be certain.
Copyright information Trademark information © 2003-2008 MTS Systems Corporation. All rights reserved. MTS, TestStar, and TestWare are registered trademarks of MTS Systems Corporation within the United States. These trademarks may be protected in other countries. Windows Vista is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Proprietary information Software use and license is governed by MTS’s End User License Agreement which defines all rights retained by MTS and granted to the End User.
Contents Preface 7 About This Manual 8 What You Are Expected to Know Conventions 9 10 Technical Support 11 Introduction 15 709 Alignment Software 16 609 Alignment Fixture 17 Additional Information 18 CE Hardware Specifications 19 Alignment Procedure Overview 21 Installation 23 Obtain the License File and NIC Installation Hardware Installation 27 709 Alignment System Installation Specimen Installation Software Installation 25 27 30 32 Remove previous installations .
Global Settings 66 User Preferences 69 Specimen 75 Specimen Offsets 83 Printable Symbols 86 Get Specimen Offset Values 87 Align 93 Alignment Wizard 97 Angular Adjustments 100 If the X coordinate is positive 101 If the X coordinate is negative 102 If the Y coordinate is positive 103 If the Y coordinate is negative 104 Concentric Adjustments 105 Crosshead Mounted 609 Alignment Fixture 106 If the upper gauge X coordinate is positive 106 If the upper gauge X coordinate is negative 107
File Output Fill 123 127 Report 128 Report Generator and Templates 129 Run Report Generator 130 MTS Provided Templates 132 Creating Custom Templates 133 Appendix 145 Resetting the FP-20xx 146 Resetting the FieldPoint Configuration 147 Possible Local Area Connection Problems Possible Problem with Large Fonts 149 Changing the FieldPoint IP Address Sub-Net FLEXlm Licensing Error 151 Firewall Licensing Error 153 148 150 Using the 793 Station Manager Function Generator 709 Alignment System
Contents 709 Alignment System
Preface Safety first! Before you attempt to use your MTS system, read and understand all safety information. Safety information can be found in a separate Safety manual or in a section titled “Safety Practices” in one of the manuals in your documentation set. Improper installation, operation, or maintenance of your system can result in hazardous conditions that can cause personal injury or death, and damage to your equipment and specimen.
About This Manual About This Manual This manual includes information on installing and operating the MTS Alignment software. The 709 Alignment software works in conjunction with the MTS Model 609 Alignment Fixture and strain-gaged specimens. There are options in the 709 Alignment software that allows specimens with fewer channels to be used for alignment.
What You Are Expected to Know What You Are Expected to Know Microsoft Windows knowledge You should have a working knowledge of the Microsoft Windows operating system before you use your system. For example, you should be able to: • Use the mouse. • Maneuver around the desktop. • Locate, open, close, copy, and save documents. If you are not sure how to do these things, take some time to learn them before you continue.
Conventions Conventions The following paragraphs describe some of the conventions that are used in your MTS manuals. Notes Notes provide additional information about operating your system or highlight easily overlooked items. For example: Note Control names Illustrations 10 Preface Using multiple instances of the scope (on multiple stations) can slow system response time.
Technical Support Technical Support Start with your manuals The manuals supplied by MTS provide most of the information you will need to use and maintain your equipment. If your equipment includes MTS software, you should look for README files for additional product information. If you cannot find answers to your technical questions from these sources, you can use the internet, telephone, or fax to contact MTS for assistance.
Technical Support Before you contact MTS Know your site number and system number MTS can help you more efficiently if you have the following information available when you contact us for support. The site number contains your company number and identifies your equipment type (material testing, simulation, and so forth). The number is usually written on a label on your MTS equipment before the system leaves MTS. If you do not have or do not know your MTS site number, contact your MTS sales engineer.
Technical Support Know relevant software information For MTS software application problems, have the following information available. • The software application’s name, version number, build number, and if available, software patch number. This information is displayed briefly when you launch the application, and can typically be found in the “About” selection in the “Help” menu. Example: Station Manager, Version 3.
Technical Support Write down relevant information Prepare yourself in case we need to call you back. • Remember to ask for the notification number. • Record the name of the person who helped you. • Write down any specific instructions to be followed, such as data recording or performance monitoring. After you call MTS logs and tracks all calls to ensure that you receive assistance and that action is taken regarding your problem or request.
Introduction This manual includes information on installing and operating the MTS 709 Alignment software. The 709 Alignment software works in conjunction with the MTS Model 609 Alignment Fixture and strain-gaged specimens. There are options in the 709 Alignment software that allows specimens with fewer channels to be used for alignment. What you need to know Contents 709 Alignment System MTS Systems Corporation assumes that you know how to use your controller.
709 Alignment Software 709 Alignment Software MTS 709 Alignment system includes the hardware and software to acquire, analyze, and display bending strains for alignment and bending strain verification purposes. Its graphical interface allows you to quickly align your system or verify how much bending strain is being applied to the specimen. One of the key attributes of this software is that it can separate the bending strain of the specimen from that of the tensile strain.
609 Alignment Fixture 609 Alignment Fixture The MTS Model 609 Alignment Fixture for material testing systems that saves time compared to manual alignment methods. A product information manual is provided describing the alignment process and the use of strain-gaged specimens. The main feature of the 609 is its capability to perform alignment adjustments while the load train is fully loaded.
Additional Information Additional Information The following documents provide additional and background information as it pertains to the importance of proper specimen and machine alignment in materials testing.
Additional Information CE Hardware Specifications PARAMETER SPECIFICATION Environmental For Indoor Use Only Ambient Temperature 5°C (41°F) 40°C (104°F) Relative Humidity 10% to 85%, non-condensing Altitude For use at altitudes up to 2000m (6500 ft.
