Mecmesin MultiTest-x Series User manual

MultiTest-xRange
Motorised Test Frames
Operating Instructions
It is essential that you
familiarise yourself with the
contents of these instructions
before attempting to
operate the MultiTest-xrange.

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Contents
Introduction.....................................................................................................5
Hardware .........................................................................................................5
Safe Operation of MultiTest-x Systems...............................................................6
System Set-up and Operation..............................................................................6
Connecting up.....................................................................................................6
Loadcell..............................................................................................................8
Limit Stops..........................................................................................................9
Control Panel......................................................................................................9
Software ........................................................................................................10
Commands.......................................................................................................... 10
i) Direct Command........................................................................................10
ii) Menu Options............................................................................................10
iii) Selecting Option within a Menu ................................................................11
iv)Typing in a Value.......................................................................................11
Booting-up the Software .................................................................................... 12
[1] Main Menu...................................................................................................... 13
[1], <1>, Procedure Menu (Choosing and Running a Test Procedure).............. 14
Choosing a Test Procedure...........................................................................14
Running a Test Procedure ............................................................................14
[1], [2] Print Menu (Downloading Data...............................................................16
[1], [2], [1] Send Test Results........................................................................17
[1], [2], [2] Send XY Data ..............................................................................17
[1], [2], [3] Send Procedure ........................................................................... 17
[1], [2], [4] Send Calibration...........................................................................17
[1], [2], <5> Baud Rate..................................................................................18
[1], [3] Setup Menu (Creating a Test Procedure)............................................... 18
[1], [3], [1] Acquisition Menu.......................................................................... 19
[1], [3], [2] Analysis Menu..............................................................................21
[1], [3], [3] Control Menu................................................................................26
[1], [4] Utilities Menu ......................................................................................... 32
[1], [4], [1] Set Date/Time..............................................................................32
[1], [4], <2> Limit Type-ABS.......................................................................... 32
[1], [4], [3] Stiffness Fact(or)..........................................................................33
[1], [4], [4] Procedure Name..........................................................................33
[1], [4], [5] Install Defaults..............................................................................34
[1], [4], [6] Diagnostics...................................................................................34
[1], [4], [7] Calibration....................................................................................35
[1], [4], <8> Supervisor-ON ........................................................................... 35
Support..........................................................................................................36
Appendix 1-Items included ............................................................................... 36

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Appendix 2 -A Guide to the Safe Use of Mains Powered Test Frames .......... 37
Receiving and Unpacking .................................................................................37
Installing the Machine.......................................................................................38
Operator Training.............................................................................................. 39
Eye Protection and Protective Clothing.............................................................39
Machine Guarding.............................................................................................39
Continued Safe Use.......................................................................................... 40
Appendix 3 –Avoiding Accidental Damage to Test Frame.............................. 40
Appendix 4 –Technical Details ......................................................................... 41
Appendix 5 –Tutorials ....................................................................................... 41
Tutorial 1 (Creating and Running a Simple Test) ..............................................42
1) Setting Initial Conditions............................................................................ 43
2) Choosing a Name.....................................................................................44
3) Creating the Program................................................................................44
4) Defining the Calculations ..........................................................................44
5) Setting the Pass/Fail Limits....................................................................... 45
6) Running the Program................................................................................46
7) Archiving the Data.....................................................................................46
8) Refining the Test.......................................................................................46
Tutorial 2........................................................................................................... 47
1) Setting Initial Conditions............................................................................ 48
2) Choosing a Name.....................................................................................49
3) Creating the Program................................................................................49
4) Defining the Calculations ..........................................................................49
5) Setting the Pass/Fail Limits....................................................................... 50
6) Running the Program................................................................................50
7) Archiving the Data.....................................................................................51
8) Refining the Test.......................................................................................51
Tutorial 3........................................................................................................... 51
Appendix 6 –Flow Charts.................................................................................. 52
Software Menu Options ....................................................................................52
Developing a Procedure ...................................................................................67
Appendix 7 –Drawings & Dimensions.............................................................. 70
MultiTest 1-x.....................................................................................................71
MultiTest 2.5-x.................................................................................................. 72
MultiTest 5-x.....................................................................................................73
MultiTest 10-x................................................................................................... 74
MultiTest 25-x...................................................................................................75
Index ..............................................................................................................76
Supervisor access only
Password-controlled facility

