Bluehill 3 Test Method Development Training - D4LABS …curreyj/BNG-311_files/Instr… · ·...

Bluehill 3 Test Method Development Training

Training Manual M18-16253-EN Revision A

The difference is measurable ®

Electromagnetic Compatibility

Where applicable, this equipment is designed to comply with International Electromagnetic Com-patibility (EMC) standards.

To ensure reproduction of this EMC performance, connect this equipment to a low impedance ground connection. Typical suitable connections are a ground spike or the steel frame of a building.

Proprietary Rights Notice

This document and the information that it contains are the property of Illinois Tool Works Inc.(ITW). Rights to duplicate or otherwise copy this document and rights to disclose the document andthe information that it contains to others and the right to use the information contained therein maybe acquired only by written permission signed by a duly authorized officer of ITW.

Trademarks

Instron®is a registered trademark of Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW). Other names, logos, icons, andmarks identifying Instron products and services referenced herein are trademarks of ITW and maynot be used without the prior written permission of ITW.Other product and company names used herein are trademarks or trade names of their respectivecompanies.

Training Manual

© Copyright 2009 Illinois Tool Works Inc. All rights reserved. All of the specificationsshown in this document are subject to change without notice.

Worldwide Headquarters

Instron825 University Avenue

Norwood, MA 02062-2643United States of America

European Headquarters

InstronCoronation Road

High Wycombe, Bucks HP12 3SYUnited Kingdom

Industrial Products Group

Instron 900 Liberty Street

Grove City, PA 16127 United States of America

Preliminary Pages

General Safety Precautions

Materials testing systems are potentially hazardous.

Materials testing involves inherent hazards from high forces, rapid motions, and stored energy. You must be aware of all moving and operating components that are potentially hazardous, particularly the actuator in a servohydraulic testing system or the moving crosshead in an electromechanical testing system.

Whenever you consider that safety is compromised, press the Emergency Stop button to stop the test and isolate the testing system from hydraulic or electrical power.

Carefully read all relevant manuals and observe all Warnings and Cautions. The term Warning is used where a hazard may lead to injury or death. The term Caution is used where a hazard may lead to damage to equipment or to loss of data.

Ensure that the test setup and the actual test you will be using on materials, assem-blies, or structures constitute no hazard to yourself or others. Make full use of all mechanical and electronic limits features. These are supplied to enable you to prevent movement of the actuator piston or the moving crosshead beyond desired regions of operation.

The following pages detail various general warnings that you must heed at all times while using materials testing equipment. You will find more specific Warnings and Cautions in the text whenever a potential hazard exists.

Your best safety precautions are to gain a thorough understanding of the equipment by reading your instruction manuals and to always use good judgement.

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Preliminary Pages M18-16253-EN

Warnings

Hazard - Protect electrical cables from damage and inadvertent disconnection.

The loss of controlling and feedback signals that can result from a disconnected or damaged cable causes an open loop condition which may drive the actuator or cross-head rapidly to its extremes of motion. Protect all electrical cables, particularly trans-ducer cables, from damage. Never route cables across the floor without protection, nor suspend cables overhead under excessive strain. Use padding to avoid chafing where cables are routed around corners or through wall openings.

High/Low Temperature Hazard - Wear protective clothing when handling equipment at extremes of temperature.

Materials testing is often carried out at non-ambient temperatures using ovens, fur-naces, or cryogenic chambers. Extreme temperature means an operating temperature exceeding 60°C (140°F) or below 0°C (32°F). You must use protective clothing, such as gloves, when handling equipment at these temperatures. Display a warning notice concerning low or high temperature operation whenever temperature control equip-ment is in use. You should note that the hazard from extreme temperature can extend beyond the immediate area of the test.

Crush Hazard - Take care when installing or removing a specimen, assembly or structure.

Installation or removal of a specimen, assembly, or structure involves working inside the hazard area between the grips or fixtures. 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.

Hazard - Do not place a testing system off-line from computer control without first ensuring that no actuator or crosshead movement will occur upon transfer to manual control.

The actuator or crosshead will immediately respond to manual control settings when the system is placed off-line from computer control. Before transferring to manual control, make sure that the control settings are such that unexpected actuator or cross-head movement cannot occur.

Robotic Motion Hazard - Keep clear of the operating envelope of a robotic device unless the device is de-activated.

The robot in an automated testing system presents a hazard because its movements are hard to predict. The robot can go instantly from a waiting state to high speed operation in several axes of motion. During system operation, keep away from the operating envelope of the robot. De-activate the robot before entering the envelope for any pur-pose, such as reloading the specimen magazine.

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Preliminary Pages

Warnings

Hazard - Set the appropriate limits before performing loop tuning or running waveforms or test.

Operational limits are included within your testing system to suspend motion or shut off the system when upper and/or lower bounds of actuator or crosshead travel, or force or strain, are reached during testing. Correct setting of operational limits by the operator, prior to testing, will reduce the risk of damage to test article and system and associated hazard to the operator.

Electrical Hazard - Disconnect the electrical power supply before removing the covers to electrical equipment.

Disconnect equipment from the electrical power supply before removing any electri-cal safety covers or replacing fuses. Do not reconnect the power source while the cov-ers are removed. Refit covers as soon as possible.

Rotating Machinery Hazard - Disconnect power supplies before removing the covers to rotating machinery.

Disconnect equipment from all power supplies before removing any cover which gives access to rotating machinery. Do not reconnect any power supply while the cov-ers are removed unless you are specifically instructed to do so in the manual. If the equipment needs to be operated to perform maintenance tasks with the covers removed, ensure that all loose clothing, long hair, etc. it tied back. Refit covers as soon as possible.

Hazard - Shut down the hydraulic power supply and discharge hydraulic pressure before disconnecting any hydraulic fluid coupling.

Do not disconnect any hydraulic coupling without first shutting down the hydraulic power supply and discharging stored pressure to zero. Tie down or otherwise secure all pressurized hoses to prevent movement during system operation and to prevent the hose from whipping about in the event of a rupture.

Hazard - Shut off the supply of compressed gas and discharge residual gas pressure before you disconnect any compressed gas coupling.

Do not release gas connections without first disconnecting the gas supply and dis-charging any residual gas pressure to zero.

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Preliminary Pages M18-16253-EN

Warnings

Explosion Hazard - Wear eye protection and use protective shields or screens whenever any possibility exists of a hazard from the failure of a specimen, assembly, or structure under test.

Wear eye protection and use protective shields or screens whenever a risk of injury to operators and observers exists from the failure of a test specimen, assembly, or struc-ture, particularly where explosive disintegration may occur. Due to the wide range of specimen materials, assemblies, or structures that may be tested, any hazard resulting from the failure of a test specimen, assembly, or structure is entirely the responsibility of the owner and user of the equipment.

Hazard - Ensure components of the load string are correctly preloaded to minimize the risk of fatigue failure.

Dynamic systems, especially where load reversals through zero are occurring, are at risk of fatigue cracks developing if components of the load string are not correctly preloaded to one another. Apply the specified torque to all load string fasteners and the correct setting to wedge washers or spiral washers. Visually inspect highly stressed components such as grips and threaded adapters prior to every fatigue test for signs of wear or fatigue damage.

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Preliminary Pages

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

On-Site Test Method Development Training for BLUEHILL 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Outline for Customer Application Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31. Test Instrument Overview [.5 hrs.] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32. Defining Customer Applications (up to 5 applications) . . . . . . . . . . [1.0 hrs.] 1-33. Setting the Console for Application Needs [.5 hrs.] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34. Creating Test Method for 1st Application [1.5 hr.] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35. Testing the 1st Test Method Application [.5 hrs.] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-46. Convert Test Method to Prompted Method [.5 hrs.] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-47. Create up to 4 Additional Test Methods [2.0 hrs.] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-48. Review all applications with user [1.5 hrs.] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Components in BLUEHILL 3 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5Major System Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Load Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6Control Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7Control Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8Bluehill 3 Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10Bluehill 3 Screen - Control Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10Bluehill 3 Screen - Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Chapter 2 Defining the Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Defining the Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2What is Needed to Execute the Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Required Hardware Considerations: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3Required Software Considerations:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Defining the Test Method Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4Identifying What Measurements are Required for the Application . . . . . . . . . . 2-5Data Collection Rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

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Preliminary Pages

Other Information for Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Chapter 3 Initial System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

System Startup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2Power-Up Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2Bluehill 3 Home Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3Configuring the Home Screen Console: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Setting the Live Displays: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3Calibration of Transducers for the Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Automatic Calibration of Transducers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5Setting Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Setting Mechanical Frame Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6Setting Software Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Setting Gauge Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7Establishing Extension Gauge Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8Bluehill 3 Home Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Test Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9Method Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10Analysis Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10Admin Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10User Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10Help Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10Exit Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

User Administration Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12Admin - System Information - View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Admin - Security - Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12Admin - Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

System - Start-up Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16System - Demonstration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16System - Save test data during test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17System - Specify a company logo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17System - E-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

Admin - Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18Configuration - Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

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Configuration - Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19Configuration - Transducers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19

Chapter 4 Creating a Test Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2Setting General Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4Setting Sample Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Sample - Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5Sample - Numbered Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5Sample - Text Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Setting Specimen Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7Specimen - Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7Specimen - Numbered Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8Specimen - Text Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8Specimen - Choice Inputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Setting Measurement Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10Measurements - Physical Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10Measurements - Virtual Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11Virtual Measurements - Corrected Extension Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12Virtual Measurements - Creating an Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

Identifying Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14Calculations - Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Calculations - Indicate on graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15Calculations - Perform calculation during the test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15

Calculations - Rounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15Setting Test Control Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

Test Control - Start Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16 Test Control - Strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16Test Control - Pre-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18Test Control - Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18

Ramp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19Test Control - End of Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

Criteria for End of Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20Test Control - Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22

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Preliminary Pages

Defining the Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23Console - Live Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23Console - Soft Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23Console - Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24

Test Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24Specimen Protect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25

Console - Grips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25Defining the Workspace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27

Workspace - Operator Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27Workspace - Results 1and 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27

Results - columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27Results - Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28Results - Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29

Workspace - Graph 1 and 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29Graph - Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29Graph X and Y Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31Graph Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32

Workspace - Raw Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32Workspace - Extra Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33

Workspace - Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33Defining Exports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35

Exports - File Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35Exports - Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35Exports - Export Results / Raw Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37Outputs - Defaults Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37

Defining a Prompted Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40Prompted Test - Prompt Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40

Chapter 5 Running a Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Testing a New Sample as a Prompted Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2Prompted Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Select a Method Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3Create the Sample Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4Before Start Prompts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

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Preliminary Pages

Before Specimen Prompts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5Before Test Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5Before Calculations Prompts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6First Specimen Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6After Specimen Prompts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-72nd Before Specimen Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-72nd Before Test Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8Before Calculations Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8Second Specimen Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8After Second Specimen Prompts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9At Finish Prompts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9Finishing Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Testing a New Sample as a Freeform Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11Freeform Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Continuing a Test on an Existing Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13Continuing a Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

Select a Sample to Continue Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13Add Specimen 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15Add Specimen 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15Add Specimen 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16Related Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

Zooming and Scaling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17Context Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

Chapter 6 Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Reports Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3Method Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3Report Editor - General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3Report Editor - Header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4Report Editor - Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5Report Editor - Footer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Evaluate the New Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

xiProduct Support: www.instron.com


Preliminary Pages

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Intro

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Chapter 1
Introduction

Chapter Objectives

Bluehill 3 Test Method Development

Purpose of this Manual

Instron’s Bluehill 3 software was developed to run on an array of Instron testing instruments. These systems can perform a variety of Tensile (pull), Compression (push), Flex (bend), Cyclic, Creep, and Relaxation type test for your application. Each system requires a computer and uses the software to control and monitor tests, collect data, analyze and calculate results, produce graphs, and generate reports required by the user. The following is a list of some of the frames the soft-ware will run on:

• 5900 Series Electromechanical (EM) Test Instruments

• 5500A Series EM Test Instruments

• 5500 Series EM Test Instruments (Ethernet Frame Interface only)

• DX Series Industrial Products Group (IPG) Test Instruments

• KN Series IPG Test Instruments

• LX Series IPG Test Instruments

• RD Series IPG Test Instruments

• SF Series IPG Test Instruments

These systems follow user defined Test Methods to execute a variety of testing applications. Generally, any BLUEHILL 3 test method can run on any BLUE-HILL 3 controlled test instrument, provided the required options are installed and the method does not contain any parameters that exceed the restrictions and capa-bilities of the specific test instrument in use.

