PCE Instruments PCE-PST 1 Users guide

PCE Americas Inc.
1201 Jupiter Park Drive
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.

Suite 2.08, Trafford House

Chester Rd

Manchester

M32 0RS

United Kingdom

From outside UK: +44

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

www.pce-instruments.com/english

www.pce-instruments.com

Manual

Test Device for Peel Tests PCE-PST 1

Version 1.2

Date of creation: 24.06.2015

Date of last change: 04.07.2023

Contents

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3

2 Safety notes ............................................................................................................. 3

3 Specification ............................................................................................................ 4

3.1 Technical specifications .............................................................................................................. 4

3.2 Delivery contents ........................................................................................................................ 4

4 System description ................................................................................................. 5

4.1 Composition and components .................................................................................................... 5

4.2 Display ........................................................................................................................................ 5

4.3 Controls ...................................................................................................................................... 6

4.3.1 Force gauge ................................................................................................................................... 6

4.3.2 Test stand ...................................................................................................................................... 7

4.4 Connectors ................................................................................................................................. 8

4.4.1 Force gauge ................................................................................................................................... 8

4.4.2 Test stand ...................................................................................................................................... 9

4.5 Memory ....................................................................................................................................... 9

5 Operation ............................................................................................................... 10

5.1 Getting started .......................................................................................................................... 10

5.2 Performing a test ...................................................................................................................... 11

6 Settings .................................................................................................................. 14

6.1 Measurement ............................................................................................................................ 14

6.1.1 Speed ........................................................................................................................................... 14

6.1.2 Unit ............................................................................................................................................... 14

6.1.3 Auto-zeroing ................................................................................................................................. 14

6.1.4 Threshold ..................................................................................................................................... 15

6.1.5 Direction ....................................................................................................................................... 15

6.1.6 PEAK ............................................................................................................................................ 15

6.2 Memory ..................................................................................................................................... 15

6.2.1 Statistics ....................................................................................................................................... 15

6.2.2 Settings ........................................................................................................................................ 16

6.3 Configuration ............................................................................................................................ 16

6.3.1 Interface ....................................................................................................................................... 16

6.3.2 Calibration .................................................................................................................................... 17

6.3.3 Info ............................................................................................................................................... 17

6.3.4 Time & date .................................................................................................................................. 17

6.3.5 LCD settings ................................................................................................................................. 17

6.3.6 Language ..................................................................................................................................... 17

6.3.7 Printout ......................................................................................................................................... 17

6.3.8 Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................... 17

6.3.9 Auto Power Off ............................................................................................................................. 18

6.3.10 Battery .......................................................................................................................................... 18

6.3.11 External input ............................................................................................................................... 18

6.3.12 Firmware update .......................................................................................................................... 18

6.3.13 Defaults ........................................................................................................................................ 18

7 Software ................................................................................................................. 18

8 Contact ................................................................................................................... 20

Manual

3

1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a PCE-PST 1 test device for peel tests from PCE Instruments.
The PCE-PST 1 was designed for performing peel tests in a 90 ° angle and for measuring forces up to
500 N. To do so, the PCE-PST 1 comes with a PCE-FB 500 force gauge which is mounted on a motor­powered slide unit. A claw mechanism, which is attached to the force sensor, grabs and holds the sample
when performing a peel test. To start the test, you just have to press the start button. The slide unit starts
to move and the claw mechanism automatically grabs the end of sample, while two guiding pulleys hold
the rest of the sample in place. The movement of the slide unit now exerts a force on the sample which is
recorded by the force gauge.
The internal memory of the device can store up to 6,400 readings. Additionally, the force gauge also
comes with a slot for micro SD cards and an USB interface for transferring the data to a PC.

2 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. There is no
warranty of damages or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual.

• The device may only be used in the approved temperature range. Avoid severe fluctuations in
temperature as well as poor ventilation.

• Do not expose the equipment to water or water vapour. Do not touch it when your hands are wet
to avoid damage of the internal precision components as this item is not waterproof.

• Avoid direct sunlight.