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Introduction
Thank you for choosing this Mecmesin console-controlled MultiTest-xtest system,
which with correct use will give many years of reliable service.
The stand-alone MultiTest-xhas been designed particularly for use in production
areas, which often prove to be unsuitable environments for PC operation. This
flexible, powerful, yet easy-to use system will carry out precise test procedures ‘at the
push of a button’, then automatically display test results and pass/fail analyses.
However, upon receiving the unit, before attempting to install it and begin testing,
please:
•Check that no obvious physical damage has been sustained by the
packaging material or the test system itself. If any damage is evident,
please notify Mecmesin or an Authorised Agent immediately.
•Before attempting to unpack or move the test system, refer to the safety
advice given in Appendix 2 (page 37).
•Appendix 1(page 36) gives a list of items which should be included with
your system. If any item is missing, please notify Mecmesin or an
Authorised Agent immediately.
It is strongly recommend that all the packaging and fixings be retained for any future
transit requirements. When using the MultiTest-xsystem please ensure that the
ventilation holes situated on the back and bottom of the unit are not obstructed. Also
attach (hand tight only) the four rubber feet to the MultiTest-xsystem with the screws
provided.
Hardware
MultiTest 1-x, 2.5-xand 5-xare single-column test frames with a precision ballscrew
drive. MultiTest 10-iand MultiTest 25-iare twin-column test frames with dual precision
ballscrew drive.

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Safe Operation of MultiTest-x Systems
Appendix 2 (page 37) gives guidance notes on the safe use of mains-powered test
frames; you should read this before proceeding any further. Within the European
Union (EU), a copy of this Appendix will, if appropriate, be supplied in a language
appropriate to your country by your local Mecmesin Agent.
Note: Although movement of the test stand crosshead can be stopped via software, in
an emergency pushing the [Emergency Stop] button on the left-hand side of the
control panel is the best method!
System Set-up and Operation
Connecting up
Connect the mains power lead to the three-pin power inlet connector at the rear of the
test stand (1),

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supply of power is controlled by the black rocker switch (2) above the power inlet
connector.
The required power supply voltage (110-120V or 220-240V) is indicated by the value
in the red panel (3) 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 in your country. It is possible to modify your MultiTest-
xfor operation in a country with a different supply voltage by: turning off the power,
removing the fuse cartridge housing,removing the red fuse cartridge, checking that
both fuses are fitted, rotating the cartridge through 180º, then reassembling and re-
installing. The new voltage rating will now be displayed in the red panel.
Communication with external equipment is via two ports on the back panel.
The nine-pin D-connector (4) is for RS232 communication with external devices using
the serial cable supplied. Choosing the ‘Print Menu’ option from the Main Menu gives
more information about configuring RS232 communication, and downloading data to
other equipment, e.g. PCs and dataloggers. However,the MultiTest-xcan also
receive data via this port, e.g when the software is upgraded.

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The fifteen-pin D-connector (5) is for further digital input/output communication, e.g.
with PLC equipment; more information and an appropriate cable can be obtained from
your local Mecmesin distributor.
Note: Communication cable(s) must not exceed 3 metres in length.
Loadcell
The Xtra loadcell connects to the MultiTest-xvia a 12-way Hirose connector.
Gently push the connector on the loadcell cable into the port (1) on the test stand then
twist until the connectors engage, secure the connection by twisting the knurled
connector ring clockwise. Note that the position of the port depends upon the capacity
of the MultiTest. It is: near the top of the left-hand side of the column shroud for a
MultiTest 2.5-x, about half way up the left-hand side of the column shroud for a
MultiTest1-xand MultiTest5-xand for twin-column stands on the rear of the left column.
The ‘Xtra’ loadcell (2) measures the load applied to the test specimen and uploads
data for display on the LCD screen of MultiTest-x. Xtra loadcells with capacities of
1000N or less have an internal loadcell (2a), but those with capacities of 2.5kN or
greater have an external loadcell (2b).
Note that any loadcell, particularly a low capacity loadcell, is a delicate instrument.
Care should always be taken to avoid excessive load, i.e. any load exceeding 120%
of capacity, being applied to your loadcell. If you believe that excessive load has been
applied, you should contact your local Mecmesin distributor.

