PCE Instruments PCE-PFG 20 Users guide

© PCE Instruments

PCE-PFG Series Force Gauge

User Manual

User manuals in various languages (français,

italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,

русский, 中文) can be found by using our

product search on: www.pce-instruments.com

Last change: 2 February 2021

v1.0

English

Contents

1 Safety notes ........................................................................................... 1

2 Specifications ........................................................................................ 2

3 Delivery scope ....................................................................................... 2

4 Dimensions ............................................................................................ 3

5 Key functions ........................................................................................ 4

6 Battery .................................................................................................... 5

7 Switching on and off ............................................................................. 5

8 Measuring modes.................................................................................. 6

8.1 Real Time......................................................................................................................... 6

8.2 Peak................................................................................................................................. 6

8.3 Average mode .................................................................................................................. 6

8.4 Save mode (Automatic memory) .....................................................................................12

9 Alarm limits .......................................................................................... 14

10 Rotate display ...................................................................................... 16

11 Communication interface and output interface ............................... 16

12 More settings ....................................................................................... 17

12.1 Product information .........................................................................................................19

13 Contact ............................................................................................... 19

14 Disposal ............................................................................................... 19

© PCE Instruments

© PCE Instruments

1

1 Safety notes

Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The
device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.

• The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.

• The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative

humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose

the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.

• Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.

• The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.

• Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.

• You must not make any technical changes to the device.

• The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,

no abrasives or solvents.

• The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.

• Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not

use the device.

• Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.

• The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under

any circumstances.

• Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.

We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of

business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at

the end of this manual.

© PCE Instruments

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2 Specifications

Model

Measurement range

Resolution

PCE-PFG 20

0 … 20 N

0.005 N

PCE-PFG 50

0 … 50 N

0.01 N

PCE-PFG 100

0 ... 100 N

0.02 N

PCE-PFG 200

0 … 200 N

0.05 N

PCE-PFG 500

0 … 500 N

0.1 N

PCE-PFG 2K

0 … 2000 N

0.5 N

Accuracy

0.3 % of measurement range

Units

N, kgF, lbF

Sampling rate

500 Hz

Display

1.8" graphic display

Alarm modes

Below, Inside, Outside

Memory

100 measurements

Power supply

Lithium battery 3.7 V / 1500 mAh

Battery life

up to 36 h

Mains adaptor / USB charging adaptor

5 V / 1 A

Outputs

Interface: USB B,
switching output / alarm modes: MD6 with

2.85 V when active

Protection class

IP 54

Operating and storage conditions

5 ... 45 °C,
35 ... 65 % RH, non-condensing

Dimensions

189 x 707 x 34 mm

Weight

450 g

Models with external load cell

Dimensions / weight load cell

L 52 mm / H 72 mm / W 19 mm / M12 thread
/ 490 g

Cable length external load cell

approx. 1.8 m

Handheld dimensions

189 x 707 x 34 mm

Handheld weight

240 g

3 Delivery scope

For force gauges PCE-PFG 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500:
1 x flat head adaptor Ø13 mm
1 x pointed head adaptor
1 x hook adaptor
1 x extension rod (75 mm)
1 x USB cable
1 x USB charger
1 x user manual
1 x plastic carrying case

For the force gauge PCE-PFG 2K:
1 x 2000 N S measuring cell
2 x M12 joint eyes
2 x pressure fittings
1 x USB cable
1 x USB charger
1 x user manual
1 x plastic carrying case

© PCE Instruments

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4 Dimensions

Dimensions for models with internal measuring cell

Dimensions for models with external measuring cell

© PCE Instruments

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5 Key functions

Key

Description

"Power" key for switching the meter on and off

"MODE" key to select between the individual modes
"DEL" key to delete individual values

"UNIT" key

- Setting the unit in measuring mode

- Increasing displayed parameter

- Selecting the next item in the menu

"Enter" key to confirm the entry or to open a menu item
"DIR" key for switching between compressive and tensile alarm display

"ESC" key to exit the menu
"Zero" key to reset the zero point

"DATA" key:

- Select the next item in the menu

- Call up data memory

"SET" key:

- to enter the menu

- to select a menu item

- to apply settings

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6 Battery

The force gauge has a built-in 3.7 V rechargeable battery. If the meter is stored for a longer period
of time, it should be recharged because the battery discharges itself. The battery is recharged
after approx. 6 hours.

When the battery is charging, the following icon is displayed:
When the battery is fully charged, the icon appears on the display.

When switched on, the battery indicator shows the current battery capacity when no charger is
connected.

Battery capacity

Icons

100 %

75 %

50 %

25 %

0 %

As soon as the battery is discharged, the force gauge switches itself off.

7 Switching on and off

To switch the force gauge on / off, press and release the key once. When the force gauge
is switched on, the model, version number and serial number are displayed.

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8 Measuring modes

There are four different measuring modes in this force gauge. If the tensile or compressive force
is outside the measurement range, "OVER" is shown on the display. An acoustic signal is also
generated. Only when the measured value is back within the measurement range, a normal
measurement can be resumed.

