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Contents Technical Support 5 Preface 11 Conventions 12 Introduction 15 Specifications 17 Component Identification 19 Controls and Components 20 Safety 23 Labels and Warning Logotypes 25 Additional Safety Cautions 26 Safety Checkout 27 Installation 29 Mechanical Mounting 30 Electrical Connections 33 Modular Jack Pin Identification 33 Operation 35 Target Types and Considerations Target Placement Manual Name 36 37 Contents 3
Monitoring the Reflection Pulses Using the Instrument 38 39 Setting the Operating Parameters from the Key Pad Description of the Operating Parameters Measuring Elongation Using the Serial Interface 40 44 45 Serial I/O Port Cable Connections Communications Parameters 46 47 Control Commands for Serial Input/Output Port Calibration 39 48 52 Entering the Calibration Mode 53 Maintenance 55 Recommended Maintenance Schedule Component Locations 57 Scan Aperture Cleaning Procedure Replacing the Fuse
Technical Support How to Get Technical Support Start with your manuals The manuals supplied by MTS provide most of the information you need to use and maintain your equipment. If your equipment includes MTS software, look for online help and README files that contain additional product information. If you cannot find answers to your technical questions from these sources, you can use the internet, e-mail, telephone, or fax to contact MTS for assistance. Technical support methods MTS web site www.mts.
Before You Contact MTS MTS can help you more efficiently if you have the following information available when you contact us for support. Know your site number and system number 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.
Know relevant computer information Know relevant software information If you are experiencing a computer problem, have the following information available: • Manufacturer’s name and model number • Operating software type and service patch information • Amount of system memory • Amount of free space on the hard drive in which the application resides • Current status of hard-drive fragmentation • Connection status to a corporate network For software application problems, have the following infor
Identify system type Be prepared to troubleshoot Write down relevant information After you call To assist the Call Center agent with connecting you to the most qualified technical support specialist available, identify your system as one of the following types: • Electromechanical materials test system • Hydromechanical materials test system • Vehicle test system • Vehicle component test system • Aero test system Prepare yourself for troubleshooting while on the phone: • Call from a telephone
The Problem Submittal Form can be accessed: LX Laser Extensometer • In the back of many MTS manuals (postage paid form to be mailed to MTS) • www.mts.
Technical Support LX Laser Extensometer
Preface Before You Begin Safety first! Before you attempt to use your MTS product or system, read and understand the Safety manual and any other safety information provided with your system. Improper installation, operation, or maintenance of MTS equipment in your test facility can result in hazardous conditions that can cause severe personal injury or death and damage to your equipment and specimen. Again, read and understand the safety information provided with your system before you continue.
Conventions Conventions Documentation Conventions The following paragraphs describe some of the conventions that are used in your MTS manuals. Hazard conventions As necessary, hazard notices may be embedded in this manual. These notices contain safety information that is specific to the task to be performed. Hazard notices immediately precede the step or procedure that may lead to an associated hazard. Read all hazard notices carefully and follow the directions that are given.
Conventions Illustrations Electronic manual conventions Hypertext links LX Laser Extensometer Illustrations appear in this manual to clarify text. It is important for you to be aware that these illustrations are examples only and do not necessarily represent your actual system configuration, test application, or software. This manual is available as an electronic document in the Portable Document File (PDF) format. It can be viewed on any computer that has Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.
Conventions 14 Preface LX Laser Extensometer
Introduction The MTS Series LX Laser Extensometers are precision, wide range instruments specifically designed for accurate, non-contact, measurement of strain on various materials under tensile or creep conditions. The instrument is completely self contained. It is housed in a single, compact enclosure and utilizes the latest stateof-the-art laser diode technology for high performance, low maintenance operation. The LX 500 is a high elongation version for measuring the strain of elastomeric materials.
