Instron AutoX, Operator'S Manual

Page: 27 / 60

27
Moving the AutoX
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Alignment and Setup
Caution
Before beginning the alignment procedure, check that the load frame is level.
You must align the AutoX with the load string to ensure that the knife edges attach to the
specimen correctly throughout the expected range of travel of the arms. The difficulty of
achieving alignment relative to the frame depends upon your specimen and the
expected range of travel.
•
If you are testing metals, for example, where the range of travel is probably small,
you can achieve the required alignment quite easily.
•
If you are testing plastics, for example, where you expect substantial elongation, you
will have to spend some time adjusting the position of the AutoX to ensure that the
knife edges are aligned with the center of the load string throughout the expected
range of travel.
To align the AutoX:
1. Move the crosshead so that the grip separation is approximately where you expect
maximum elongation to be for your specimen type.
2. Install a thin specimen in the grips; a piece of string is the most suitable for
alignment purposes.
3. The aim of the alignment is to maintain the knife edges touching the specimen
throughout the entire range of travel of the arms.
Figure 8
on page 28 shows the
various adjustment mechanisms on the base of the AutoX and their effect on the
alignment.
a. Make sure that the four M6 bolts that attach the AutoX to the mounting bracket
have sufficient slack that you can slide the instrument in the slots.
b. Back off the three hex jacking screws (see
Figure 8
on page 28 ).
c. Use the sliding mechanism on the mounting bracket to slide the AutoX forward
into the test space until it stops. Move the instrument back or forward, as
required, in the slots in the mounting bracket until it is positioned centrally in the
test space. The mounting on static hydraulic frames also allows movement from
left to right. Tighten the four M6 bolts finger tight.
d. Tighten the jacking screw at the rear of the AutoX until the instrument is level in
the front to rear direction.
e. Tighten the two jacking screws at the front of the AutoX until the instrument is
level in the side to side direction.