Additional Information 20 Introduction 709 Alignment System
Alignment Procedure Overview Following is an overview of a typical alignment procedure. It is intended as a guide and will apply to most system configurations. 1. Check the controller setup and tuning before inserting the alignment specimen instrumented with strain gauges: With no specimen clamped in the grips, verify the stroke control tracks without drift. With an expendable specimen clamped in the grips, verify the load control smoothly tracks a slow (less than 1 Hz) function generator ramp. 2.
9. Once the offsets are established, the actual alignment can take place. Make sure the specimen is in the front orientation. 10. Clamp the other grip. 11. Switch the controller to load control. 12. Zero the load command. 13. Start the Alignment Wizard. 14. Follow the adjustment recommendations. 15. Gather data as described in the validation section of the manual. 16.
Installation Installation of the 709 Alignment system consists of both hardware and software installations. The hardware installation consists of cabling the 709 Alignment System hardware to the network and system controller, connecting the specimen strain gauge connector, and connecting the power cord. The software installation consists of installing the National Instruments Feild Point software, the .Net Framework, and the 709 Alignment software application.
Typical installation environments For peer to peer connections, a crossover ethernet cable is required. For networked connections, a standard ethernet cable is required.
Obtain the License File and NIC Installation Obtain the License File and NIC Installation Before you install the licensing software later in this section, you will need to obtain a license file. One license file is supplied for each 709 alignment system. In a networked connection environment, the license file is created for the PC with the NIC, which will be the “server” and any other PC on the network will be a “client”.
Obtain the License File and NIC Installation 3. Install the network interface card. Instructions for installing the NIC into the computer and loading the appropriate drivers are supplied with the card. 4. The second batch file should be run after you install the NIC; this will retrieve the physical addresses of all network cards including the one just installed for the 709 Alignment system. Running this batch file also generates a text file with the physical address information.
Hardware Installation Hardware Installation 709 Alignment System Installation Connect the 709 Alignment System as follows: 1. If Load From Analog Input Signal will be used (see “Load Analog Input Signal” on page 66), connect the analog I/O cable from the system controller. (Cabling for this connection must be supplied by the customer.) For most MTS testing systems, this will be from the TestStar Controller Analog 1 output configured for the load/force signal. 2. Connect the network cable.
Hardware Installation 709 Alignment System cable connections Network connection Specimen connection Analog I/O connection (Load cell signal from Test Controller) Power connection Standard Configuration 28 Installation 709 Alignment System
Hardware Installation Dip switch settings Specimen connection Network connection Analog I/O connection (Load cell signal from Test Controller) Power connection Protective earth ground. Connect the ground terminal to the system safety ground using 14 AWG (1.6mm) wire.
Hardware Installation Specimen Installation When installing the specimen in the grips, ensure the orientation of strain gauge 12 (G12) with respect to the 609 Alignment Fixture matches the following illustrations. G12 must be positioned as shown with respect to the 609 adjustments (A0, A90, A180, A270, C0, C90, C180, C270), for the alignment wizard and 609 Alignment Fixture adjustments to function properly.
Hardware Installation Specimen wiring diagram D-37P 1 RED WHT 1 BLK 2 RED WHT 2 BLK 3 RED WHT 3 BLK 4 RED WHT 4 BLK 5 RED WHT 5 BLK 6 RED WHT 6 BLK 7 RED WHT 7 BLK 8 RED WHT 8 BLK 9 RED WHT 9 BLK 10 RED WHT 10 BLK 11 RED WHT 11 BLK 12 12 RED WHT BLK 709 Alignment System 20 EXC 1 VIN + 2 21 EXC 3 VIN + CH 1 COM 22 23 EXC 4 VIN + CH 2 COM 5 24 EXC 6 VIN + CH 3 COM 25 26 EXC 7 VIN + CH 4 COM 8 27 EXC 9 VIN + CH 5 COM 28 29 EXC
Software Installation Software Installation Software installation consists of installing several pieces of software: • .
Software Installation .Net Framework Installation The MTS 709 Alignment software runs within the 2.0 .Net framework. Use the following procedure to install the 2.0 .Net framework. If your system already has the 2.0 .Net framework installed, you can skip this procedure. 1. Insert the 709 Alignment software CD in the computer’s Compact Disk drive. 2. Start the .Net Framework installation. A. Log in to your computer as an administrator. B. Make sure no other programs are running. C.
Software Installation 4. After setup is installed, the licence agreement is displayed. Click I agree then click Install to begin installation. The progress is displayed as the installation progresses. 5. When installation is complete. the following information dialog is displayed. Click OK to finish the installation.
Software Installation 709 Alignment Software Installation To install the 709 Alignment software, proceed as follows: 1. Start the software installation program. The software installation program is run from an executable called setup.exe. Perform the following steps: A. Log in to your computer as an administrator. B. Make sure no other programs are running. C. Insert the MTS 709 Alignment software CD. D. Double-click the My Computer icon. E. Double-click the MTS 709 Alignment Software CD icon. F.
Software Installation 3. Select the installation folder and click Next. It is recommended that you accept the default installation location. In most cases you would change the Everyone/Just me selection to Everyone.
Software Installation 4. At this point you are given a chance to go back and make any changes in the previous windows. If your selections have been satisfactory, click Next. If you need to make changes, click Back to revert to previous installation windows. 5. Read the licence agreement, Click I Agree to accept the licence agreement, and click Next to begin installation.
Software Installation 6. As the 709 Alignment software is being installed, the progress is displayed. 7. When installation is complete, click Close. Although not required, it is recommended you restart your system.
