PCE Instruments PCE-PFG Series User manual

© PCE Instruments
PCE-PFG Series Force Gauge
User Manual
User manuals in various languages (français,
italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,
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Last change: 2 February 2021
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
2Specifications........................................................................................2
3Delivery scope.......................................................................................2
4Dimensions............................................................................................ 3
5Key functions ........................................................................................4
6Battery.................................................................................................... 5
7Switching on and off.............................................................................5
8Measuring modes.................................................................................. 6
8.1 Real Time......................................................................................................................... 6
8.2 Peak................................................................................................................................. 6
8.3 Average mode.................................................................................................................. 6
8.4 Save mode (Automatic memory).....................................................................................12
9Alarm limits..........................................................................................14
10 Rotate display...................................................................................... 16
11 Communication interface and output interface...............................16
12 More settings.......................................................................................17
12.1 Product information.........................................................................................................19
13 Warranty...............................................................................................19
14 Disposal ...............................................................................................19

© PCE Instruments
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1 Safety notes
Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The
device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.
•The device must only be used as described inthis instructionmanual. If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
•The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose
the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
•Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
•The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
•Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
•You must not make any technical changes to the device.
•The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,
no abrasives or solvents.
•The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
•Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not
use the device.
•Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
•The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under
any circumstances.
•Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.
We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of
business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at
the end of this manual.

© PCE Instruments
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2 Specifications
Model
Measurement range
Resolution
PCE-PFG 20
0 … 20 N
0.005 N
PCE-PFG 50
0 … 50 N
0.01 N
PCE-PFG 100
0 ... 100 N
0.02 N
PCE-PFG 200
0 … 200 N
0.05 N
PCE-PFG 500
0 … 500 N
0.1 N
PCE-PFG 2K
0 … 2000 N
0.5 N
Accuracy
0.3 % of measurement range
Units
N, kgF, lbF
Sampling rate
500 Hz
Display
1.8" graphic display
Alarm modes
Below, Inside, Outside
Memory
100 measurements
Power supply
Lithium battery 3.7 V / 1500 mAh
Battery life
up to 36 h
Mains adaptor / USB charging adaptor
5 V / 1 A
Outputs
Interface: USB B,
switching output / alarm modes: MD6 with
2.85 V when active
Protection class
IP 54
Operating and storage conditions
5 ... 45 °C,
35 ... 65 % RH, non-condensing
Dimensions
189 x 707 x 34 mm
Weight
450 g
Models with external load cell
Dimensions / weight load cell
L 52 mm / H 72 mm / W 19 mm / M12 thread
/ 490 g
Cable length external load cell
approx. 1.8 m
Handheld dimensions
189 x 707 x 34 mm
Handheld weight
240 g
3 Delivery scope
For force gauges PCE-PFG 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500:
1 x flat head adaptor Ø13 mm
1 x pointed head adaptor
1 x hook adaptor
1 x extension rod (75 mm)
1 x USB cable
1 x USB charger
1 x user manual
1 x plastic carrying case
For the force gauge PCE-PFG 2K:
1 x 2000 N S measuring cell
2 x M12 joint eyes
2 x pressure fittings
1 x USB cable
1 x USB charger
1 x user manual
1 x plastic carrying case

© PCE Instruments
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4 Dimensions
Dimensions for models with internal measuring cell
Dimensions for models with external measuring cell

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5 Key functions
Key
Description
"Power" key for switching the meter on and off
"MODE" key to select between the individual modes
"DEL" key to delete individual values
"UNIT" key
- Setting the unit in measuring mode
- Increasing displayed parameter
- Selecting the next item in the menu
"Enter" key to confirm the entry or to open a menu item
"DIR" key for switching between compressive and tensile alarm display
"ESC" key to exit the menu
"Zero" key to reset the zero point
"DATA" key:
- Select the next item in the menu
- Call up data memory
"SET" key:
- to enter the menu
- to select a menu item
- to apply settings

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6 Battery
The force gauge has a built-in 3.7V rechargeable battery. If the meter is storedfor a longer period
of time, it should be recharged because the battery discharges itself. The battery is recharged
after approx. 6 hours.
When the battery is charging, the following icon is displayed:
When the battery is fully charged, the icon appears on the display.
When switched on, the battery indicator shows the current battery capacity when no charger is
connected.
Battery capacity
Icons
100 %
75 %
50 %
25 %
0 %
As soon as the battery is discharged, the force gauge switches itself off.
7 Switching on and off
To switch the force gauge on/ off, press and release the key once. When the force gauge
is switched on, the model, version number and serial number are displayed.

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8 Measuring modes
There are four different measuring modes in this force gauge. If the tensile or compressive force
is outside the measurement range, "OVER" is shown on the display. An acoustic signal is also
generated. Only when the measured value is back within the measurement range, a normal
measurement can be resumed.
To select between the modes, press the key in the current measuring mode. The current
measuring mode is displayed below the measured value.
Note: Zeroing can only be performed withing the range of 10 % of the total capacity.
8.1 Real Time
In Real Time (RT) measuring mode, the current measured value is continuously displayed.
8.2 Peak
In peak mode (PK), the highest measured value is displayed and held. This measuringmode can
be used for tensile and compressive force. The peak value is reset with the key .
8.3 Average mode
In Average (AVG) mode, the average value of a measurement is displayed. This mode can be
used, for example,for peel force, friction force and other tests where an average value is required.
There are two different functions in this measuring mode.
MOD1: With this function, the average value of the force curve is displayed from the set smallest
force and over the set period of time.

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MOD2: This function calculates the average above the set smallest measured value. When the
measured value falls below the set smallest measured value again, the measurement is finished.
This measuring procedure is possible over a period of 10 minutes.
As long as the measurement time of 10 minutes is not exceeded, this measurement can be
resumed at any time.
To make settings in this measuring mode, press the key twice.
To select a parameter, use the arrow keys. Press the key to select a parameter. Use
the arrow keys again to change the parameter properties. Press the key to apply the
settings you have made.

© PCE Instruments
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Setting
Meaning
A.M.C.F.
Average Minimum
Capture Force
Here you set the force at which the average measurement is
to start.
Neg. Time
Neglectful Time
Here you enter the time span at the beginning of the
measurement that is not yet to be taken into account in the
average measurement. Available settings: 0.0 ... 300.0 s.
Resolution: 0.1 s. This parameter only affects the MOD1
function.
Cap. Time
Capture Time
Here you set the measuring time for the average
measurement. Available settings: 0.0 ... 300.0 s. Resolution:
0.1 s. This parameter only affects the MOD1 function.
Ave. Mode
Here you select between the MOD1 and MOD2 function.
To reset and save the average value, press the key. Up to 20 average values can be
saved. To view, delete or export these data, press the key. Now select "Average" with
the arrow keys. Confirm the selection with the key.