To select between the modes, press the key in the current measuring mode. The current
measuring mode is displayed below the measured value.

Note: Zeroing can only be performed withing the range of 10 % of the total capacity.

8.1 Real Time

In Real Time (RT) measuring mode, the current measured value is continuously displayed.

8.2 Peak

In peak mode (PK), the highest measured value is displayed and held. This measuring mode can

be used for tensile and compressive force. The peak value is reset with the key .

8.3 Average mode

In Average (AVG) mode, the average value of a measurement is displayed. This mode can be
used, for example, for peel force, friction force and other tests where an average value is required.
There are two different functions in this measuring mode.
MOD1: With this function, the average value of the force curve is displayed from the set smallest
force and over the set period of time.

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MOD2: This function calculates the average above the set smallest measured value. When the
measured value falls below the set smallest measured value again, the measurement is finished.
This measuring procedure is possible over a period of 10 minutes.

As long as the measurement time of 10 minutes is not exceeded, this measurement can be
resumed at any time.

To make settings in this measuring mode, press the key twice.

To select a parameter, use the arrow keys. Press the key to select a parameter. Use

the arrow keys again to change the parameter properties. Press the key to apply the
settings you have made.

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Setting

Meaning

A.M.C.F.
Average Minimum
Capture Force

Here you set the force at which the average measurement is
to start.

Neg. Time
Neglectful Time

Here you enter the time span at the beginning of the
measurement that is not yet to be taken into account in the
average measurement. Available settings: 0.0 ... 300.0 s.
Resolution: 0.1 s. This parameter only affects the MOD1
function.

Cap. Time
Capture Time

Here you set the measuring time for the average
measurement. Available settings: 0.0 ... 300.0 s. Resolution:

0.1 s. This parameter only affects the MOD1 function.

Ave. Mode

Here you select between the MOD1 and MOD2 function.

To reset and save the average value, press the key. Up to 20 average values can be

saved. To view, delete or export these data, press the key. Now select "Average" with

the arrow keys. Confirm the selection with the key.

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Now you get a choice of four options.

Selection

Description

View Ave. Data
(Read out the memory of the
average measurement)

Here you can read out the memory of the average
measurement and delete individual saved measured values.

View Ave. Stat.

An average evaluation of all average measurements is carried
out here.

Send Ave. Date

Here, the saved measurement data are transferred directly to a
PC.

Clear All Ave.

Deletes all average measurement data.

Select the desired function with the arrow keys. Press the key to open the function. Press

the key to return.

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When viewing all saved measured values, you can select the desired measured value with the

arrow keys. Use the key to switch between the individual pages. Use the key to
delete the selected value.

In the summary of the average readings, you will see the highest, the lowest, the number of
readings and the overall average.

Under "Send Ave. Data", all data are sent to the PC. After all data have been sent, "SENT
FINISH" appears on the display.

With the function "Clear All Ave.”, you can clear the memory. As soon as clearing is completed,
"CLEAR OVER" appears on the display.

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8.3.1 Measuring procedure

If "WAIT" is displayed on the screen, the meter waits until the set minimum load is applied.

If "I.DLY" is shown on the display, the force gauge will wait until the set minimum time has elapsed.

If the minimum load is present and the minimum time has elapsed, the actual measurement
begins. “GATHER" appears on the display. The measurement is made. During this measurement,
it is not possible to see the current measured value.

When the measurement is completed, the display shows "DONE".

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8.4 Save mode (Automatic memory)

In "SAVE Mode", the highest measured values can be saved in a single measurement run.
Sufficient memory space for 100 measured values is available (memory items no. 00 ... 99). The
number of memory items used is displayed to the left of "SAVE". As soon as a single
measurement run is completed, the highest measurement value is automatically saved. The
minimum load for this function is specified in the settings under P.M.C.F. To evaluate the data,

press the key. Then press to select "PEAK".

The following options are now available:

Selection

Description

View Peak Data
(Read out the memory of the
peak values)

Here you can read out the memory of the peak values and
delete individual saved measured values.

View Peak Stat.

The highest, lowest and average of all peak values are
displayed here.

Send Peak Date

Here, the saved measurement data are transferred directly to a
PC.

Clear All Peak

Deletes all peak readings.

Use the arrow keys to make your selection here. Use the to select the desired function.

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When viewing all saved measured values, you can select the desired measured value with the

arrow keys. Use the key to switch between the individual pages. Use the key to
delete the selected value.

The peak summary shows you the highest, the loweest, the number of readings and the total
peak.

Under "Send Peak Data", all data are sent to the PC. After all data has been sent, "SENT
FINISH" appears on the display.

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Use the "Clear All Peak" function to clear the memory. Once clearing is complete, the display
shows "CLEAR OVER".