Software Installation National Instruments (NI) FieldPoint Installation The NI FieldPoint installation consists of installing the FieldPoint software and configuring the 709 Alignment System with an TCP/IP Address. Note Always use the FieldPoint setup supplied on the FieldPoint software CD. Other versions of FieldPoint might not be compatible and can cause a FieldPoint error when running the 709 Alignment software. 1. Insert the FieldPoint software CD in the computer’s Compact Disk drive. 2.
Software Installation 3. The initial welcome window appears. Read the information shown. When the installer has finished initializing, click Next.
Software Installation 4. Read the licence agreement, click the I accept the licence agreement choice and click Next.
Software Installation 5. Change the features to install. Selections should match the illustration below.
Software Installation 6. At this point, installation is ready to proceed. If you want to make any changes to previous selections, use the Back button to return to previous windows where you can change your selections. If you are satisfied with the selection’s you have made, click Next to begin the installation. 7. Once installation starts, a progress window is displayed.
Software Installation 8. When installation is complete, click Finish to exit the installation program.
Software Installation Upgrading The Firmware Located On The FieldPoint FP-2000 Hardware General Information The current version of the 709Align application is compatible with FieldPoint 6.0.3 software and firmware. If the 709Align application is being installed on an existing system as an upgrade to an older version of 709Align, the firmware residing on the FieldPoint FP-2000 hardware may need to be upgraded. The following information details the steps in performing the firmware upgrade.
Software Installation 3. On the top of the right window pane, click on “Add/Remove Software”. This displays the following dialog. 4. Select the “FieldPoint 6.0.3” item as shown below. 5. Click the “Next” button. 6. Follow the remaining steps to download the new firmware to the FieldPoint hardware.
Software Installation TCPIP Configuration Two procedures for the TCPIP configuration are provided: • TCPIP Configuration for Systems Running Windows XP • TCPIP Configuration for Systems Running Windows 2000 Before configuring the TCPIP address, it is recommended to unplug all network cables except for the connection to the FieldPoint. This will ensure that the TCPIP address is being configured for the proper device.
Software Installation Note Enabled Disabled The Local Area Connection in the next step must be the one associated with the added network interface card; typically Local Area Connection #2. This connection must be enabled. If the connection is disabled (red X next to the icon), see “Possible Local Area Connection Problems” on page 148 in the Appendix section for additional information. 3. Right click on Local Area Connection icon. Click on Properties menu item. 4. Check Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) box.
Software Installation 5. Check Use the following IP address circle. Enter 10.0.0.1 for the IP address; the last number can be any number other than 101. Enter 255.255.255.0 for the Subnet mask. Click OK.
Software Installation TCPIP Configuration for Systems Running Windows 2000 1. Right click the My Network Places icon and select Properties. Note Enabled Disabled The Local Area Connection in the next step must be the one associated with the added network interface card; typically Local Area Connection #2. This connection must be enabled.
Software Installation 3. Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties. 4. Select Use the following IP address. Enter the address assigned by your network administrator. If you have not been assigned an address, the address as shown in the following figure should work for most situations.
Software Installation FieldPoint Configuration Once the NI FieldPoint is installed, you need to configure the Measurement and Automation Explorer software and configure the TCP/IP Address. 1. Open the Measurement & Automation Explorer from the Start menu: Start > National Instruments > Measurement & Automation An initial splash screen appears momentarily and the Measurement & Automation Explorer window appears.
Software Installation Note If the FieldPoint has already been configured, you can skip to step 4. 2. Set up the IP address. A. Note Enabled Expand the Remote System selection (double click or click the +). If there is a warning icon ( ) next to the FieldPoint device, it indicates a communication problem. If the Local Area Connection (on page 40) status shows enabled (i.e. no red X) then see “Resetting the FP-20xx” on page 146 in the Appendix section for additional information B. Expand 0.0.0.0. C.
Software Installation 3. Apply the IP Address. A. Click Apply. B. A dialog window opens explaining the changes will not take effect until the system is rebooted; the system in this case is the FieldPoint system, not the computer. C. After the FieldPoint system reboots, the IP address is displayed.
Software Installation 4. From the Tools menu, select FieldPoint > Open. 5. Locate the Config10.0.0.101.iak file. This file is installed during the 709 Alignment software installation and typically located in the 709Align folder on the C: drive; see “709 Alignment System Installation” on page 27. Click Config10.0.0.101.iak to select it and click Open.
Software Installation Note If the FieldPoint has already been configured, you can skip the next step. 6. If this is a new installation and the FieldPoint has not been configured before, you will get a warning message saying values do not match current file settings for each unconfigured module. A. Click OK B. Ensure FP-SG-140@1 is selected. C. In the File/Device Conflict Resolution, select File and click Use These Settings. D. In the Channel Attributes, ensure the Excitation Voltage is 5 Volts. E.
Software Installation 7. Verify that the FieldPoint has been configured properly and data acquisition is functioning. A. Expand Data Neighborhood down to FP Res. B. Click (select) FP-SG-140@1. C. Click Start. D. Verify that Range and Timestamp values are being recorded. If all strain gages are being used, all Status checks should be successful. If some of the strain gages are not being used, the status might be out of range. E. Click Stop. F.
Software Installation MTS Licensing Software Installation (New License) Before installing the MTS Licensing software, make sure you have the license file available. See “Obtain the License File and NIC Installation” on page 25 for additional information. There is a separate setup on the 709 Alignment software CD for installing the MTS licensing software. Note Before you install the MTS Licensing software, make sure the system clock and date are set correctly.
Software Installation 3. Read the welcome message and click Next. 4. Read the licence agreement and click Yes.
Software Installation 5. Select the installation type based on your network environment and click Next. • For Peer-to-Peer Connection select Server. • For Networked Connection: –Click on Server if this PC has the NIC (Ethernet) card (whose network address is specified in the 709 Alignment license file). Server must be selected if there is only one PC. See “Obtain the License File and NIC Installation” on page 25.
