Mecmesin Vortex-dV User manual

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Revision ID
11670
Manual 431-468
1

1Vortex
-dV Motorised Torque Test Stand Operating
Manual
431-468431-468
April 2020April 2020
2

2
2.1
2.1.1
Introduction
VectorPro™ and VectorPro™ Lite VectorPro™ and VectorPro™ Lite are registered trademarks of Mecmesin Ltd.
This document refers to Mecmesin Vortex -dV test stands operating the latest firmware version.
It is essential that you familiarise yourself with the contents of this manual and the separate ‘GuideGuide
to Safe Use of Mains Powered Test Systemsto Safe Use of Mains Powered Test Systems’ before attempting to operate your Vortex- dV Test
System.
This reference manual covers the operation of Vortex -dV test stands in conjunction with the use of
Mecmesin digital Advanced Force Torque Indicator (AFTI). Operation of the AFTI is covered in a
separate manual.
All interlocked guarding for the Vortex- dV is supplied as a 'PDV' (Product DesignProduct Design
VariantsVariants). . This means they will be supplied as a additional item upon special request onlyupon special request only. Please
contact your local Mecmesin sales representative or authorised distributor for more details.
The following manuals may aid you in the use of your test stand:The following manuals may aid you in the use of your test stand:
Guide to Safe Use of Mains Powered Test Systems (431-398) Guide to Safe Use of Mains Powered Test Systems (431-398)
Covers the initial setup, installation and safety implications for intended use of, any Mecmesin supplied, mains-
powered equipment.
Advanced Force Gauge (AFG Mk4) Operating Manual (431-213)Advanced Force Gauge (AFG Mk4) Operating Manual (431-213)
Runs through the operation of Advanced Force Gauge in conjunction with
Vortex- dV test stands.
VectorPro™ User Manual - Introduction and Initial Setup (431-955)VectorPro™ User Manual - Introduction and Initial Setup (431-955)
Covers the initial setup and installation of VectorPro, as well as the basics of the
software functionality and user manuals. Further guidance relating to other aspects of
VectorPro can be accessed through this user manual.
User Manual Icons
Throughout this manual, the icons shown below are used to identify important health and safety information as
well as additional installation/operation guidance. Do not proceed until each individual message is read and
thoroughly understood.
Warning
The warningwarning icon highlights a situation or condition that may lead to possible personal injury or
damage to the associated equipment.
3

2.1.2
2.1.3
Caution
The cautioncaution icon indicates a situation or condition that could cause the equipment to malfunction
leading to possible damage.
Information
The informationinformation icon indicates additional or supplementary information about the action, activity or
application.
4

1
2
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
3
3.0.1
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.6.1
5.6.2
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10
6
6.1
6.2
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.2.4
6.3
6.4
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.4.3
6.4.4
6.4.5
7
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.3.1
7.3.2
7.3.3
Vortex -dV Motorised Torque Test Stand Operating Manual
Introduction
User Manual Icons
Warning
Caution
Information
System Diagram
Identifying the Model of Vortex- dV
Mark 1
Interlock Enabled
Unpacking and Parts Supplied
Inspection and Unpacking
Packaging
Moving the Test Stand
Parts Supplied
Accessories
Initial Setup
License Key
Locating the Stand
Mains Power Supply
Fuse Specification
Attaching the Torque Sensor
Fitting the AFTI Torque Indicator
Connecting the AFTI and the Vortex -dV
AFTI Communication Settings
Connect the Test Stand to a PC (VectorPro Users Only)
Cable Management
Attaching Grips and Fixtures
Test Stand States
Front Panel Controls
Emergency Stop Button
Multi-function Scroll Wheel Control
Scroll Wheel Colours
Jog Mode
Navigational Control
Central Button
Vortex- dV Display Panel
On-Screen Icons
Pre-Test
During a Test
Pause/Stopped
Jog Mode
Settings Menu
Settings
Jog settings
Units
Edit Test
Cycle (by Angular Displacement)
AFTI Control/Torque Control
Data Capture within VectorPro™
5

7.3.4
7.4
7.5
7.6
8
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.4.1
8.4.2
8.4.3
9
10
11
Vortex -dV Operation Sequence and Move to Start
PIN Code
Languages
Information
Interlock Guarding Overview
Operating a Vortex- dV Test Stand Without a Guard Fitted
Operating a Vortex- dV Test Stand With an Interlocked Guard
Guard Closed
Guard Opened
With a Test Running
Vortex- dV Without PC Control
Vortex- dV With VectorPro Lite Control
Specification
Dimensions
Declaration of Conformity
6

3
3.0.1
3.1
3.1.1
System Diagram
11 Adjustable crosshead
22 AFTI (Advanced Force / Torque Indicator)
33 AFTI Mounting bracket
44 Multi-function scroll wheel
55 Emergency stop button
66 Front panel control
77 Lower fixing plate. (optional) Shown with saddle plate
88 Upper fixing plate (optional)
99 Static torque transducer
1010 Top load tray (height adjustable)
Identifying the Model of Vortex- dV
The Vortex- dV has been through minimal design changes from it's inception. However, please see the sections
below to assist in clearly identifying the exact model.
Mark 1
Vortex- dV Mark 1 machines are the original motorised torque stands developed for use with the AFTI digital
force/torque indicator. These are controlled by VectorPro Lite functionality (as well as the stand-alone operation).
These stands were produced up to April 2020 and will have formatted serial numbers up to 20-XXXX-04.20-XXXX-04.
These are identified by the rear panel shown below:
7