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Limit Stops
The range of travel of the crosshead can be physically limited by using ‘limit stops’,
each MultiTest-xhas both an upper limit stop and a lower limit stop. Limit stop
adjusters are illustrated above: MultiTest 1-xand MultiTest 2.5-x, use type (1),
MultiTest 5-xuses type (2), while MultiTest 10-xand MultiTest 25-xuse type (3). In
each case slacken off the black adjuster wheel, re-position appropriately, then re-
tighten.
If a limit stop is reached, a message, prompting the operator to drive the crosshead in
the appropriate direction, will be displayed on the control panel.
Control Panel
The MultiTest-xsoftware communicates with the operator via a four line twenty
character LCD display within the control panel.
The operator communicates with the MultiTest-xsoftware via the sixteen button
keypad on the control panel.
In an emergency the operator can stop the MultiTest-xcrosshead moving by pushing
the red [Emergency Stop] button on the left-hand side of the control panel. Normal

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operation can then be restored after the system has been re-set by twisting the
[Emergency Stop] button about 60º clockwise.
Software
Commands
There are four basic types of software instructions which can be entered via the
control panel:
i. A direct command
ii. Choosing a menu option
iii. Selecting an option from within a menu
iv. Typing in a value
i) Direct Command
A direct command is one to which the MultiTest-xsystem will attempt to respond
without delay. The direct commands are:
•Pressing [Jog Up] to move the crosshead up
•Pressing [Jog Dn] to move the crosshead down
•Pressing [Start/ENT]to run the current test procedure
•Pressing [Tare] to re-display the ‘tare screen’
Direct commands can only be executed from the ‘live test’screen (see [1], <1>
Procedure Menu).
ii) Menu Options
The system communicates with the operator by means of an LCD display consisting
of four lines with twenty characters per line.

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This is an example of a screen from which one of five menu options can be chosen.
Note that,as the maximum number of options which can be displayed concurrently is
four, a ‘v’ in the lower right-hand corner indicates that there is at least one more menu
option which can be displayed by pressing the [Jog Dn] key. The keys [1], [2], [3], [4]
and [5] have, in effect, been programmed to act as ‘soft keys’. (PC programs often
use the keys [F1], [F2], …[F12], like this. Also many cellphones use the top left-hand
and top right-hand keys in a similar manner)
Under some circumstances this manual displaysa single line from within a screen,for
example:
This is followed by a description of how a user can change the parameters of the
command displayed. This is particularly useful for displaying a list of commands which
need to be set-up, e.g. when creating a test procedure, (see [1], [3], [3], [1], below).
iii) Selecting Option within a Menu
Pressing such a ‘soft key’ will not necessarily display a ‘sub menu’, it may allow the
operator to scroll through a range of available options by repeated presses of that
key. Throughout the remainder of this manual, a key which functions in this manner
will be indicated as, for example, <5> rather than [5].
iv)Typing in a Value
Use the keypad to enter numeric values. Use the [Stop/BK SP] key to:
•erase the current value
•delete the last character of the value being entered
(Note that the system may accept entry of a value with a certain number of
characters, but fewer characters will be retained by the system. For example it may

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be possible to key in a ‘Local Overload’ of 50.678N, but the system will only
‘remember’ 50.7N.)
Note some screens can only be accessed by typing in a password. Information upon
accessing, and operating within,these restricted screens appears in red.
Note also that many menu options selected and all values entered can only be altered
when the system is in ‘supervisor mode’ (see [1], [4], <8>). It is possible for all
operators to see the settings within such a ‘supervisor only’ menu. However any
attempt by an operator who does not have supervisor status, to
•toggle an option which has been selected, or
•scroll to a new option, or
•type in a new value
will not be accepted by the keypad. Under such circumstances an operator will have
no choice other that to accept the option already specified by an operator who does
have supervisor status. Titles of sections dealing with such menu options appear in
blue.
Booting-up the Software
When the MultiTest-xis switched on, information including the serial number of the
stand, the version number of the stand and the procedures being loaded will be
displayed. Eventually a screen similar to this,
will be displayed. This ‘tare screen’ has four options,at least one of which will need to
be selected before testing can begin. (The ‘860’ is the serial number of the loadcell,
and the ‘8896.4 is one of the numbers stored in the loadcell when it was calibrated)
•Pressing the [1] key will set the value of both load and displacement to zero.