On-Site Test Method Development Training for Bluehill 3

This manual focuses on Bluehill 3 software familiarization training and supports the development of test methods for user applications. This document augments

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the On-Site Customer Test Method Development training that comes with your BLUEHILL 3 controlled testing instrument as follows:

OBJECTIVE: Provide the training to develop up to 5 test methods in support of the user applications. Up to three personnel shall be trained in the development of these test methods within BLUEHILL 3 software. This service shall be delivered over an approximate 8 hours period of time.

See suggested outline on following page.

Introduction

This manual provides an introduction to developing test methods for use with any Bluehill 3 based system. It is an overview guide for building test methods for typ-ical applications. It does not cover every available system feature. However, it covers the essentials necessary to run tests and generate results. Each chapter points out actions that should be completed or at least be considered when build-ing test methods for material testing needs.

This manual is intended as an initial learning tool that shows by example how Test Methods are created and run on Bluehill 3 systems. Many times there are different ways to get the required test results using an Instron system. Additional training is normally required to use all the features and options in the system in an efficient manner or to be aware of other procedures that can meet the specific needs of the user.

To be fully trained to operate Instron systems, including all Bluehill 3 features, it is highly recommended that all users attend formal customer training classes on the specific systems and any optional equipment and software. Formal customer classes are scheduled at Instron Training Centers. Bluehill 3 courses can also be conducted On-Site. For scheduling and more information on formal customer training, contact:

Instron Training Center

825 University Avenue

Norwood, MA. 02062Tel 800.473.7838 or www.instron.com

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Outline for Customer Application Development

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Outline for Customer Application Development
Suggested times are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Revise as required.

1. Test Instrument Overview [.5 hrs.] − Major System Components − System Documentation − Software Control Console − Bluehill 3 Software Application Packages

2. Defining Customer Applications (up to 5 applications)[1.0 hrs.] − Review Test Method Types required to preform tasks − Required Hardware Considerations − Required Software Considerations − Identify Measurements or Results required by customer − Determine Information Customer Wants on Reports

3. Setting the Console for Application Needs [.5 hrs.] − Bluehill Screen Overview − Units Selections − Calibration of Transducers for Application − Setting Limits − Setting Gauge Length

4. Creating Test Method for 1st Application [1.5 hr.] − Select New Method Type (Tensile, Compression, Flex etc.) necessary for

Application or select approximate ISO or ASTM method.Determine method of control required for testEnsure expected results calculation are available in the method

− Setting General ParametersMethod- Units and Description

− Setting Sample ParametersNotesNumber/Text Inputs

− Setting Specimen ParametersProperties- GeometryNotesNumber/Text InputsChoice Inputs

− Setting MeasurementsPhysicalVirtualCorrected Position

− Setting Calculations and RulesCalculation SetupRounding

− Setting Test Control ParametersStart - Start MethodStrain - Extensometer Removal Criteria

(cont.)

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Outline for Customer Application Development M18-16253-EN

Pre Test - Preload, Autobalance and PrecyclingTest - Defining Ramp(s) and Rate(s)End of Test - Criteria and ActionData - Data Acquisition Scheme

− Setting the Console ParametersLive Displays - Number and Measurements/ResultsSoft Keys - Assigning FunctionsFrame - Setting the Test Area and Specimen ProtectGrips - Control Parameters

− Setting the Workspace ParametersOperator Inputs- Input DataResults 1/2 - Column/Statistics/FormatGraph 1/2 - Type/X & Y Data/ AdvancedRaw Data - Columns/FormatExtra Displays - SetupLayout - Configuring the Test Screen Appearance

− Setting the Export ParametersFile Settings - Defining LocationReports - Additional Files to Create/E-mailExport Results - Creating CSV FilesExporting Raw Data - Creating CSV FilesDefaults Table - Creating a Custom Table for Reports

− Setting Test Prompt ParametersPrompt Sequence - Applicable to Prompted Test

5. Testing the 1st Test Method Application [.5 hrs.] − Calibrate Systems − Set Limits − Install Specimen − Run Test

Review resultsTroubleshoot Problems

− Revise Method as Required6. Convert Test Method to Prompted Method [.5 hrs.]

− If desired, edit method and make it a Prompted Test. 7. Create up to 4 Additional Test Methods [2.0 hrs.]

− Repeat sections 3-7 as required8. Review all applications with user [1.5 hrs.]

− For each application, demonstrate test method using one sample and then observe each operator running test method.

− Point out any accessories or other equipment that would make applications easier or faster.

− If time available review with operators basic method modification and creat-ing new test methods.

(cont.)

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Components in BLUEHILL 3 Systems

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Bluehill 3 software was designed to run Instron’s 5900 Series Electromechanical (EM) Systems. This popular software can also be run as an option on Instron 5500A and 5500 Series EM systems, DX/LX/KN and RD Series IPG systems.

The primary differences in these test instruments is in the hardware. While all three EM testing systems have a handset, the 5900 offers additional “soft key” programmable features not available in the 5500 and 5500A. IPG systems utilize a hydraulic power plant within the frame and require additional controls.

Major System Components

Load Frames

Series 5900/5500A/5500 EM Load Frames

Series DX/LX/KN/RD/SF IPG Load Frames

Control Panel

5900 Control Panel

5500 Control Panel

Bluehill Control ConsoleControl Electronics

Bluehill Software

Electromechanical Load Frame

Control Panel

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Components in BLUEHILL 3 Systems M18-16253-EN

Control Electronics

5900 Controllers with Ethernet interface

5500A Controllers with Instron’s Ethernet interface

5500 Controllers with Instron’s Ethernet Frame Interface

IS02 Controller with Ethernet Frame Interface

Computer (Required for all systems)

Screen Display Console

Bluehill Control Console for all testing systems

Bluehill 3 Windows-based software

Load Frames

Instron load frames are designed for tension, compression and reverse stress test-ing. These frames are engineered for precision, accuracy, safety, and reliability. Bluehill 3 runs on both Hydraulic and Electromechanical frames. The EM load frame features excellent speed, position accuracy, and stiffness through the use of precision grade ball screws and a high stiffness guidance system. Hydraulic sys-tems use a piston to apply force to the specimens and provide a high level of pre-cision, stiffness, and accuracy.

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Control PanelThere are two variations of the Control Panel that are mounted on the load frame. The 5900 testing systems have a unique handset that provides additional func-tions that are not available on the 5500 control panel. Both handsets are designed to work in concert with the Bluehill 3 screen display for operator convenience and productivity. Gauge length setup, and start/stop opera-tions are available on this control panel. It is ideal for repetitive testing while working at the load frame. Indi-cators (L.E.D) provide the operator with test status and keystroke feedback.

The control panel can be used to manually control crosshead movement when loading and unloading specimens, starting and stopping tests, returning to gauge length, operating the specimen protect feature and using the programmable function keys. It also has jog keys and a fine position control to adjust the crosshead movements while setting up a test.

5500 Control Panel

5900 Control Panel

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Control ElectronicsThe control electronics link all elements of the system (transducers, drive, frame, and computer). The testing systems electronics are in a card cage which is attached to frame. The boards in the card cage are as follows:• Load Conditioner board

• Digital Signal Processor board (DSP) conditioner board

• Optional boards

• Input/Output board

• Strain 1 and Strain 2 conditioner boards

• Expansion Board (5900 only with Channel Expansion Module option)

Computer

Dell and Hewlett Packard manufacture Instron approved computers and as mini-mum must contain:

Processor: CPU Speed 2 GHz or faster1 GB RAM or higher1 GB Free Disk SpaceDisplay 1024 X 768

Operating System: Microsoft XP Service Pack 3Internet Explorer 7 or later Installed

For TestCam Systems:Camera Driver - WDM compliant

Interface:5500:

Ethernet Frame Interface (EFI) (occupies 1 NIC connector) All other Systems:

Ethernet (occupies 1 NIC connector)

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TEST METHOD TYPE Test Control Calculations

TENSION Preload, Precycle, up to 2 speeds

Absolute Peak, Local Peaks, Preset Points, User Calculations, Modulus (9 types), Yield

(5 types), Break (6 types), Slack/Compli-ance Correction, Poisson’s Ratio, Area

Reduction, Break Location, Seam Slippage

COMPRESSION (same as tension but for compression

direction)

(Same as Tension but also provides com-pressive values)

CREEP/RELAXATION Preload, Holds: exten-sion, load, or strain

Same as Tension plus Total, Delta,Creep or Relaxation, Hold Preset Points,

FLEXURAL Preload, Tensile/Com-pressive

Same as Tension modified for applicable Flexural fixture

PEEL/TEAR/FRICTION Preload, Tensile Same as Tension plus 1st Peak, Average values, Average peaks, Coefficient of Fric-

tion,

TENSION TESTPRO-FILER

Follows user created tensile waveform (Profile). Up to 96 segments of cycles,

ramps or holds

Same as Tension and PTF applications but calculations can be applied to each segment

or the complete test.

COMPRESSION TESTPROFILER

Follows user created compressive wave-

form (Profile). Up to 96 segments of cycles,

ramps or holds

Same as Compression and PTF applications but calculations can be applied to each seg-

ment or the complete test.

METALSfor EN/ISO standards

Preload, Precycle, up to three speeds, (Hys-

teresis reversal per EN1002)

Same as Tension plus r values, & n values, Non-Proportional Elongation, Yield Point

Elongation, Tension calculations


Bluehill 3 Software

Bluehill 3 Software controls Instron testing systems for test setup, test control, data collection, result generation and report preparation. The software features a graphical user interface fully implemented in Microsoft Windows. It provides up to four real-time numerical displays (digital and/or analog) of test data as well as graphs, results tables and reports. Simple, memorable icons represent system functions for rapid learning and quick test setups.

Bluehill 3 is the basic program for test control. Application packages and/or optional modules can be added as the specific application requires. Each applica-tion package contains specific test control parameters and results calculations required by the related application. See Table 1-1 and page 3-18 for details.Test Method Types:

TensionTension Relaxation/CreepCompressionCompression Relaxation/CreepFlexureFlexure Relaxation/CreepPeel, Tear, and FrictionTension Test Profiler (Cyclic)Compression Test Profiler (Cyclic)Metals

Optional Modules:

API interface - allows the user of Bluehill 3 software to interact with another software product.

Bluehill 3 Screen - Control Console

The Bluehill 3 (software) Control Console occupies the upper part of the screen(s) and generally allows the user to monitor tests and machine condi-tions. This software con-sole provides live displays, transducer calibration, channel limits and machine setup conditions.

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The lower part of the initial (Home) screen contains function buttons that initiate a
Test, provide Analysis of previously run testing data, access or set up a test Method, Administer system preferences and security, access on screen Help, and Exit Bluehill 3 Software.

The Control Console area occupies the upper portion of the screen and the soft key functions are slightly different dependant upon the testing system that it is connected to.

Bluehill 3 Control Console

Bluehill 3 Screen - Status Bar

The status bar appears at the bottom of every screen and provides information about the status of the testing system.

The list below identifies the various status messages that can appear:

• Security

• Security off - Security is disabled.

• No user - Security is enabled but no user is logged on.

• User name -Security is enabled and displays the name of the user cur-rently logged on.

• Machine Status

• Live machine - The computer using the software is connected to a testing machine.

• No machine - The computer is not connected to a testing machine and demonstration mode is not enabled. In this state you can do everything in the software except perform tests on specimens.

• Demo - The computer is not connected to a testing machine and demon-stration mode is enabled. In the Demo state the system uses data files to simu-late testing specimens.

• Sample

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• Sample: Closed - No sample is open.

• Sample name - Indicates the sample that is open. An asterisk after the name indicates there are unsaved changes to the sample.