3.1.2
11 AFTI (Advanced Force/Torque Indicator) input
22 USB connection for PC control using VectorPro™ software
33 Mains connection and Inlet Filter (contains voltage selector and fuse holder)
44 System earth point
Interlock Enabled
These are very similar to the Mark 1 model stands, but now incorpoarte the new 'SensorSensor' and 'InterlockInterlock'
connections. These machines are produced from May 2020 and will have formatted serial numbers from 20-XXXX-20-XXXX-
05.05.
These are identified by the rear panel shown below:
11 'InterlockInterlock' connection (interlock override plug shown fitted)
22 'SensorSensor' connection.
33 USB connection for PC control using VectorPro™ software
44 Mains connection and Inlet Filter (contains voltage selector and fuse holder)
55 System earth point
8

4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
Unpacking and Parts Supplied
Inspection and Unpacking
Before installing or operating the Vortex- dV system ensure that no visible damage has occurred during the
shipping of the device
Important! Important! If any damage is discovered, do not proceed with the installation and contact your local
supplier immediately who will decide the most appropriate action and rectify the situation as quickly
as possible.
Packaging
We strongly recommend that the packaging is retained, as this can be useful if the machine needs to be returned
for calibration or shipped to another location.
Parts suppliedParts supplied with the Test Stand, details the parts that should be included with your test stand. Please contact
Mecmesin or your authorised distributor if any items are missing or damaged.
Moving the Test Stand
The unpackaged weights of each test stand are listed in the SpecificationSpecification tables. Do not try to lift
heavy loads unaided. It is advised to use suitable lifting equipment and follow safe handling
guidelines when moving your Vortex- dV system.
Parts Supplied
Please see the table below for the list of parts supplied with the Vortex -dV system.
Item Item QuantityQuantity
Vortex- dV test stand is supplied with a pre-selected torque transducer (1.5, 3, 6, or 10 N.m) 1
AFTI gauge bracket (for fitting an AFTI torque indicator to the column) 1
Hex key for tightening crosshead to gauge bracket 1
Mains cable 1
Document: A Guide to Safe Use of Mecmesin Mains Powered Test Systems 1
Online Manual Information Guide 1
Accessories
For a full range of digital force gauges and accessories, please go to the Mecmesin website: help.mecmesin.com,
or your local distributor.
For connection of the stand to your computer, a Mecmesin supplied 2m USB-B to USB-A cable
communications cable is required, (part no. 351-093)part no. 351-093),
For a Mark 1 Vortex- dV - Use communications cable (part no. 351-092part no. 351-092) to connect the Mecmesin Advanced
Force and Torque Indicator (AFTI) to the Vortex -dV .
For an Interlock enabled Vortex- dV - Use communications cable (part no. 351-103),part no. 351-103), to connect Mecmesin
Advanced Force and Torque Indicator (AFTI) to the Vortex -dV .
9

5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
Initial Setup
License Key
A VectorPro Lite license key is required to run a Vortex- dV test stand (fitted with an AFTI) and VectorPro software.
Locating the Stand
The test stand should be positioned on a suitable, level, stable work surface.
Mains Power Supply
Vortex -dV test stands can be used on 110–120 or 220–240 Vac 50-60 Hz supplies. The rear fuse carrier is set for
your local requirement but is reversible. Should you replace a fuse, ensure the correct local voltage is selected.
The voltage that is selected is indicated by which the arrow is pointing to the white line located at the bottom of
the device. This is illustrated in the image below, shown within the red circle:
Fuse Specification
A Vortex -dV test stand uses two 2A - Time-delay (T), 5 x 20mm fuses. If replacing a blown fuse only replace the
fuse on the active side of the inlet filter with the fuse specified above, or equivalent.
If you are in doubt, please contact your local Mecmesin support agent for more information.
Attaching the Torque Sensor
The torque cell attaches to the crosshead using the four supplied M6 caphead screws. To fit the torque cell, first,
ensure that the cable exit is towards the side that you plan to fit the AFTI.
Then, align the transducer with the mounting plate and secure using one the M6 bolts, if needed have one person
hold the transducer while the other fits the screws. Make sure the transducer is seated centrally before fulling
tightening all of the screws.
10

5.6
Note: Note: Take care when handling lower capacity torque transducers, as damage can occur from
mishandling.
It is also essential to ensure that the attached grips and fixtures cannot cause excess leverage on the
torque transducer or exhibit excessive axial load on the transducer.
Fitting the AFTI Torque Indicator
The AFTI can be fitted to either the left or right-hand of the test stand, but it is important to ensure that the cable
coming from the transducer points to the side that the gauge is mounted, as this prevents any unnecessary
kinking.
The fixing bracket can be easily fitted, adjusted or removed and transferred to the opposite column using a 4 mm
Hex key to loosen the retention screws.
11