• Do not place the instrument close to a heater or similar equipment.

• Excessive shock and vibration should be avoided.

• Make sure not to expose the device to chemical materials or explosive gases.

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

• The instrument should never be placed with the user interface facing an object (e.g. keyboard

side on a table).

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

• The device should only be cleaned with a damp cloth / use only pH-neutral cleaner. However,

some parts like the plug and interface cannot be cleaned with a damp cloth.

• Clean the LC display after each use to avoid drying of dirt which can affect the device’s
appearance (scratches etc.) and functionality negatively. Before cleaning, switch off the device.

• If the product emits smoke, sparks, strange noises or odours, please switch it off immediately and
unplug it.

• The device may only be used with PCE accessories or equivalent.

• Make sure you use the proper mains adaptors for the force gauge and the test stand, as they

differ in current. Using the wrong mains adaptor can cause damage to the devices.

This manual is published by PCE Instruments without any guarantee.
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.

Manual

4

3 Specification

3.1 Technical specifications

Test stand

Measuring path

100 mm

Travelling distance

150 mm

Speed

0.3 m/min

Force gauge

Measuring range

500 N

Resolution

0.1 N

Accuracy

±0.1 % of measuring range

Local gravity factor

manually adjustable or via GPS data

Trigger force for staring the measurement

20 N

Measuring units

N, g, lb, oz, kg, lbf, ozf

Sampling rate

10 samples / sec. Or 40 samples / sec.

Measuring functions

Peak (Min/Max)
Threshold values
Real-time measurements with PC software

Display

Graphic display 61 x 34 mm
Automatic display orientation
Backlight

Languages

German, English, Spanish

Memory

Internal memory: Up to 6,400 readings
Micro SD card slot

Interfaces

RS-232C 9 pins
USB

Software

PC Software included in the package

General specifications

Operating conditions

-10 … +40 °C

Power supply

Test stand: mains adaptor 230V/12V, 5.0 A
Force gauge: mains adaptor 230V/12V, 1.2 A
4 x NiMH batteries, 2700 mAh

Dimensions

490 x 210 x 150 mm

Weight

approx. 9.2 kg

3.2 Delivery contents

1 x test stand
1 x force gauge
1 x mains adaptor test stand
1 x mains adaptor force gauge
4 x NiMH batteries
1 x PC software
1 x carrying case
1 x instruction manual

Manual

5

4 System description

4.1 Composition and components

4.2 Display

The display is located on the force gauge. The most important elements are described on the following
image.

Indication

Meaning

MIN
OK
MAX

Reading is too low (MIN)
Reading is alright (OK)
Reading is too high (MAX)

TRG
ACQ

Peel test mode
Normal measuring mode

LOCK

Reading is stable
PEAK indication is active

PK↑/PK↓

Min or max value is displayed

SLW
FST

Slow measuring mode
Fast measuring mode

AUT

Auto-zero is active

SD

microSD card is installed

Guiding pulleys

Force gauge

Control panel

Claw

mechanism

Base plate with

pulleys

Model

Measuring mode

and stability

indication

Direction and

reading

indication

Reading

Battery status

indication

Manual

6

4.3 Controls

4.3.1 Force gauge

No.

Name

Function

1

ON/OFF

Turn the device on/off

2

UNIT/CLEAR

• Main screen: Change the measuring unit

• Menu: cancel/back

3

BACKLIGHT

Turn the backlight on/off

4

PEAK ▲

• Main screen: Show peak values

• Menu: Move cursor up

• Input field: Increase current figure by 1

5

MEM ◄

• Main screen: Switch between peel test mode and the normal measuring
mode

• Menu: Move selection to the left or back/cancel

• Input field: Move 1 figure to the left

6

ENTER
►0◄

• Main screen: Zeroing

• Menu: Confirm selection/input

7

PRINT ►

• Main screen: Send reading to RS-232C interface

• Menu: Move selection to the right or confirm selection

• Input field: Move 1 figure to the right

8

MENU ▼

• Main screen: Open the menu screen

• Menu: Move cursor down

• Input field: Decrease current figure by 1

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8

Manual

7

4.3.2 Test stand

No.