The laser extensometer uses a unique scanning laser beam technique to measure elongation entirely from one side of the specimen. Two tiny retro-reflective targets are attached to the specimen at the desired gauge length and the beam is scanned along the specimen in the direction of elongation. Reflections from these targets are then processed by the laser extensometer to provide measurement of elongation (strain).
Specifications Specifications L H W PARAMETER TYPICAL SPECIFICATION* Dimensions (Length [L] x Width [W] x Height [H]) LX 500 381 x 114 x 180 mm (15 x 4.5 x 7.1 in) LX 1500 686 x 196 x 442 mm (27 x 7.7 x 17.4 in) LX 500 5.9 kg (13 lb) LX 1500 21.
Specifications PARAMETER TYPICAL SPECIFICATION* Scan Line Orientation Vertical Scan Rate 100 scans/second Unit System Selectable, millimeter or inch Target Distance LX 500 Selectable: 304 mm (12 in), 381 mm (15 in) LX 1500 Selectable: 381 mm (15 in), 457 mm (18 in) Measurement Range† LX 500 5 to 127 mm (0.2 to 5.0 in) LX 1500 8 to 381 mm (0.3 to 15 in) Resolution LX 500 0.001 mm (0.0001 in) LX 1500 0.01 mm (0.001 in) Nonlinearity (maximum)‡ LX 500 ±0.025 mm (±0.0001 in) LX 1500 ±0.
Component Identification Component Identification An illustration of the controls necessary for operation is shown below. The Scan Aperture is located on the opposite side of the instrument. CAUTION The scanning laser beam is emitted from the scan aperture. Avoid exposure.
Component Identification Controls and Components Laser disable switch This switch shuts down the scanning laser beam. Laser emission indicator This is a red LED lamp that illuminates when the scanning laser beam is present. Power entry module The fuse holder, the power switch, and the ac line connector are contained in this module. Certification label Rear panel warning label Warning logotype This label certifies compliance with CDRH regulations.
Component Identification External Receiver connector Analog Output connector LX Laser Extensometer A modular connector is provided for this optional accessory. A modular connector is provided here also. It allows connections to the Analog Output (a ±10 V DC or ±5 V DC signal proportional to specimen elongation), and connections for providing a 5 V level to actuate the optional Remote Laser Disable function.
Component Identification 22 Introduction LX Laser Extensometer
Safety Important The Series LX Laser Extensometers are intended for materials testing laboratories. The Series LX Laser Extensometers are Class II laser products and, in normal usage, are not considered hazardous due to the low power of the scanned laser beam. However, staring into the beam could cause damage to your eyes and it is up to you to follow all safety precautions and safety labels. The National Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the U.S.
Check operation of these safety features by performing the procedure in the Safety Checkout section. CAUTION Laser radiation present inside. Do not remove case. Customer servicing of the internal components of the laser extensometer is not recommended. Return unit to factory for service. CAUTION Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein can result in hazardous radiation exposure. Always follow the instructions contained in the documentation.
Labels and Warning Logotypes Labels and Warning Logotypes The following figure shows the labels and warning logotypes that are found on the laser extensometer. Laser Extensometer Model No. Serial No. Rev. Assembly No. Supply Rating V Hz Manufacture Date No user serviceable parts inside MTS Systems Corporation 14000 Technology Drive Eden Prairie, MN U.S.A.
Labels and Warning Logotypes Additional Safety Cautions Besides the safety cautions listed on the previous page, you should read, understand, and follow these additional safety cautions: CAUTION Before attempting to operate the instrument, read and understand the entire manual. Follow all safety precautions and warning labels. This instrument is a technical product for use only by skilled personnel in an indoor laboratory environment with a normal, controlled, 25ºC, 55% relative humidity.
Labels and Warning Logotypes Safety Checkout 1. Check the laser emission indicator. With the laser extensometer ON and the LASER DISABLE SWITCH in the LASER ON position, verify that the LASER EMISSION INDICATOR is illuminated only when the scanning Laser Beam is present. 2. Check the laser disable switch. With the laser extensometer ON and the scanning Laser Beam present, verify that the LASER DISABLE SWITCH shuts down the scanning Laser Beam. 3. Check the laser shutdown circuit.
