Rhopoint Hanatek CFT User manual

Compact Friction Tester
Thank you for purchasing this Rhopoint product.
Please read these instructions carefully before operating this product and retain them for
future reference.
The images shown in this manual are for illustrative purposes only.
English
Operating Instructions
ISS C, June 2016

1
This instruction manual contains important information about the setup and use of
the Rhopoint Hanatek compact friction tester. It is therefore essential that the
contents be read before powering up and using the instrument.
If this instrument is passed to other users you must ensure that the instruction
manual is supplied with the instrument. If you have any questions or require
additional information about this product please contact the Rhopoint Authorised
Distributor for your region.
The technology and components used in the device are based on state-of-the art
measuring sensors and electronics. As part of Rhopoint Instruments commitment to
continually improving the technologies used in their products, they reserve the right
to change information included in this document without prior notice.
© Copyright 2014 Rhopoint Instruments Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Hanatek and Rhopoint are registered trademarks of Rhopoint Instruments Ltd. in the
UK and other countries.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their
respective owner.
No portion of the software, documentation or other accompanying materials may be
translated, modified, reproduced, copied or otherwise duplicated (with the exception
of a backup copy), or distributed to a third party, without prior written authorisation
from Rhopoint Instruments Ltd.
Rhopoint Instruments Ltd.
Rhopoint House
Enviro 21 Business Park
Queensway Avenue South
St Leonards on Sea
TN38 9AG UK
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rhopointinstruments.com
Revision C
June 2016

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Contents
Instrument Placement and Handling .....................................................................................3
About the Compact Friction Tester (CFT)..............................................................................3
Accessories ..........................................................................................................................3
Functional overview ..............................................................................................................4
Power ...................................................................................................................................5
Switching on the unit.............................................................................................................5
Options Menu 1.....................................................................................................................7
Options Menu 2.....................................................................................................................9
Setting Time and Date ........................................................................................................10
Adjusting the Home Position...............................................................................................11
Sample Preparation and Loading........................................................................................13
Adjusting the load cell height...............................................................................................15
Making a measurement.......................................................................................................16
Data transfer.......................................................................................................................18
Load Cell Protect ................................................................................................................19
End Limit Stop.....................................................................................................................19
Calibration Check................................................................................................................20

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Instrument Placement and Handling
To ensure safe and reliable operation of this instrument it should be placed on
a rigid, flat level surface. Avoid using the instrument in environments where
there are vibrations. For best results the instrument should be used in a
temperature controlled environment.
The measurement Load cell of this instrument moves during operation. No
obstructions should therefore be placed in its path to prevent or restrict normal
operation. Failure to do so could result in measuring cell failure.
Prevent exposure of the instrument to direct sunlight for prolonged periods
and to continuous humidity and condensation.
About the Compact Friction Tester (CFT)
The CFT provides high accuracy friction measurements reported in the unit of
coefficient of friction (COF).
The combined graphical display of the frictiontester simultaneously shows static and
dynamic COF.
The CFT instrument is pre-loaded with the main standards for measuring COF with
the option to create a custom test.
Accessories
The instrument is supplied as a standard package complete with all accessories
required to power and operate the unit:-
Compact Friction Tester Instrument
24v DC Power Supply
USB Data stick
Micro USB to USB converter
200g Testing Sled
Sample template
Cutting Knife

4
Functional overview
Figure
Label No.
Function
1
Instrument top plate
2
Display
3
Touch sensitive buttons
4
Automatic lowering system pins
5
Top plate sample clamps
6
Calibration check stand
7
200g Testing Sled
8
Measuring cell and sled link
9
Load cell height adjustment knob
10
USB data connector, Power input and switch
2
1
7
6
5
4
9
10
8
3

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Power
The CFT is powered by a low voltage DC (24v) power supply connected to the
instruments power input connector. Located next to the DC power in socket there is
a master power switch.
Switching on the unit
With the power supply connected and the master power switch on the instrument is
switched on by pressingany of the button indicators on the front screen. There is a 5
second delay after the master switch is turnedon before the touch sensitive buttons are
active.
Once activated the display will show the last certified date along with the instruments
serial number and firmware details. By pressing the touch buttons again the screen will
be displayed as shown below.

