Rhopoint UFT User manual

Universal Friction Tester
(UFT)
Operating Instructions
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.
Manufactured by Rhopoint Instruments in the United Kingdom

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
This instruction manual contains important information about the setup and use
of the Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester (UFT). 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 optic 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 2023 Rhopoint Instruments Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Rhopoint is a registered trademark or trademark 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.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Contents
1Storage and Handling 4
2About the Universal Friction Tester 5
3Accessories 7
4Optional Accessories 7
7Functional Overview 8
8Icons Used 9
9Unpacking / Setup 10
10 Power 10
11 Switching the Unit On/Off 10
13 Taring the Instrument 12
14 Friction Testing 13
15 Peel Testing 19
16 180° Peel Testing 21
17 T Type Peel Testing 23
18 90° Peel Testing 25
19 Seal Testing 27
20 Tear Testing 29
25 Settings Menu 31
26 Full Analysis Software 36
27 Software Installation 38
28 Software Functionality 40

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Storage and Handling
To ensure safe and reliable operation of this instrument it should be placed on a rigid, flat, level
surface.
Prevent exposure of the instrument to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time and to
continuous humidity and condensation.
Do not place the instrument near electromagnetic fields or in an environment with excessive
vibrations.
The instrument’s metal body and touchscreen are resistant to a variety of solvents; however, the
recommended cleaning method is by using a soft damp cloth.
Only use approved accessories and spare parts. All spare parts are available from Rhopoint
Instruments Ltd and approved distributors.
Do not attempt to open the instrument. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Please contact
Rhopoint Instrument or an approved distributor for your service requirements

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
About the Universal Friction Tester
The Universal Friction Tester (UFT) is an easy-to-use instrument designed for the measurement of static and
dynamic coefficient of friction, peel, tear and seal adhesion testing.
The instrument is designed for use in the production environment as a simple QC checking instrument.
Optional full analysis software is available providing batch-to-batch comparisons, PDF reporting and the
ability to create bespoke tests. This software can be included with the instrument when purchased or added
as an upgrade at a later time to provide this functionality.
Who measures slip/friction?
Friction testing is extensively used in the packaging industry to measure the “slippiness” of a product,
with the aim of predicting feeding and running speed on an automatic gluing, erecting, filling or packaging
line. Other industries that test for slip include the paper industry (for the automatic feeding of photocopy
paper, envelopes and banknotes), flooring manufacturers(for the anti-slip properties of polishes), plastic
manufacturers (the frictional properties of packaging).
What is slip/ friction? A product’s “slippiness” is characterised by its coefficients of friction-
Static coefficient of friction=Fs/N
Dynamic coefficient of friction=Fd/N
Where Fs is the maximum static frictional force and the Fd is the average dynamic frictional force. N is the
Normal force, i.e.the force of gravity acting on the sample and test sled.
In practical terms, the static slip relates to the force required to get two resting surfaces moving, dynamic slip
is the smaller force that is required to keep the surfaces moving once this initial “inertia” is overcome. These
values are expressed as ratios and do not have units, they are quoted as a decimal value between 0 and 1,for
example a surface might have static slip coefficient of 0.35 and a dynamic slip coefficient of 0.18.
How is Coefficient of Friction Measured (COF)?
All methods of COF measurement involve preparing a sample into two flat pieces, the samples are placed
together and a weight is applied (the normal)force. One of the samples is held in a fixed position, a force is
applied to the other sample until they begin to slip against one another.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Flat Bed Friction Testing
To measure Static and Dynamic coefficients of friction it is necessary to use a fixed bed instrument. These
instruments use a motor to pull a sled across the sample, using a load cell to measure the forces. Original
slip testing instruments were converted tensile testers that used a cord to pull the sample. The use of a cord
has now been removed from most friction measurement standards due to the uncertainty added by its own
elasticity and problems with sample positioning. The UFT from Rhopoint uses mechanical linkages to apply
the force and uses automatic sled placement for very accurate sample positioning with variable dwell time
setting before testing.
How can Coefficient of Friction (COF) Values relate to packaging speeds?
COF can often be related to the feeding and running attributes of products, for example food cartons have a
slip coefficient that is related to the type of varnish applied, how well it has been cured and how thickly it has
been applied. Cartons that have a very low static coefficient of friction may have handling difficulties asthey
will tend to slide apart and are difficult to place into feeding hoppers. In contrast products which have a high
coefficient of friction will tend to stick together and are prone to misfeeding due to multiple cartons entering
the packaging line. Different packaging lines will often require products with specific surface frictional profiles
to achieve their highest running and feeding speeds, it is only by measuring and specifying these values that
a manufacturer can achieve maximum productivity.
What parameters affect Coefficient of Friction (COF)Values?
COF is primarily influenced by the chemical composition of the surface and its physical profile. In packaging
the surface chemistry is often elated to coatings applied to a carton or the additives in a plastics film. In
the paper and board making industries the friction characteristics are related to the physical profile of the
sample-paper fibres, coating composition and smoothness etc.
How can detailed Frictional Force measurement help improve Productivity?
In addition to simple static and dynamic COF values the UFT-LAB produces detailed force curves which
detail the surface characteristics across the test area. These force curves identify any inconsistencies on the
sample surface that may reduce packing or feeding performance in the production environment. The unique
strength of the UFT-LAB is that profiles can be overlayed for comparison, allowing identification of substrate
or coating changes that can cause problems with product runnability. This powerful feature can highlight
subtle differences in substrates or coatings that allow the user to fine tune their product for their production
conditions giving optimum feeding, running and packing speeds.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Accessories
The instrument is supplied as a standard package complete with all accessories required to power and operate
the unit.
Universal Friction Tester (UFT)
• Universal Friction Tester
• Traceable calibration certificate
• 1 x bulls eye spirit level
• 2 x sample securing clamps, 4 x sample securing magnet pins
• 1 x 100g calibration check weight
• 1 x calibration pulley attachment with fixing attachments
• Peel and seal testing attachment
• USB drive containing documentation
• DC power pack with mains cables.
Optional Accessories
• UFT Lab software package
Optional full analysis software allows for detailed statistical and graphical analysis of results, full PDF
reporting and the creation of custom test routines.
• Universal Sample Cutter
• Sample cutting templates

