MTS Model 680-01 High-Temperature Grips - Manual (Page 39)

Model 680.01 High-Temperature Grips 39
Remove Specimens from the Grips
Parts of the grips can be very hot after gripping specimens inside a high-
temperature furnace.
This can produce very serious skin burns.
Do not touch the outer surfaces of the grips while hot. After completing a test,
leave cooling water running until the grips are safe to touch.
Be aware that the grip extension and specimen adapters will typically be much
hotter than the water-cooled grip body or grip base after gripping specimens at
elevated temperatures.
1. Turn the hydraulic hand pump pressure release valve counterclockwise until
the pressure indicated on the pressure gage reads zero. This allows the grip
pistons to retract, releasing the specimen.
2. After the grips are cool, use open-end wrenches to remove the specimen
adapters from the grip extensions.
If the specimen has not fractured during the test, turn on hydraulic power
and select force control of the actuator. This allows the actuator rod to
retract properly as a specimen adapter is removed.
3. Remove both the specimen adapters from the specimen ends. If the
specimen was a threaded specimen, it may be necessary to place the
specimen in a vise while removing the adapters.
Specimens can create debris that can settle in the grips.
Debris in the grips can cause damage to the grips.
Clean any debris out of the grips before installing a new specimen.
4. Clean the specimen adapters, according to the appropriate procedure.
WARNING
CAUTION