Software Installation 6. If you received a license floppy, insert it at this time. Verify the server name in the mts_license.dat file. 709 Alignment System A. Insert the 709 Alignment software CD in the computer’s Compact Disk drive. Copy the batch file IPConfigAfter.bat to your C:\ drive. B. Locate the file IPConfigAfter.bat that you just copied to your C:\ drive and double click to run it.When IPConfigAfter.bat is done running, a text file (IPConfigAfter.
Software Installation 7. If this is a client installation and a license server contains a license file for your PC, browse to the location of the license file on network drive when prompted by the installation for the license file.
Software Installation 8. At this point you are given a chance to go back and make any changes in the previous windows. If your selections have been satisfactory, click Next, and the MTS software license will be installed. If you need to make changes, click Back to revert to previous installation windows. 9. During installation, several screens will flash indicating installation progress. When installation is successful, an information dialog is displayed; click OK.
Software Installation Updating MTS Licenses (Replacement License) Use the following procedure to install a new license that replaces a license that has expired or when a replacement ethernet card is installed. 1. Do not uninstall or reinstall the MTS License Manager. 2. Verify the new license file (e.g. A:\mts_license.dat) has the correct server name as the current license file (e.g. C:\MTS\License\mts_license.dat).
Options The Options tab provides information about the FieldPoint data acquisition settings, global settings that apply to everyone in the lab, and user preferences for customizing the display for individual users.
FieldPoint Data Acquisition The fields in this section of the tab show the read only parameters relating to the FieldPoint hardware. Global Settings Load Analog Input Signal The entries in this area define the parameters relating to the load signals used by the 709 alignment software. Add - Click this button to add a load input signal.
Thin Rectangular Specimen Orientation Typically, for systems using the thin rectangular specimen, the mounting orientation of the specimen will be such that the back of the specimen (G12) will face the back of the test machine (load unit). However, because of mounting requirements for some systems (for example, side loading grips inside an environmental chamber), the specimen might be mounted such that the front of the specimen faces to one side on the test machine.
609 Alignment Fixture Mounting Location 68 Options In most cases the 609 Alignment Fixture is mounted to the crosshead. However, some situations require mounting the 609 Alignment Fixture to the base. Mounting the 609 fixture to the base requires the concentric adjustment instructions in the alignment wizard be reversed. This option lets you select where the 609 fixture is mounted and changes the concentric alignment instructions in the alignment wizard accordingly.
User Preferences Significant Digits To Display The entry in this field defines the number of significant digits displayed for the values on the Specimen, Align, and Validate tabs. Validate Target Limit Selecting Strain Trough here will cause the target on the validate screen to be displayed in strain. Selecting Percent Level here will cause the target on the validate screen to be displayed in percent.
Bending Percent Cylindrical specimens, three strain sensors The 709 Alignment software offers two choices for calculation bending percent. One complies with MTS’s interpretation of ASTM 1012 and the other to MTS’s interpretation of GEAE S-400. In general, you would select the method that satisfies your particular auditing requirements. Following are the calculations for each method.
Display Units This selection determines whether the values are displayed in English or metric units on the Specimen, Align, and Validate tabs. Days Reminder for License Renewal This can be used as a reminder that the licence needs to be renewed. Once this number of days has been reached, a reminder message will appear when the 709 Alignment software is started. Align Load Chart This selection determines what signals are displayed in the load chart on the Align tab.
Align Bending Chart The selections in this area define how the upper (red), middle (green), and lower (blue) indicators in the bending strain alignment graph are displayed. The following illustration shows some examples. The Use Solid Symbols is only applicable when there isn't a history trail (because there is only one symbol you can choose outline or solid).When there is a history trail, the current symbol is always solid and the history is always outline.
Note Move the mouse cursor outside of the text box (e.g., to the top of the window - that is the area containing the window title) to restore the original view. Fill button Move cursor outside text box to restore original view. • Replace with u For some applications, when opening the text data file, there can be problems displaying the Greek symbol . Under normal conditions, strain is represented by the greek symbol .
Use Black Instead of Color Lines On Validate Screen If this box is checked, the lines connecting the data point markers in the graphical display area of the Validate tab will be black instead of matching the color of the data point marker. This can improve printing in black and white. Do Not Save User Preferences When Exiting If this box is checked, user preferences defined on the Options tab will not be saved when the program is closed; that is, changes will be ignored.
Specimen Open/Save As/Save The Open button allows you to open an existing specimen file. Save As allows you to save the information shown on the Specimen tab to a file with a different file name. Save allows you to save the information shown on the Specimen tab into the current file. Note 709 Alignment System The software automatically attempts to open the last specimen when it launches.
Channel Calculation This selection determines which set of gages are used to calculate the applied load and the axial strain. The Middle Gauges are typically used for 12-channel specimens. The other settings can be used when fewer channels are available, all 12 channels are not functioning properly, or for diagnostic purposes. For example, if an 8-channel specimen is used (a specimen with only the upper and lower gauges attached), typically the Ave Upper + Lower selection would be chosen.
Target Class This selection defines the target class for the alignment resolution. The level of the machine alignment can be described according to the criteria specified in the following table and shown graphically in the following figure where: a is the axial strain bmax.mc is the maximum bending strain βmc is the percent bending ABS (A) < 1000 MICRO-STRAIN CLASS ABS (A) ≥ 1000 MICRO-STRAIN bmax.mc ≤ 20 micro-strain βmc ≤ 2% 5 bmax.mc ≤ 50 micro-strain βmc ≤ 5% 10 bmax.
