Omega Engineering DFG35, DFG35-5, DFG35-0.25, DFG35-0.12, DFG35-0.5 User Manual
...
DFG35
Digital Force Gauges
DFG35 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
1
DFG35 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
Thank you…
Thank you for purchasing a Omega DFG35 digital force gauge,
designed for tension and compression force testing applications from
0.12 lb to 500 lb (0.5 N to 2,500 N) full scale. The DFG35 is an essential
component of a force testing system, typically also comprising a test
stand, grips, and data collection software.
With proper usage, we are confident that you will get many years of
great service with this product. Omega force gauges are ruggedly built
for many years of service in laboratory and industrial environments.
This User’s Guide provides setup, safety, and operation instructions.
Dimensions and specifications are also provided. For additional
information or answers to your questions, please do not hesitate to
contact us. Our technical support and engineering teams are eager to
assist you.
Before use, each person who is to use the DFG35 force gauge
should be fully trained in appropriate operation and safety
procedures.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW .........................................................3
POWER ...............................................................4
MECHANICAL SETUP .......................................5
HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS ...................6
OPERATING MODES .........................................8
CHANGING THE UNITS .....................................8
DIGITAL FILTERS ..............................................9
SET POINT INDICATORS ..................................9
COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTPUTS .............10
CALIBRATION .................................................11
OTHER SETTINGS ...........................................16
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................18
2
DFG35 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
y
1 OVERVIEW
1.1 List of included items
Part No.
DFG35-0.12 –
.
Qt
1 12-1049 12-1049 12-1049 Carrying Case
1 08-1022 08-1022 08-1022 AC adapter body with US, EU, or UK prong
1 08-1026 08-1026 08-1026 Battery (inside the gauge)
1 G1024 G1024 G1031 Extension rod
1 G1026 G1026 G1033 Cone
1 G1025 G1025 G1032 Chisel
1 G1027 G1027 G1034 V-groove
1 G1029 G1029 G1036 Flat
1 G1028 G1038 G1035 Hook
1 N/A G1039 G1037 Coupling
1 - Certificate of calibration
1 09-1165 USB cable
1 - Resource CD (USB driver, user’s guide)
1.2 Safety / Proper Usage
DFG35-20
DFG35-50 –
DFG35-100
DFG35-200 –
DFG35-500
Description
Caution!
Note the force gauge’s capacity before use and ensure that the capaci ty is not exceeded.
Producing a force greater than 150% of the gauge’s capacity can damage the internal load cell. An
overload can occur whether the gauge is powered on or off.
Typical materials able to be tested include many manufactured items, such as springs, electronic
components, fasteners, caps, films, mechanical assemblies, and many others. Items that should not be
used with the gauge include potentially flammable substances or products, items that can shatter in an
unsafe manner, and any other components that can present an exceedingly hazardous situation when
acted upon by a force.
The following safety checks and procedures should be performed before and during o peration:
1. Never operate the gauge if there is any visible damage to the AC adapter or the gauge itself.
2. Ensure that the gauge is kept away from water or any other electrically conductive liquids at all
times.
3. The gauge should be serviced by a trained technician only. AC power must be disconne cted and
the gauge must be powered off before the housing is opened.
4. Always consider the characteristics of the sample being tested before initiating a test. A risk
assessment should be carried out beforehand to ensure that all safety measures have been
addressed and implemented.
5. Wear eye and face protection when testing, especially when testing brittle samples that have the
potential to shatter under force. Be aware of the dangers posed by potential energy that can
accumulate in the sample during testing. Extra bodily protection should be worn if a destructive
failure of a test sample is possible.
3
DFG35 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
6. In certain applications, such as the testing of brittle samples that can shatter, or other applications
that could lead to a hazardous situation, it is strongly recommended that a machine guarding
system be employed to protect the operator and others in the vicinity from shards or debris.
