Load Cells; General Precautions - Ametek Chatillon CS1100 User Manual

13.0 LOAD CELLS

ALL machine operators should be aware that CHATILLON load cells are precision force
measuring devices, which should be treated with the utmost care to avoid accidental
damage. In particular low force load cells are easily damaged if abused or used without
sufficient care.
NOTE: Do not submit Load cells to physical shock of any kind. DO NOT DROP!
NOTE: When a load cell is removed from the force tester, immediately store it in
a safe and dry place.

13.1 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

The following points should be considered:
1. When installing the upper grip onto the load cell eye end, avoid bumping the eye end.
If the grip is a close fit, DO NOT FORCE IT, establish the reason and rectify.
Immediately set, or re-set, the bottom limit stop so the grips will not meet when the
crosshead is lowered. See section 5.3 LIMIT STOPS.
2. In both tension and compression tests, center the specimen in line with the axis of the
load cell and the bottom fixed anchoring device or pin to avoid side thrust.
3. In compression tests, care must be taken to avoid bringing the platens together or
against solid specimens at high speed. Load cells thus damaged cannot be repaired.
Ensure that the lower crosshead limit is set correctly. See section 5.3 LIMIT STOPS.
4. In compression tests, if special lower fixtures are used, ensure that they are fixed in
position so they cannot be accidentally moved to block the normal downward
movement of the upper fixture, e.g. where a tongue on the upper fixture must fit into a
slot in the lower fixture.
5. Avoid overloading beyond the load cell rated capacity. Prior to testing ensure, if
possible, that the maximum force anticipated will not exceed the capacity of the fitted
load cell.
CHATILLON load cells are built to exceed the standards as set out by ASTM, BS,
6.
DIN etc. All load cells on CS Force Tester machines are user-changeable. Various
capacities are available from 2.5N up to the capacity of the frame.
NOTE: The force tester incorporates overload protection, which will stop the
testing frame if capacity is exceeded in either tension or compression. However,
at higher speeds, momentum may carry the crosshead far enough after shut-off
to damage the load cell.
Load cells that incur damage due to overloading cannot be repaired. Please
note that load cell overload damage is not covered by the warranty.
108 CS User Manual