Target Strain Specimen Parameters This field shows the value of the target strain defined by the Target Class selection. This is also the value of the target area on the graph displayed on the Align tab. The values in these fields are entered by the user and define the alignment specimen. The specimen dimensions available (Specimen Diameter, Rectangular Width, Distance to Edge) are determined by the cross section type of the specimen.
Axial Boundary This feature avoids the situation where the bending percent become infinite as the axial strain gets very small (i.e. when zero load is applied). The default value is 200 µe. When the axial strain is within this range, the bending percent will not be calculated or displayed on the graph, so the text box and data file will show NaN (Not a Number) for the bending percent.
If the user starts sampling data when at no load, the graph will not change, although the progress bar and text box will. If the user is accustomed to watching the data as it is plotted, it may appear that the software is not sampling because the graph is not changing. A gap is displayed in the bending percent target level to represent the axial strain boundary.
Offsets 709 Alignment System The offsets section of the Specimen tab shows the offset values determined by performing the specimen offsets procedure.See “Specimen Offsets” on page 83 for additional information.
Specimen 709 Alignment System
Specimen Offsets The bent front and bent back measurements are taken before the gauge offset is removed, therefore both the bent front and bent back offset values include the gauge offset. Because the bent mean offset is the average of the bent front and bent back values, it also includes the gauge offset, and is always in the middle of the bent front and bent back when graphed. The following figure (Strain Offset Relationship) shows this relationship for the middle gauges.
Conceptually, the graphed bent measurements can be reached by adding vectors. First there is the bending due to the gauge offsets, then add the bending if the specimen were bent straight, and then add the load unit imposed bending (bent front or bent back). The following figure (Bending Strain Depiction) shows this depiction for the middle gauges.
To see the bending due to the straightening of the specimen, the gauge offset can be subtracted from the bent mean offset (bent mean relative to the gauge offset). To see the bending due to the misalignment of the load unit, the bent mean offset can be subtracted from the bent front offset (bent front relative to the bent mean).
Printable Symbols Printable Symbols The Use Printable Symbols option on the Specimen Offsets window allows you to select either unique printable shapes for each symbol or change the solid symbol to correspond to the selected tab.
Get Specimen Offset Values Get Specimen Offset Values Note It is recommended that the load unit be aligned prior to setting the specimen offset values. In order to get an accurate specimen offset reference, the load unit should first be aligned. A typical sequence to get the specimen offset values would be: 1. Start the 709 Alignment program. A. Select the Align tab. B. Click Specimen Offsets.
Get Specimen Offset Values 2. Establish the gauge offset reading. Because specimens cannot be perfectly machined and placement of the strain gauges on the specimen cannot be perfectly aligned, some initial offsets are inherent. A. Select the Gauge tab. B. Click the Read button to take a reading. C. Click the Add button to save the values. D. Wait for approximately 15 seconds. E. Repeat steps B, C, and D until you have saved three sets of gauge values.
Get Specimen Offset Values 3. Establish the bent front offset reading. Because load train components cannot be perfectly machined, some initial offsets are inherent. Establishing bent front values allows the 709 Alignment System to take this into account during the alignment adjustments. 709 Alignment System A. Select the Bent Front tab. B.
Get Specimen Offset Values 4. Establish the bent back offset reading. Because load train components cannot be perfectly machined, some initial offsets are inherent. Establishing bent back values allows the 709 Alignment System to take this into account during the alignment adjustments. 90 Specimen Offsets A. Select the Bent Back tab. B.
Get Specimen Offset Values 5. Check the bent mean offset values. The bent mean values are the average of both the bent front and bent back values taken in steps 3 and 4. These values will be used when the Specimen Bent selection is active in the Use Offset section of the Align tab.
Get Specimen Offset Values 92 Specimen Offsets 709 Alignment System
Align The Align tab provides a variety of displays to indicate the alignment process. On the left side, numerical values are displayed for the gages and bending offsets. In the center, a bar graph shows the load values. Depending on the check box selections in the Options tab, one or two bars will be displayed. The Strain bar is the load calculated from stain based on the setting on the Specimen tab. The Signal bar is the scaled Load Analog Input Signal based on the gain on the Options tab.
Chart Interaction Note There could be a display problem if large fonts are selected in the display properties. See “Possible Problem with Large Fonts” on page 149 in the Appendix section for additional information. Note Although the shaded area of the graph will always be rectangular, the actual target area is within the oval (or circle) outline for round specimens (as shown below) or within the diamond outline for rectangular specimens.
Plot Bending In this section you can select the plot to be in Strain values or Percent. The Auto Scale feature, when checked, will automatically scale the graph on the right of this tab as the points representing the load values of the three gauges approach the target microstrain. If Auto Scale is not checked you can set the full scale range on the graph using the Set button. or set the graph to optimum scale using the Reset button.
Align 709 Alignment System
Alignment Wizard Once the system is functional with the alignment specimen installed, actual alignment of the test frame and force train components involves loosening and tightening various set screw adjustments on the 609 Alignment Fixture. The following sections give you some guidelines as to which adjustments to either tighten or loosen depending on the actual state of the system.
If the alignment wizard and 609 Alignment Fixture adjustments are not functioning properly, ensure the specimen is installed properly in the grips, such that the orientation of strain gauge 12 (G12) with respect to the 609 Alignment Fixture matches the graphics in that alignment wizard. G12 must be positioned as shown with respect to the 609 adjustments (A0, A90, A180, A270, C0, C90, C180, C270). See “Specimen Installation” on page 30 for additional information.
The alignment wizard is a graphical tool that shows you in real time what adjustments need to be made. You bring up the alignment wizard by clicking the Alignment Wizard button on the Align tab. It shows which particular adjustments need to be made based on which ones are most out of adjustment. If Auto Select Angular Or Concentric is checked, the wizard will automatically switch to show which adjustment is most out of alignment.