Description

Function

1

Selector switch automatic/manual

Choose between manual and automatic control of the slide
unit’s movement (to the left)

2

Start button

• Automatic: Start the automatic movement of the
slide unit to the left. The slide unit moves across
the whole travelling distance.

• Manual: The slide unit moves to the left as long as
the button is pressed.

3

Stop button

Stop the movement of the slide unit when you have
selected the automatic mode.

4

Back button

Move the slide unit to the right. The slide unit moves as
long as the button is pressed.

1

2 3 4

Manual

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4.4 Connectors

4.4.1 Force gauge

The connectors of the force gauge are located at the bottom side of the device (during normal use of the
PCE-PST 1, this is on the left side).

On the bottom of the forge gauge you can find an USB and a RS-232C interface, as well as a connector
for power supply.

Description of the data transmission protocol (USB, RS-232C) when working with a computer
(LonG)

The force gauge transmits the data as follows (8 bits, 1 stop, no parity, 4,800 bps):
Computer→gauge: Initiating signal S I CR LF (53 h 49 h 0 Dh 0 Ah)
Gauge→computer: Gauge indication according to the following format (16 bytes):

Description of individual bytes:
Byte 1 - “-“ or space

Byte 2 - space
Byte 3-4 - digit or space
Byte 5-9 - digit, comma or space
Byte 10 - digit
Byte 11 - space
Byte 12 - k, 1, c, p, or space
Byte 13 - g, b, t, c, or %
Byte 14 - space
Byte 15 - CR
Byte 16 - LF

Manual

9

4.4.2 Test stand

The connector for the power supply is located on the left side of the device (when standing in front of the
control panel).

4.5 Memory

The recorded data is stored automatically to the volatile memory (RAM) of the force gauge. When you
turn off the device, the data are lost. The force gauge also has a non-volatile EEPROM memory, where
the data can be stored as well, if desired. The data are preserved there, even after rebooting.
Another possibility is using a microSD card. For this purpose, the force gauge has a microSD card slot
which is located at the left side of the device (during normal use of the PCE-PST 1, this is on the top side
of the force gauge).

To insert a microSD card, turn off the device and put the card in the slot. Use the pushing element to
push the SD card in, until it snaps into place. Now turn on the device. An SD symbol should appear in the
display. To remove the SD card, turn off the device once again and use the pushing element to push the
card further in, until the holding mechanism is released.

Connector for mains

adaptor (12 V / 5.0 A)

Manual

10

5 Operation

5.1 Getting started

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Charge the force gauge by using its mains adaptor (12 V / 1.2 A). Connect the mains adaptor of
the test stand (12 V / 5.0 A) to the test stand.

Note: It is recommended to operate the force gauge without the mains adaptor, when performing
a measurement. This prevents the distortion of the readings and jamming of the cable.

2. Switch the test stand into manual mode and use the start button to move the slide unit in a
position in which the claw mechanism is closed.

3. Now, turn on the force gauge. It will perform a zero calibration. If the calibration was successful,
you should see the following screen:

Here you can set the material thickness and the unit in which it is displayed. Select the desired

option by using the „PEAK ▲“ and „MENU ▼“ keys and press „ENTER ►0◄“. To change the

unit, use the „MEM ◄“ and „PRINT ►“ keys. To change the thickness, select a digit by using
„MEM ◄“ und „PRINT ►“ and increase or decrease it by using „PEAK ▲“ and „MENU ▼“. Press

„ENTER ►0◄“ afterwards to confirm.

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Once you have adjusted the settings to your needs, select “Exit” and press „ENTER ►0◄“. Now
you get to the following screen:

4. Next, move the slide unit back to its starting position (in which the claw mechanism is opened) by
using the back button on the test stand. You can now perform a peel test.