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•Pressing the [2] key will set the load value to zero
•Pressing the [3] key will set the position value to zero
•Pressing the [4] key will run a procedure to update (if necessary) the
‘handshaking’ between the loadcell and test stand. The operator will be
prompted to remove any load and press [Start/ENT] , then a ‘zero reading’
and ‘span reading’ will be taken; the ‘live’ screen (see next section) will then
be re-displayed. This facility should not be confused with the calibration facility
(see [1], [4], [7]).
Setting load displayed to zero is particularly useful this eliminatesthe weight of the
fixturing attached appearing as a systematic error on the load reading. This is, in the
case of weight, load or force called ‘taring’. Similarly,setting the displacement to zero
will establish a datum point relative to which all other positions will be measured.
It is possible to return to this screen from the ‘live’ test screen at ant time by pressing
the
[(-)/Tare] key.
[1] Main Menu
When the ‘live’ test screen is displayed, pressing the [1/Menu]key will display the
main menu:
•Pressing a [number]key moves, ‘deeper’ into the menu structure.
•Pressing the [Stop/BK SP] key has the opposite effect, i.e. this moves to
the next ‘higher’ level menu. Before going ‘all the way back’to the main
menu, amessage may be displayed, for
example, if any change has been made to Procedure 4.

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[1], <1>,Procedure Menu (Choosing and Running a Test Procedure)
Choosing a Test Procedure
Pressing [1] scrolls through the procedures (programs) which are available. The
MultiTest-xcan store up to five such procedures. Pressing [Stop/BK SP]will load the
procedure selected; for example, after clicking [1] twice, thus selecting Procedure 3, a
screen similar to this
will be displayed.
Note that this is the ‘live’ test screen, i.e. gently pushing or pulling the loadcell will
change the load reading.This screen is indicating that:
•Procedure 3 is loaded, and ready to run
•The current load reading is -0.2N. (Note than when there is no load this reading
could typically be displaying readings of: -0.2, -0.1, 0.0, 0.1 or 0.2N due to small
levels of noise on the signal from the 5000N Xtra loadcell connected in this
particular example)
•The current length reading is 0.00mm
•The current speed of the crosshead is 0.0mm/min
To leave the ‘live screen’and return to the Main Menu, press the [1/Menu] key.
Running a Test Procedure
With the appropriate procedure selected (see previous section), press the [Start/ENT]
key. While the test is running the screen(s) displayed will appear similar to:

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During a test the ‘status indicator’can display:
•-crosshead travelling, but ‘Threshold’not yet reached
•-crosshead travelling in response to ‘Touch’ command
•-crosshead travelling in response to Segment A command
•-crosshead travelling in response to above Segment B commands
•-crosshead is being driven back to ‘home’ position
•-test results being calculated (see below)
The test will stop when:
•The test procedure has been completed
•The [Stop/BK SP] key is pressed
•The [Emergency Stop] button is pressed, the ‘status indicator’
will be displayed
•A specimen break is detected, (see [1], [3], [1], [2])
•A‘limit stop’ is reached. (If the lower limit is reached the ‘status indicator’ will
display the message , or, if the upper limit is reached
the ‘status indicator’ will display the message )

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•A ‘local overload’is reached (see [1], [3], [1], [4])
When a test has been completed the results will be automatically calculated and (if
appropriate) displayed together with alarm status, and ‘tolerance result’, i.e. whether
the specimen has passed or failed the tolerances specified for any calculation:
In addition to continuing to display values from the ‘live screen’, this screen is also
indicating that:
•The procedure called ‘Tutorial 1’ has been completed
•One of the required calculations is a peak load over a range of displacement
values. If more than one calculation has been specified, the display will scroll
through the results for all calculations. (This scrolling can be stopped by
pressing the [7] key, subsequently each press of this key will display the next
calculation.)
•The result for this calculation is 27.1 newtons; this result is unacceptably high.
(If it is not possible to calculate a result, ‘NA’ will be displayed upon this line.)
Note: Tutorial 1 gives a detailed description of how to plan, develop, run and refine a
test procedure. (see Appendix 5, Tutorial 1)
[1], [2] Print Menu (Downloading Data

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[1], [2], [1] Send Test Results
Test results available will be sent via RS232 port on rear panel, i.e. data can be
downloaded to PC or data logger.
[1], [2], [2] Send XY Data
XY data available will be sent via RS232 port on rear panel.
[1], [2], [3] Send Procedure
Procedure will be sent via RS232 port on rear panel.
[1], [2], [4] Send Calibration
Calibration information will be sent via RS232 port on rear panel.
Notes:
a) The four print commands above are generically similar, they all send data
to the RS232 port. If there is an RS232 cable attached to the appropriate
connector on the test stand, and if the cable connects to a PC or
datalogger and appropriately-configured software is active, then, and only
then, the data sent can be archived. However if, for example, the cable is
not connected, such an error cannot be detected and no warning message
will be generated by the MultiTest-xsoftware
b) It is possible to specify a ‘Batch ID’ and a ‘User ID’, which will be archived
with some of the data downloaded with the above four print commands:
•Press [Batch#] key from the ‘live screen’