Angular Adjustments Angular Adjustments Angular adjustments are done using the middle gauge (green) as a guide. The following paragraphs describe which adjustment screws to loosen/tighten depending on the value of the middle (green) gauge reading. The goal of the angular adjustments on the 609 Alignment Fixture (A0, A90, A180, and A270) is to adjust these screws to get the middle gauge reading as close to 0,0 as practical. Following is an example of the alignment wizard showing angular adjustments.
Angular Adjustments If the X coordinate is positive 1. Initially loosen A90. 2. Tighten A270 until the X coordinate reading is slightly negative. 3. Tighten A90 to bring the adjustment back to an X coordinate reading of 0; or as close to 0 as practical.
Angular Adjustments If the X coordinate is negative 1. Initially loosen A270. 2. Tighten A90 until the X coordinate reading is slightly positive. 3. Tighten A270 to bring the adjustment back to an X coordinate reading of 0; or as close to 0 as practical.
Angular Adjustments If the Y coordinate is positive 1. Initially loosen A180. 2. Tighten A0 until the Y coordinate reading is slightly negative. 3. Tighten A180 to bring the adjustment back to an Y coordinate reading of 0; or as close to 0 as practical.
Angular Adjustments If the Y coordinate is negative 1. Initially loosen A0. 2. Tighten A180 until the Y coordinate reading is slightly positive. 3. Tighten A0 to bring the adjustment back to an Y coordinate reading of 0; or as close to 0 as practical.
Concentric Adjustments Concentric Adjustments Concentric adjustments are done using the upper gauges (red) and lower gauges (blue) as guides. In this discussion, the focus is on the upper gauges (red); the blue gauges will typically be equally opposite on a central vertical axis. The following paragraphs describe which adjustment screws to loosen/tighten depending on the value of the upper (red) gauge reading.
Concentric Adjustments Crosshead Mounted 609 Alignment Fixture If the upper gauge X coordinate is positive 1. Initially loosen C90. 2. Tighten C270 moving the red (upper) and blue (lower) gauge readings together until they slightly pass each other. 3. Tighten C90 to bring the red and blue gauge readings back to vertically align with each other as close as practical.
Concentric Adjustments If the upper gauge X coordinate is negative 1. Initially loosen C270. 2. Tighten C90 moving the red (upper) and blue (lower) gauge readings together until they slightly pass each other. 3. Tighten C270 to bring the red and blue gauge readings back to vertically align with each other as close as practical.
Concentric Adjustments If the upper gauge Y coordinate is positive 1. Initially loosen C180. 2. Tighten C0 moving the red (upper) and blue (lower) gauge readings together until they slightly pass each other. 3. Tighten C180 to bring the red and blue gauge readings back to horizontally align with each other as close as practical.
Concentric Adjustments If the upper gauge Y coordinate is negative 1. Initially loosen C0. 2. Tighten C180 moving the red (upper) and blue (lower) gauge readings together until they slightly pass each other. 3. Tighten C0 to bring the red and blue gauge readings back to horizontally align with each other as close as practical.
Concentric Adjustments Base Mounted 609 Alignment Fixture If the upper gauge X coordinate is negative 1. Initially loosen C90. 2. Tighten C270 moving the red (upper) and blue (lower) gauge readings together until they slightly pass each other. 3. Tighten C90 to bring the red and blue gauge readings back to vertically align with each other as close as practical.
Concentric Adjustments If the upper gauge X coordinate is positive 1. Initially loosen C270. 2. Tighten C90 moving the red (upper) and blue (lower) gauge readings together until they slightly pass each other. 3. Tighten C270 to bring the red and blue gauge readings back to vertically align with each other as close as practical.
Concentric Adjustments If the upper gauge Y coordinate is negative 1. Initially loosen C180. 2. Tighten C0 moving the red (upper) and blue (lower) gauge readings together until they slightly pass each other. 3. Tighten C180 to bring the red and blue gauge readings back to horizontally align with each other as close as practical.
Concentric Adjustments If the upper gauge Y coordinate is positive 1. Initially loosen C0. 2. Tighten C180 moving the red (upper) and blue (lower) gauge readings together until they slightly pass each other. 3. Tighten C0 to bring the red and blue gauge readings back to horizontally align with each other as close as practical.
Concentric Adjustments 114 Alignment Wizard 709 Alignment System
Validate After aligning the load unit under no-load, static conditions, the alignment must be verified under load. Often a system that appears to be perfectly aligned at one load can have noticeable bending strains with a different load applied to the specimen. This is exasperated if the specimen has excentricities or is bent. In this case you should use the bent specimen offset feature. The Validate tab allows you to collect data during an alignment-verification strain cycle(s).
Chart Interaction You can use the chart interaction options to view specific areas of the graph. • Translation: Shift + Drag with left mouse button. • Scaling: Control + Drag with left mouse button. • Zooming: Alt + Drag with left mouse button. To undo the interaction, click the Reset Scales button or restart the application.
Legend Legend Symbols Show/Hide/Exclude 709 Alignment System This describes the identifying symbols associated with the various data sets. The selections made in this area determine which data sets are displayed on the graph. Hide does not affect the plot scale. Exclude will remove the data and rescale based on the remaining data.
Legend Target/ Strain + Percent These buttons allow you to again show data that has been excluded. For example, when you click Exclude for the Target Class, the target class is eliminated from the selection and display. Pressing the Target button, returns the target class to the display. Following are some examples of various types of selected data. These settings work in conjunction with the Validate Target Limit group on the Options tab (see “Validate Target Limit” on page 69).