• Method

• Method: Closed - No method file is open.

• Method: - You are creating a new method file but have not named it or you continue testing specimens in a sample. The system saves the test parame-ters with the sample so there is no link to the test method. The status bar indi-cates that no test method is open.

• Method name - Indicates the method file that is open. An asterisk after the name indicates there are unsaved changes to the method.

• Report

• Report: Closed - No report template file is open.

• Report: - A new report template is open but is not named yet.

• Report name - Indicates the report template that is open. An asterisk after the name indicates there are unsaved changes to the report.

When the system performs a task that involves a sample, method or report tem-plate file, a progress message appears in the appropriate status bar area. Typical messages include "Opening" and "Saving". The message "Generating" appears in the Report area when the system is generating a report.

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Chapter 2Defining the Application

Chapter Items

Defining User Applications.

Selection of Proper Equipment Required for Application.

Identifying What Measurements are Required for the Application.

Determining Information User Wants on Reports.

This chapter helps you sort out the things that should be considered before build-ing a test method and running it on a Bluehill 3 controlled testing instrument. Because Bluehill 3 is designed for universal testing systems, the more information about the application you address before actual testing, the easier and faster it is to build the test method. This also contributes to running the test correctly the first time. It is recommended that you review this chapter before going to Chapter 3 which discusses how to build a test method.

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Defining the Application M18-16253-EN

Defining the Application

Very often applications in one industry have different terminology for the same or different things in another industry. For example: Modulus for some may mean strength at break or at a preset point, while for others Modulus is a measurement of stiffness expressed as the change of Stress/Strain on the test curve. Also what equipment is used and the shape of the specimen can effect the application. For example: a bend test requires a flexural test method and the fixtures can be either 3 or 4 point bend type. A test to failure can be tensile or compressive testing and require different grips or platens for testing.

The more you understand about the test, the easier it is to design an application to run on the BLUEHILL 3 system. Understanding what the test is to do, (pull, push, break the material, etc.) the equipment needed, and what information is to be reported during and after the test should be considered when building a test method. You should address the following items when building a Bluehill test method:

• What is the test going to do?

• What starts and stops the test?

• What speed or speeds should the test run?

• What is the shape and dimensions of the test specimen?

• What data is collected and at what rate?

• What output (graphs, reports) are required?

• What answers from the test do you require?

• What information is going to be supplied by the operator?

One of the best sources for learning about an application are the testing standards written and reviewed by experts in the field. In most cases there are standards already written for tests you want to perform. You can build test methods exactly to standards or within specified parameters required for your particular testing needs. In other cases the standards can be used as a guide to build test methods. Or your company may have test procedures that you can use to build test methods. In all cases the more you understand about the testing in question, the easier it is to build a test method for your application.

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What is Needed to Execute the Application

In many cases Bluehill 3 can perform the same application different ways. For example, a tensile test can be done with a Tensile test method, or even a Test Pro-filer type test method.

When building a test method, it is best to make a test method as simple as possi-ble. There are two major items to consider when building test methods.

• What hardware is required?

• What software should be used?

Required Hardware Considerations:

Capacity of the Test Instrument - Both load and speeds. If the frame does not have the load capacity, consider testing a smaller (cross sectional area) specimen. If the frame cannot run at the required speed, determine if testing within the speed specs of the test instrument is acceptable.

Load cell - Expected loads must not exceed load cell capacity and it is recom-mended that they not be used at less than 1% of capacity. If testing less than 1%, GET A SMALLER LOAD CELL.

Extensometers - Determine what type, travel, and gauge length capacity. An XL type would be used for high strain elastomers like rubber but is not appro-priate for metals. A clip-on strain gauge type might be required for testing metals. Also, is strain control required? Video extensometers cannot be used for strain control. When using a video extensometer, the field of view must be considered and necessary lenses must be available.

Grips and Fixtures - Capacity and grip faces can affect testing. The general rule for gripping is to grip the material tight enough to prevent slippage but not so tight that the specimen is damaged or breaks at the jaw face. Experi-enced users can be the best source for picking grips. If this is a new material, trial and error may be the only way to select the best possible setup. Typically, if performing compressive tests, use fixed adapters. Do not use universal joint (self-aligning) type adapters. Also, do not use wedge-action type grips in compression.

Required Software Considerations:

Because Bluehill 3 systems are software controlled, careful selection of what type of test method should be used when designing a test. You must consider both TEST CONTROL and the CALCULATIONS required by the applications. The test methods types available in BLUEHILL 3 are designed for different types of applications.

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Defining the Test Method Type

It is always better to build a test method from the appropriate application type. For example if building a Compression test, start with the Compression application. Also, remember the calculations may be different depending on the application.

Test Control - determines how the crosshead moves during the test. The available software application packages indicate what is possible with your system. When the test requires changing speeds, use a Tension or Compres-sion method. Tests that require compression loads, use a Compression method. If a test specifies a hold, you must use either a Creep/Relaxation method or a Test Profile method. If you require testing metals to EN/ISO stan-dards which can require up to three speeds or reversing direction for a Hyster-esis modulus you must use a Metals test method. Preloading or Precycling can be done with Tension, Compression, or Test Profiler. Test Profiler is unique in that it allows up to 87 segments of ramps, holds, or cycles. Test profiler also allows calculations to be applied to each segment.

Stopping the crosshead - How a test ends should also be considered when choosing a test method type. All test methods permit several different test stop criteria.

Measurements - Measurements provide the user with the ability to create additional streams of information detailing the characteristics of a material being tested. These measurements are streams of data that are collected during a test and can be separated into two categories;

• Physical Measurements - data that is read directly from a transducer con-nected to the testing system. An example of a physical measurement is the load measurement collected from the load cell.

• Virtual Measurements - is data that is calculated from a mathematical expression using data from one or more physical measurements. An example of a virtual measurement is Stress. Stress is the load read from the load cell divided by the cross-sectional area of the specimen.

The need to connect an additional transducer or to calculate a virtual measure-ment needs to be identified so that the hardware and software requirements of the test method can be identified.

Calculations - are the answers (results) that the test requires. In Bluehill 3, the available calculations depends on the test method type. Therefore, under-standing the available calculations for each test type dictates what type of test method should be used.

You can always find exactly how Bluehill 3 calculates an answer by referring to the Online Help. This may be useful because, how you define calculations may differ from other systems. The Help lists the available calculations per test type and explains how Bluehill 3 calculates any point of interest. Help also shows an

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example of the calculation along with any parameters that the user is required to specify and it describes the exact algorithm Bluehill 3 uses to calculate the answer.

To access CALCULATION help click the Help Button on the Home Screen and select Calculation Library from the Contents Tab. A list of calculations will be displayed and the calculation in question can be selected.

Identifying What Measurements are Required for the Application

On-line Help describes what answers Bluehill 3 can produce. The results the user may want can be different. If testing to a standard, the required results are usually available in Bluehill 3. A problem sometime arises because different industries use different terminology. For example: Elongation in the rubber industry is what Bluehill 3 calculates as % Strain; while in other industries elongation is what Bluehill 3 calculates as displacement. Also, there can be different ways to calcu-late a specific point of interest. For example: Bluehill 3 can calculate Break six different ways, Modulus nine different ways, and Yield five different ways.

New in Bluehill 3 is the ability to define when a calculation is to be done. Previ-ous versions of Bluehill calculated all results after the test stopped.

The calculations that are available in Bluehill depend on the selected test type. There are a unique set of calculations for each test type, but Bluehill 3 can be con-figured to make all Calculations available in each test type.

A complete description of each calculation is available in On-line Help.

It is very important to understand exactly what answers the test is to report and then pick the corresponding calculation in the software. Remember the terminol-ogy of the user may be different than Bluehill’s. In general, using Bluehill's stan-dard or automatic calculations will satisfy most but not all applications needs. If you are not sure of what is needed, review Bluehill's On-line Help on calculations, review the application, or company procedure, ask the person that's receiving the report exactly what answer is needed. The more you understand, the easier it will be to determine what test method type is needed to build an application.

Besides understanding the required calculations, consider the following items when selecting the specific results to be reported by a test method:

Extension - acquired from Crosshead travel.

Load - acquired from the Load Cell.

Time - acquired from Bluehill controller.

* Strain 1 - calculated from Extensometer connected to Strain 1 board.

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* Strain 2 - calculated from Extensometer connected to Strain 2 board.

* Video Strain - acquired from Extensometer connected to Video board

Tensile Strain - Calculated from Extension or Strain 1/2 and is configured within the measurements area of the method

Tensile Extension - calculated from Tensile Strain.

% Strain - calculated as Value/Gauge Length; Uses the extensometer Gauge Length if source comes from extensometer, uses Specimen's Gauge Length dimension if source comes from Extension.

Tensile/Compressive/Flexual Extension - calculated from Tensile/Compres-sive/Flexural Strain.

Data Collection Rate

The maximum number of data points that Bluehill can capture is a function of computer storage space. When the system captures a data point, it stores data for each measurement specified within the method.

For most applications a data rate that captures between 100 and 1500 points should be considered. If less than 100 points are taken, resolution is considered poor and results can suffer. More than 2000 points gives good resolution and results but the data files become larger and takes more time and storage space than necessary.

Data collection can be either Default or Manual capture modes. The Default mode is automatically selected when a new method is created. This default data rate col-lects data using two preset intervals. It captures one data point each second and every time load varies more than 0.25% of the full scale of the installed load cell.

Manual data capture provides more flexibility in collecting data and is useful when specific information must be recorded. For example if the test was more concerned with Extension variations, a criteria for Extension would likely pro-duce the desired results.

The manual mode allows up to three criteria for capturing data. You can choose criteria based on any physical or virtual measurement: Load, Extension, Strain, Time or Stress.

Regardless of the number of measurements being taken the maximum rate is hard-ware dependent :

5900/5500A Series Systems - 1000 pts/sec.

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5500 Series systems - 500 pts/sec.

IS02 Controller Series Systems - 500 pts/sec.

Data can never be collected faster than the maximum rate of the specific hardware being used. If more than one criteria is set and data points happen to fall faster, the data is collected at the maximum rate. Any points that occur faster than the maxi-mum rate are not detected.

Other Information for Reports

When building a test method the user may want more information on the report than just a table of results and test parameters. For example, maybe the serial number, color, or any other specific information about each specimen needs to be recorded and then be reported. Or an operator's note on how the equipment was setup, what fixtures, grip faces etc. were used, might have to be recorded and be reported as a note.

Bluehill 3 allows the operator to enter this type of information before or after test-ing, and then it is available for reporting. Sample information (about the complete batch) is entered as SAMPLE - NOTES or NUMBERED/TEXT INPUTS. Speci-men information (about each piece) is entered using SPECIMEN - NOTES, NUMBER/TEXT INPUTS or CHOICE INPUTS. Consider the following about these Features when building test methods:

NOTES: User information concerning the SAMPLE (complete batch) or the SPECIMEN (individual specimens). Up to three separate notes for each can be enter by the operator and saved with the data. All Notes can appear on the report. Notes can be entered any time before saving data. Saved data can be Continued and the notes can then be edited and resaved.

NUMBER/TEXT INPUTS: User information concerning each separate SPECIMEN. Up to fifty Number Inputs and fifty Text Inputs can be config-ured in a test method and the name (label) of each can be tailored to the user's need. For example: change TEXT INPUT 1 to SERIAL NO. As each test runs the operator enters the serial number and that information is recorded with the data.

Number/Text Inputs can be customized for each specific method. These Inputs can be modified prior to running a sample and/or after the sample as been saved.

Note: Numerical information entered as Number Inputs can be defined as vari-ables for use in User Calculations.

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Chapter 3Initial System Setup

Chapter Outline

System Startup.

Calibrating Transducers for the Application.

Setting Limits.

Setting Gauge Length.

Establishing Extension Gauge Length.

Bluehill 3 Home Screen

User Administration Functions.

This chapter provides a guide for setting the software console before testing or building test methods for your applications. You should ensure all applicable transducers are calibrated and safety limits are set before operating the testing instrument.

Users must be trained before operating any Instron testing instruments. This man-ual only indicates what users should consider before generating tests for their application. Refer to the operating manuals that are supplied with your system before using your testing instrument.

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System Startup M18-16253-EN

System Startup

The general start up procedure is, ensure that the test instrument is up and running then launch the software.

Power-Up Systems

Perform the following to power up your Bluehill 3 testing system:

1. Power up the load frame. Generally, the load frame power switch is located next to where the mains cable plugs into the load frame.

2. All Instron testing instruments perform power-on diagnostics. The diagnostics display the progress and completion status to the user. Launching the software prior to the completion of the diagnostics may cause a communication error as the frame cannot communicate until the diagnostics are complete.

For 5500 and IS02 Controller systems:

These systems have a single seven-segment display located on the controller. When the frame is initially powered up the display will contain a value of “8” and count down to “2” as the system progresses through the diagnostic rou-tine.

For 5500A and 5900

These systems contain two seven segment displays and, depending upon the options installed, will progress through different display sequences. Upon successful completion of the power-on diagnostics, a “P” will be displayed in the left hand 7 segment and the “T” LED under the display will be illumi-nated.

3. Turn on the computer and open the Windows Desktop.

4. Double-click on the Instron Bluehill 3 Icon.

5. After a few seconds the software Home Screen will be displayed.

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System Startup

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The Bluehill 3 Home Screen is divided into two sections; the Console and the Work Space. The upper section of the software contains the Console, it provides important information about your testing system. This section of the software will always remain visible as you navigate through the various elements of the soft-ware. The remainder of the window contains the Work Space, this section allows the user to select menu items based upon the function the user wants to perform.

Configuring the Home Screen Console:

The software gives the end user some control over how the console is displayed, specifically the number and content of the Live Displays and Soft Keys.

Setting the Live Displays:

Selecting the Console Settings Icon in the upper right hand corner of the Console will open the Console Settings window.

will give the user access to the End users have the ability to designate how the homescreen These systems have a single seven-segment display located on the

Console Area

Main Menu

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System Startup M18-16253-EN

The software can contain up to 4 live displays and each one can display any valid measurement. At the home screen the only measurements available are physical measurements. Once a method is opened virtual measurements or results can be put into the live displays. The user simply selects the available measurement and adds it to the list of selected live displays. The order of the live displays can be defined by selecting the display and using the up or down arrows to move the dis-play. If you are running the software on a 5900 machine these live displays will also be shown on the control panel.

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Calibration of Transducers for the Application

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Calibration of Transducers for the Application

You must calibrate each transducer used in the application. The software will pre-vent a test from starting if a required transducer is not calibrated. Calibration of all transducers is done through the Console.

Automatic Calibration of Transducers

Bluehill 3 software is able to recognize some transducers automatically. If the transducer that is plugged into the controller was supplied by Instron and classi-fied as self-identifying the software will recognize and identify it shortly after being plugged in. Self identifying transducers can be calibrated automatically uti-lizing the electronics within the transducer. If the transducer that is plugged into the controller has been calibrated previously the system will restore the calibration data to the trans-ducer. If not the transducer icon will be grayed out to indicate the transducer is uncalibrated. To per-form calibration of a transducer select the appropri-ate icon from the console. Transducer Icons

1 Select Auto Calibration type.

2 Click on Calibrate and follow prompts.

3 Remove any load from the load cell. Do not have a specimen clamped in the grips. Then press OK.

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Warning

Setting Limits

Limits restrict the operation of the Instron testing instrument to within safe bound-aries. EM systems have adjustable mechanical limit stops and computer con-trolled systems have additional limits for each transducer channel.

Always set limits before operating any Instron testing instrument. Ensure appropriate limits are enabled before moving the crosshead.

Setting Mechanical Frame Limits

EM systems have upper and lower mechanical limit stops located on the load frame. Loosen and move the slides to the desired positions and tighten the thumb screws.

Setting Software Limits

Software limits are set using the various transducer icons in the software Control Console area. These limits are independent from any test method and should be considered as separate limits. Saving the method does not include saving limits. There are Maximum and Minimum software limits for each physical transducer. Maximum limits are tripped when data from the associated transducer is going in the tensile direction. Minimum limits are tripped when going in the Compressive direction. Limits for all transducers are set similar to the Extension example below:

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Setting Gauge Length

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Setting Gauge Length

Bluehill 3 supports two methods for identifying gauge length; Specimen and Extensometer. Gauge Length (GL) is important and must be set correctly to ensure that % Elongation, Strain and % Strain are measured correctly.

Specimen Gauge Length is the original length of the specimen. For straight specimens, grip separation (distance) and specimen gauge length are the same. for dog-bone specimens the parallel portion of the narrowed section in the specimen is considered the gauge length.

Extensometer Gauge Length (for Strain transducers) is the distance between the extensometer knife edges. When using an extensometer, the gauge length of the associated strain measurement must equal the physical knife edge dis-tance. Use the associated strain icon in the console area to enter the extensom-eter gauge length. If the extensometer is self-identifying, the software will recognize the device and automatically populate this information.

Specimen G.L. (Grip Distance)

Knife Edges = Extensometer G.L.

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Establishing Extension Gauge Length M18-16253-EN

Warning

Establishing Extension Gauge Length

Always RESET Extension GAUGE LENGTH after jogging or manually chang-ing the position of the crosshead. Personal injury or damage to the equip-ment can occur if the RETURN button is pressed and the crosshead returns to the previous position without enough clearance for grips, fixtures and specimen.

Reset Gauge Length establishes the “Zero” position of the extension transducer. All extension values are measured and displayed relative to the last gauge length position. To set a new gauge length, press the RESET GL button on the control panel or click on the RESET GAUGE LENGTH icon on the right of the Bluehill 3 testing screen.

When the crosshead is at Gauge Length the Extension transducer displays “0.0000” and if available, the AT GL indicator (green) lights on the control panel. The Extension (0.0000) position is normally set so the physical separation of the GRIP’s or PLATEN’s corresponds to the Specimen Gauge Length. But depending on the physical set up, the AT GL distance can be different. However, in all cases, extension distance is measured relating to the (0.0000) position.

Note: Strain measurements (Distance/G.L.) require a gauge length and a change in dis-tance value. When the distance is measured from the extension transducer, the specimen’s LENGTH dimension is used to calculate Strain. When distance is measured with an Extensometer, the Extensometer Gauge Length is used to cal-culate strain.

RESET GL

5500 & 5500A 5900

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The first screen that appears when you launch the software (unless you have con-figured the Start-up Defaults differently) is referred to as the Home Screen. From this screen you can select the function or task that you want to perform by clicking on the various function buttons. The following sections describe each of the func-tions available.

Test Button

Click this button to run tests on specimens. The software displays a sequence of screens where you:

• Start a New Sample or Continue a Sample

• Continue a Sample

Starting a New Sample enables the user to either select an existing test method or to create a method “on the fly”. The user then specifies the name of the file the test data will be stored within and begins running tests.

Continuing a Sample allows the user to open a sample file that had been previ-ously created and test additional specimens. This option will also allow the user to review data from a previously created Sample.

Function Buttons

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Bluehill 3 Home Screen M18-16253-EN

Method Button

Click on this button to create a new or edit an existing test method. The software moves through a set of screens where you:

• Choose a method or Create a method.

• Make changes to the test parameters and either save those changes back to the original test method file (Save) or to a new test file (Save As).

You can then use the test methods that you create to run testing.

The button is “Grayed” if security is enabled and you do not have Manager or Administrator rights.

Analysis Button

Click this button to replay a sample with parameters from a different test method. The software displays a sequence of screens where you:

• choose a sample to open.

• choose a test method from which to load calculation and result parameters.

• analyze and recalculate test data in a sample.

Admin Button

Click this button to change the configuration of the testing system. This may include adding or removing hardware, enabling different software options or set-ting up the system security. There is a View System Information screen to view and print all the version information and system identification numbers for the testing system.

User Button

This button is grayed if Security is not enabled.

Click this button to log out the current user and let a new user log in to the soft-ware. When you log out, you do not exit the program.

Help Button

Click this button to open the Help system at the Home screen topic.

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Exit Button

Use the Button to exit the software.

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User Administration Features M18-16253-EN

User Administration Features

Most of the settings in the Admin area are established during the system installa-tion. However, there are options available that users need to be aware of (e.g. Security, Preferences and Configuration Options). When the user clicks on the Admin Button the following screen is displayed:

Admin - System Information - View

This screen displays information on the configuration of the testing system. The column on the left is the Navigation Bar and is used to select the different admin-istrative screens.

Admin - Security - Setup

When the Security item is selected in the Admin Navigation bar, the screen dis-played will be dependent upon the status of the security system. If Security is dis-abled the Security - Setup screen will be displayed as follows:

Navigation Bar

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Checking the box “Security on” enables the security system. Once the user clicks on the “Security on” option, a box will open prompting the user for login informa-tion.

When the software is first installed, there is only one user profile which has a security level of Administrator. To log in, type the following for User: INSTRON, and password: INSTRON. User names and passwords are case sensitive. Be sure to use all capitol letters. When you have successfully logged in, the following additional controls will be displayed.

Note: The following section describes the User Name and Password for the user profile supplied with the software. This User has Administrator rights and has access to all areas of the software. When you have set up all of your users and at least one of them has Administrator rights, you should log in using one of the Administrator users that you created and delete the user Instron. If you do not, anyone reading this manual will have unrestricted access to the software.

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• If Security is on and you have Administrator rights all of the fields in the Setup Security screen are displayed.

Setting Password Expiration - To force users to change their passwords at spe-cific time intervals, check this box. If you check the box, set the number of days before a password expires in the associated field. The password expira-tion time is applied to all user profiles.

Creating User Profiles - To create a new user profile, click the Add... button. The Setup User dialog displays.Type in a user name. Choose the security level that you require for this user.

• Administrator - can do everything in the software, including creating and modifying user profiles in the security system.

• Manager - A manager can do everything that an administrator can do in the Test, Method, Analysis and Report tabs but only has the rights as an opera-tor in the Admin tab.

• Operator - On the Admin tab, an operator cannot access the Setup Secu-rity, Export File Settings, E-mail Preferences, or any of the Configuration screens. An operator cannot edit or create test methods or report templates. An operator can only change test parameters that are accessible from the test workspace. These changes cannot be saved to a test method but will be saved with the sample.

Type a password for the New user and type it again to verify it. A valid password must satisfy the following criteria; be at least 5 characters in length, contain only alphanumeric characters (as determined by the Windows locale setting) and Pass-words are case-sensitive.

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Check one or both of the privileges check boxes if you want the user to have those rights.

• Delete specimens - This is not the same as excluding specimens. Exclude only removes the specimen from the statistics and the user can choose to re-include an excluded specimen. If a specimen is deleted, its data is erased from the test data file and it cannot be recovered. Specimens in the sample are renumbered and there is no evidence that the deleted specimen ever existed. This may not be desirable if you need to comply with certain standards, so you may not want to allow users to delete specimens.

• Change tested specimens - If you want a user to be able to enter different values for individual specimens, for specimen width for example, you would add those parameters to the Test Inputs area of the test workspace. This allows your operator to enter specimen dimensions ahead of time, for an entire sample if desired, before testing. If this box is checked, the user can go back to speci-mens that have been tested, change those values and recalculate the results. This may be desirable so that the operator can fix obvious errors, such as enter-ing 250 mm instead of 25 mm. If you do not want to allow this but want to pro-tect the system from obvious bad entries, you can assign bounds to these parameters that prevent operators from entering values outside of a certain range.

• NOTE: If the Change Tested Specimens box is unchecked, a user cannot make changes to any cursor-selected points after testing.

Click the OK button to create the user.

Modifying User Profiles - To make changes to a user profile, click on the user name to highlight it. Click the Modify... button. The Setup User dialog dis-plays showing the current settings for that user. Make any changes that you need to the user profile. Click the OK button to save the changes.

NOTE: When you modify a user profile, the password expiration for that user is reset. If password expiration was set to 10 days and the user's password was due to expire in 6 days, that would be reset to 10 days from the time that you modified the user's profile.

Admin - Preferences

Select Preferences from the Navigation Bar.

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System - Start-up Defaults

Start Up Defaults - Determines how Bluehill will open.

• Home screen - This is the default choice. When the software starts, it opens at the Home screen and you must click one of the buttons on that screen to proceed.

• Continue testing the last-used sample - When the software starts, it opens the selected sample file and advances directly to the test workspace. Use this option if you always use Continue sample with the same sample file.

• Create a new sample with a specific test method - When the software starts, it always opens the same test method, specified by you, and moves directly into the testing mode. The first interaction with the user is to prompt for a filename to store test data. When this is complete, you can start testing specimens.

• Create a new sample with the last-used test method - When the software starts, it opens the last test method that was used in the previous testing session and moves directly into the testing mode. The first interaction with the user is to prompt for a filename to store test data. When this is complete, you can start testing specimens.

System - Demonstration Mode

Note: You do not normally need to check this box; Demonstration Mode lets you simu-late running tests on specimens when there is no frame connected to the soft-ware.

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System - Save test data during test

This setting determines what data can be recovered after a power loss. Enabling this feature automatically saves the data at the specified time interval while a test is in progress. If this feature is not enabled, the system automatically saves the data only after a test is completed. The minimum time interval is 1 minute.

System - Specify a company logo

To display a company logo on reports, select a graphic file in the Picture file: field. The report file must include Logo in the header or footer to display the logo identified in this field. To display a company logo on the Home screen, select Dis-play on Home screen

System - E-mail

In order to E-mail directly from Bluehill 3 the software requires the following information:

• Outgoing mail server (SMTP) - Specify the outgoing mail server. For exam-ple, when using Microsoft Outlook, this field should contain the name of the Microsoft Exchange Server for your E-mail system.

• Port - The server port number for the outgoing mail server.

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• User name - A designated user name on the mail server for the testing system.

• Password - A password for the Bluehill system.

• Sending address - An E-mail address for the Bluehill system.

Admin - Configuration

Select Configuration in the Navigation Bar

Configuration - Frame

The first item in the navigation bar is the Frame, settings within the section are entered during the installation of your system and are unlikely to change during the life of the system. Any changes made here can affect the systems ability to communicate.

Configuration - Options

Show all calculations in all testing types - This box is normally unchecked, which means that only those calculations that are relevant are shown in the list of calcu-lations. For example, Average Value calculations are normally shown only in the Peel, Tear and Friction test type. If you check this box, all the calculations for all of the available test types are made available in all of the testing types.

Configuration - Transducers

This Item lets you create a customized configuration for a transducer to identify specific requirements or set a verification due date.

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Transducer configurations are system wide settings so they are always available. The transducer name and channel settings for the standard connectors on the frame (Load, Strain 1, Strain 2) are pre-defined and cannot be changed or removed from the Selected Transducer list. For these transducers, you only need to visit this screen if you want to set a verification reminder date or specify the transducer identification requirements.

This function provides you with the ability to add additional transducers or create customized configurations including the transducer name, channel, and identifica-tion. This flexibility means you can create customized transducer configurations to use in test methods when testing requires a specific transducer, specific trans-ducer capacity or changing the default transducer settings.

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Chapter 4Creating a Test Method

Chapter Items

Getting Started

Setting General Parameters

Setting Sample Parameters

Setting Specimen Parameters

Setting Measurement Parameters

Identifying Calculations

Setting Test Control Parameters

Defining the Console

Defining the Workspace

Defining Exports

Defining Test Prompts

A test method may be created by modifying an existing Method or defining a new one. This chapter covers creating a new test method. Selecting the Method Icon from the Home Screen will display the Method Tab with the option to open an existing method selected in the navigation bar. Select Create Method in the navi-gation bar. This will provide access to all test parameters, calculations, report and graph setup, and other items required to create a test method. Use this chapter as a guide when creating a specific test method. If you want additional information about the parameters area in Bluehill, press F1 function key to bring up Help or refer to the manuals that come with your system.

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Getting Started M18-16253-EN

Getting Started

From the Home Screen click on the Method Icon.

NOTE: If Security is turned on, Manager or Administrator privilege is required for access to this function

Method - Open Method

The Modify Test window provides setup directions in the Heading and a list of the most recent Methods opened (left column). Highlighting a Method in the MRU column will present its Name and Path directly underneath the Heading. A Method Preview is presented in the right column.

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Click on the Create Method option in the navigation bar.

Select the appropriate Test Type (Tension for this example) and click the Next button.

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Setting General Parameters M18-16253-EN

Setting General Parameters

Method parameters and features will be setup in the sequence listed in the Naviga-tion Bar, on the left, from top to bottom.

When a Method is opened it always defaults to the first Navigation Bar item Gen-eral Method. This area provides for selecting the units for this Test Method, SI, Metric, US Customary, or All. This defines the units that will be available for numeric values in this Method. It also provides for a Description of the Method which may include special hardware/software requirements, applicable standards, etc. To customize the field description click on the Properties icon to the right of the field to access the field dialog box.

The lower portion of the screen contains the control for the Navigation Assistant. The wizard will guides you to specific screens on the Method tab that contain the basic parameters required to define minimum method parameters. When the Navigation Assistant is enabled, the navigation buttons display on the bottom of each screen in the Method tab. Use these navigation buttons to limit the number of screens visited while editing a test method. If you need to set parameters on a screen that the assistant does not visit, use the naviga-tion bar on the left side of the screen.

Method Navigation Bar

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Sample - Notes

This screen includes a sample description field and sample note fields. The sam-ple description is stored with all samples created with this test method, and it dis-plays in the preview area when you need to select a sample. The description should be general since it will apply to all samples that use this test method in the future.

The sample notes are available for comments about the sample and are also stored with all samples created with this test method. The text in these note fields is the default text that the system displays when sample notes are included in the sam-ple. Sample notes can be included in a prompted test, the report, the exported results file and the defaults table. Both the sample description and the sample notes apply to the entire sample, not to individual specimens within the sample. You cannot, therefore, add these fields to the Operator Inputs component of the test workspace. If you need to edit these fields while testing, you must go to the Method tab.

Starting on the Notes screen and throughout the method you will find helpful Hyperlinks to other sections within the Test Method. These links are identified with an icon as shown on the right.

Sample - Numbered Inputs

The Sample > Number Inputs screen is where you can create a customized num-ber parameter for the sample. When you create a new method only Sample num-ber input 1 is active, to activate additional numbered inputs, select the check box to the left of the numbered input. The software can create a total of 50 numbered

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Setting Sample Parameters M18-16253-EN

inputs. The advantage of numbered inputs is that the value entered can be used with a user calculation.

The sample number inputs apply to the entire sample, not to individual specimens within the sample. To change the name of these fields, click on the Properties icon for the associated field. A properties dia-log box is displayed that is specific to a number value, including upper and lower bounds and decimal places. Use the bounds values to set a defined range for the default value. The bounds prevent an operator from entering a value outside of the defined range.

Sample - Text Inputs

The Sample > Text Inputs screen is where you can create a customized text parameter for the sample. When you create a new method only Sample text input 1 is active. To activate additional text inputs, select the check box to the left of the text input. The software can create a total of 50 text inputs. The sample text inputs apply to the entire sample, not to individual specimens within the sample.

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Specimen - Properties

Select from the Navigation Bar. The Geometry of the specimen will dictate the dimensions to be entered for each specimen. The properties button provides for customizing each applicable field and for assigning boundaries to each value.

Specimen > Notes - Select from the Navigation Bar. Three note areas are avail-able for any information unique/special for the specimens in this Method. The Properties button provides for customizing each applicable field.

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Setting Specimen Parameters M18-16253-EN

Specimen - Numbered Inputs

Select Specimen > Numbered Inputs from the Navigation Bar. Up to fifty speci-men numbered inputs can be defined, applicable to each specimen. They may be used to input things like temperature, humidity or constants that can be used as variables in User Defined Calculations. The Properties button provides the ability to tailor the field nomenclature, assigning boundaries, default values and the reso-lution to each input value.

Specimen - Text Inputs

Select Specimen > Text Inputs from the Navigation Bar. Up to fifty text inputs can be defined in the Method, applicable to each specimen. They may be used to input things like comments, color, etc. The Properties button provides for tailoring each respected field.

Specimen - Choice Inputs

Choice inputs can be used in a number of ways. You can use a choice input if you have a fixed number of options for a parameter and you want the operator to be able to select one of these options from a drop-down list instead of typing the

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information into an input field. For example, if there are three types of specimens being tested (red, blue, and green specimens), you can create a choice input

named Color that has Red, Blue and Green as selections in the drop down list. During testing, the operator only needs to select the type of specimen being tested.

A more complex use involves linking parameters, where making a choice auto-matically sets the values of test parameters that are linked to that choice. You can use the linked parameters to configure a choice input so that when the operator selects a choice, the values of one or more test parameters are automatically set (e.g specimen dimensions or test speed).If you are using a prompted test, then add the choice input to the step in the sequence where you want the operator to make a selection for that input. Using a choice input rather than a number input or text input, simplifies the task for the operator and ensures that the information is con-sistent in spelling and format.

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Setting Measurement Parameters M18-16253-EN


Selecting Measurements in the navigation bar allows you to specify the data that is available for the test control, data analysis and live displays. You can select pre-defined measurements or create customized measurements for specific testing requirements.

There are three categories of Measurements; Physical, Virtual and Corrected Extension.

Measurements - Physical Measurements

These measurements provide data directly from a physical transducer connected to the testing instrument. The following is a list of standard physical measure-ments that will be available in a test method:

• Time

• Extension

• Load

• Strain (When using an extensometer)

If you have connected an additional physical transducer to the testing instrument you must add the transducer to the software in the Admin section for it to be included in this listing.

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Measurements - Virtual Measurements

Virtual measurements provide data about the specimen but they are calculated from a mathematical expression using data from one or more physical measure-ments. Depending upon the type of test method the following is a list of standard virtual measurements that will be available:

• Compressive extension - Compressive extension is a composite measurement calculated from compressive strain multiplied by the anvil height. Compres-sive extension is reported using positive values for increasing compression.

• Compressive load - Compressive load is calculated as the standard load with the sign inverted.

• Compressive strain - Compressive strain is a composite strain measurement. A composite strain measurement can change the source of its information dur-ing a test. (i.e. Shifting measurement from extensometer to the crosshead)

• Compressive stress - Compressive stress is calculated as compressive load divided by the cross-sectional area of the specimen.

• Flexure extension - Flexure extension is a composite measurement calculated from flexure strain multiplied by an outer fiber strain factor. Flexure extension is reported using positive values for increasing compression.

• Flexure load - Flexure load is calculated as the standard load with the sign inverted.

• Flexure strain - Flexure strain is a composite strain measurement. A compos-ite strain measurement can change the source of its information during a test. Flexure strain is reported using positive values for increasing compression.

• Flexure stress - Flexure stress is calculated as flexure load divided by an outer fiber stress factor. Flexure load is reported using positive values for increasing compression.

• Load/Width - Load/Width is calculated by dividing the readings of the load measurement by the width of the specimen.

• Peel extension - Peel extension is calculated as extension divided by a peel factor. The value of the peel factor varies according to specimen geometry. For 90° peel specimens and friction specimens, the peel factor is 1. For 180° peel specimens, T-peel specimens and tear specimens, the peel factor is 2.

• Tenacity - Tenacity is calculated as load divided by linear density.

• Tensile extension - Tensile extension is a composite measurement calculated from tensile strain multiplied by the specimen gauge length.

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Setting Measurement Parameters M18-16253-EN

• Tensile strain - Tensile strain is a composite strain measurement. A composite strain measurement can change the source of its information during a test.

• Tensile stress - Tensile stress is calculated as load divided by the cross-sec-tional area of the specimen.

Virtual Measurements - Corrected Extension Measurement

This measurement corrects values of extension to allow for the compliance, or elastic "give", of the testing system. It is measured in mm/kN or equivalent units. The compliance is determined by performing a test using a dummy specimen that deforms very little at the maximum test load. It is important to understand that compliance is a property of the entire testing system, not only the load frame. When you perform the test to create the compliance file you must use exactly the same components in the testing system as you will use in the real tests, including the load cell, grips and couplings.

Virtual Measurements - Creating an Expression

To create a virtual measurement expression you must select the Expression in the Measurement Types and add it to the selected measurements.

Once the Expression has been added to the list you can select it with your mouse and the properties for the measurement will be displayed. By default it will be listed as “Expression 1”. You can rename the measurement and identify the units of the measurements. Once you have done this you must build the formula to cal-culate the measurement, this is done by clicking on the Expression Builder icon to the right of the Expression field which will open the expression builder.

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The expression builder allows you to create formulas to calculate virtual measure-ments, custom calculations, and logical expressions that can evaluate specific val-ues without requiring custom software. It calculates the value of any expression, provided the formula is comprised of predefined values and follows standard alge-braic rules. The range of custom formulas that you can create is virtually limitless and is as simple as typing the formula into the expression window or by selecting values from the variables list and adding the necessary mathematical function. Once you have completed constructing the formula, click on the validate button and the system will check to ensure it is a valid algebraic expression.

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Identifying Calculations M18-16253-EN


Calculations - Setup

The Calculations Setup screen is where you identify the calculations that will be performed during or after the test is run. The software will perform the selected calculations using the test data from the measurements previously identified. Once calculations are added to the selected list they can be chosen to provide results in the workspace area or to be used within one of the live displays.

To add a calculation you can perform any of the following:

• Double-click on the calculation in the Available calculations list

• With your mouse drag it from the available list to the selected list

• Select it and use the add button.

Once the calculation is in the selected list the parameters for that calculation will be displayed in the lower section of the window. Here you can change the name of the calculation, identify the measurement data the calculation will use and if desired, the domain that defines the region of data the calcu-lation will use.

Note:Domain The term Domain refers to the area or portion of the data the software will analyze to calculate the results. By identifying a domain you limit the analysis to a specific region of the test data.

Add

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To identify the domain, select the Expression Builder icon to the right of the Domain field. Using the Domain operators within the expression builder, you can identify the Domain for the calculation.

Calculations - Indicate on graph

If you select the Indicate on graph check box, a marker will appear on the graph at the point or region that the calculation was performed. The style of marker is a function of the graph setup within the Workspace item of the method.

Calculations - Perform calculation during the test.

Unless otherwise indicated all calculations are performed at the end of a test. You can have calculations be performed during the test by selecting this checkbox.

Calculations - Rounding

The software allows you to create specific rules for rounding calculation values. Testing standards may identify specific requirements for rounding values, so this screen lets you create a customized rounding format to satisfy such requirements.

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Setting Test Control Parameters M18-16253-EN


Test Control - Start Test

The Test Control > Start screen on the Method tab contains the parameters for starting a test.

The selection made on this screen determines how the test will start. The options are:

• By the Start button - This is the default setting and requires you to click the Start button on the test workspace in the software or press the Start button on the frame control panel (if applicable).

• When pneumatic grips close - This option is only available if pneumatic grips are in use with the grip control system. When you select this option, the test starts automatically about two seconds after the lower grip closes on the spec-imen.

• Digital input - The test starts automatically when the system receives a signal through the specified digital input line from an external device. Set the digital input condition for the specified input line in the Load Frame Settings area of the console. (Requires the Analog-Digital I/O option)

Test Control - Strain

This selection displays only for composite strain measurements. If you assign a strain measurement as the primary source of data for a composite strain measure-ment, you have the option to remove the extensometer at a point during the test. Up to the point of removal, the system derives the values of tensile, compressive or flexure strain directly from the extensometer. After the extensometer is removed, the system derives its values of tensile, compressive or flexure strain from crosshead extension or actuator position. The extension readings made after

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Warning

the removal of the extensometer are corrected and normalized using the Exten-someter Removal Correction Algorithm.

If removal of the extensometer during the test is required, identifying the point of removal can be done as follows

• % peak Load - The detector is inactive until the strain specified in the Strain threshold field is exceeded. After that value is attained, the removal point is when the detector finds the specified Load drops by percentage from the peak load.

• Load Threshold - The removal point is when the load falls to the Load drops to value. The load must first attain a value 1.5 times the specified value before the detector begins searching for the Load drops to value.

• Measurement event - The transition occurs when the system detects that the specified measurement criteria are satisfied. The parameters for this event requires a measurement and specified value criteria.

• Digital input event - The transition occurs when the system receives a signal from an external device through the specified digital input line. This event requires a specified digital input line. Set the digital input condition for the specified input line in the Load Frame Settings area of the console.

One of the parameters of extensometer removal is “Action during removal”. It may be necessary to pause the test to allow the operator the ability to safely remove the Extensometer.

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Test Control - Pre-Test

Select Test Control > Pre-Test from the Navigation Bar. If Preload, Autobalance or Precycling are required for this test, define the parameters here.

• Preload - This feature is often used to remove slack from test fixtures or may

be required by the test Specification. If required select the control measure-ment, preload rate, the target measurement and the target value.

• Auto balance - This feature automatically balances the transducers associated with selected measurements. The system balances the transducer after the pre-load zone of the test and before the ramp 1 zone (or the pre cycling zone if it is enabled). When you enable Auto balance, the screen expands to display two lists, Available Measurements and Selected Measurements. The Available list includes all the real measurements in the system, with the exception of Exten-sion. To select a measurement, add the measurement to the Selected Measure-ment list.

• Precycling - This may be required for some tests, e.g. load cell verification. If required set the number of cycles, control measurement and rate, the maxi-mum and minimum target and the target values. Targets do not have to be the same measurement. Capture Precycle Data provides for saving and viewing this portion of the test.

Note: Precycling is not available in every testing type. Refer to the applicable testing type to determine the availability.

Test Control - Test

Test Control > Test parameters may differ depending on test type. Tension and Compression test types provide two speed testing. The Metals test type provides three speed testing and Profiler up to 87 different speeds. All other test types are single speed tests. Test speeds are usually dictated by the test Specification.

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Ramp

Ramp settings are usually defined by the test specification. First select the control measurement and rate for each required ramp. The Properties button provides for customizing the prompt, default values, resolution and bound-aries and the Expression builder button enables you to create an expression to determine the speed of the Ramp.

Test Control - End of Test

This screen allows you to set the criteria for ending the test and the actions that the system performs when one of the end of test criteria is satisfied. The system has a default setting for End of Test 1 so there is always at least one end of test action in every test method.

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There are up to four separate end of test criteria available. These criteria operate independently and the first one that is satisfied stops the test.

Note: It is important to know that this action is different from the Break Calculations and if not set properly may truncate the data necessary for the required break calcula-tion.

For each “End of Test” option you can choose from a list of criteria to control the end of test detection depending on the test type. Rate of load, Load thresh-old, and Load with delay are always available. These criteria provide different ways of defining a specimen break, see Table 1.

There are several factors that affect the number of measurements available to you as end of test criteria. Refer to the Online Help, for more information about the measurements available.

Criteria for End of Test

Table 1: Criteria for End of Test Determination

End of Test Criteria Associated Field

Rate of load Sensitivity (%): The test ends when the load drops by the Sensitivity value within a 100 ms time period. The sen-sitivity is measured as a percentage of the load at the beginning of the 100 ms period.

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The End of Test actions are:

• Stop - the crosshead/actuator stops.

• Return - the crosshead/actuator stops and returns to the gauge length posi-tion (i.e. the point at which extension equals zero).

Load threshold Load drops to: The test ends when the load falls to the Load drops to value. The load must first attain a value 1.5 times the Load drops to value before the detector becomes active.

Load with delay Load with Delay: The detector is inac-tive for the Delay period that you specify. After this time has elapsed, the test ends when the load falls to the Load drops to value.

% Peak Load Load drops by (%) Load threshold: The detector is inactive until the load specified in the Load threshold field has been exceeded. After that value is attained, the test ends when the detec-tor finds the specified Load drops by (%) from peak load.

Measurement Event Value: The transition occurs when the system detects that the specified mea-surement criteria are satisfied. The parameters for this event requires a measurement and specified value cri-teria.

Digital Input Event The transition occurs when the system receives a signal from an external device through the specified digital input line. This event requires a speci-fied digital input line. Set the digital input condition for the specified input line in the Load Frame Settings area of the console

PIP Count Value: The test ends when the system detects the specified number of PIP marks.

Table 1: Criteria for End of Test Determination

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• Stop, then return - the crosshead/actuator stops. A message box appears prompting you to remove the specimen. When you have removed the speci-men, clicking on the OK button in the message box returns the crosshead/actu-ator to the gauge length position. Alternatively, you can remove the specimen and return the crosshead/actuator to the gauge length position using the hard-ware Control Panel, dismissing the message box.

Test Control - Data

These settings will determine the number of data sets stored in the test data file. Test time and calculations should be considered. No data is collected during pre loads.

Automatic - Default data capture criteria. Use this setting when you are not sure how to capture data. Default captures 10 point/sec. and whenever load change .25% of load capacity.

Manual - Set up to three separate data logging criteria. Use this setting to tai-lor data logging to application needs.

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Console - Live Displays

This is where you customize the live displays that appear in the console area when you have a test method open or when you are running a test with this method. Live displays lets you monitor data on selected measurements, or monitor real time results, during a test.

The console can display up to 4 live displays. When you edit the Selected Live Display list, the system automatically updates the console to reflect the changes made. Each live display shows the value and the units of the associated measure-ment or result. For 5900 systems, these live displays also appear on the control panel.

Console - Soft Keys

The Soft Keys enable you to selectively program functions that can be used either through the software or on the control panel of the testing instrument.

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Defining the Console M18-16253-EN

Warning

Soft keys provide a quick way of performing various tasks such as balancing a measurement or resetting the gauge length. By assigning a task to a soft key, you can quickly perform the task by clicking the soft key in the console area, or press-ing the associated button on the frame control panel. For 5500 systems, only the first two soft keys are available on the control panel. For 5900 systems, all four soft keys are available on the control panel and the soft key labels display in the LED area, which correspond to the buttons labelled 1 through 4.

Console - Frame

This area of the method contains the general settings for the frame that are specific to a test method. These settings include the test area and the specimen protect fea-ture.

Test Area

The test area can be either above or below the crosshead. It is important to estab-lish where testing will occur so that the test performs correctly. The system uses the test area setting to correctly interpret the various signals and actions for a test.

Ensure that you select the correct test area for the test. An incorrectly set test area can cause unanticipated crosshead behavior and create a safety hazard that may damage the specimen or load cell. Check the Load Frame Status indicator in the console area to verify the test area and test direction before starting a test. Press the Emergency Stop button if the frame moves in an unexpected direction.

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Specimen Protect

The specimen protect feature protects the specimen from too much load being applied when it is installed. Set the threshold value at the maximum load that the specimen can experience without damage. If load exceeds this value, specimen protect initiates movement of the crosshead to relieve the load on the specimen.

Valid specimen protection values include:

Minimum 0.1% of full-scale load or 10 N, whichever is greater.

Maximum Full-scale load.

Default 0.5% of full-scale load.

When specimen protect is enabled, the system automatically disables the speci-men protect function after the test starts. When the end of test action is complete, the system enables the specimen protect feature again.

Console - Grips

The Grip area contains the pretension and excess tension settings for the optional grip control system. The optional grip control system lets you control pneumatic grips using a foot switch, leaving your hands free to handle delicate or fragile specimens.

The grip control system settings include:

• set a pretension value that ensures specimens are gripped without slack during installation.

• set an excess tension value to protect delicate or fragile specimens during installation.

• set the system to start testing automatically after you install a specimen. Refer to Start test control parameters.

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Defining the Console M18-16253-EN

• release the grips automatically when the test is complete. Refer to End of Test control parameters.

Pretension - When enabled, pretension automatically closes the lower grip when the specimen reaches the specified pretension value. When disabled, you must close the grip manually using the foot switch.

Excess Tension - When enabled, excess tension automatically opens the grips if the specimen reaches the specified excess tension value.

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The Workspace item in the navigation bar allows the user to configure the user interface specific to the method.

Workspace - Operator Inputs

The Operator Inputs lets you select sample and specimen parameters to display on the test workspace. The specimen parameters display in the Operator Inputs screen component of the workspace.

Use this screen component to enter parameter values for each specimen directly from the workspace. Specimen parameters that are included on the test workspace are always available, even during a test. You can use this feature to enter specimen parameters for the remaining specimens while the test on the first specimen is run-ning.

Workspace - Results 1and 2

Results - columns

The Results tables define the test information to be displayed for this method. The software provides two unique Results Tables each containing any available calcu-lation results and general information.

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Defining the Workspace M18-16253-EN

Once a calculation has been selected within the method it will be available on this screen. Expanding the calculation will display the results associated with the cal-culation. To add the result to the table, double click or drag and drop the calcula-tion into the selected results field. For each selected result, a customizing window in the lower right enables the user to define the parameters associated with the result.

Results - Statistics

This area defines the statistical information to be included in the results table.

Add a statistic from the Available list to the Selected list by double clicking on it, click and drag or highlighting it and clicking on the right arrow in the

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center of the screen. Highlight a Selected statistic to customize the applicable fields that appear in the lower right corner of this screen.

Results - Format

This area defines the physical appearance of the results table.

You can select a Style for the this Results Table and customize the Headings and Body of the table to a personal preference.

Workspace - Graph 1 and 2

This area provides for selecting the graphics for this Method that may be included in the test workspace and in a report. Graph 2 will be setup in the same manner as described below.

Graph - Type

Select Graph 1 > Type from the Navigation Bar.

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In the screen that appears within the Method tab, there are two areas: a setup area at the top and a preview at the bottom. As you make changes in the setup area, the preview updates to show the changes that you have made.

Setup for the Multi-specimen Graph Type - If you choose this graph type, sev-eral fields appear for you to set up.

• Graph Title - The default title of the graph, Specimen %n of %m indicates the range of specimen numbers in each graph. %n is the first curve to be plot-ted in any graph and %m is the last curve to be plotted. Therefore, as each curve is drawn, %n remains constant and %m increments each time a curve is drawn until the number of curves per graph is reached. A new graph then dis-plays with new values of %n and %m. You can enter different text for the graph title. You can use the %n and %m identifiers in your title, if you wish.

• Curves per Graph - This controls the number of curves that are drawn before the graph in the test workspace clears. If the number is 4, the graph clears before testing specimen number 5.

NOTE: When setting the number of curves per graph, you need to balance the need to see each curve clearly against the number of graphs that might be pro-duced if there are a large number of specimens in your sample. If you choose to include the graph in any report that you produce, multiple graphs will be drawn in the report if needed to display all the curves. For example, if you have 25 speci-mens and have chosen 4 curves per graph, a total of 7 graphs will be drawn in the report; 6 graphs containing 4 curves in each, and one graph containing one curve.

• Offset each Curve by - To reduce the amount of curve overlap, the soft-ware can offset the origin of each curve. The default setting, Auto, offsets each curve along the x-axis by an amount determined by the software. If you want the origin to be offset along both the x-axis and the y-axis, choose 3D. To remove any offset, select None.

• Show Excluded Specimens - This setting is global and controls whether any excluded specimens appear in the graph and results table. If you choose to show them, any excluded specimens are shown in both the graph and the results table. The curve of an excluded specimen is not distinguished visually from any other curves in the graph. However, it is indicated in the results table and the specimen selector by a red cross adjacent to the specimen number.

Setup for the Double Y-axis Graph Type - If you choose this graph type, there can only be one specimen per graph. The default title of the graph is the spec-imen number, but you can enter a different title, if you wish.

Setup for the Multi-measurement Graph Type - If you choose this graph type, there can only be one specimen per graph. The default title of the graph is the specimen number, but you can enter a different title, if you wish.

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Graph X and Y Data

This area provides for selecting the measurements to be plotted, assigning appro-priate units and selecting the type of scaling. Automatic scaling works by adjust-ing the axis as the first specimen is tested to show the entire curve for that axis. On a multi-specimen graph, the axis is adjusted as each specimen is tested. If all axes are set to automatic scaling, the software adjusts the axes so that the entire curve for all specimens is visible. Automatic scaling is the default choice.

If you do not want to see the entire curve, perhaps because you want to see detail in a particular portion of the curve, you can set the scaling to Manual. When you select Manual, two extra fields display to let you set the maximum and minimum values for the x-axis.

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Graph Advanced

The options on this screen are usually a matter of personal preference. When you highlight an item in the list on the left, all the properties available to you for that

item display on the right. To change a color or a font, click on the appropriate Edit... button to open a setup dialog.

Workspace - Raw Data

This screen on the Method tab sets up the content for the raw data table, which can appear on the test workspace.

The Raw Data Table component of the test workspace will have a column allo-cated to that measurement. If the measurement is invalid for a particular speci-men, the column for that measurement is blank.

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Workspace - Extra Displays

This screen provides additional live displays for the test method. If you need more than the four displays that are available in the console area, you can customize the test workspace to show additional live displays. These displays do not display on the control panel.

When you edit the Selected Live Display list, the system automatically updates the test workspace to reflect the changes made. The live display component for the test workspace can be split into columns to show multiple displays. Each live display shows the value and the units of the associated measurement or result as shown below.

Workspace - Layout

Here you can split the testing screen into several panes and assign a component to each pane that you create.

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You can choose to display the following:

• Graph screen component

• Results and statistics table screen component

• Operator inputs screen component

• Raw data table screen component

• Live displays screen component

• Test Cam screen component

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Defining Exports

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Defining Exports

This area provides for selecting a report for this method from a list of predefined templates or from customer designed reports. It also provides for defining default information to be included on the report and where the outputs will be stored.

Exports - File Settings

- Select Outputs > File Settings from the Navigation Bar. This screen lets you set a default sample name that the system uses to name all samples that use this test method. The output files include the results, raw data and report files for a sample.

If you do not enable these features, the system produces a suggested name for the sample, based on the most recently used sample name. If there are no samples yet, the system uses "Test Sample" as the default name. The system also saves the sample and its associated output files to the system default location, the Outputs directory.

Exports - Reports

The Reports screen allows you to determine how the system produces the report when it generates output for a sample. A report template determines the format of the report and the content to be included in the report.

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Defining Exports M18-16253-EN

• Template - The Report template field contains the filename of the report tem-plate that is used. If you want to use a different template, click the Change... button and choose a different template file. You can create and edit your own report templates in the Report tab.

• Document Format - If you want to save your report in a file, you must choose a format and check the Save the document box. The file formats available are:

• MS Word

• PDF

• HTML

• E-mail - To E-mail a copy of the report, check the E-mail document box and type in the E-mail address of one or more recipients. Note that if you want to E-mail the document, you cannot choose HTML as the document format. If you want to send a short E-mail message with the report, type the title into the E-mail title field and your message into the E-mail message field.

• Print - To send a copy of the report to a printer.

• Print Graphs - These controls let you print copies of the graph independently of the report. Checking the box sends copies of the graphs produced during testing to a printer connected to the testing system when you finish the sam-ple. The number of graphs printed is the same as the number of graphs dis-played in the test workspace and depends upon the number of specimens in the sample and your setting for number of curves per graph.

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Exports - Export Results / Raw Data

This area allows you to determine the content for the results/raw data output file that the system generates for a finished sample. When this feature is enabled, you can specify the format for the results output file and include additional default information. If you do not enable this feature, then the system does not generate a results output file.

The system saves the results with the sample, so you can always open the sample to view the results information. The content of the exported results is determined by the selections made and will be saved in a Comma Separated Values (.CSV) format.

Outputs - Defaults Table

The Defaults table is used only in the report, it is not displayed anywhere in the software. It lets you construct a table, which you can add to your report, made up of the names and values of any parameters in the testing system.

If you have some parameters that do not change between specimens, but apply to the entire sample, you probably do not want to add them to the Results table because this will produce a column with the same value in each cell. These are the type of parameters that you may want to add to the Defaults table. An example might be Rate, if all of your tests are run at the same rate.

Other parameters that cannot be added to the Results table, but whose value you might want to see in your report, include End of Test Criteria or Extensometer Removal Criteria. These can also be added to the Defaults table.

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The list of Available Parameters is organized in a hierarchy according to the parameter type.

• General, Text Inputs, Number Inputs, Notes, and Documents parameters are always available.

• Dimension parameters made available depend upon specimen geometry and test fixtures that you set up in the Specimen Properties screen.

• Preload and Precycling parameters made available depend upon the test type and control options that you set up in the Control - Pre-Test screen.

• Test parameters made available depend upon the test type and control options that you set up in the Control - Test screen.

• End of Test and End of Hold parameters made available depend upon the test type and control options that you set up in the Control - End of Test screen.

• Data parameters made available depend upon the test type and control options that you set up in the Control - Data screen.

• Strain and Extensometer Removal parameters made available depend upon the test type and options that you set up in the Control - Strain screen.

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Note: You can expand and collapse the hierarchy by clicking on the + and -signs.

Show all parameters - This box is normally unchecked and the Available Parameters list contains only those parameters that are appropriate for your chosen specimen geometry, test fixtures, test type and control options. If you check this box, all parameters are shown in the list, even though they may not be appropriate for the current test setup. Such parameters are shown in italics. You can add any of these parameters to the list of Selected Parameters, and the Defaults Table will have a row allocated to that parameter. If the parameter is invalid for a particular sample, it will not appear in the report.

Note: The “Show all parameters” checkbox is a global setting and is applied to all the parameter lists in all screens.

Selected Parameters - To add an item to the Selected Parameters list, click on its name in the Available Parameters list and click the Add button. The parameters appear in the Defaults table, on the report, in the same order that they appear in the Selected Parameters list. If you want to change the order, highlight an item in the Selected list and click on the Move up or Move down button to change its position in the list.

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Defining a Prompted Test M18-16253-EN

Defining a Prompted Test

Test prompts can be used in two different ways: either in a fully prompted test or in a freeform test.

• Freeform Test - The only prompts available in a freeform test are those that you can add to the Operator Inputs area of the test workspace. You set these up in the Workspace Operator Inputs.

• Prompted Test - When you set the method to run as a prompted test, sev-eral more screens become available in the Test Prompts area of the navigation bar. These let you set up a fully prompted test, rather like a wizard, that over-lays the test workspace during testing. The Setup Prompted Test Sequence screen lets you set up the number of steps in the wizard. The Test Prompts screens let you set up the content of each screen within the wizard. The prompted test provides a logical linear progression of screens, directing the operator to enter certain parameters at certain points in a test sequence.

Prompted Test - Prompt Sequence

Select from the Navigation Bar. The prompted test is a sequence of test steps, rather like a wizard, that overlays the test workspace during testing.

The Setup Prompted Test Sequence screen lets you set up the number of steps in the wizard. The Test Prompts screens let you set up the content of each screen within the wizard. The prompted test provides a logical linear progression of

If “Run as Prompted Test” is checked, the Navi-gation Bar is expanded.

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screens, directing the operator to enter certain parameters at certain points in a test sequence. If you set up a test method with the prompted test enabled, that method becomes a prompted method that runs a prompted test. When a Preview of that test method appears in the Open Method screen, it is identi-fied as a prompted method by Icon.

Check Run as a prompted test.

• Number of specimens in sample - The prompted test lets you set a number of specimens for a sample and then prompts the operator when that number have been tested. As the testing progresses, the caption at the top of the screen shows the operator the number of the current specimen, for example Speci-men 2 of 10. After the last specimen is tested, the system prompts the operator either to finish the sample or continue testing beyond the number of speci-mens originally specified. The prompt to finish the sample appears only once. If the operator chooses to continue testing, the sample continues until the operator finishes by clicking the Finish button in the test workspace.

You cannot disable this feature. If you don't want to set a number of speci-mens in advance of testing, you have three options:

• Leave the default setting of 10 and instruct your operator to continue test-ing when prompted. After the prompt, the caption continues to show the speci-men number, but not the total number of specimens in the sample, e.g. Specimen 11.

• Set the Number of specimens in the sample to a number higher than the largest number of specimens that you test in one sample. The caption shows both the specimen number and the total number that you have set, e.g. Speci-men 11 of 99.

• If you don't know in advance what the number will be, but the operator will know before starting to test the sample, add the Number of specimens in sample parameter to the list of Selected Parameters in the Before Start screen.

• Prompt and Show Check boxes - Each Prompt checkbox corresponds to one screen in the series of screens that make up the prompted test sequence. When you check a box, a corresponding item appears in the navigation bar, under Prompted Test, where you can set up the parameters that you want to add to that screen in the test sequence. Full details of how to add and set up these screens are in the topics describing each screen. Refer to On Line Help.

• The Prompt before test checkbox is always checked. The test must always pause at this point in the sequence to let the operator start the test by clicking the Start Test button.

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Note: Each Show checkbox corresponds to a point in the test sequence where you might want the software to pause to let the operator look at the graph or results table in the test workspace.

Each prompt setup screen has one or more of the following components:

• An instructional message for the operator.

• A pick-list from which you can choose parameters that you want the oper-ator to enter in that screen. You can also change the Prompt and Default value for any of the parameters (for example change the prompt for Text Input 1 to Specimen Color with a Default value of White).

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NOTE: Refer to Prompted Test Examples in Online Help for example scenarios and test sequences using the prompted test.

The full series of screens is shown in Table 2 below.

Note the Icon Bar at the top of each Test Sequence setup screen.

The test sequence icon bar corresponds to prompt selections areas on the left side of the above screen. If a prompt area is unchecked, that particular icon will be grayed out. As each Test Prompt setup page is selected the icon corre-sponding to that area will highlight. The same thing will occur when actually running a test.

Table 2: Functionality of Screens

Screen Name Function

Prompt Sequence Toggle between a freeform test and a prompted test.

Set the number of specimens in the sample.

Enable individual prompt screens within the prompted test wizard.

Prompted Test - Before Start Prompt for parameters that are the same throughout the sample and needed before testing.

Prompted Test - Before Specimen Prompt for parameters for each speci-men before it is tested.

Prompted Test - Before Test Pause before starting test with instruc-tional message to operator to, for example, attach an extensometer.

Prompted Test - Before Calcula-tions

Prompt for parameters for each speci-men after it is tested but before per-forming calculations (e.g. final dimensions).

Prompted Test - After Specimen Prompt for parameters for each speci-men after it is tested (e.g. excluding the specimen).

Prompted Test - At Finish Prompt for parameters that apply only to the entire sample (e.g. a sample note).

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Chapter 5Running a Test

Chapter Items

Testing a New Sample as a Prompted Test

Testing a New Sample as a Freeform Test

Continuing a Test on an Existing Sample

Creating a Method and running a Test

A test may be run as a Freeform Test or Prompted Test depending on how the Method was created as discussed in the previous chapter.

Prompted Test - When you set the method to run as a prompted test, sev-eral more screens become available in the Prompted Test area of the navigation bar. These let you set up a fully prompted test, rather like a wizard, that overlays the test workspace during testing. The Setup Prompted Test Sequence screen lets you set up the number of steps in the wizard. The Prompted Test screens let you set up the content of each screen within the wizard. The prompted test provides a logical lin-ear progression of screens, directing the operator to enter certain parameters at certain points in a test sequence.

Freeform Test - The only prompts available in a freeform test are those that you can add to the Operator Inputs area of the test workspace. You set these up in the Workspace - Operator Inputs screen, which is the only screen avail-able in the Prompted Test area of the navigation bar when you are not running a prompted test.

This chapter will lead the operator through a New Sample test using a Prompted and Freeform Method, Continue Sample Test using a Freeform Method and Creat-ing a method to run a test.

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Testing a New Sample as a Prompted Test M18-16253-EN


Prompted Method

The Prompted Test is a very structured way of running tests consisting of a series of prompts for the operator to enter parameters at specific times and in a specific order. Typically, the operator would be prompted to enter the number of speci-mens in the sample at the start, enter specimen dimensions before each specimen, and perhaps a comment after each specimen. When the specified number of spec-imens have been tested, the operator is prompted to finish the sample or continue testing. Then, upon finishing the sample, the operator would be prompted for final information, such as end of sample comments.

The main advantage of a prompted test is that the structured format lets you set up test methods that fully prompt the operator at each stage of testing. These methods can be used by operators who are less familiar with the software or with materials testing in general. The prompted format reduces the possibility of omissions by the operator.

From the Home Screen click on the Test Button.

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Select a Method Screen

A Method can be selected from the Most Recently Used List by double click-ing on it or highlight the Method and click the Next Button. If the required method is not in the MRU list click Browse and locate the Method from win-dows explorer as shown below.

Directions for this setup screen.Method name and Path of highlighted Method

Preview of high-lighted Method

Most Recently Used (MRU) Methods

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Create the Sample Screen

The system produces a suggested name for the sample file, based on the most recently used sample filename. If there are no sample files created yet to base the name on, the default name "Test Sample" is used. The system appends a number to the filename to ensure a unique name. You can type a different name into the Sample filename: field. The system produces a suggested loca-tion for the sample file, based on the most recently used output folder. The sample name should be something easily recognized for future retrieval. Fol-low the directions at the top of this screen and click the Next Button.

Before Start Prompts

This screen prompts the operator to input the information required at the begin-ning of a sample e.g. number of specimens, sample description and sample notes.

Note: As you step through the prompts, notice the highlighted icon at the top of each screen changes to indicate where in the test sequence you are currently.

Note the Information on the Status Bar at the bottom of each window, Secu-rity status, Machine (frame type), Test Type, Sample name, Method name and Report template. Enter the required information and Click Next.

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Before Specimen Prompts

This screen prompts the operator to enter the information required at the begin-ning of each specimen e.g. specimen dimensions and gauge length.

Input the required information and Click Next.

Before Test Message

This is an information screen that alerts the operator just prior to frame move-ment. It can be setup to say whatever is appropriate for this method.

Click Start. This will start the test indicated by the real time plot on the graph. When the test ends the graph will be displayed without the results. Click Next.

Before Calculations Prompts

This prompt screen would be used for numeric values required for specific calcu-lations that would not be known until after the specimen is tested.


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First Specimen Results

-The test will be displayed according the layout selected in the Method - Work-space - Layout setup when the method was created.

Double clicking on the graph will open the setup dialog box allowing the graph parameters to be changed.

Double clicking on the results will open the setup dialog box allowing the result headings to be changed.

Click Next.

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After Specimen Prompts

This prompt screen can be setup to input information on each specimen such as break location, comments etc.

Enter the required information and Click Next.

2nd Before Specimen Screen

This screen prompts the operator to input the information required for the second specimen e.g. specimen dimensions and gauge length.


2nd Before Test Screen

Second Specimen

Click Start. This will start the test indicated by the real time plot for the sec-ond specimen on the graph. When the test ends the graph will be displayed without the results for the second specimen. Click Next.

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Before Calculations Screen

Second Specimen.


Second Specimen Results

The test will be displayed according the layout selected in the Method - Work-space - Layout setup when the method was created.

Click Next.

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After Second Specimen Prompts

This prompt screen can be setup to input information on each specimen such as break location.


Continue the above steps until all specimens are tested. When the specified num-ber of specimens have been tested the At Finish prompts will appear. The At Fin-ish prompts will also appear it the operator selects the Finish button.

At Finish Prompts

This prompt screen can be setup to input information on the entire sample such as after sample comments.


Finish

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Finishing Screen

Gives the operator the option to Finish or Continue the test.

Click Finish.

Click No and return to the Open Method screen then click Bluehill in the upper left corner of the screen to return to the Home Screen.

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Freeform Test

The Freeform test is so named because it lets operators enter test parameter values and run tests on specimens in a very flexible way. For example, operators can enter specimen dimensions at any time and move backward and forward between specimens (tested/untested) changing values and recalculating results. There are no prompts other than the Operator Inputs assigned in the Method - Workspace - Operator Inputs which may be included in the specified Method - Workspace - Layout. The operator clicks the Finish Button when the Sample is complete. Also, any parameter/setting in the method may be changed by selecting the Method Tab at the top of the test screen.

For this example click the Test Button On the Home Screen, highlight Select Method on the upper left of the screen and select an unprompted Method.

Freeform Test Workspace

Reminder:

• Double clicking on the graph will open the setup dialog box, allowing the graph parameters to be changed.

• Double clicking on the results will open the setup dialog box allowing the result headings to be changed.

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Testing a New Sample as a Freeform Test M18-16253-EN

Operator Inputs - The operator can define the inputs for all the specimens in the sample before testing the first specimen by clicking on the +/- Buttons on the top of the Operator Inputs column.

Click Start to test the next untested specimen.

Freeform Test Results

Continue running tests as described above until the sample is complete. Then click Finish.

Click No and return to the Open Method screen then click Bluehill in the upper left corner of the screen to return to the Home Screen.

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Continuing a Test

For this example click the Test Button On the Home Screen, highlight Continue Sample on the upper left of the screen and select an unprompted sample.

Select a Sample to Continue Testing

Select a sample from the MRU list by double clicking on it or highlight it and click the Open Button. If the sample desired does not appear in the above click the Browse Button and find it in Windows Explorer.

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Continuing a Test on an Existing Sample M18-16253-EN

Existing Results

From this screen, the operator can:

• modify any previously tested specimen by selecting it using the +/- but-tons at the top of the Operator Inputs column and changing any of the input fields. Appropriate Method settings can also be changed by selecting the Method Tab at the top of the screen.

• add specimens to this sample by clicking the + Button, entering the appro-priate inputs and clicking on the Start Button.

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Add Specimen 3

Add Specimen 4

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Add Specimen 5

Note: When the number of specimens per graph as defined in the graph setup is exceeded, the graph refreshes and begins again.

When all specimens, in the Sample, have been tested click the Finish Button.

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Related Functions

When Results are open on the desktop several special functions described below are available.

Zooming and Scaling

You can zoom in on an area of interest by left clicking and dragging to draw a rectangle on the graph. When you release the mouse button, the graph redraws to show only the area within the rectangle. The axes are changed to manual scaling with values defined by the rectangle. You can right click on the Graph to access the context menu that enables the user to use the Un-zoom facility.

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Context Menu Items

If you right-click anywhere in the test workspace a context menu appears. Some of the items in the context menu are specific to a particular screen component, but there are some items that are common to all areas. The common functions are:

• Choose a screen layout

• Add a specimen

• Delete a specimen. (related to security privilege)

• Undo the last test (prompted test only)

• Exclude a specimen (from the statistics)

• Include (in the statistics) a previously excluded specimen

• Show Excluded Specimens

• Edit Cursor-Selected Points

• Recalculate all results

They are described under Context Menus in the Test Workspace topic of the On Line Help.

Graph Results Table Operator Inputs

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Chapter 6Reports

Chapter Objectives

Creating New Report Templates

Evaluate the New Report

When security is turned on, you must have Manager or Administrator privilege for access to features detailed in this chapter.

The Report tab is available to you when you:• Select Method on the Home screen and choose a method file to edit. You can

then click on the Report tab to edit the linked report template file that has been opened at the same time as the method file.

• Select Test on the Home screen, followed by New Sample. Choose a method file to use for testing and give the new sample a name. You can then click on the Report tab to edit the linked report template that has been opened.

• Select Test on the Home screen, followed by Continue Sample. