L2 Plus Creating a Test

Creating a test using L2 Plus series software for advanced force measurement.

L2 Plus Series Software for Advanced Force Measurement

Creating a Test

The Better Solution

Table of Contents

Page

Datum Step Prompt Steps

30 31 31 32 33 33 34 36 37 37 38 39 41 42 43 44 45 45 47 48 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 62 63 64

Creating an L2 Plus Test Setup Using L2 Plus Test Builder Application

4 4 5 5 5 7 8 9 9

3.3.5 3.3.6

3.0 3.1 3.2

Ask Step Tell Step

Pre Test Step

3.3.6.1 3.3.6.2

Standard Options

3.2.1

Using Coefficients in Test Steps Using Prompt Coefficients Using Formula Coefficients

Lock Test Set Home

3.3.7

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

3.3.7.1 3.3.7.2

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 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 25 25 26 27 27 28 29

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

Tensile Steps

3.3.1

Point Coefficient

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

3.4.2

3.3.1.1 3.3.1.2 3.3.1.3 3.3.1.4 3.3.1.5

Point Limit Coefficient

3.4.2.1 3.4.2.2

Point Slope Intersect Coefficient

Slope Coefficient

3.4.3

Slope Fit Coefficient

Tensile to Home Step

3.4.3.1 3.4.3.2 3.4.3.3 3.4.3.4

Maximum Slope Coefficient Slope Tangent Coefficient

Compression Steps

3.3.2

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

3.3.2.1 3.3.2.2 3.3.2.3 3.3.2.4 3.3.2.5

Slope Two Point Segment Coefficient

Peak & Valley Coefficients Peak/Valley Coefficients

3.4.4

3.4.4.1 3.4.4.2 3.4.4.3 3.4.4.4

Peak/Valley Minimum/Maximum Coefficients

Compress to Home Step

Peak/Valley Averaging Coefficient Peak/Valley Count Coefficient

Hold Steps

3.3.3

Hold at a Load Step Hold at a Distance Step

3.3.3.1 3.3.3.2

Minimum/Maximum/Average Coefficients

3.4.5

Minimum/Maximum Coefficients

Cycle Steps

3.4.5.1 3.4.5.2

3.3.4

Averaging Coefficient

Cycle for a Count Step Cycle for a Duration Step

3.3.4.1 3.3.4.2 3.3.4.3

Work Coefficient Delta Coefficient Break Coefficients

3.4.6 3.4.7 3.4.8

Loop Step

Break % Drop Coefficient Break Rate Coefficient

3.4.8.1 3.4.8.2

Offline Test Creation

3.5

3.0 Creating an L2 Plus Test Setup All L2 Plus test setups have four basic sections: • Pre Test • Test • Data • Post Test

3.1 Using the L2 Plus Test Builder Application The L2 Plus Test Builder application is the primary method used to create an L2 Plus test setup. The L2 Plus 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 L2 Plus 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder Example test setup shows four common sections to all L2 Plus test setups

L2 Plus 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 L2 Plus 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.

L2 Plus 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.

L2 Plus 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.

L2 Plus Home view Shows all test setups in the Test directory. Tests identified with Lock symbol cannot be edited

L2 Plus Home view Locked Test Warning Message

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.

L2 Plus 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.

L2 Plus 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Pre Test Omit Exception When YES, no data is collected for this run

L2 Plus 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.

L2 Plus 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 many samples, 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 L2 Plus 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.

L2 Plus Test 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.

L2 Plus 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Pre Test Data Sampling (Hz) This test has a Sampling Rate of 20 samples per second

L2 Plus 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.

L2 Plus 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.

L2 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 L2 Plus 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Pre Test Load Cell You may select a specific load cell that is required to perform this test setup

L2 Plus Test Mode- HEIGHT Mode

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

L2 Plus 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

Joules Millijoules Kilojoules Seconds Minutes

Work

inch-lb

Seconds Minutes

Rate Time

L2 Plus Units of Measure

L2 Plus Test Builder - Pre Test Formats Options Specify Units and Display resolutions

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.