To fit the AFTI to the bracket use the two supplied screws. These pass through the bracket into the back of the
gauge and are secured using a 4mm Hex key. The angle the AFTI sits at can be adjusted by loosening the screw
located on the side of the bracket.
12

5.6.1
5.6.2
Connecting the AFTI and the Vortex -dV
First, connect the transducer to the side port of the AFTI, using the cable from the transducer.
Connect the top port of the AFTI to:
For a Mk1 Vortex-For a Mk1 Vortex- dV dV - the RJ11 port marked ‘Gauge’ on the back of the Vortex -dV , using the supplied cable,
(part no. 351-092part no. 351-092).
For an Interlock enabled Vortex-For an Interlock enabled Vortex- dVdV - the 15 way 'Sensor' connection on the back of the Vortex- dV, using the
supplied cable (part no. 351-103part no. 351-103).
See "Identifying the model of Voretx-Identifying the model of Voretx- dVdV "section for further connection details and images.
Note: Note: The gauge can also be run from the power supply provided, rather than the internal batteries.
AFTI Communication Settings
To achieve communication between your Vortex– dV test system and your AFTI gauge you need to apply the
correct settings within the AFTI’s communication menu (BAUD rate must be 115200). Use the following steps to
configure the AFTI:
Step 1
Hold 'UNITS/MENUUNITS/MENU' the AFTI until the main menu is displayed
Step 2
13

AFG ButtonAFG ButtonButton NameButton Name
UNITS/MENU
ZERO/DOWN
RESET/ENTER
MAX/ESC
Press 'UNITS/MENUUNITS/MENU' once to continue to menu page 2, as shown in the image above.
Step 3
Scroll down using the 'ZERO/DOWNZERO/DOWN' button, then press 'RESET/ENTERRESET/ENTER' to select the 'COMMSCOMMS' menu.
Step 4
14

Now press 'RESET/ENTERRESET/ENTER' on 'PORTPORT'.
Step 5
Set 'TX UNITSTX UNITS' to 'ONON', press 'RESET/ENTERRESET/ENTER' to continue.
Step 6
15

Step 6
Set 'TX SIGNTX SIGN' units to 'ONON', press 'RESET/ENTERRESET/ENTER' to continue.
Step 7
Set the baud rate to '115200115200', press 'RESET/ENTERRESET/ENTER' to continue.
16

Step 8
Set 'CR LFCR LF', press 'RESET/ENTERRESET/ENTER' to continue
Step 9
Ensure the line delay is set to '00', press 'REST/ENTERREST/ENTER' to continue.
17

Step 10
Ensure the TX threshold is set to '00', press 'REST/ENTERREST/ENTER' to continue.
Step 11
18

5.7
5.8
5.9
Set 'RS232RS232', press 'RESET/ENTERRESET/ENTER' to continue.
Step 12
Press 'MAX/ESCMAX/ESC' twice to return to the measurement screen.
Please Note:Please Note: If using the stand in conjunction with VectorPro, please ensure that the units selected
on the gauge match the unit selected within the software.
Connect the Test Stand to a PC (VectorPro Users Only)
If you are using VectorPro software, connect the USB B port, located on the test stand, to a PC using an
appropriate cable (part no. 351-093part no. 351-093).
Important!Important! Please install VectorPro software on the assigned PC before
connecting the test stand to that computer. Once the software is installed
and the stand is connected, the stand will show as connected. This is shown
in the image to the right.
Cable Management
It is essential that no cables interfere with the controls or any moving parts. Failure to do so could lead to injury or
damage to the equipment.
Attaching Grips and Fixtures
The most commonly-used upper fixture used is the 100 mm upper fixing plate with a diameter capacity of 10 mm
to 78 mm. This is fixed to the adaptor on the torque transducer using a 2.5 mm Hex key to secure the four
countersunk screws supplied.
The fixture can also be quickly removed using the two grub screws in the adapter, accessed through
slots in the sides of the fixing plate, as shown below.
19

5.10
The most commonly-used lower fixture is the 188 mm diameter lower fixing plate with a diameter capacity of
10 mm to 190 mm. This is fixed to the Vortex -dV spindle using a 2.5 mm Hex key to secure the four countersunk
screws supplied.
A range of other torque testing fixtures is available, including saddle plates that help support samples in the fixing
plates, longer grip fingers, mandrels, and chucks.
Important! Important! Take care not to apply excess torque on the transducer when securing the fixtures.
Test Stand States
The test stand can be in one of five states:
1. 1. Test readiness Test readiness - ready to start, or complete,
2. 2. Testing Testing – test operation sequence is running,
3. 3. StoppedStopped - test interrupted or emergency stop pressed,
4. 4. Jog mode Jog mode - for jogging or positioning the crosshead manually,
5. 5. Settings menuSettings menu – for adjusting your test stands settings,
In each state, the selector buttons have functions described by the on-screen icons.
20