains Inlet
Connector and the display will illuminate indicating
“Vortex-d.”
Using the
Vortex- d
Mains Inlet Connector
Front anel Control The front control panel of the Vortex-dis designed with a
digital display for ease-of-use.

page 5
Pressing the red Emergency Stop button will, at any time,
cut power to the motor and stop the lower fixture rotating.
‘Emergency Stop’ is displayed on the screen.
To disengage the stop button turn clockwise and then
release.
It is advisable to check and become familiar with the
operation of the Emergency Stop once the system is
connected to the appropriate mains supply.
Rotating the Lower Fixture
To rotate the lower mounting table, or any other base
fixture that is attached to the drive shaft adaptor (see (E),
page 10), press ‘Clockwise’ or ‘Counter-clockwise’ with the
direction control key and hold in this position. The base
fixture will continue to rotate until one of the following
occurs:
a) The direction control key is released
b) The power is disconnected
c) A pre-set break/limit is reached
(see ‘Measuring & Displaying Torque’, page 8)
Pressing the clockwise direction key will drive the turntable
clockwise at the speed indicated by the front panel display.
Pressing the counter-clockwise direction key will drive the
turntable counter-clockwise at the speed indicated by the
front panel display. While the turntable is moving, the
display will show the current speed set with the other
direction hidden.
The turntable will continue to move in the appropriate
direction all the time the Direction key is pressed.
Releasing the Direction key will stop turntable movement.
The current speed the turntable is travelling at may be
changed using the Speed controller. When the stand stops
the speed will revert to the pre-set speed.
Emergency Stop
Direction

page 6
Control knob
Mode
Zero
Speed Setting and Rotation Display
The Vortex-dhas a rotary speed controller for both
clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations. Speed is set and
controlled by the control knob on the front panel and
indicated on the digital display.
The digital display on the control panel will allow actual
speed (in revolutions per minute, i.e rpm) to be displayed.
Speed values displayed are distinguished between
clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation. If the platen is
rotated one revolution clockwise, then half a revolution
counter-clockwise, 180º will be displayed, i.e. it is the
absolute rotation which will be displayed.
The Vortex-d can be run in manual mode only. To set-up
speed, press the Mode key for 2 seconds until the speed
indicator starts to flash on the digital display. Change the
speed by moving the control knob clockwise or
counter-clockwise in increments of 0.1rpm.
Press the Mode key again to move down on the digital
display and change the speed by moving the control knob
clockwise or counter-clockwise in increments of 0.1rpm.
Press the Mode key once more and the displacement unit
will flash; then select the displacement unit desired (rev or
deg) by moving the control knob clockwise or counter-
clockwise.
To save time when setting the speed to a minimum or
maximum level, turn the control knob quickly to reach the
maximum speed of 20rpm or minimum speed of 0.1rpm.
Press the Zero key to store settings and exit.
Pressing the Zero key will reset degrees or revs displayed to
zero.

page 7
A 25-Way Female D-type Connector is fitted at the back of
the stand (I/0 Interface), containing connections for the
stand stop and RS232 connection to a Mecmesin AFTI.
The stand will respond to the appropriate stand stop signal
from an AFTI via a connection at the back of the stand
using cable 351-074, which will stop the turntable (for any
further information, please refer to the AFTI Operating
Instructions).
A 9-Way Female D-type Connector is fitted at the back of
the stand and contains RS232 connection to a PC.
When the I/0 Interface, including RS232 connection, is
plugged into the AFTI and the 9-Way RS232 connection is
plugged into the computer, Emperor™ Lite software can be
used. This shows the accumulated data graphically, plotting
torque from the AFTI, and angular displacement from the
stand.
Communication
Stand Stop with AFTI
Mains
Inlet
Connector
I/0 Interface
25-way
RS232
connector
9-way

page 8
Hold the Mode key and turn on the stand. Make sure that
the options, which appear on the digital screen of the
stand, are the same for both the gauge and computer:
B:9600 - B: 19200 - B: 57600 - B:115200
Rotate control knob to select correct baud rate and press
the Zero key to set and continue.
?Request the load value from a connected AFTI and then
add a displacement value from the stand to the result.
This will display results on the PC in the form of
‘0.0, 0.0<CR><LF>’ (load, angular displacement).
To enable communication between Vortex-dsystem and
Emperor™ Lite software, please ensure you select
‘Vortex-d’ or ‘AFTI (Torque)’ from within the system settings
(see Emperor Lite manual).
Torque is measured on a Vortex-dby a ‘smart’ static torque
transducer mounted on the transducer holding plate (D),
(page 10). The transducer must be connected to an
Advanced Force/Torque Indicator (AFTI) mounted on one
of the columns of the Vortex-d. The torque transducer is
connected to the 15pin female D-connector on the side of
the AFTI.
One way of causing damage would be to drive the base
fixture at high speed to a point where the transducer
encounters something ‘solid’. This is a risk when a user is,
either unfamiliar with operating a new test frame, or with
the characteristics of a new sample. It is recommended
that an AFTI to Vortex-d cable is fitted and that a suitable
‘break/limit’ is set. (Please refer to the AFTI operating
manual).
Baud Rate Selection
PC Commands
Measurin and
Displayin Torque
Note: torque transducers are
delicate pieces of equipment
and can easily be damaged
unless treated with care.