L2 Plus 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: • Tensile Steps • Compression Steps • Hold Steps • Cyclic Steps • Ask Steps • Datum Steps All test steps are described in the following paragraphs.

Step reference numbers

L2 Plus Test Builder - Test Stage Shows a single step test setup

L2 Plus Test Builder - Test Stage You may have multiple steps with a test setup

3.3.1 Tensile Steps Break and input tension steps always move the crosshead upwards. Tension movements are “pull” movements. L2 Plus Series supports four types of tension steps: Load, Distance, Break and Rate. You may have multiple tension steps within a test setup. 3.3.1.1 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.

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.

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).

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

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 Break Limit

Pull at a Load Rate to a Load Limit

L2 Plus Test Builder - Tensile Step types

L2 Plus Test Builder - Tensile Load Limit Moves the crosshead until a Load is achieved

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3.3.1.2 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Tensile Step types

L2 Plus Test Builder - Tensile Distance Limit Moves the crosshead until a Distance is achieved from Home

3.3.1.3 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Tensile Break Limit Moves the crosshead until a Break is achieved

L2 Plus Test Builder - Tensile Step types

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3.3.1.4 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Tensile Step Types Moves to a Load target at a specified Rate based on Load/minute

L2 Plus Test Builder - Tensile Step Types

3.3.1.5 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Tensile Step Types

L2 Plus Test Builder - Go to Home Moves the crosshead to the established Home position

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3.3.2 Compression Steps Compression steps move the crosshead in an downward direction. Compression movements are “push” movements. Your L2 Plus Series supports four types of compression steps: Load, Distance, Break/ Rupture and Rate. You may have multiple compression steps within a test setup. 3.3.2.1 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.

Push to the Home position

Push to a Load Limit

Push to a Distance Limit

Push to a Break Limit

Push at a Rate to a Load Limit

L2 Plus Test Builder - Compression Step types

L2 Plus Test Builder - Compression Load Limit Moves the crosshead until a Load is achieved

3.3.2.2 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

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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Compression Step types

L2 Plus Test Builder - Compression Distance Limit Moves the crosshead until a Distance is achieved from Home

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3.3.2.3 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Compression Step types

L2 Plus Test Builder - Compression Break Limit Moves the crosshead until a Break is achieved

3.3.2.4 Compress at a 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Tensile Step Types Moves to a Load target at a specified Rate based on Load/minute

L2 Plus Test Builder - Compression Step types

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3.3.2.5 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Go to Home Moves the crosshead to the established Home position

L2 Plus Test Builder - Compression Step types

3.3.3 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.

3.3.3.1 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

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.

The step preceding the Hold step will be the setpoint. Since the load limit is 25N and the hold duration is 15 seconds, the system will hold the sample at a constant load for 15 seconds.

• 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Hold at Load Holds the crosshead at the target load for a specified time duration

L2 Plus Test Builder - Hold Step types

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3.3.3.2 Hold at Distance Step You 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

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.

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

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 25N and the hold duration is 15 seconds, the system will hold the sample at a constant load, at this Distance, for 15 seconds.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Hold at Load Holds the crosshead at the target load for a specified time duration

3.3.4 Cycle Steps L2 Plus 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. 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.

3.3.4.1 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

This test setup with cycle three (3) times beginning with step 2 (Pull to 25N) and finishing with step 3 (Pull to 0N).

