L3 Creating a Test

Creating a test on L3 series software for material testing.

L3 Series Software for Material Testing

Creating a Test

The Better Solution

Table of Contents

Page

Datum Step Prompt Steps

34 35 35 36 37 37 38 40 41 41 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 49 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 68 69 70

Creating an L3 Test Setup Using L3 Test Builder Application

4 4 5 5 5 7 8 9 9

3.3.6 3.3.7

3.0 3.1 3.2

Ask Step Tell Step

Pre Test Step

3.3.7.1 3.3.7.2

Standard Options

3.2.1

Using Coefficients in Test Step Using Prompt Coefficients Using Formula Coefficients

Lock Test Set Home

3.3.8

3.2.1.1 3.2.1.2 3.2.1.3 3.2.1.4 3.2.1.5 3.2.1.6 3.2.1.7 3.2.1.8 3.2.1.9

3.3.8.1 3.3.8.2

Omit Exceptions

Data Step

Batch Name Batch Size

3.4

Coefficient Definition Coefficient Types Coefficient Naming

3.4.1

Sampling Rate (Hz)

10 10 12 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 31 32 33

3.4.1.1 3.4.1.2 3.4.1.3 3.4.1.4 3.4.1.5 3.4.1.6 3.4.1.7

Last Setup Step

Display Coefficient Where Option Applying a Tolerance to a Coefficient

Load Cell

Height Mode

Coefficient Algorithms Scoping a Coefficient Locking a Coefficient

Formats Options

3.2.2

Test Step

3.3

Sample Definition Step Material Identification

3.3.1

Point Coefficient

3.4.2

3.3.1.1 3.3.1.2 3.3.1.3 3.3.1.4

Point Limit Coefficient

Sample Shape Prompt On Run

3.4.2.1 3.4.2.2 3.4.2.3

Point Slope Intersect Coefficient Point Offset Yield Coefficient

Using an Extensometer

Slope Coefficient

Tensile Steps

3.4.3

3.3.2

Slope Fit Coefficient

Tensile to Load Step Tensile to Distance Step Tensile to Break Step Tensile at a Load Rate Step

3.4.3.1 3.4.3.2 3.4.3.3 3.4.3.4

3.3.2.1 3.3.2.2 3.3.2.3 3.3.2.4 3.3.2.5

Maximum Slope Coefficient Tangent Slope Coefficient Two Point Slope Coefficient Peak & Valley Coefficients

Tensile to Home Step

3.4.4

Peak/Valley Coefficients

Compression Steps

3.4.4.1 3.4.4.2 3.4.4.3 3.4.4.4

3.3.3

Peak/Valley Minimum/Maximum Coefficients

Compress to Load Step Compress to Distance Step Compress to Break Step Compress at a Load Rate Step

3.3.3.1 3.3.3.2 3.3.3.3 3.3.3.4 3.3.3.5

Peak/Valley Averaging Coefficient Peak/Valley Count Coefficient

Minimum/Maximum/Average Coefficients

3.4.5

Minimum/Maximum Coefficients

Compress to Home Step

3.4.5.1 3.4.5.2

Averaging Coefficient

Hold Steps

3.3.4

Work Coefficient Delta Coefficient Break Coefficients

Hold at a Load Step Hold at a Distance Step

3.4.6 3.4.7 3.4.8

3.3.4.1 3.3.4.2

Cycle Steps

3.3.5

Break % Drop Coefficient Break Rate Coefficient

Cycle for a Count Step Cycle for a Duration Step

3.4.8.1 3.4.8.2

3.3.5.1 3.3.5.2 3.3.5.3

Offline Test Creation

Loop Step

3.5

3.0 Creating an L3 Test Setup All L3 test setups have four basic sections: • Pre Test • Test • Data • Post Test

3.1 Using the L3 Test Builder Application The L3 Test Builder application is the primary method used to create an L3 test setup. The L3 Test Builder is a graphical test authoring application where you create your test by defining four sections of a test: Pre Test, Test, Data and Post Test. When you create a New Test, you select the New Test symbol from the Home view. This launches a new test setup. The setup shows Pre Test, Data and Post Test. The Test step is not shown because you will need to create that section using the Test step tools.

Each of these sections have a variety of options that you can use to create a simple single step test or a sophisticated multiple step test. This section will describe each of the options within the four basic sections of an L3 test setup.

When you create a New Test, the Test section is not displayed because it needs to be created using the graphical test steps.

Test setups used to create the Test section.

L3 Test Builder Example test setup shows four common sections to all L3 test setups

L3 Test Builder When New Test is selected, the Test section is not created yet

Shown are four sections to the test setup called My Break Test: • Pre Test section • Test section • Data section • Post Test section

3.2 Pre Test Step The Pre Test step is where you define key aspects of your test setup that take place before the test sequence actually begins. The Pre Test step has two basic option sets: Standard and Format.