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Functional Overview
Label No. Function
1Display and touch-screen
2Sample securing magnets/clips
3Levelling feet
4Sled traverse arm
5Sled
6Automatic sled placement pins
7USB socket
8Ethernet connector
9PSU Connnector / Power Switch
10 LED status indicator
11 Mains connection
1
23
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
10

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Icons Used
Tabs Function
Main Screen (Home)
Friction test settings menu
Peel and seal test settings menu
Tear test settings menu
Instrument settings menu
Power off
Tare
Emergency Stop
Traverse arm, return to home position
WARNING THE UFT HAS MOVING PARTS THAT MAY CONSTITUTE A PINCHING RISK
FOR FINGERS. REASONABLE CARE MUST BE TAKEN AT ALL TIMES  DO NOT TOUCH
THE MOVING PARTS DURING OPERATION AND ENSURE HAIR AND CLOTHING IS
KEPT CLEAR.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Unpacking / Set Up
Unpack the unit carefully and check the contents against the packing list.
Place the instrument on a suitable rigid surface avoiding areas where vibration may affect measurements, i.e.
close to heavy machinery.
Ensure the instrument is level before use by placing the included spirit level central on the measurement
platen and adjusting the levelling feet until the spirit level bubble remains central. This is important and must be
periodically checked and adjusted each time the equipment is relocated.
Power
The UFT is powered by a low voltage DC power supply that must be connected to an appropriate mains power
input connector.
Switching the Unit On/Off
The UFT has a built in CPU which takes approximately 30 seconds from power up to boot into measurement
mode.
The UFT has a built in CPU which takes approximately 30 seconds from power up to boot into
measurement mode.
It is important that the user follows the power up and power down procedures below. With the mains
power supply connected, turn the isolation switch to the on position.
After approximately 30 seconds the blue power status led will pulse on and off.
When the blue status LED is pulsing, the instrument can be powered up. Power up the instrument by
pressing the power switch (8), the blue power status led will start to flash on and off indicating the
power up sequence - please note the front screen remains OFF until this sequence is complete (15
seconds). Once the screen is ON the power led will stop flashing and stay lit.
DO NOT switch off the power during boot up as the instrument may enter a recovery mode. If this
occurs, please contact Rhopoint Service for instructions on re-initializing the instrument.
To power down the unit press the power off icon, a larger icon will be displayed on the screen. Press
and hold the power icon until the green ring around the icon is complete, the unit will then power off.
Turn the power switch off, the instrument can now be safely disconnected from the power supply.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
It is important that the user follows the power up and power down procedures below.
With the mains power supply connected, power up the instrument using the power switch (8), a blue power led
underneath will illuminate and start to flash on and off indicating the power up sequence - please note the front
screen remains OFF until this sequence is complete (15 seconds). Once the screen is ON the power led will
stop flashing and stay lit.
It is not advisable to switch off the power during boot up as the instrument may enter a recovery mode. If this
occurs, please contact Rhopoint Service for instructions on re-initializing the instrument.
To power down the unit press the power off icon, a larger icon will be displayed on the screen. Press and hold
the power icon until the green ring around the icon is complete, the unit will then power off. Turn the power
switch off, the instrument can now be safely disconnected from the power supply.
WARNING  THE UFT IS FITTED WITH A PRECISION LOAD CELL, IT IS IMPORTANT TO
ENSURE THAT THE SLED TRAVERSE ARM IS NOT BLOCKED BY ANY OBSTRUCTIONS
ON THE TEST BED WHEN IN MOTION. IN BUILT LOAD CELL PROTECTION WILL
PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE INSTRUMENT BY STOPPING TRAVERSE MOVEMENT IF
EXCESSIVE PRESSURE IS MONITORED ON THE ARM. ALWAYS REMOVE THE SLED
AND SAMPLES FROM THE INSTRUMENT BEFORE RETURNING THE LOAD CELL TO THE
HOME POSITION.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Taring the instrument
After powering up it is necessary to tare (zero) the instrument. To do this, press the tare icon on the touchscreen
(as shown below).
Once the UFT has tared the traverse arm will require resetting to its home position. The screen will display an
icon as shown below, press the icon to reset the traverse arm.
ENSURE THE SLED IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE INSTRUMENT

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Friction Testing
The Friction Testing settings menu allows the user to select either a preset standard test method from the
displayed list or set their own custom test according to their requirements. Select the test method by using
the or buttons and confirm using
The screen will display the test parameters for each method –
Traverse speed
Test distance
Applied weight
Dwell time
Enable / disable sled lift for test.
Each standard test can be edited by pressing the button to allow certain parameters to be adjusted to suit
the sample size being tested.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Parameters that can be adjusted are displayed in white.
To change a parameter press the corresponding numeric entry box
A keypad will be displayed, enter the value required and press to return to the previous menu.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Press to save the value(s). The display will return the settings menu.
The UFT allows for one custom test method to be configured and stored in the instrument.
The UFT Lab software allows unlimited custom tests. To create a new custom test, edit and re-name the test
XCustom. This will then create a new XCustom test that can then be updated when another custom test is
required.
Sample preparation and loading
Ensure the samples to be tested are uncreased and free from contamination such as dust, oils etc.
Take care not to touch the actual surfaces to be measured
When using the UFT for friction testing, one sample is mounted on the instrument test bed and the other on the
sled. Clamps either end of the instrument test bed allow a sample of 70mm x 350mm(min) to be secured onto
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 particularly if measuring thin samples such as plastic film.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
The sample size for the sled 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.
Flexible samples
Cut the sample to 63.5x148mm (template available as optional extra). Place the sled on the centre of the sample
and secure one end under the retaining arm on the sled. Repeat for the other end..
Non-Flexible samples
Cut the sample to 63.5 x 63.5mm (template available as optional extra). Place the sample on the sled using thin
double-sided tape.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
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. A separate sled is offered for this test method as an
optional extra..
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 adjusting screw on the load cell arm to unlock the
mechanism. Manually raise or lower the arm to the correct position and then lock into place by tightening the
adjusting screw.I
Making a measurement
With the samples correctly mounted onto the test bed and sled a test can be made. Ensure the test parameters
have been setup correctly for the test required.
Press to return to the home screen.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Press to start the test,
During the test the emergency stop button can be pressed to immediately stop the test. Pressing this
will abort the test and the screen below will be displayed –
.
When the test has successfully completed the screen below will be displayed and the Static and Dynamic COF
will be shown on the left side of the screen.
For both screens - Press , a warning message will be displayed advising to check that test track is clear,
press it again to return the traverse arm to its home position
REMOVE THE SLED FROM THE LOADCELL. PLACE AWAY FROM THE TEST BED OF THE
INSTRUMENT

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Peel and Seal Testing
The Peel Testing settings menu allows the user to select either a preset standard test method from the
displayed list or set their own custom test according to their requirements. Select the test method by using the
or buttons and confirm using
The screen will display the test parameters for each method –
Traverse speed Test distance
In this menu the type of peel test can be selected
use the or buttons to select. Peel tests available are 180, T, 90, S
Each standard test can be edited by pressing the button to allow certain parameters to be adjusted to
suit the sample being tested.

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Rhopoint Universal Friction Tester
Parameters that can be adjusted are displayed in white.
To change a parameter press the corresponding numeric entry box
A keypad will be displayed, enter the value required and press to return to the previous menu.
Press to save the value(s). The display will return the settings menu.
The UFT allows for one custom test method to be configured and stored in the instrument.