Cycle Count

Cycle for Time Duration

Loop

L2 Plus Test Builder - Cycle Count Step Cycles selected steps for a number of cycles (counts)

L2 Plus Test Builder - Cycle Steps

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3.3.4.2 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 30 minutes. You enter time using 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 then a decimal point. • 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. 28000 would represent 7 hrs and 46 minutes and 40 seconds.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Cycle Time Step Cycles selected steps for a time duration

L2 Plus Test Builder - Cycle Steps

3.3.4.3 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 = 3. This means when this test has finished, there will be three separate test runs- each having its own measured results.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Cycle Time Step Cycles selected steps for a time duration

L2 Plus Test Builder - Cycle Steps

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3.3.5 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.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Datum Step Use a datum after a pre-conditioning step

3.3.6 Prompt Steps There are two forms of prompts available for your L2 Plus test setup. • Ask Prompt • Tell Prompt The Ask prompt requires a response from the operator. The Tell prompt alerts the operator and requires no response from the operator. 3.3.6.1 Ask Step The Ask step is used to add a question that requires the operator to respond. Questions should always be short and require a single or few word response. The maximum number of characters, including spaces, for your question is 100. The response is limited to a maximum number of characters, including spaces, to 16. Use the Ask coefficient to display the answer to your question.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Ask Step Requires an operator response

L2 Plus Test An ASK prompt is displayed requiring the operator to answer

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3.3.6.2 Tell Step The Tell Step is a message displayed for the user. Prompts can be used as reminders to the operator or used to give the user instructions during the test procedure. NOTE A prompt does not require an operator response. When a prompt is used, you have the option to specify how long (duration) the prompt is to be displayed during your test procedure. A prompt may have up to 100 characters (including spaces). The prompt duration (length of time displayed) may be up to 8 hrs. A step does not complete until the prompt has been displayed for its full duration or the user selects the check mark.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Prompt Step

Prompt time duration setting.

Elapsed time remaining for prompt. Or, operator can simple press the dialog to finish prompt .

L2 Plus Prompt Displays message to operator

3.3.7 Using Coefficients in Test Steps Coefficients (results) from test steps may be used as inputs in other steps within your test setup. If a result from a step is to be used as an input, the step suppling the result must occur BEFORE the test step that will use the result. NOTE A result from a step may be used as an input in another test provided the result occurs BEFORE the input step. 3.3.7.1 Using Prompt Coefficients You may use the answer to an Ask step as the input to a step that comes after the Ask step. In this example, the test speed for the go to Load step is going to be changed by the operator in increments of 10% beginning with a starting test speed of 10 in/min. An Ask step is used that preceeds the go to Load step. During the Ask step, the operator enters the new test speed for the load step.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Prompt Step Operator will enter the Speed required for a Go To Load step The operator enters a value in response to the ASK step. The value entered uses the units of measure already setup for speed, e.g. mm/min for this test setup.

L2 Plus Test Builder - Prompt Step The Speed value will come from the ASK Step labeled Speed

The operator enters a value in response to the ASK step. The value entered uses the units of measure already setup for speed, e.g. mm/min for this test setup. The value the operator enters is read by the go to Load target step of 100N. The operator entered the value 25, e.g. 25 mm/min. The crosshead will move at this velocity until the load target of 100N is reached.

On the next test run, the operator may change the Ask response to 50. The next test run will perform at a velocity of 50 mm/min.

L2 Plus Test Run Full Graph Test Speed is set from a Previous ASK step answer

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L2 Plus Test Builder Shows Formula Step used as Input to Step #6

A formula is used to find a result (Calc) that is used as the input for the Distance target in Step 6. The formula uses the initial Distance (DPt) and divides by 2. The formula result is renamed “Calc”. Calc is used as the Distance target in Step 6. Speed, from the ASK Step 3 is uses as the input for the Speed for Step 6.

3.3.7.2 Using Formula Coefficients Before the results of a formula can be used as an input to another step, you must first perform a run where you have coefficients on which to use a formula. Consequently, a formula result cannot be used unless you have performed a run; obtained coefficients; and calculated a result based on a formula that uses those coefficients. The result of your formula may then be used as an input. All coefficients used in the formula must occur before the step using the formula result. In this example we are using the result of a formula as the input for a go to Distance step.

L2 Plus Test Run Full Graph Shows results after using a formula step (CALC)

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