Labels and Warning Logotypes CAUTION Laser radiation present inside. Observe the following cautions: Customer servicing of the internal components is not recommended; return unit to factory for service. (Opening the case invalidates all warranties.) Before performing maintenance, turn power switch to the off position and disconnect the unit from the AC power line. If a malfunction occurs, immediately shut down the malfunctioning unit and contact MTS for repairs. Do not open or remove the case.
Installation Contents Mechanical Mounting Electrical Connections LX Laser Extensometer 30 33 Installation 29
Mechanical Mounting Mechanical Mounting Proper installation of the unit is essential for best performance. It is important that the instrument be solidly mounted on a flat surface and that the scanning laser beam be properly positioned on the target; see “Tripod Mounting Adapter” on page 31. It is recommended that the laser extensometer be mounted on four machined spacers 12.7 mm (0.500 in) diameter by 12.7 mm (0.
Mechanical Mounting The installation should then be checked with the specimen installed by monitoring the reflection pulses at the Signal Output jack using an oscilloscope per the procedure described in the Operation section of this manual under Monitoring the Reflection Pulses. 10.00 LX 500 3.75 .38/35 3.385 3.00 4.62 .00 9.125 8.00 .428 1.00 .281 DIA THRU (4) .810 .435 .618 #8-32 UNC-2B THRU 3.308 .25 X .25 Chamfer (4) 3.385 .281 DIA THRU .25 .00 .62 1.03 20.00 .50 2.56 .00 .44 .
Mechanical Mounting Potential Spurious Reflection Problem Specimen Spurious Reflection Target Distance Top View Specimen Scan Line Eliminating Spurious Reflection Problem Spurio us Refl ection 80º Target Distance Rotate specimen as shown to direct spurious reflections away from the scan line.
Electrical Connections Electrical Connections The Series LX Laser Extensometers are connected to line voltage power using the grounded cord provided. The Analog Output signal, the Remote Laser Disable signal, and the Serial I/ O Port connections are made via the modular jacks located on the control panel of the instrument. Note these jacks have 6 pins but only 4 pins are used.
Electrical Connections The laser extensometer must be configured in order for the remote laser disable function to operate; contact MTS for configuration information. A 5 V level must be applied across pins 5 and 3 to turn the laser on. Removing the applied 5 V level turns the laser off. The serial input/output connects to the modular jack labeled Serial I/O Port located on the controls side of the instrument.
Operation CAUTION Laser radiation present. Before attempting to operate instrument: • Read and understand the entire manual • Follow all safety precautions and warning labels • Do not stare directly into beam • Use caution when measuring reflective parts • Do not stare into reflected beam The Series LX Laser Extensometers must be installed as described in the Installation section of this Manual. The unit works by sensing reflections from retro-reflective tape strips applied to the specimen.
Target Types and Considerations Target Types and Considerations Basically, targeting the specimen is accomplished by either attaching tape strips directly to the specimen or by applying the tape strips to tiny spring clips and attaching these spring clips to the specimen. The spring clip type target is reusable. Care must be taken to ensure no damage occurs to the retro-reflective surfaces during use. Note Some medical researchers have attached reflective tapes with surgical sutures.
Target Placement Target Placement Depending on the measurement mode selected, the laser extensometer measures the distance between the front edges of targets T1 and T2, or the distance between the front edges of targets T1 and T2, T2 and T3, T3 and T4 successively during each scan.
Monitoring the Reflection Pulses Monitoring the Reflection Pulses Connecting an oscilloscope to the Signal Output BNC connector allows the reflection signal to be monitored. This is very handy during setup or troubleshooting, especially when checking for spurious reflections from the specimen.