3.2.1 Standard Options The Standard Pre Test options are the commonly used options that you configure for your test setup. The Standard options represent basic “rules” of how the test setup will perform and what happens when key actions occur. The Standard Pre Test options are discussed in detail in the following sections. 3.2.1.1 Lock Test The Lock Test option is used to lock the test setup so that only authorized users have the ability to make changes to this test setup. The Security Setting in the L3 Main menu allows you to specify the authorizations/privileges for each user of your system. If the user has the privilege to Lock a test, then that user may specify Lock Test when creating a test setup. The default for Lock Test is NO. This means that the test setup is not locked and maybe edited, copied, deleted or renamed. If the Lock Test option is YES, the creator of the test setup has locked the test setup- no one other than those with secure authorization are allowed to edit, copy, delete or rename this test. When a test setup is locked, a lock symbol appears next to the test setup name in the Home menu. NOTE

When a test setup is locked, it cannot be edited, copied, deleted or renamed unless the user has the proper security authorization.

When the Pre Test section is opened, it opens with the STANDARD option set shown. Selecting the -STANDARD target collapses this section and opens the FORMAT option set.

L3 Test Builder - PRE TEST section Features two options sets: Standard and Format

When the Lock Test option is YES, the test setup may not be edited, copied, deleted or renamed. Authorized access is required.

L3 Test Builder - PRE TEST section Lock Test = Yes restricts editing to this test setup to authorized users

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A lock symbol appears next to any test setup that has the Lock Option = Yes in the Pre Test options.

A locked test may be performed, however, the user is restricted from editing, copying, deleting or renaming the test setup.

If the user attempts to edit, copy, rename or delete the selected test, a warning message appears.

L3 Home view Shows all test setups in the Test directory. Tests identified with Lock symbol cannot be edited

3.2.1.2 Set Home Home is the crosshead position where you want your test to start at. When Set Home = YES, the position where the crosshead is at when the Start Test push button is pressed is the Home position. Load and Distance are measured from this position. If you prefer to Set Home manually using the Set Home target, the Set Home option should be NO. This requires the user to manually press the Set Home target before selecting Start Test. CAUTION Use caution when using automatic Home positioning when the Set Home option is YES.

L3 Controller view Manually Set Home by pressing Set Home target

When Set Home = No, the user must automatically set Home by pressing the Set Home target BEFORE selecting Start Test.

When Set Home = Yes, the crosshead position when the Start Test push button is pressed, is the Home position. Load and Distance are measured from this position.

L3 Test Builder - PRE TEST section Set Home = Yes automatically sets Home when the Start Test function is invoked

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3.2.1.3 Omit Exceptions Exceptions are used in the individual test steps. Exceptions are protection mechanisms. An exception is an event, that when it occurs, causes the test run to automatically abort. For example, if you were performing a break test, you might want to include an exception based on distance. When the distance = x, stop the test because the break should have occurred before this distance was achieved. When an exception occurs, the test is aborted. No results are calculated and the run is identified in Red as an invalid test. When Omit Exceptions = YES, we omit all data for the invalid test- no data is saved. In some situations, it may be desirable to save the data for a test that was ended due to an exception. In these situations, the Omit Exceptions function is used and the option is changed to NO. When Omit Exceptions = NO, we do not omit the data. Rather, we save the data until the test was aborted. NOTE Data is saved when the Export Raw option is Yes. If this option is No, no data is exported.

When Omit Exceptions = YES (default), no data is saved for the aborted test run.

L3 Test Builder - Pre Test Omit Exception When YES, no data is collected for this run

L3 Test Builder - Exception An Exception is used to denote when to terminate a test

Selecting the STOP IF function presents you with options for terminating a test. In the example, the break step will terminate if the Distance Limit of 100mm or the Load Limit of 45N are achieved before the sample breaks.

When Omit Exceptions = NO and the Export Raw and Export Results are enabled in Post Test, if an event occurs that causes the test run to terminate, the data is collected for the run from the start up to the exception event.

L3 Test Builder - Pre Test Omit Exception When NO, data and results may be available up to when the event occurred

3.2.1.4 Batch Name The Pre Test step lets you create a batch for your test runs. A batch may be used to categorize the test runs within a test setup. For example, you may have a common test setup, but you want to test a batch of samples coming from different lots. You can distinguish one lot from the other by using a Batch Name for each lot. 3.2.1.5 Batch Size When you use a batch, you can specify the number of test runs you are going to perform within the batch. So, if you have a lot, you may need to test each of 10 samples for that lot. Your Batch Size will be identified as 10. During your testing, once you complete test run 10, the L3 software will ask if you want to continue with the current batch, which means you can add additional runs to the Batch, or you can decide to complete that lot and begin a new batch. If you decide to create a new batch, the name of the existing batch will be used with a suffix number 1. You may change the name of your Batch name if you wish.

L3 Builder - Pre Test Batch setup Enter your Batch Name and Batch Size

The Batch Name is identified above each test run in the Runs List.