5.2 Performing a test

To perform a peel test, follow these steps:

1. Follow the steps in chapter 5.1.

2. Make sure that the slide unit is in its starting position and that the claw mechanism is opened.

3. Prepare the sample by peeling off an approx. 6 cm long stripe. Preferably bend the stripe in a 90
°C angle.

Manual

12

4. Insert the sample into the PCE-PST 1 as seen in the following image. Make sure the peeled-off
stripe is not too short or too long.

The measurement can be started. The sample was inserted correctly.

The measurement cannot be started. The sample is too long.

When the sample is inserted correctly, you can start the measurement procedure.

5. Press the MEM button on the force gauge. A “TRG” indication should now appear in the display.

Note: the following settings are set by default for peel tests:
Mode: automatic
Quantity: 34
Trigger: 20 N
Delay at trigg.
Time delay 0.0 s
Record R/­ Autosave off

Manual

13

6. Switch the test stand into automatic or manual mode. In automatic mode, press the start button to
start the peel test. In manual mode, press and hold the start button.

Note: Make sure that the claw mechanism grabs the sample correctly. If all settings are correct
and the measuring does not start, the trigger force has not been reached.

7. The slide unit automatically stops in the ending position. If forces of more than 500 N occur
during the peel test, the slide unit will stop as well.

8. Now, you can read the measuring results in the display of the force gauge.

9. To move the slide unit back into its starting position, press and hold the back button on the test
stand.

Note: During this procedure, the claw mechanism opens. Hold the sample to prevent it from
falling out.

Manual

14

To start another measurement, you first have to delete the readings from the volatile memory. This option
(“MEM DELETE”) is selected by default in the statistics screen. Press “ENTER ►0◄” to clear the volatile
memory.
If you want to save the data first, select “SAVE” to save the data to the EEPROM memory or to the SD
card. Press “PRINT” to print the data via a printer.

Use the “MEM ◄” and “PRINT ►” for selection (respectively “PEAK ▲” and “MENU ▼” when choosing

the memory location) and press ”ENTER ►0◄” to confirm.

6 Settings

Press the “MENU ▼” button to open the settings menu. Here you can choose between the following
options:

1. Measurement

2. Memory

3. Configuration

4. Exit

To exit the menu, press the “UNIT/CLEAR” or “MEM ◄” button or select “Exit” and confirm by pressing
”ENTER ►0◄”.

6.1 Measurement

Select “Measurement” to open the measurement settings. Here you can choose between the following
settings:

1. Speed

2. Unit

3. Auto-zeroing

4. Threshold

5. Direction

6. Peak

7. Exit

6.1.1 Speed

Here you can change the sampling rate. You can choose between the following settings:

• Slow / 10 Hz

• Fast / 40 Hz

Select the desired option and confirm by pressing ”ENTER ►0◄”.

6.1.2 Unit

Here you can select the measuring unit which is shown on the main screen and the statistics screen. You
can choose between N, kgf, lbf, ozf, kg, lb and oz. Select the unit you want to use and confirm by
pressing ”ENTER ►0◄”.

6.1.3 Auto-zeroing

Here you can change the settings of the auto-zeroing function.

1. Status: ON/OFF – turn on/off auto-zeroing

2. Range: Enter the range of auto-zeroing as a multiple of the readability d.

3. Art. zero: SET/OFF

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6.1.4 Threshold

Here you can set threshold data and turn on/off the threshold function. You can change the following options:

1. Status: ON/OFF – Activate/deactivate the threshold function.

2. MIN: Set the minimum threshold value. Enter a force.

3. MAX: Set the maximum threshold level. Enter a force.

4. ZERO: Set the zero signalling threshold. Enter a force.

5. Output: OFF/MODE1/MODE2 – Select if the force gauge emits a signal, once a threshold level is

exceeded. MODE1 emits a short signal if the reading falls below the MIN threshold value and a
long signal when the reading exceeds the MAX threshold value. MODE2 emits an interrupted
signal as long as the reading is lower than the MIN threshold value and a continuous signal as
long as the reading is higher than the MAX threshold value.
Note: This option is only relevant in combination with an optional signal output.

6. Alarm: OFF/MODE1/MODE2 – Select if the device emits an acoustic alarm signal, once a
threshold value is exceeded. MODE1 emits a short signal if the reading falls below the MIN
threshold value and a long signal when the reading exceeds the MAX threshold value. MODE2
emits an interrupted signal as long as the reading is lower than the MIN threshold value and a
continuous signal as long as the reading is higher than the MAX threshold value.

7. Exit

If you have set and activated a threshold value, the display shows the current state (MIN/OK/MAX) in the
top left side of the main screen.

6.1.5 Direction

Here you can select the direction of the force measurement. You can choose from normal (tensile forces)
and reverse (compressive forces).
Note: To be able to perform peel tests, normal (tensile force) has to be selected.

6.1.6 PEAK

Here you can adjust settings of the peak function on/off. You can select the following options:

1. AutoMEM: ON/OFF – Turn on/off automatic saving of peak values.

2. Minimum: Determine from what value on a reading is recorded as a peak value.

6.2 Memory

Select “Memory” to open the memory settings. Here you have the following options:

1. Statistics

2. Settings

3. Exit

6.2.1 Statistics

Here you can view the stored readings and ratios, such as sum, average and standard deviation. In
addition, you have the following options:

1. Print: Send the stored readings to a printer via the RS-232C interface.

2. Histogram: View the data in a histogram.

3. Chart: View the data in a chart.

4. Save: Save the readings to the EEPROM memory or to the SD card.

5. Load: Load readings from the EEPROM memory or from the SD card.

6. Reset: Delete all data from the volatile memory.

7. Delete: Delete all data from the EEPROM memory or from the SD card.

8. Exit

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6.2.2 Settings

Here you can adjust the settings of the memory function. You have the following options:

1. Mode: MANUAL/AUTO – Automatic or manual measuring mode.

2. Quantity: Enter the quantity of readings to be saved in automatic measuring mode (max. 6,400).

3. Smp. time: Adjust the sampling rate.

4. Trigger: Enter the force (in N) which triggers data recording.

5. Delay at: trigg./start – Choose if the recording is delayed from the beginning on or when it is

triggered.

6. Time del.: Enter the time delay.

7. Record: R/- / R/D&T – Choose if the readings are stored with the current date and time (R/D&T)

or without Date and time (R/-).

8. Autosave: OFF/EEPROM/SDCARD – Choose if the readings are automatically stored to the
EEPROM memory or to the SD card or turn off the auto save function.

9. SD card: Set the folder and file name for saving data to the SD card.

Note: The following settings are set by default for performing peel tests.
Mode: automatic

Quantity: 34
Smp. time 0.5 s
Trigger: 20 N
Delay at: trigg.
Time del.: 0.0 s
Record: R/­ Autosave: off

6.3 Configuration

Select “Configuration” to open the configuration settings. Here you have the following options:

1. Interface

2. Calibration

3. Info

4. Time & date

5. LCD settings

6. Language

7. Printout

8. Keyboard

9. Auto-Off

10. Battery

11. External input

12. Firmware Update

13. Defaults

14. Exit

6.3.1 Interface

Here you can configure the USB and RS-232 interfaces. You have the following options:

1. RS-232C: Here you can set the baud rate, bits, parity and the transmission method of the RS-232
interface.

2. USB: Here you can set the baud rate, bits, parity and the transmission method of the USB
interface.

3. Exit

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6.3.2 Calibration

If you have any questions, please contact our personnel.

6.3.3 Info

Here you can view information about the measuring device, such as type, measuring range, serial
number or production date.

6.3.4 Time & date

Here you can adjust the date and time settings. You have the following options:

1. Time: Here you can adjust the internal clock.

2. Date: Here you can adjust the date settings.

3. PIN: Here you set a 4 figure PIN code.

4. Format: 12H/24H – Choose if the time is shown in 12 h or 24 h format.

5. Exit

6.3.5 LCD settings

Here you can adjust the LCD settings. You have the following options:

1. Contrast: Adjust the display contrast.

2. Backlig. ON/OFF/ECO/BAT – Turn on permanent backlight (ON). Turn off the backlight (OFF).

Press the backlight key to activate backlight (ECO). The backlight is turned off after 30 seconds
(BAT).