7. When the gauge is not in use, ensure that the power is turned off.
2 POWER
The gauge is powered either by an 8.4V NiMH rechargeable battery or by an AC adapter. Since these
batteries are subject to self discharge, it may be necessary to recharge the unit after a prolonged period
of storage. Plug the accompanying charger into the AC outlet and insert the charger plug into the
receptacle on the gauge (refer to the illustration below). The battery will fully charge in approximately 8
hours.
USB connector
Power input jack
Caution!
Do not use chargers or batteries other than supplied or instrument damage may occur.
If the AC adapter is plugged in, an icon appears in the lower left corner of the display, as follows:
If the AC adapter is not plugged in, battery power drainage is denoted in a five-step process:
1. When battery life is greater than 75%, the following indicator is present:
2. When battery life is between 50% and 75%, the following indicator is present:
3. When battery life is between 25% and 50%, the following indicator is present:
4. When battery life is less than 25%, the following indicator is present:
5. When battery life drops to approximately 2%, the indicator from step 4 will be flashing.
Several minutes after (timing depends on usage and whether the backli ght is turned on or
off), a message will appear, “BATTERY VOLTAGE TOO LOW. POWERING OFF”. A 4-tone
audio indicator will sound and the gauge will power off.
The gauge can be configured to automatically power off following a period of inactivity. Refer to the Other
Settings section for details.
If battery replacement is necessary, the battery may be accessed by separating the two halves of the
gauge. Refer to the Mechanical Setup section for details.
4
DFG35 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
3 SETUP
3.1 Mechanical setup
3.1.1 Loading shaft orientation
In order to accommodate a variety of testing requirements, the orientation of the loading shaft may be set
up in either of the two positions shown below. In order to change the loading shaft orientation, loosen the
two captive screws on the back side of the housing, separate the two housing halves, rotate one half 180
degrees, and reassemble. Exercise care when reassembling the two halves of the housing, ensuring that
internal wires do not interfere.
Load cell shaft up Load cell shaft down
3.1.2 Mounting to a plate
Although the gauge may be used by hand, proper mounting is important if attached to a fixture or test
stand. The round steel insert with a hole in the back of the housing is provided to withstand the load
during a test. A mating dowel pin should be used (see illustration below). There are four threaded holes
located near the corners of the housing. These holes are designed to accommodate screws in order to
hold the gauge in place. The screws must not be used for load bearing purposes. Failure to use a dowel
pin properly can result in a hazardous situation.
3.1.3 Mounting attachments to the gauge
The force gauge’s threaded loading shaft is designed to accommodate common grips and attachments
with female mounting holes. To mount a grip, gently thread it onto the shaft. Other mounting adapters are
also available to prevent rotation. Ensure that the grip or fixture is positioned to ensure axial load with
respect to the loading shaft of the force gauge. When using a grip, ensure that it secures the sample in
such a way that it is prevented from slipping out during a test, preventing a potential safety risk to the
5
DFG35 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
g
y
operator and others in the vicinity. If using a grip or fixture from a supplier other than Omega, ensure that
it is constructed of suitably rugged materials and components.
Do not use jam nuts or tools to tighten grips or attachments onto the shaft. Finger-tighten only. Antirotation mounting adapters are available.
3.2 Installing the USB driver
If communicating via USB, install the USB driver provided on the Resource CD. Installation instructions
may also be found on the CD or may be downloaded from www.mark-10.com.
Caution!
Install the USB driver before physically connecting the gauge to a PC with the USB cable.
Further instructions for configuring and using the gauge’s outputs are provided in the Communications
and Outputs section.
4 HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS
4.1 Home Screen
1
9
8
2
3
7
No. Name Description
1 Tension /
compression
indicator
2 Peaks The maximum measured compression and tension readings. These readings
3 Primary reading The current displayed force reading. See Operating Modes section for
- indicates a compression (push) direction
- indicates a tension (pull) direction
These indicators are used throu
are reset b
details.
pressing ZERO or by powering the gauge off and on.
hout the display and menu.
5 6
4
6
Loading...