L3 Graph view Shows how the Batch Name is used in the Runs List

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NOTE The maximum number of data points that may be acquired for a test run is 100,000. Adjust your Sampling Rate to the desired duration while maintaining the limit on the number of data points acquired for your test. 3.2.1.7 Last Setup Step The Last Setup Step option is useful when you are performing the same test setup on multiple samples or parts ( a “batch” of parts). The ASK step may be used (at the beginning of the test setup) to ask questions that only need to be answered once, such as “Operator Name” or “Fixture ID”. These ASK steps will be skipped on the second and subsequent runs of the test if the Last Setup Step is set to the first step after them.

3.2.1.6 Sampling Rate (Hz) The Sampling Rate (Hz) option is the number of data points acquire during the test run per second. The factory default is 100 samples per second, which is approximately three to five times more data than systems that sample via RS232. The Sampling Rate (Hz) option may be any value between 0.001 and 2000. Enter the value you require in the text block. NOTE The maximum duration for a test run is 48 hours. This applies to Hold and Cyclic steps. Adjusting the sampling rate to 0.5Hz will allow for a 48 hour test. NOTE The greater the sampling rate number the more susceptible the test run is to noise. So a higher number won’t necessarily provide you with better results. High sampling rates are useful in detecting maximum points, but this can be susceptible to noise. NOTE If you are attempting to correlate new data from your L2 Plus system with data from an older machine that used RS232 or that had a lower sampling rate, you should set the Sampling Rate (Hz) to a lower number, e.g. 20. You can then compare and correlate. Modify the rate until you’re historical data and new data correlate.

If using the Last Setup Step feature, enter the Step Number in your test setup sequence where you want start remaining test runs from, e.g. you will skip this step and all steps previous to this one. If you enter 3, all subsequent test runs will begin at Step 4.

Set the number of samples per second to be acquired during a test setup using the Sampling (Hz) option. 100 is the factory default and represents data acquired at 100 samples per second. These data points are exported when Export Raw is specified in the Post Test step. These points are also used to calculate results.

L3 Test Builder - Pre Test Data Sampling (Hz) This test has a Sampling Rate of 20 samples per second

L3 Test Builder - Pre Test Last Batch Step Enter the Step number that you want all subsequent test runs to start from

Previous Batches, each with 120 test runs display above the active batch. Selecting the “+” will expand so you can view all runs for the batch.

The Batch ID V3 Narrow Sample is active and displaying Run #2 results.

L3 Data View Displays each Run of the Batch on a separate row

The test runs numbers per Batch ID BL-A4455 shows four (4) runs.

When using a Batch, the Batch ID appears above the test Run Number.

If you want to finish this Batch and begin a new Batch, select the New Batch target.

If you want to continue to test by adding another sample, select the Resume Batch target.

L3 Plus Full Graph View Displays the graph of a selected Run. When a Batch is completed, a messaged asked whether to Resume or create a New Batch

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3.2.1.8 Load Cell The Load Cell option allows you to select which load cell sensor model and capacity is to be used for your test setup. All load cell sensors are TEDs compatible. This means that they comply with IEEE 1451 and that the sensor will self-identify their model number, capacity and other key characteristics when they are connected to your Starrett testing frame. By specifying the load cell model, you can ensure that your test is always performed using the same sensor model and capacity. If you specify a Load Cell, the test will only be allowed to perform if that load cell is connected to your system. This is an optional field that may be left blank. The default is ANY, which means any load cell sensor may be used for this test setup.

3.2.1.9 Height Mode The L3 system has two operating modes: Normal and Height mode. You must specify the mode prior to creating your test setup. Height mode is used when your testing involves going to a height limit measured from the bottom of the sample. When using Height mode, the system automatically finds the datum using a height datum routine. Height mode is useful when testing springs or other samples where height is an important measurement point. When the system is in Height mode, the Height Mode indicator will read YES. When in Normal Mode, the indicator will display NO.

Height Mode is an indication only. It tells you what mode the system is currently in. When Height Mode = NO, the system is in Normal Mode. When Height Mode = YES, the system is in Height mode.

If you don’t want to designate a specific load cell to be used for this particular test setup, use the ANY options. Otherwise, selecting the target will display a list of the many load cell models and capacities available from Starrett that you can apply specifically to this test setup.

L3 Test Builder - Pre Test Load Cell You may select a specific load cell that is required to perform this test setup

L3 Test Mode- HEIGHT Mode

When Height Mode = NO, the system is in Normal Mode.

L3 Test Mode- NORMAL Mode

3.2.2 Formats Options The Formats options within Pre Test is where you specify the units of measure that will be used. Each unit of measure type is also defined by how many decimals to display. There are two categories of available units: SI/Metric and US/Imperial. Use the Desktop Settings function to choose which unit of measure type you want to use with your system. The available units of measures are shown.

