Instron 5940 - Chapter 3 Testing Specimens; Warnings

3-1
Chapter 3
Testing Specimens
• Testing a Sample. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
• Create a sample in Bluehill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
• Calibrate a transducer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
• Set the zero extension point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
• Set the crosshead limit stops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
• Set the limits for a transducer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
• Balance a transducer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
• Stop a test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
• Shut down the system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
• Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Materials testing systems are inherently hazardous. The following two statements warn of
behavior that offers the highest probability of personal injury from using the system.
Warnings
Hazard - do not allow more than one person to operate a testing machine.
Operator injury may result if more than one person operates the testing machine. For
example, injury can occur if one person moves the crosshead or actuator while the other is
working inside the hazard area between the grips or fixtures.
Crush hazard - take care when installing or removing a specimen, assembly, structure
or load string component.
Installation or removal of a specimen, assembly, structure or load string component involves
working inside the hazard area between the grips or fixtures. When working in this area,
ensure that other personnel cannot operate any of the system controls. Keep clear of the jaws
of a grip or fixture at all times. Keep clear of the hazard area between the grips or fixtures
during actuator or crosshead movement. Ensure that all actuator or crosshead movements
necessary for installation or removal are slow and, where possible, at a low force setting.