3. Direct.: AUTO/UP/DOWN – Choose the orientation of the display .

4. LCD time: ON/OFF – Choose if date and time are shown in the main screen.

5. Exit

6.3.6 Language

Here you can select the menu language. You have the following options:

1. Language: You can choose: Polish (PL), Spanish (ESP), German (DE) and English (ENG).

2. Exit

6.3.7 Printout

Here you can adjust the information which is transmitted to the printer. Select the desired information and

press ”ENTER ►0◄” to activate it. Now press “PRINT ►” to get to the input filed. Here you can select

letters and numbers by using “PEAK ▲” and “MENU ▼”. Press “PRINT ►” to get to the next digit.

Pressing ”ENTER ►0◄” confirms the entry.

You have the following options:

1. Heading: Activate/deactivate the heading.

2. Date: Activate/deactivate the date.

3. Time: Activate/deactivate the time.

4. ID1: Text element 1 for up to 20 characters.

5. ID2: Text element 2 for up to 20 characters.

6. ID3: Text element 3 for up to 20 characters.

7. Number: Activate/deactivate the number-

8. Signature: Activate/deactivate the signature.

6.3.8 Keyboard

You have the following options:

1. BEEP: ON/OFF – Select if pressing a button triggers a sound.

2. Exit

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6.3.9 Auto Power Off

Here you can configure the Automatic Power Off function. You have the following options:

1. Status: ON/OFF/BAT – Turn the function on/off or set it to Automatic Power Off after 5 min
(BAT).

2. Exit

6.3.10 Battery

Here you have the following options:

1. Charging: ON/OFF – Select if the batteries are recharged when using the mains adaptor.
Note: When using batteries which are not rechargeable, you have to deactivate this function.

2. Level: Here you can see an indication of the battery status.

3. Exit

6.3.11 External input

This is only relevant in combination with an optional external input. For more information, please contact
our personnel.

6.3.12 Firmware update

The PCE-PST 1 has a special firmware for performing peel tests. Please DO NOT update the firmware.
For more information, please contact our personnel.

6.3.13 Defaults

Here you can reset the device to default settings. To do so, select “YES” and confirm by pressing
”ENTER ►0◄”.

7 Software

The PCE-PST 1 comes with the software “PCE-FG” which can be used to record and analyse the
readings on a PC. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Install the software on your PC.

2. Connect the force gauge to the PC via the USB or RS-232 interface.

3. Start the software. The automatic detection should start shortly after:

Note: If the automatic detection does not start, select “Connection” in the menu bar and click on
“detect”. You also can set up the COM port manually.

Manual

19

4. Now you get to the main screen of the software:

No.

Name

Function

1

Live graph

Here you can see the readings from the force gauge in real-time as a graph.

2

Current value

Here you can see the current reading.

3

Remote control

Here you can control some functions of the force gauge remotely.

4

On-line
measurement

Here you can start a measurement with one click. Additionally, you can set
up a time-based measurement.

5

Off-line
measurement

Here you can choose from which memory the data are to be loaded.

6

Threshold
values

Here you can set up threshold levels.

7

PEAK
measurement

Here you can activate the PEAK function.

8

Gravitational
acceleration

Here you can adjust the gravitational acceleration.

9

Unit

Here you can choose the measuring unit.

10

Data memory

Here you can adjust the memory settings and the sampling rate.

1 2 3 4 5

6

7

8 9 10

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8 Contact

If you have any questions about our range of products or measuring instruments please contact PCE
Instruments.

PCE Instruments UK
By post:

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Suite 2.08, Trafford House
Chester Rd, Manchester M32 0RS

United Kingdom
By phone:

[phone]

PCE Americas
By post:

PCE Americas Inc.
1201 Jupiter Park Drive Suite 8
Jupiter
33458 FL
USA

By phone:
561 320 9162