Using the Instrument Using the Instrument The laser extensometer can be controlled from the keypad on the control panel of the instrument or from the Serial I/O Port via a remote computer. Serial operation is covered in the Using the Serial Interface section of this manual. Setting the Operating Parameters from the Key Pad There are two modes of operation, the Setup mode and the Run mode. When the laser extensometer is powered up it automatically enters the Run mode.
Using the Instrument Description of the Operating Parameters In Setup Mode, the selected parameter appears on the top line of the LCD display along with its corresponding value appearing on the bottom line. A detailed description of each parameter is given below. 1. Select Units - sets the units to Inches or Millimeters. 2. Analog Output - sets the full-scale range of the Analog Output.
Using the Instrument 4. # Scans Averaged - Sets the number of scans over which the elongation measurements are averaged. The laser extensometer uses a moving window method of averaging which allows smooth performance. Increasing the number of scans averaged improves resolution and slows response time (that is, bandwidth) of the elongation measurement.
Using the Instrument 5. Measurement Type - Sets the type of Measurement performed. The laser extensometer measures the distance between the front edge of each target.
Using the Instrument 6. External Receiver - Sets up the laser extensometer to accept input from the optional External Scan Receiver Unit. This optional accessory is useful for applications where it is necessary to shoot through the specimen. It is usually mounted behind the specimen in order to measure portions of the scanning laser beam shadowed by the specimen. The External Scan Receiver Unit must be connected before its use by the laser extensometer can be enabled.
Using the Instrument Measuring Elongation CAUTION Do not stare directly into the beam. Use caution when measuring reflective parts. Do not stare into reflected beam. 1. With the line cord attached and power applied to the unit, turn power switch to O position. The LCD display will illuminate. 2. Set the laser disable switch to the Laser On position. 3. Set the operating parameters to the desired values using the procedure previously described.
Using the Serial Interface Using the Serial Interface This feature allows information to be read from and written to the laser extensometer by a Host computer with a standard serial communications port. The measured specimen displacement displayed on the LCD readout (that is, the output of the laser extensometer) is reported as an ASCII value from -99999 to +99999 (that is, 5 numerical characters with polarity sign and no decimal point) back to the host computer via the serial input/output port.
Serial I/O Port Cable Connections Serial I/O Port Cable Connections Connection to the Serial I/O Port on the laser extensometer is straight forward. DTR/DSR and RTS/CTS handshaking requirements are not implemented and only three wires are required for operation. An accessory cable assembly is available for direct connection to the serial port of an IBM compatible PC. It is supplied with a standard 9-pin D female connector on one end and a 4-pin RJ11 modular plug on the other.
Serial I/O Port Cable Connections Communications Parameters The communications parameters of the serial input/output port are: • 1 Start Bit • 1 Stop Bit • 8 Data Bits • No Parity • Baud: 9600, 4800, 2400, or 1200 Baud is the only selectable parameter of the serial input/output setup. It is selected manually from the Setup mode using the control panel keypad. The Echo is normally set to OFF but it may be turned ON or OFF by a command given over the Serial I/O Port.
Serial I/O Port Cable Connections Control Commands for Serial Input/Output Port The MTS Series LX Laser Extensometers use all capital letter commands. The general command syntax is a single capital letter command followed by a parameter (optional) and a carriage return. The command writes the parameter to the laser extensometer if the proper parameter is present.
Serial I/O Port Cable Connections Command List* (part 2 of 4) COMMAND DESCRIPTION An Sets the full scale range of the Analog Output. This command depends on which system of units was set via the Units command. The number after the command specifies the scale factor. The scale factor is a numeric value from 1 to 6. The choices are listed below. Analog Out Note Tn Target Distance The 5 V value in A1 through A6 only applies to the LX 500. A7 and A8 only applies to the LX 1500. Al Sets Range to: 0.