Unit of Measure

SI/Metric Set

US/Imperial Set

N kgf

Load

lbf

mm cm

Distance

Mpa Gpa N/cm 2 Kgf/mm 2 Kgf/cm 2

PSI

Stress

Null %

Strain

mJ/mm 3 kJ/mm 3 J/mm3 mJ/cm 3 kJ/cm 3 J/cm 3 Seconds Minutes

inch-lb/in 3

Work

Seconds Minutes

Rate Time

L3 Test Builder - Pre Test Formats Options Specify Units and Display resolutions

L3 Units of Measure

Select the target to toggle between SI or IMPERIAL units sets.

You must specify SI or Imperial units. You cannot have combined units of measure types.

L3 Test Builder - DISPLAY FORMATS Use to specify global unit of measure sets, units and other display formats

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NOTE All steps within a setup have a unique reference number. Pre Test is always step 1.

3.3 Test Step The Test step is where you create the sequence of movements that control the crosshead speed, direction and which are used to perform the test in the manner you require. All steps within your test setup have a reference number. The reference number is the sequence in which the step takes place. The step reference is also used with scoping and helps identify how functions or formulas are to be performed within a test and between identified steps. All test setups are a combination of steps. Steps are performed in sequential order. The Pre Test step is always step 1 whether or not any Pre Test options are used. When you create a new test setup, the Pre Test is always step 1. The Data step is step 2 and the Post Test is step 3. However, a test cannot be performed until you add a movement step, therefore, a move step is inserted based on the type of test you want to perform. The move step is always added after step 1 (Pre Test) or step 2 (Sample) if a sample is used. Once a step is added, in this case a move step, the subsequent steps are incremented, e.g. step 2 (Data) becomes step 3. Steps continue to be incremented downward as more steps are added to your setup.

Step references are also displayed during the test in the status message. During your test, the status message will display the test step being performed. Once your test is completed, the message will read “Test is complete.” The individual step types are displayed at the bottom of the setup view. The test step types are: • Sample Definition Step • Tensile Steps • Compression Steps • Hold Steps • Cyclic Steps • Ask Steps • Datum Steps All test steps are described in the following paragraphs.

Step reference numbers

L3 Test Builder - Test Stage Shows a single step test setup

L3 Test Builder - Test Stage You may have multiple steps with a test setup

3.3.1 Sample Definition Step When you want measurement using Stress or Strain, the Sample Definition step MUST be used. NOTE You must use the Sample Definition step in order to measure stress or strain. The Sample Definition step is used to specify the sample under test, specifically its shape and area. Stress and strain require the sample area. When the Sample Definition step is used, the graphing options are: • Stress x Strain ( σ x ϵ ) • Stress x Time ( σ x T) • Strain x Time ( ϵ x T) NOTE If the Sample Definition step is not used, the graphing options are restricted to: • Load x Distance (L x D) • Load x Time (L x T) • Distance x Time (D x T)

L3 Test Builder - Test Stage Use the Sample Definition Step for Stress-Strain testing

Stress x Strain Graph

Stress x Time Graph

Strain x Time Graph

L3 Graph Formats for Stress-Strain Analysis Use the Sample Definition Step for Stress-Strain testing

Load x Distance Graph

Load x Time Graph

Distance x Time Graph

L3 Graph Formats for Load-Distance Analysis Do NOT use the Sample Definition Step for Load-Distance testing

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3.3.1.1 Material Identification You may enter an identification for your sample using the Material text entry box. The material ID may be up to 12 characters in length. NOTE The material ID may be displayed in data table results.

L3 Test Builder - Sample Definition Step Rectangular Shape - Dog Bones

L3 Test Builder - Sample Definition Step Material Identification

L3 Test Builder - Sample Definition Step Cylindrical Shape - Dumb Bells

3.3.1.2 Sample Shape You may specify your sample’s shape using the drop down list. Shape options are: • Rectangular • Cylindrical • Round Tubular • Irregular The Rectangular shape can be used for dog bones or other common sample formats that have a Width, Thickness and Gauge Length. The Cylindrical shape can be used for wire, filament, dumb bells or other common sample formats that have a Diameter and Gauge Length. The Round Tubular shape can be used for hollow tubing shaped material. This shape can be defined by the Outer Diameters, Wall Thickness and Gauge Length. The Irregular shape can be specified where you know the area of the sample being testing.

L3 Test Builder - Sample Definition Step Round Tubular Shape - Tubular materials

L3 Test Builder - Sample Definition Step Irregular Shape - When you know the area

3.3.1.3 Prompt On Run The Prompt On Run option allows you to revise your sample dimensions prior to each test run. If you measure each individual sample’s dimension prior to a test, use the Prompt On Run = Yes. When the Prompt On Run = Yes, a dialog box will display showing the associated dimension attributes for the type of Shape your are testing. You can then measure each individual sample and edit its dimensions. If all of your samples have the exact dimensions, the Prompt On Run can be set to No. When the Prompt On Run = No, no dialog is displayed so no adjustment can be made for an individual sample. NOTE

Connect your micrometer via USB to your L3 System and your measurement can automatically populate the active sample dimension field.