page 9
Setting-up Top-loading
(if required)
Operation of Mounting
Tables
Some testing applications require torque to be measured
while axial top-load is being applied to the specimen.
Testing a ‘push-and-twist’ child-resistant closure according
to ASTM D3475 would be one example of such an
application.
Attach top fixture to sample ensuring central adjuster knob
(C) (page 10) is loosened. Add appropriate weight(s), up to
5kg, into the loading dish (A) (page 10). The test may now
be performed. Do not re-tighten the central adjuster knob.
The upper and lower mounting tables have been designed
to accommodate samples in a wide range of sizes, shapes
and symmetries. It is however necessary to avoid
over-tightening these fixtures such that the cap sample is
distorted significantly. Optimum results can be obtained for
critical applications by using a mandrel dedicated for use
with each particular design of cap, see (a) for example.

page 10
After placing the machine base unit on a stable and level
work surface, a crosshead may need to be installed. It will be
necessary to refer to the photograph below:
Before a specimen can be correctly located in the lower
gripping fixture, the crosshead will need to be adjusted to
an approximately suitable height. Use one hand to slacken
off both side adjuster knobs (B), while supporting the
weight of the crosshead with the other hand. ently
raise/lower the crosshead and re-tighten the side adjuster
knobs to secure.
Fine adjustments can subsequently be made by slackening
the central adjuster knob (C), raising/lowering the
transducer holding plate and carriage (D) and re-tightening.
Adjusting Height
of Crosshead
Mounting
bracket
( )
Turntable spacer
(F)
Central
adjuster
knob (C)
Transducer
holding plate
(D)
Turntable/
drive shaft
(E)
Crosshead
adjuster
knobs (B)
Loading dish (A)
Upper and lower
mounting tables

page 11
Dimensions (mm)
Between centers
Width
Base height
Depth
800
300
115
400
370
Over Height

page 12
Model Vortex-d
Test Frame
Maximum load N.m 10
kgf.cm 100
lbf.in 90
Height 800
Width 400
Depth 370
Weight (stand & crosshead only) 18kg (40lb)
Power Consumption 80 watts (maximum)
Voltage 230V AC 50Hz
110V AC 60Hz
Lower table motion
Speed range 0.1 - 20rpm
Speed accuracy 0.003rpm
Position accuracy ±1degree over 36000 degrees
Speed unit Revs per minute
Position unit Degrees and Revs
Speed resolution 0.1rpm
Position resolution 0.001revs or 0.20deg
Rotation direction setting Membrane switch
Rotation speed setting Precision Digital Control Knob
Rotation speed By LCD
Angle indicated By LCD
Stop on limit point Yes, with AFTI & appropriate cable
Stop on sample break Yes, with AFTI & appropriate cable
Full computer-control No, Vortex-i required
Logging/plotting torque/time Yes, with Emperor™ Lite sotware
and torque/angle* & appropriate cable (upon request)
Output of test results to Yes - includes auto-export to Microsoft™ Excel
PC/Printer/Datalogger* with Emperor™ Lite or PC input tool
Temperature range 10 - 35°C / 50 - 95°F
Humidity Normal laboratory ambient conditions
* Not supplied as standard ** features associated with external gauge
Specifications

page 13
Specifications
AFTI & ‘Smart‘ Static Torque Transducer -Key Features
Transducer capacities available 10, 6 and 1.5N.m
Display resolution 1:5000
Accuracy ±0.5% of full scale
Internal sampling rate 5000Hz averaged down to 80Hz (medium) or
2000Hz (high) peak capture (user selectable)
Power source 5 AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries
Charger supplied Yes
Battery life Approx 20 hours between charges
Calibration temperature 20 ±2ºC
Universal Fixtures* - Key Features
Lower mounting table 10 - 190mm diameter specimens
Upper mounting table 10 - 78mm diameter specimens
System headroom 450mm (with upper and lower tables fitted)
Essential Complementary Equipment
Advanced Force/Torque Indicator (Part 851-401)
At least one of:
• ‘Smart’ 10N.m static torque transducer (Part 879-044)
• ‘Smart’ 6N.m static torque transducer (Part 879-043)
• ‘Smart’ 1.5N.m static torque transducer (Part 879-042)
Options (Available upon request)
Upper universal gripping fixture (Part 432-321)
Lower platen with universal gripping fixture (Part 432-320)
RS232 to USB converter cable (Part 432-228)
Emperor™ Lite Software (Part 840-008)
AF /AFTI to Vortex-d stand stop & RS232 cable (Part 351-074)