Data Acquisition Data Acquisition The method for validating alignment is to gather data through the strain-gauged specimen’s strain (2000 microstrain)/load capability. This can be done by manually adjusting the setpoint (static) or by programming a ramp (dynamic). The preferred method for gathering data is to ramp manually to each setpoint. This allows the system to settle.
Data Acquisition Data acquisition with static load To acquire data at static load levels: Note Before you start, enter a Sample Points value sufficient to allow data sampling at the various static levels. A value of 100 should suffice in most cases. Note Taking readings near zero should be done only when using bending strain validation criteria. Avoid using readings near zero if percent level is used. 1. Start at 0 load.
Data Acquisition Data acquisition with dynamic load CAUTION If you are using the 793 Station Manager Function Generator, make sure the active control mode is force when you start the Function Generator to acquire data with dynamic load. If you are using the FlexTest Station Manager, the Function Generator will change the control mode to displacement when the pod is enabled. This can damage the specimen when the Function Generator is put in a Run condition.
Pass/Fail indicators Pass/Fail indicators The Validate header shows a green check and the difference from the current reading to the target as long as all the data is within the criteria. The Validate header shows a red X and the difference from the target once the data fails the criteria. The chart label shows the worst point.
File Output File Output Last Backup (GIF or text file with last validate data) 709 Alignment System When the validate process stops (i.e., when it is complete or stopped by the user while the process is in progress), the software writes data collected up to the point of termination to disk. These links points to those files. The text file is in a similar format as the text file that gets written to disk when you press the Save Text As button. The graph is saved as a GIF file.
File Output Save Text As Pressing this button causes the 709 Alignment Software to write the data to a tabdelimited text file. This text file can be opened in Microsoft Excel and analyzed as desired and formatted for various reports. The text file also includes: 124 Validate • Validation Status, which states by what amount (largest difference) that the data passes or fails, for example: Maximum Bending Passes Class 5 Criteria by 12.50 µe.
File Output Save Graph As 709 Alignment System Pressing this button opens a window that lets you select the file format for the graph. Once the file format is selected, press the Save button and the 709 Alignment Software writes the data to a graphics file. This graphics file can be opened in an image editing application.
File Output The following table provides a description of the data headers in the text file.
Fill Fill When this button is pressed, the data field displayed in the area on the right of the Validate tab will expand to fill the window. Move the mouse cursor outside of the text box (e.g., to the top of the window - that is the area containing the window description) to restore the original view. Data Field Fill button Move cursor outside the text box to restore original view.
Report Report The 709 Alignment System software includes a report generator that lets you assemble data into templates. You can use the MTS provided templates or create your own templates for specific data reporting requirements. See “Report Generator and Templates” on page 129 for more information.
Report Generator and Templates The 709 Alignment System software includes a report generator that lets you assemble data into templates. You can use the MTS provided templates or create your own templates for specific data reporting requirements. The report templates are Excel templates that specify what data should go into the report and how the data should arranged and formatted.
Run Report Generator Run Report Generator The Report Generator is started by pressing the Report button on the Validate tab. You can run the 709 Alignment Report Generator without a license, by running the demo version of the 709 Alignment software. Note The Report Generator requires Microsoft Excel 2003. The dialog has the option to select the data source for the report generation. By default, the Current data in Validate tab will be used. The second option is to use the last backup file.
Run Report Generator By default, the most recent report template (XLT) file used is selected in the combo box. You can select other previously used templates from the combo box drop down list. The Remove Item button can be used to remove a selected item from the combo box that is no longer desired, but will not delete the file. Click the browse button to bring up a dialog to select an “MTS Provided Templates“ in the C:\709Align\Templates folder or other templates in folders.
MTS Provided Templates MTS Provided Templates Templates are basically forms that will be populated by parameters defined in the Options and Specimen tabs and data taken during validation. Templates provided by MTS for typical data reporting include: MTS-BendingPercent.xlt MTS-E1012-Round.xlt MTS-E1012-Thick.xlt MTS-E1012-Thin.xlt MTS-GE-S-400Report.xlt MTS-Graph.xlt MTS-kN.xlt MTS-lbf.xlt 132 A form with the percent bending strain of the upper, middle, and lower gauges.
Creating Custom Templates Creating Custom Templates This section provides guidelines for creating a custom template. In most cases, the MTS provided templates will suffice for typical reporting requirements. However, if other formats and data are necessary to conform to specific requirements, you can make you own templates and include any or all of the parameters and data available form the alignment validation.
Creating Custom Templates 2. Go to the Validate tab and sample some data. Click Begin (move the cursor on and off the window to generate data in the demo version). Continue until all points are sampled or click Stop.
Creating Custom Templates 3. Click Report and then Create New Template. Determine the units, number of data sets and the axial data of interest. Click OK. For your reference, the software calculates and displays the max value for the last data set. When OK is clicked, the 709 application will create a worksheet with names containing all the available report information. This will be used to get the names for your custom template.
Creating Custom Templates Note 136 Report Generator and Templates The “not found” notation is normal. This indicates that no value was found at the point in time when the report generator is run. When you copy the desired cells to your custom template, “not found” will also be displayed because you are creating a template and no actual data exists yet. When you actually do an alignment and collect real data and generate a report using your newly created template, actual valid data will be displayed.
Creating Custom Templates 4. Design your form. You can start with one of the MTS provided templates and revise it or start with a blank worksheet and create your own template. For the purpose of this procedure, assume a simple form created from a blank sheet that will contain specimen geometry, the data set information, and data from the middle gauges. In the following example, the Custom Header and Operator are text fields that would be typed in as applicable.