6
Press the Home Button to return the load cell arm back to the home position.
The Settings and Tare icons will now be displayed.
Ensure there is 0 load on the load cell.The sled should be removed from the instrument.
Press and hold the flashing Tare button for 3 seconds or until a continuous beep is
heard indicating the instrument has zeroed.
1
2
Always remove the sled and samples from the instrument before
returning the load cell to the home position.

7
Options Menu 1
Press the options menu button
Test Method Options
Pressing this button will enter the testmethod options menu.The user
can select from a pre programmed test method based on several standards or create
theirown custom method. Pre programmed methods are.
ISO 8295 L 100mm/min
ISO 8295 L 500mm/min
ISO 15359 1200mm/min
ASTM D1894 150mm/min
TAPPI 549 150mm/min
Label No.
Function
1
Test Method Options
2
Dwell Time
3
Test Distance
4
Return to Main Screen
5
Options Menu 2
3
2
1
4
5

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Custom Settings will allow the user to configure test parameters. Pressthe sled weight
icon (A) to cycle between 200, 600 and 800g sled weight.
Press the button (C) to return to the main screen.
Press the speed icon (B) will enter a new screen shown below, the speed can be set
between 100-1200mm/min in 10mm/min increments.
Press the button (C) to return to the previous screen.
A
B
C
C

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Options Menu 2
From the options screen 1 press button 5.
Label No.
Function
1
Time and Date
2
Home Position Adjust
3
Live Load Cell reading
4
Return to Main Screen
5
Options Menu 1
5
1
2
3
5
4

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Setting Time and Date
Press button from options menu 2 to access the time and date screen
Label No.
Function
1
Return to Main Screen
2
Adjust Time and Date
1
2

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Press Button 2, the first field to be adjusted will be highlighted in green.
Use the buttons to adjust the time and date up and down.
Pres Button 2 to adjust the next field. Once complete press button 1 to return to the main
screen.
Adjusting the Home Position
From the 2nd options menu press the button to access the home position adjust
menu. The image below shows the correct home position. The sled is resting on the
lifting pins and the load cell coupling pin is in the centre of the hole on the sled arm.
2
1

12
When in the home position menu press the button (2) again to move the load cell
arm to the current home position setting. The load cell arm will move so ensure there are
no obstructions such as the sled.
To avoid damage to the measuring cell the position of the load cell arm will not move
when the lift pins are in the up position. Pressing the up and down arrows while the lifting
pins are up will lower the pins before the movement ismade.
Once the correct position has been achieved press the button labeled (3) to return to the
main screen.
Label No.
Function
1
Lifting pins UP
2
Return to current home setting
3
Return to Main Screen
4
Move load cell arm away from sled
5
Move load cell arm towards sled
1
2
4
3
5

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Sample Preparation and Loading
The CFT is generally used to measure the slip between two surfaces. One sample is
placed on the instrument test bed and the other on the sled.
Test Bed Sample
The clamps either endof the instrument test bed will allowa sample of 70mm x 350mm
(min) to be secured on the test bed. If the test sample is smaller than this it can be
secured at just one end or by using tape. If using tape avoid placing this in the test area
practically if measuring thin samples such as plastic film.
The sample size for thesled should be 63.5mm square.When measuring flexible
samples the size can be 63.5x148mm and wrapped around the sled.The foam pad on
the bottom will ensure a 63.5mm square contact area.
When preparing the samples avoiding contact and manual handling as much as possible
as this can change the slip properties of the sample.
Flexible samples
Cut the sample using the template supplied to cut a sample of 63.5x148mm. Place the
sled on the sample in the center then wrap the film around the front and back. Use the
magnet bars to secure the sample.
* The sled has been calibrated to 200g including the magnet bars. If for any reason the
magnet bars cannot be used to secure the sample use tape and then place the magnet
bars on top.

