Tutorial 2 - Mecmesin MultiTest-x Series Operating Instructions Manual

i) Set the threshold load to 5N, ([1], [3], [1], [1] Threshold), press [Start/ENT].
(Now the MultiTest-x will log no data until a load of 5 newtons is observed)
Press the [Stop/BK SP] key twice to return to the Main Menu.
One final tip: If you find that you have not been able to create data for a test which
give a 'PASS' result, try hanging a two litre plastic bottle of filled with mineral water on
the loadcell and tapping it during the test to generate some 'noise'. You will be able to
use the empty bottle for Tutorial 2...

Tutorial 2

This tutorial assumes that you have already familiarised yourself with the basic
principles of creating a MultiTest-x procedure by working through Tutorial 1. This
program, will include examples of two further concepts: 'touching-on', and setting an
'absolute zero position', it will also illustrate how the crosshead can be 'parked' and
data can be automatically downloaded after each test has been completed.
The test which will be developed is typical of a test to assess the top-load capacity of
a plastic container. The load will be zero until the loadcell and compression plate
make contact with the container. The load will then increase until the container
'collapses'. The test conditions would satisfy, in part, the requirements of standards
used by the packaging industry, e.g. ASTM D2659-95 or BS4839 Part 2 (including
subsequent revisions). Mecmesin can also supply a suitable 'vented compression
plate' (part number 406-196) Typically the pass/fail assessment carried out after this
type of test would check the following:
•
What was the maximum load?
•
What was the load at a particular displacement
•
What was the original height of the container?
The requirements for a particular type of specimen to 'pass' might be, for example,
that:
•
The maximum load observed should be within 20% of 180N
•
The load at a displacement of 4mm should be within 20% of 125N
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