Creating Custom Templates 5. The first thing to copy is all the “in” value cells (B38 through B47 in this example). It doesn’t matter where you copy the cells into the template, in fact you can undo the copy because the names will still be retained in the template. The values were determined by the info entered in the New Report Template dialog. The software looks for theses names to determine what to put in the report.
Creating Custom Templates 6. Copy the “out” cells of interest from the template generated in Continue until all points are sampled or click Stop. into your custom template. The Excel worksheet cells can be copied then pasted into your template using “Paste Special” by “Formula” to preserve the formatting of your worksheet. Note You are basically copying cell names from the report to the template.
Creating Custom Templates A. 140 Report Generator and Templates For this example, copy the outHeaderSectionThicknessValue and outHeaderRectangularWidthValue value and units from the report to the template.
Creating Custom Templates B. 709 Alignment System Copy the axial data set names form the generated template to your custom template. In this example, these names are “inSearchAxial1” through “inSearchAxial5”, “outDataSet1AxialStrain” through “outDataSet5AxialStrain” and “outDataSet1AxialLoad” through “outDataSet5AxialLoad”. Note inSearchAxial can be thought of as the desired value for the search by the report generator, and the outDataSet can be thought of as the desired value found.
Creating Custom Templates C. 142 Report Generator and Templates Next, copy the middle gauge microstrain data set names from the generated template to your custom template. Repeat for the Bending microstrain.
Creating Custom Templates 7. Save the report template A. If Paste Graph checkbox was selected in the New Report Dialog, then select an empty cell with enough space for the bitmap. When the software pastes the graph bitmap image into the worksheet, Excel puts the image in the active cell, so the template must be saved with the desired cell selected for pasting.
Creating Custom Templates B. Note 144 Report Generator and Templates Save the worksheet as a “Template (*.xlt)” file type into the templates folder. Because the software does not know if or when the worksheet is saved in Excel, the new template cannot be automatically selected in the Run Report Generator dialog.
Appendix This appendix covers resetting the FP-20xx, possible local area connection problems, and a possible problem with large fonts.
Resetting the FP-20xx Resetting the FP-20xx1 If the FP-20xx is not able to communicate with the network, you can manually reset the unit to its factory settings. In this state, you should always be able to browse for the FP-20xx using Remote System Explorer, if it is on the same physical subnet as your host computer.
Resetting the FieldPoint Configuration Resetting the FieldPoint Configuration This section explains how to reset the FieldPoint configuration in case the Align or Validate tabs cannot connect to the FieldPoint because different FieldPoint hardware is being used or the configuration was inadvertently changed and saved. Refer to the steps in the “FieldPoint Configuration” on page 52 in the Software Installation section. 1. Locate the Setup Install CD or backup of the correct IAK file (e.g.
Possible Local Area Connection Problems Possible Local Area Connection Problems Enabled 148 Disabled Appendix The Local Area Connection associated with the added network interface card must be enabled. If the connection is disabled (red X next to the icon), enabling it depends on the type of connection.
Possible Problem with Large Fonts Possible Problem with Large Fonts Selecting Large Fonts in the Advanced selection of the Settings tab in the Display Properties (right click on the desktop) can cause display problems of the numerical values on the left side for the gages and bending offsets. An example of this problem is shown in the following illustration. To remedy this, right click on the desktop and select Properties. Select the Settings tab and click Advanced. Select Small Fonts and click Apply.
Changing the FieldPoint IP Address Sub-Net Changing the FieldPoint IP Address Sub-Net Typically there should be no need to change the FieldPoint IP Address Sub-Net. One possible exception is use in a server network with a different sub-net than the default. In this case the FieldPoint should be set up and configured with the Peer To Peer connection according to the instructions, then change the sub-net: 1. Start NI Measurement & Automation Explore and do not exit until completing all steps. 2.
FLEXlm Licensing Error FLEXlm Licensing Error If you get a licensing error on startup, a probable cause is that the FLEXlm License Manager is not set to start at power up. To correct this, go to the Control Panel (Start > Settings > Control Panel) and double-click the FLEXlm License Manager icon.
FLEXlm Licensing Error Make sure the Start Server on Power Up box is checked. Click OK. Then click Yes to save the settings.
Firewall Licensing Error Firewall Licensing Error When using the 709 Alignment software as a client, the software might not start due to a License Manager error if the Firewall on the server prevents communication. The fix is to either turn the Firewall off or set the exceptions for lmgrd.exe and mtsd.exe.
Using the 793 Station Manager Function Generator Using the 793 Station Manager Function Generator When the pod changes to displacement control, the 793 Station Manager Function Generator also changes to displacement control, thereby changing the endlevels. In this situation, if you press play to start the function generator, it will ramp to the specified displacement endlevels that could yield the specimen rendering it useless. A typical sequence when doing alignments: 1. Start station manager.
Using the 793 Station Manager Function Generator 2. Enable Pod for displacement control to position the actuator for specimen installation. The Function Generator also switches to displacement control. 3. Position actuator to clamp both ends of specimen. 4. Unclamp and re-clamp grips to calculate bent specimen. 5. Adjust alignment fixture to reduce bending strain. 6. Select axial force control in FG. 7. Start FG to cycle ramps on specimen. 8. Go to step 2 and repeat until done.
Using the 793 Station Manager Function Generator After many repetitions, it is easy for the user to unintentionally skip step 7 above and possibly damage the specimen. To avoid this potential problem, a solution would be to use the Basic Testware application. Basic TestWare does not change control modes when the pod is enabled and displacement control is selected for actuator positioning.
m MTS Systems Corporation 14000 Technology Drive Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344-2290 USA Toll Free Phone: 800-328-2255 (within the U.S. or Canada) Phone: 952-937-4000 (outside the U.S. or Canada) Fax: 952-937-4515 E-mail: info@mts.com Internet: www.mts.