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Non Flexible Samples
Cut the sample using the template supplied to cut a sample of 63.5x148mm. Rotate the
temple through 90deg and then use to trim the length to 63.5 to form a square. Place the
sample on the sled using thin double sided tape. Place the magnet bars on the top.
* The sled has been calibrated to 200g including the magnet bars. If for any reason the
magnet bars cannot be used to secure the sample use tape and then place the magnet
bars on top.
Non Flexible Samples ISO15359 Method
This standard requires the compressible foam pad to be on the test bed instead of the
sled. It also requires a mechanism to stop the sled from twisting during the test.
The sled supplied with the CFT isinverted for this test method so the foam pad is facing
upwards. The cutout on the sled towing bar helps keep the sled straight during a test.
Use the clamps on the end of the test bed to secure the ISO 15359 test bed foam to the
instrument. The sample size for the test bed is the same as the other tests and is placed
on the top plate foam. Secure with tape if required.
Cut the sled sample using the template supplied to cut a sample of 63.5x148mm.Trim
the length so it covers the full base of the sled, approximately 95mm.
Place the sample on the sled and secure with magnet bars either side.
For quicker, easier and safer sample preparation please see the Rhopoint/Hanatek
universal sample cutter.

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Adjusting the load cell height
The load cell link on the sled and the load cell should be level. If the load cell is too high it
will elevate the front of the sled reducing the contact of the sample.
Use the thumb screw on the load cellarm to unlock the mechanism. Manually raise or
lower the arm to the correct position and then lock into place by tightening the thumb
screw.

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Making a measurement
Once the samples have and fitted to the test bed and sled the test can be run.
First check the test parameters on the right of the screen. If anything is incorrect go back
to the menu and adjust the test parameters as described earlier in the manual.
Press the Green tick button to start the test
During the test run the emergency stop button is shown . Pressing this will abort the
test.

17
During the test a live reading from the load cell is shown on the graph. When the test has
finished the graph will re-scale to maximize the graph display. The COF Static and COF
Dynamic will be displayed bottom right of the screen.
At this point the data export button is active press this to export the data to your attached
device as described in the next step.
To run a second test, remove the sled and samples from the instrument.
*For accurate COFreadings the samples should only be used once.
Press the home button to return the load cell to the home position.
Press the Green tick button to start another test
Always remove the sled and samples from the instrument before
returning the load cell to the home position.

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Data transfer
The CFT instrument has two data transfer options.
Export to USB data stick, (Standard with all instruments)
The data stick included with the instrument allows the transfer of measurement data in
.csv format for analysis using Microsoft Excel. By plugging the data stick into the
instruments USB interface data is transferred after each measurement bypressing the
download key (1) indicated on screen.
Once the export results button has been pressed the instrument will beep once to
indicate a button press and again to indicate the export is complete. The USB stick
can then be removed from the instrument and plugged into a PC device.
On the USB stick there will be a file named RESULTS.
The file is a .csv format that can be opened in most commonly used spread sheet
programs.
Export to results printer, (optional extra)
Using a custom data cable and pre-programmed label printer the results from the
CFT instrument can be sent directly to a label printer.
When testing is complete press the data export button.
The instrument will beep once to indicate a button press and then again to indicate the data
has been sent.
1

19
Load Cell Protect
The transfer CFT has built in load cell protection.
If during the return of the load cell a negative force is seen the instrument will stop
movement.
Move Failure Sensor Stop will be displayed on the screen.
A red cross icon will flash indicating an emergency stop.
Press the red cross button and the home button will become active.
Remove any obstruction from the load cell and press the home button.
End Limit Stop
If the limit of travel is exceeded the message Move Failure Stop will be displayed on the
screen. Similar to the above screen image in load cell protect.
Press the red cross button and the home button will become active.
Remove any obstruction from the load cell and press the home button.
Move Failure
Sensor Stop