When Prompt On Run=Yes, you can edit your sample’s dimensions prior to each test run.

L3 Test Run- Sample Definition Prompt On Run = Yes Revise your sample’s dimensions prior to the test run

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3.3.1.4 Using an Extensometer Your L3 System may use up to two (2) extensometers. Extensometers connect to the back of the MMS or MMD test frame. Starrett supports Epsilon Technologies and Reliant Technologies extensometers. When these extensometers are connected, your L3 System will automatically sense the type and model extensometer connected including key characteristics such as Gauge Length, Measuring Range, Linearity, etc. When an extensometer is selected, a symbol appears on the L3 Header display. Select this symbol to view the extensometer’s characteristics. Listed beneath the symbol is the extensometer’s measuring range. When an extensometer is used, a symbol “E” is displayed along with the standard “L” (Load) and “D” (Distance) in the Controller view. The values displayed during a test for “E” represent the sample’s elongation measurement. When an extensometer is used, the Start/Stop function will also include a PAUSE function. During an active test run, you may select the Stop target to “pause” the test for the purposes of removing the extensometer prior to the sample breaking in order to protect the extensometer from damage. Once the Extensometer is removed, you may press the Stop Test PLAY function to resume the crosshead movement.

L3 Test Builder - Sample Definition Step An Epsilon Extensometer used on an L3 System

Select ANY, and any extensometer, that is connected to your L3 System, will be accepted and allow your test setup to perform.

Press to PAUSE your test run

Select EXACT, and the extensometer that is connected to your L3 System during the test setup is selected. The test run will not perform unless this “exact” extensometer is connected.

Press to PLAY or resume your paused test run

L3 Test with an Extensometer Select Exact to specify an exact model extensometer

L3 Test with an Extensometer connected Press Stop Test to Pause and Resume (Play) a test run

3.3.2 Tensile Steps Break and input tension steps always move the crosshead upwards. Tension movements are “pull” movements. L3 Series supports four types of tension steps: Load, Distance, Break and Load Rate. You may have multiple tension steps within a test setup. 3.3.2.1 Tensile to Load Step The Tension Load Limit move causes the crosshead to typically move upward until it meets a load setpoint. You define the load target (setpoint), which is measured by the load cell sensor during your test. When this load is measured, the step concludes on to the next step or if no additional steps is in your sequence, the test ends. • Select the Tension symbol • Select the Tension Load symbol • Enter your Load Target and Test Speed NOTE Each test step may have an individual Test Speed. NOTE If you have two load targets with the first target at 100N and the second target at 50N, the crosshead will move to 100N (upward) and then move to 50N (downward).

These are the Exceptions for this step. An exception is an event. An exception stops the test. Exceptions are optional, but are recommended. Distance Limit - If the crosshead moves this distance and the Load Limit has not be achieved, the test will stop. Break % - If the sample breaks the test will stop. A break is defined as when the load drops by this percentage value after a Minimum Load has been achieved and there is a maximum load measured. Min Break - This is the minimum load that must first be achieved before the system begins to look for a Break % drop in load.

Enter the target Load Limit. This step will conclude when this load is achieved.

Enter the Speed. This is the velocity the crosshead will move at to the Limit.

Pull to the Home position

Pull to a Load Limit

When Collect Data = Yes, the individual data points for this test step are acquired and saved for exporting. When Collect Data = No, no data points are collected or saved. The step is just a “goto” without any data collected.

Pull to a Distance Limit

Pull to a Break Limit

Pull at a Load Rate to a Load Limit

L3 Test Builder - Tensile Step types

L3 Test Builder - Tensile Load Limit Moves the crosshead until a Load is achieved

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3.3.2.2 Tensile to Distance Step The Tension Distance Limit move causes the crosshead to move upward until it meets a distance setpoint. You define the distance target (setpoint), which is measured by the encoder during your test. Once this distance is achieved, the test or the step is completed.

• Select the Tension symbol • Select the Tension Distance symbol • Enter your Distance Target and Test Speed NOTE

Each test step may have an individual Test Speed.

These are the Exceptions for this step. An exception is an event. An exception stops the test. Exceptions are optional, but are recommended. Load Limit - If the crosshead moves and the measured load equals this limit, the crosshead will stop. Break % - If the sample breaks the test will stop. A break is defined as when the load drops by this percentage value after a Minimum Load has been achieved and there is a maximum load measured. Min Break - This is the minimum load that must first be achieved before the system begins to look for a Break % drop in load.

Enter the target Distance Limit. This step will conclude when this load is achieved.

Enter the Speed. This is the velocity the crosshead will move at to the Limit.

