Manual Operation - Mecmesin VersaTest Operating Instructions Manual

Manual Operation

Set the 'Mode' rocker switch (F, in Fig.1) to 'Manual Control' (centre position) and set each speed control
knob to a mid-range position (with pointer close to 12 o'clock). Hold the 'Start/Stop' centre-biased toggle
switch (G, in Fig.1) in either the 'Up' or 'Down' position. A red LED (H, in Fig.1) will illuminate showing
that the crosshead is moving and indicating the direction of travel.
Releasing the Start/Stop switch will stop the crosshead moving.
Single Cycle Operation
Set the Mode switch (F) to 'Single Cycle', move the 'Start/Stop' switch (G) to the 'up' or 'Down' position
and then release. The crosshead will move and the LED indicating direction of travel will illuminate.
When a limit switch position is reached, the crosshead will begin to travel in the opposite direction. When
the position of the other limit switch is reached, the motor will stop and the crosshead will come to rest.
During the cycle, setting the Mode switch to 'Manual Control', or selecting either the 'Up' or 'Down'
position will stop the crosshead moving.
Constant Cycle Operation
Set the Mode switch (F) to 'Constant Cycle', move the 'Start/Stop' switch (G) to the 'Up' or 'Down'
position, and then release. The crosshead will move and the LED indicating direction of travel
will illuminate. The crosshead will cycle continuously between the limit switch positions.
During the cycle, setting the Mode switch to
'Manual Control', or selecting either the 'Up'
or 'Down' position will stop the
crosshead moving.
Force Gauges, Loadcells and your Fixturing
Force Gauges, Loadcells and your Fixturing
You will need to attach a force measuring device to your VersaTest; this will usually be an Advanced Force Gauge or an S-beam loadcell. Attach
an AFG by screwing a dovetail extension bracket to the back of the AFG, slide it (with the loadcell stud pointing downwards) onto the moving
crosshead dovetail ( C ), and tighten with the Allen key provided. Attach an S-beam loadcell by screwing it into a tension block module, then
proceed as for an AFG. If you have purchased special fixturing, attach this to the gauge/loadcell and/or your VersaTest.
Loadcells and force gauges are delicate pieces of equipment and can easily be damaged irreparably. One way of doing this would be to drive
the test stand downwards until the loadcell (or loadcell stud on an AFG) hits something 'solid'. This is a risk when a user is not yet familiar with
operating a new test stand. Consequently the safety stop (D) has been preset to significantly limit downward travel of the crosshead. Now that the
test system is assembled, use the Allen key provided to re-set the safety stop to the bottom of its intended travel range, allowing a gap of at least
3
3
10mm between the fixtures fitted. Adjust the limit switches (B) according to your sample dimensions and testing requirements.
EMERGEN CY STOP
E
POW ER
EXTERNAL SPEED
TXD
RXD
Fig 1
MODE
CONSTANT
CYCLE
MANUAL
CONTROL
SINGLE
CYCLE
MECMESIN
F A
B
Limit Switch
C
Crosshead
B
Limit Switch
D
Safety Stop
VersaTest
EM ERGEN CY STO P MODE S PEED S TART / S TOP
CON S TAN T ▲
UP
CYCLE
MAN UAL
POW ER CON TROL
S IN GLE
▼ DOW N
EXTERN AL S PEED CYCLE
TXD
RXD
M ECM ESI N
SPEED START / STOP
▲
UP
▼
DOW N
H G