MTS Material Test Systems - Manual (Page 59)

• Determine the position of the load frame crosshead.
• Calculate the upper and lower limit detection levels to be used during specimen installation.
• Calculate the upper and lower limit detection levels to be used during the test.
• Determine which signals should be monitored during the test.
• Select the external readout/data acquisition devices to be used during the test.
• Select the appropriate data acquisition transducers for the test (typically strain gages.)
2. Set up test components.
Set up the load frame, data acquisition devices, and test controller as defined in step 1. The setup tasks
include the following:
• Prepare the fixtures/grips, specimen, and data acquisition transducers.
• Ensure that the load cell is properly rated for the test and that it is aligned with the actuator.
• Ensure that the servovalve and feedback control cables are properly connected.
• Verify that the test controller is correctly configured for the test and for the desired signal monitoring.
• Set up the data recording/acquisition devices.
3. Turn electrical power on.
Electrical power to a console-mounted controller is typically controlled by the main Power O/I switch
located on the console lower front panel. Desktop of floor standing controllers typically have the Power
O/I switch located on the back panel of the unit.
4. Set transducer full-scale values.
The transducer full-scale values associated with the calibrated range are set up in Station Manager after
Station Builder has configured the transducer (sensor).
5. Complete initial servo loop adjustments.
To set the servo loop controls to levels that will ensure actuator stability, complete the following steps.
To ensure actuator stability at hydraulic startup, selection of low proportional gain and stabilization settings
is recommended for first-time operation or setup. When using the system for similar tests on similar
specimens, this step can be eliminated after the servo loop has been properly adjusted for one test.
7.3.0 Set Detector Levels
1. If necessary, zero the force transducer readout.
Zeroing the force transducer readouts compensates for any tare weights imposed on the specimen fixtures
or grips. It can also provide a zero reference point for the detector level adjustments.
2. Set limit detector levels on the test controller.
Limit detector adjustment procedures can be found in the Series 793 Controller Overview manual.
3. Set underpeak detector levels.
Underpeak detector adjustment procedures can be found in the Series 793 Controller Overview manual.
MTS Material Test System Operation 59
7.0 Operation