L3 Test Builder - Tensile Step types

L3 Test Builder - Tensile Distance Limit Moves the crosshead until a Distance is achieved from Home

3.3.2.3 Tensile to Break Step During a break test, the sample is pulled until the measured load drops by a % from the maximum load after a minimum load setpoint is achieved. This indicates a break event. When you configure a break test, you specify the Break %. This is the percentage drop in load from a measured maximum load. For example, if the measured peak load is 100 lbf, and the Break % = 20%, the break load = 80 lbf. The Minimum Break is the measured load that must first be achieved before the system starts looking for the break event. The minimum break protects against false break events in samples that exhibit significant load changes when under stress, e.g. peel tests. • Select the Tension symbol • Select the Tension Break symbol • Enter your Break % (percentage drop from the peak load) • Enter the Minimum Break value • Enter the Test Speed

NOTE All break tests use the % Drop algorithm to define a sample break for the purposes of completing a test setup. A Rate algorithm is available to determine a break measurement using the Graphic Analysis tools.

Enter the load (Min Break) which is the starting load- where the search for a drop in load shall begin.

Enter % drop in load value. Measured from the maximum load achieved.

Enter the Speed. This is the velocity the crosshead will move at to the Limit.

L3 Test Builder - Tensile Break Limit Moves the crosshead until a Break is achieved

L3 Test Builder - Tensile Step types

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3.3.2.4 Tensile Load Rate Load Rate control is an advanced test method where a limit is defined as “getting to a load setpoint in a specified rate of time”. For example, you may configure a tensile step where you want the crosshead to go to a setpoint of 15 lbf in 5 seconds.

First, specify the tensile load rate step. Next, enter the target load of 15 lbf.

Lastly, since our rate is based on minutes, we convert 5 seconds to minutes or 1/12 minutes. So, to get to 15 lbf in 5 seconds we multiply 15 x 12 = 180 to establish a rate of 180 lbf/minute.

These are the Exceptions for this step. An exception is an event. An exception stops the test. Exceptions are optional, but are recommended. Distance Limit - If the crosshead moves, and the measured distance equals this limit, the crosshead will stop. Break % - If the sample breaks the test will stop. A break is defined as when the load drops by this percentage value after a Minimum Load has been achieved and there is a maximum load measured. Min Break - This is the minimum load that must first be achieved before the system begins to look for a Break % drop in load.

Enter the target Load Limit. This step will conclude when this load is achieved.

Enter the Rate. This is the velocity the crosshead will move at to the Limit.

L3 Test Builder - Tensile Step Types Moves to a Load target at a specified Rate based on Load/minute

L3 Test Builder - Tensile Step Types

3.3.2.5 Tensile to Home Step The Tensile to Home position requires that you establish a Home position prior to starting your test. This can be done simply by pressing the Set Home target or by establishing Home automatically when you start the test by configuring the Pre Test Set Home option to Yes. This step will move the crosshead to the established Home position.

These are the Exceptions for this step. An exception is an event. An exception stops the test. Exceptions are optional, but are recommended. Load Limit - If the crosshead moves and the measured load equals this limit, the crosshead will stop. Min Break - This is the minimum load that must first be achieved before the system begins to look for a Break % drop in load.

Enter the Speed. This is the velocity the crosshead will move at to the Home position.

L3 Test Builder - Go to Home Moves the crosshead to the established Home position

L3 Test Builder - Tensile Step types

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3.3.3 Compression Steps Compression steps move the crosshead in an downward direction. Compression movements are “push” movements. Your L3 Series supports three types of compression steps: Load, Distance and Break/ Rupture and Load Rate. You may have multiple compression steps within a test setup. 3.3.3.1 Compress to Load Step The Compression Load Limit move causes the crosshead to move downward until it meets a load setpoint. You define the load target (setpoint), which is measured by the load cell sensor during your test. Once this load is achieved, the test or the step is completed.

• Select the Compression symbol • Select the Compression Load symbol • Enter your Load Target and Test Speed

Enter the target Load Limit. This step will conclude when this load is achieved.

Enter the Speed. This is the velocity the crosshead will move at to the Limit.

Pull to the Home position

Pull to a Load Limit

Pull to a Distance Limit

Pull to a Break Limit

Pull at a Load Rate to a Load Limit

L3 Test Builder - Compression Step types

L3 Test Builder - Tensile Load Limit Moves the crosshead until a Load is achieved

3.3.3.2 Compress to Distance Step The Compression Distance Limit move causes the crosshead to move downward until it meets a distance setpoint. You define the distance target (setpoint), which is measured by the encoder during your test. Once this distance is achieved, the test or the step is completed.

• Select the Compression symbol • Select the Compression Distance symbol • Enter your Distance Target and Test Speed

These are the Exceptions for this step. An exception is an event. An exception stops the test. Exceptions are optional, but are recommended. Load Limit - If the crosshead moves to this Load and the Distance Limit has not be achieved, the test will stop. Break % - If the sample breaks the test will stop. A break is defined as when the load drops by this percentage value after a Minimum Load has been achieved and there is a maximum load measured. Min Break - This is the minimum load that must first be achieved before the system begins to look for a Break % drop in load.