9 Alarm limits

The alarm limits function is useful, for example, to check during quality control whether the sample
is working within the specified tolerances. Two limits can be set here. If the measured value is
lower than the set "Lower Limit", this is signalled by the red and green LEDs lighting up. If the
measured value is between the set "Higher Limit" and "Lower Limit", only the green LED lights
up. If the "Higher Limit" value is also exceeded, only the red LED lights up.

Note:

This function is only available in the measuring modes RT, PK and Save. If the "Stop Force"
function is activated, no LED or only the green LED will light up, depending on the setting.

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To set the alarm limits, press the key in the current measuring mode.

Display

Meaning

This setting refers to tensile force

This setting refers to compressive force
L. Limit

Lower Limit. Here you set the first limit value. This value cannot be higher than
the H. Limit value.

H. Limit

Higher Limit. Here you set the second limit value. This value cannot be smaller
than the L. Limit value.

Number

Here you set the desired limit.

Use the arrow keys to select the desired parameter. Now press the key to make
changes to this value. You can now use the arrow keys to change the value as desired. Confirm

the entry with the key. Press the key to return to the measuring mode.
Note:

The second limit value must always be higher than the first set limit value. The set values are

shown above the display in measuring mode. Pressing the key selects between the
display of the set alarm tension or the set alarm compression.

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10 Rotate display

To rotate the display, press and hold the key in the current measuring mode. Then
release the key. The display will rotate by 180 °.

11 Communication interface and output interface

With this force gauge, the saved measurement data can be transferred to a PC. To do this,

connect the USB cable to the meter and to the PC. To activate this function, first press the

key four times. Now select the "Online" function with the arrow keys. Now press the key.
With the arrow keys, you can now change the setting from „OFF“ to “ON”. Now confirm your entry

with the key. The USB interface is now activated with this setting.

After installing the drivers and the software, you can establish a serial connection to the force
gauge via the software. To do so, set the parameters of the force gauge under "Serial Port
Setting". Now use the "OPEN" button to establish a connection. The force gauge has a memory
for the peak values and a memory for the average values.
To read out the memory for the peak values, type a "P" into the text field of the software and
then click on "Send". The memory content is then displayed below the software. If you want to
read out the memory for the average values, type "A" intp the text field and click on "Send".
To remove the read data, click on "Clear".
You can also save the data to your PC permanently. To do this, click on the "SAVE" button. The
data can be saved in “.xls" and ".txt" file format.

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12 More settings

To make further settings to the meter, press the key three times in measuring mode. Use
the arrow keys to select your desired parameter. Once you have found your desired parameter,

press the key to select the function. Use the arrow keys again to make the changes.

Confirm the entry with the key.

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The displayed functions have the following meanings:

Function

Meaning

St. Force

Here you can set the limit weight at which a test stand is to stop.

Stop Mode

Here you can activate and deactivate the control of the test stand via the
PCE-PFG.

S. Point

This is the starting point where data recording is to begin.

F. Point

This is the end point at which data recording is to be stopped.

The key must be pressed again for the following functions.

Function

Meaning

P.M.C.F

Here you set the minimum load for the
measuring mode "SAVE MODE" to save a
peak value.

Shutoff

Here you can select when the force gauge
switches itself off. Selectable range: 0 ... 30
min. Selecting 0 minutes switches off this
function. The force gauge is then
permanently switched on.

Backlight

Here you can switch the backlight on and
off.

Online

This activates the data interface.

To exit the menu again, press the key.

12.1 Product information

To inform you about the serial number, product name and version number, this is displayed each
time the meter is started.

13 Contact

If you have any questions, suggestions or technical problems, please do not hesitate to contact

us. You will find the relevant contact information at the end of this user manual.

14 Disposal

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European
Parliament applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as
household waste. They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.

In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re­use them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.

For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance
with your local waste regulations.

If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

© PCE Instruments

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© PCE Instruments

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PCE Instruments contact information

Germany France Spain

PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 4 23, rue de Strasbourg Calle Mayor, 53
D-59872 Meschede 67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets 02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
Deutschland France España
Tel.: [phone] Téléphone: [phone] Tel. : [phone]
Fax: [phone] Numéro de fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/french www.pce-instruments.com/espanol

United Kingdom Italy Turkey

PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l. PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
Unit 11 Southpoint Business Park Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6 Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Ensign Way, Southampton 55010 Loc. Gragnano Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
Hampshire Capannori (Lucca) 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF Italia Türkiye
Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano www.pce-instruments.com/turkish

The Netherlands China Hong Kong

PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE (Beijing) Technology Co., Limited PCE Instruments HK Ltd.
Institutenweg 15 1519 Room, 6 Building Unit J, 21/F., COS Centre
7521 PH Enschede Zhong Ang Times Plaza 56 Tsun Yip Street
Nederland No. 9 Mentougou Road, Tou Gou District Kwun Tong
Telefoon: [phone] 102300 Beijing, China Kowloon, Hong Kong
[e-mail] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.cn www.pce-instruments.cn

United States of America

PCE Americas Inc.
1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8
Jupiter / Palm Beach
33458 FL
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/us