page 14
Appendix 1
A guide to safe use of mains powered test frames
MECMESIN TEST FRAMES HAVE BEEN DESI NED AND MANUFACTURED IN A
CONTROLLED SYSTEM TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT EUROPEAN
COMMUNITY DIRECTIVES.
To download a copy of the EC declaration of conformity, please go to www.mecmesin.com
in the ‘Knowledge Centre’ section, then double-click on Certificates of Conformity.
Receiving and Unpacking
1. Upon receiving the Mecmesin test frame ensure adequate equipment is available to
safely lift the test frame from the packaging. Trying to lift heavy items without adequate
assistance or the correct equipment may lead to accidental personal injury.
2. Once safely removed from the packaging place the test frame on a stable and level work
surface. Inspect the machine for any signs of obvious transit damage.
IF ANY DAMA E IS DISCOVERED DO NOT O ANY FURTHER WITH INSTALLATION
AND DO NOT CONNECT TO MAINS SUPPLY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
Installing the Machine
3. After placing the machine on a stable and level work surface, check that the mains inlet
voltage corresponds to your electrical installation - either 230 Vac or 110 Vac.
The machine has a label close to the mains inlet connector which advises
which voltage it is set for. If the machine does not correspond to your supply,
inform your local Mecmesin supplier who will rectify the situation. Connecting a mains
powered test frame to the wrong supply will almost certainly cause extensive damage to
the equipment.
The Mecmesin test frames must only ever been connected to a mains power installation that
has a fully installed earthing system.
CONNECTIN A MAINS POWERED TEST FRAME TO AN ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET
WITHOUT AN EARTH CONNECTION IS EXTREMELY DAN EROUS AND COULD LEAD
TO A RISK OF ELECTROCUTION.

page 15
Appendix 1
A guide to safe use of mains powered test frames
4. Mecmesin test frames should only ever be installed in suitable environment conditions.
The operating temperature and relative humidity should be within the range specified on
page 12. After all the above points have been checked and confirmed to be correct you
may connect the machine to the mains outlet only with supplied mains leads.
When the power is applied with the ON/OFF switch in the ON position, the LCD will
illuminate. This shows power is reaching the machine and it is ready for use.
Operator trainin
5. Each person who is to use the machine should be fully trained in the safe use of
motorised testing machines. Training can be arranged by contacting Mecmesin
Limited or an authorised agent. The machine has the ability to generate torques
large enough to cause permanent damage to human limbs, if placed between
the turntable and the columns. Fingers, hands and other parts of the body should be kept
away from the moving turntable. An operating test stand should never be left unattended.
Always disconnect the machine from the mains power supply when not in use to avoid
inadvertent actuation of the machine by untrained personnel.
Protective Clothin
6. Eye protection should always be used in the form of an approved pair of safety
spectacles. They should be replaced if they are scratched or damaged in any way.
They should be kept clean and clear to give maximum visibility to the user.
Extra bodily protection may be necessary if destructive testing or volatile failure of a test
piece is likely. A risk assessment should be carried out prior to using the test frame to ensure
that all necessary safety measures have been considered and carried out.

page 16
Appendix 1
Machine Guarding
7. If, after the assessment, it is considered that machine guarding is needed, then contact
your local supplier who, through Mecmesin, can arrange the supply of a suitable guard
for the required level of protection.
8. Once the machine is installed it should provide a reliable long term resource for
universal testing. If however the machine fails, or appears to behave in an unusual
manner, contact your local supplier for support. Do not continue to use the machine
until it has been checked, and if necessary, repaired and returned to a safe working
condition. To ensure optimal safe performance, your Vortex-dmust be regularly serviced
and the ‘Smart’ loadcell calibrated by Mecmesin Limited or an authorised agent.
9. If the machine is damaged in use, advise your local supplier and have the machine
repaired to a safe working conditions. Do not use the machine until it is repaired.
10. It may occasionally become necessary to clean the outside of your test stand. This can
be done by disconnecting it from the mains electricity supply, removing loose debris
with a soft brush, then wiping with a damp cloth. Under no circumstances should
organics solvents or any other cleaning fluid be used.
IF IN DOUBT CONSULT YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIER TO ENSURE CONTINUED SAFE USE
11. The Vortex-dmust be powered down when attaching/removing the cables.
Note: no cable should exceed 3 metres in length. When the connectors are not
in use, please ensure that they are covered with the connector covers all
the time.

page 17
Appendix 2
Your Vortex -d should be supplied with the following accessories
1. Operating instructions
2. Translation of Appendix 1 (does not apply to English speaking countries, or countries
outside European Union (EU)
3. Crosshead, without a ‘Smart’ static torque transducer
4. Swivel mounting bracket for AFTI
5. Lower turntable drive shaft adaptor
6. Appropriate mains cable
7. Assorted set of Allen keys

page 18
Appendix 3
RS232 Port Settin s
Selectable Baud Rates 9600, 19200, 57600, 115200
Data Bits 8
Start Bits 1
Stop Bits 1
Parity None
Flow Control None