Enter the target Distance Limit. This step will conclude when this distance is achieved.

Enter the Speed. This is the velocity the crosshead will move at to the Limit.

L3 Test Builder - Compression Step types

L3 Test Builder - Compression Distance Limit Moves the crosshead until a Distance is achieved

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3.3.3.3 Compress to Break Step During a break test, the sample is pulled until the measured load drops by a % from the maximum load after a minimum load setpoint is achieved. This indicates a break event. When you configure a break test, you specify the Break %. This is the percentage drop in load from a measured maximum load. For example, if the measured peak load is 100 lbf, and the Break % = 20%, the break load = 80 lbf. The Minimum Break is the measured load that must first be achieved before the system starts looking for the break event. The minimum break protects against false break events in samples that exhibit significant load changes when under stress, e.g. puncture and insertion tests.

• Select the Compression symbol • Select the Compression Break symbol • Enter your Break % (percentage drop from the peak load) • Enter the Minimum Break value • Enter the Test Speed

Enter the load (Min Break) which is the starting load- where the search for a drop in load shall begin.

Enter % drop in load value. Measured from the maximum load achieved.

Enter the Speed. This is the velocity the crosshead will move at to the Limit.

L3 Test Builder - Compression Step types

L3 Test Builder - Compression Break Limit Moves the crosshead until a Break is achieved

3.3.3.4 Compress at Load Rate Load Rate control is an advanced test method where a limit is defined as “getting to a load setpoint in a specified rate of time”. For example, you may configure a tensile step where you want the crosshead to go to a setpoint of 15 lbf in 5 seconds.

First, specify the tensile load rate step. Next, enter the target load of 15 lbf.

Lastly, since our rate is based on minutes, we convert 5 seconds to minutes or 1/12 minutes. So, to get to 15 lbf in 5 seconds we multiply 15 x 12 = 180 to establish a rate of 180 lbf/minute.

These are the Exceptions for this step. An exception is an event. An exception stops the test. Exceptions are optional, but are recommended. Distance Limit - If the crosshead moves, and the measured distance equals this limit, the crosshead will stop. Break % - If the sample breaks the test will stop. A break is defined as when the load drops by this percentage value after a Minimum Load has been achieved and there is a maximum load measured. Min Break - This is the minimum load that must first be achieved before the system begins to look for a Break % drop in load.

Enter the target Load Limit. This step will conclude when this load is achieved.

Enter the Rate. This is the velocity the crosshead will move at to the Limit.

L3 Test Builder - Tensile Step Types Moves to a Load target at a specified Rate based on Load/minute

L3 Test Builder - Compression Step types

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3.3.3.5 Compress to Home Step The Compress to Home position requires that you establish a Home position prior to starting your test. This can be done simply by pressing the Set Home target or by establishing Home automatically when you start the test by configuring the Pre Test Set Home option to Yes. This step will move the crosshead to the established Home position.

These are the Exceptions for this step. An exception is an event. An exception stops the test. Exceptions are optional, but are recommended. Load Limit - If the crosshead moves and the measured load equals this limit, the crosshead will stop. Min Break - This is the minimum load that must first be achieved before the system begins to look for a Break % drop in load.

Enter the Speed. This is the velocity the crosshead will move at to the Home position.

L3 Test Builder - Go to Home Moves the crosshead to the established Home position

L3 Test Builder - Compression Step types

3.3.4 Hold Steps You can perform constant load or constant distance tests using the Hold step. Creep and relaxation are typical applications that use a hold function. NOTE The maximum duration for a test is 48 hours.

NOTE The maximum number of data points for a test is 100,000. Adjust the Sampling Rate (Hz) accordingly for your test.

Step Exceptions- use when you want the test to abort if one of these events occur. Travel Limit exception- stop if the crosshead goes to this distance during the hold period. Break exception- stop if a break event occurs. The Break % is the percentage drop in load from a highest load point. Minimum break is used with a Break exception. This is the load that must be measured before looking for a break event.

3.3.4.1 Hold at Load Step When you want to hold a load, first create your step with a load variable; either a tension or compression load. Next, select the Load Hold step. Then specify the duration for your hold period. The maximum allowable hold duration is 48 hours (depending on test frame used). • Select the test mode- either Tension or Compression • Enter the Load Limit (target) • Enter the Test Speed • Select the Hold symbol

The step preceding the Hold step will be the setpoint. Since the load limit is 250N and the hold duration may be set for up to 172,800 seconds, the system will hold the sample at a constant load for 48 hours (172,800 sec).

• Select the Load Hold symbol • Enter the Hold Duration value

Distance Hold step- go to a distance value and hold for a specified duration.

Load Hold step- go to a load value and hold for a specified duration.