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•Beneath the prompt enter the ‘Batch ID, press
[Start/ENT]. This will be archived with the Procedure (see [1], [2], [3])
•Beneath the prompt enter the ‘User ID’, press [Start/ENT].
This will be archived with the Procedure (see [1], [2], [3]) and the Test
Results (see [1], [2], [1])
c) Before a datalogger or PC can be configured to use data from a MultiTest-
x, the format of the downloaded data will need to be known! Please refer to
Appendix 5. Data from Tutorial 1have been downloaded using the four
commands above (see, section 7 ‘Archiving Data’) and these four files are
stored on the CD-ROM containing the Adobe Acrobat version of this
manual, see D:\Downloads\Tutorial-1:
i) ‘Test results.txt’
ii) ‘XY data.txt’
iii) ‘Procedure.txt’
iv) ‘Calibration.txt’
Once the format ofdata in these files,(i) and (ii) in particular, has been inspected, it
will be possible to configure the PC or datalogger being used to archive data
generated by the MultiTest-x. Your local IT department will be able to help you with
this, if necessary.
[1], [2], <5> Baud Rate
Pressing [5] will scroll through the Baud rate options available (115200, 57600,
38400, 1920 and 9600). This controls the rate at which data are downloaded via the
RS232 port, see [1] to [4] above.
[1], [3] Setup Menu (Creating a Test Procedure)

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[1], [3], [1] Acquisition Menu
[1], [3], [1], [1] Threshold
The ‘threshold’ is a force value (in the units indicated)
that,once exceeded,will trigger subsequent logging of data. Any value between zero
and the capacity of the testing machine can be entered. If the threshold value is set to
zero, data logging will start at the moment the test starts. Under all other
circumstances, a force value exceeding the threshold value must be observed before
logging of data is initiated. Data logging must occur for specimen break, analyses and
limits functions to activate. If no data have been logged,recalculation will not function,
and there will be no data available to send to the computer.
[1], [3], [1], [2] Sample Break
The ‘sample break’ feature will stop the test when the force value drops below the
maximum value observed by the percent entered. For example, if a percentage value
of ‘10’ has been entered, and a test is running in which the maximum value observed
has been 100newtons, then, at any time after the observation of that maximum, the
test will end whenever a load value of 90newtons or less is observed.
If the percentage drop is set to too low a value, typically 5% or lower, false triggering
could occur due to signal ‘noise’, or the specimen slipping in the grips. Similarly, if the
percentage drop is set to too high a value, typically 80% or greater, the specimen is
likely to have broken in two before the software deems a break to have occurred.
If the percentage drop is set to 100, the sample break feature will be disabled, i.e. the
test will be only be terminated by the Control section of the program or when the
[Stop/BK SP] key is pressed.
If a test is configured such that the force goes from tensile to compressive (i.e.
through zero load),then the sample break must be disabled. Similarly, if a procedure,

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such as a spring test, requires that the platens touch to establish a zero position and
then move to a position high enough to allow the spring to be inserted, then sample
break must be disabled.
[1], [3], [1], [3] Log Rate
Pressing [1] will scroll through a range of data logging rates,from 0.25 to 512Hz. Note
that increasing the logging rate by a factor of two will decrease the maximum duration
of the test by a factor of two, e.g.decreasing the logging rate from 8Hz to 4Hz will
increase the maximum test duration from 2049sec to 4098sec.
When cyclic control is used, longer duration tests can be achieved by discarding data
from some cycles (see [1], [3], [3], [1], (j) Set Cyclic Logging).
[1], [3], [1], [4] Local Overload
Type in appropriate value, then press [Start/ENT] key. This will determine the
maximum load which can be applied to the loadcell, when this load is exceeded no
further movement of the crosshead will occur. The ‘status indicator’ will prompt the
operator to drive in the appropriate direction by displaying the message
or .
Entering such a load, normally significantly less than the capacity of the loadcell,
would be entered either:
•to prevent damage to a delicate specimen, or
•to prevent loadcell damage during program development when load is likely to
increase rapidly and/or unpredictably
[1], [3], [1], [5] Engineering Units