Serial I/O Port Cable Connections Command List* (part 3 of 4) COMMAND DESCRIPTION Sn Sets the number of scans over which the measurements are averaged. The choices are as follows: Mn Scans Averaged Measurem ent Type S1 2 Scans Averaged S2 4 Scans Averaged S3 8 Scans Averaged S4 16 Scans Averaged S5 32 Scans Averaged S6 64 Scans Averaged S7 128 Scans Averaged S8 256 Scans Averaged S9 512 Scans Averaged Sets the Measurement Type.
Serial I/O Port Cable Connections Command List* (part 4 of 4) COMMAND DESCRIPTION R Read specimen displacement expressed in the unit system selected by the Units Command. This command reports the specimen displacement displayed on the LCD readout as an ASCII value from -99999 to +99999 (that is, five numerical characters with polarity sign and no decimal point). This command is read only. Read Data Note 1.
Calibration Calibration Important Note The calibration procedure alters the output readings of the instrument and must be performed by qualified personnel only. Calibration is performed under software control from the outside of the unit. It is NOT necessary to access any internal components of the instrument. This following procedure sets the slope and offset calibration constants used by the laser extensometer in calculating the elongation readings.
Calibration Entering the Calibration Mode 1. With the laser extensometer powered up and running, be certain that the target distance parameter is properly set. The calibration must be performed at the exact target distance, where the laser extensometer is operated. Also be certain that the proper measurement type is set in the Setup mode. Calibration must be performed for the measurement type being used. Note Access to the calibration mode is permitted only for measurement types T2 - T1.
Calibration 9. The Set Upper Length screen is now displayed on the LCD display. This value sets the displacement of the upper calibration point from the zero reference position of the calibration fixture; 1.0000 is the default value. 10. Press the Select button to accept this value, or, use the Scroll button (as described earlier) to change it. Press the Select button to continue. 11. The Set Zero Offset screen is now displayed on the LCD display. 12.
Maintenance Contents Recommended Maintenance Schedule Component Locations 57 Scan Aperture Cleaning Procedure Replacing the Fuse LX Laser Extensometer 56 59 60 Maintenance 55
Recommended Maintenance Schedule Recommended Maintenance Schedule 56 Maintenance PROCEDURE FREQUENCY Safety Check Perform every 6 months. Scan Aperture Check Depends on environment. Check elongation measurement calibration As required, depends on application.
Component Locations Component Locations is emitted from this aperature Aperture Label AVOID EXPOSURE - Laser radiation Laser Radiation Emitted Here Laser Extensometer Model No. Serial No. Identification Label Assembly No. Rev. V Supply Rating Hz Manufacture Date No user serviceable parts inside MTS Systems Corporation 14000 Technology Drive Eden Prairie, MN U.S.A.
Component Locations LCD Display Keypad Buttons (Zero, Select, Scroll, Run) Laser Emission Indicator Laser Disable Switch Analog Output Jack Power Entry Module External Receiver Jack Warning Logotype RS-232 Jack Certification Label Serial Output Jack Rear Panel Warning Label Rear View 58 Maintenance LX Laser Extensometer
Scan Aperture Cleaning Procedure Scan Aperture Cleaning Procedure CAUTION Turn the power switch off and disconnect the line cord from the AC power line. Be sure power is disconnected before attempting to check or clean the scan aperture. The scan aperture must be kept clean. Any buildup of dirt, film, or smudges on the scan aperture window will affect performance of the laser extensometer. Periodically check the scan aperture and clean as follows: 1.
Replacing the Fuse Replacing the Fuse CAUTION Turn the power switch off and disconnect the line cord from the AC power line. Be sure power is disconnected before attempting to replace any fuses. 1. The fuse holder is in the power entry module which is located on the rear panel. The AC line cord MUST be removed from the power entry module in order to open fuse compartment. 2. Insert small screw driver blade into slot above POWER SWITCH and carefully pry open fuse compartment cover and pull out fuse drawer.
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.