L3 Test Builder - Hold at Load Holds the crosshead at the target load for a specified time duration

L3 Test Builder - Hold Step types

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3.3.4.2 Hold at Distance Step YYou may hold the crosshead at a Distance target to determine the effects the hold time has on the sample’s load characteristic. The Distance Hold is performed together with an associated tension or compress to distance step. The maximum hold duration of 48 hours at full load capacity can be performed on any Starrett test frame with no cool down period required between hold steps. • Select the test mode- either Tension or Compression • Enter the Distance Limit (target) • Enter the Test Speed • Select the Hold symbol • Select the Distance Hold symbol Enter the Hold Duration value

NOTE The maximum duration for a test is 48 hours.

NOTE The maximum number of data points for a test is 100,000. Adjust the Sampling Rate (Hz) accordingly for your test.

Step Exceptions- use when you want the test to abort if one of these events occur. Break exception- stop if a break event occurs. The Break % is the percentage drop in load from a highest load point. Minimum break is used with a Break exception. This is the load that must be measured before looking for a break event.

The step preceding the Hold step will be the setpoint. Since the load limit is 250N and the hold duration is 15 minutes, the system will hold the sample at a constant load, at this Distance, for 15 minutes.

L3 Test Builder - Hold at Load Holds the crosshead at the target load for a specified time duration

3.3.5 Cycle Steps L3 Series can be used to perform cyclic testing. Cyclic tests occur between multiple steps where the actions of these steps are repeated either by a number of counts or by using a time period. NOTE The maximum duration for a test is 48 hours. NOTE The maximum number of data points for a test is 100,000. Adjust the Sampling Rate (Hz) accordingly for your test. NOTE There is no need to have a cool down period when cycle testing with Starrett test frames.

3.3.5.1 Cycle for Count Step When you cycle within a test, you must specify the step where you want your cycle to begin. You then specify the number of times you want the cycle to be performed. The minimum cycle count = 2. The maximum cycle count = 1000. NOTE The maximum number of cycles is 1000. Typically, you will have at least two steps that you wish to cycle between, but you may have a series of steps that you can cycle. When multiple steps are cycled, you specify the first step and then all steps starting with the first step and the last step prior to the cycle move step will be performed. • Select the Cycle symbol • Select the Cycle Count symbol • Select the first step where the cycle will begin • Specify the number of counts that the cycle shall be performed

NOTE You do not need to reduce your load capacity testing when performing cycle steps using Starrett test frames due to duty cycle limitations. You may cycle at full load capacity for up to 1000 cycles for 48 hours.

This test setup with cycle three (3) times beginning with step 3 (Push to 250N) and finishing with step 3 (Push to 100N).

Cycle Count

Cycle for Time Duration

Loop

L3 Test Builder - Cycle Count Step Cycles selected steps for a number of cycles (counts)

L3 Test Builder - Cycle Steps

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3.3.5.2 Cycle for Duration Step Instead for cycling your steps based on a count, you can cycle based on time. You may set a cycle time duration for up to 24 hours. You enter time using hours, minutes or seconds. If you want a 30 minute cycle time, you would enter the number 1800 (30 min x 60 sec = 1800 sec) or enter 30:0.0. • Select the Cycle symbol • Select the Cycle Time symbol • Select the first step where the cycle will begin • Specify the Time Duration (in seconds) the cycle shall be performed

NOTE The maximum duration for a test is 48 hours.

NOTE The maximum number of data points for a test is 100,000. Adjust the Sampling Rate (Hz) accordingly for your test.

NOTE When you enter the Duration time, always enter using seconds.

Enter the time as a whole number in seconds, minutes or hours.

L3 Test Builder - Cycle Time Step Cycles selected steps for a time duration

L3 Test Builder - Cycle Steps

3.3.5.3 Cycle for Loop Step When you use either Cycle Count or Cycle Time, you get a single result for the cycle. However, with a Loop step, you get a result for each step. If a step is repeated three (3) times, you will get three independent results recorded as individual Runs.

CAUTION Using a Loop step with a Cycle step in a test is NOT PERMITTED.

Notice in the Loop type of cycle, the Data step is also included in the cycle set. This is because with a loop test, you will get a separate test run with coefficients for each cycle. In this example, the Number of Loops = 10. This means when this test has finished, there will be ten (10) separate test runs- each having its own measured results.

L3 Test Builder - Cycle Time Step Cycles selected steps for a time duration

L3 Test Builder - Cycle Steps

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3.3.6 Datum Step You may datum as part or your test. The primary datum is referred to as Datum #0. A second datum (available only during a test) is referred to as Datum #1. The Datum step sets a datum according to the position and load at the moment the Datum step is executed during a test. The distance and/or load may be preset to display a zero or non- zero value at the time. You may use a second datum for load or position during a test for more complex applications. For example, Datum #1 may be used to determine the distance that corresponds to a creep rate. • Pull to a load. • Datum (set the datum to Datum #1) and zero the distance. • Hold for 10 minutes.

The distance reported at the end of the Hold step is creep over 10 minutes.

L3 Test Builder - Datum Step Use a datum to zero Load and Distance prior to test

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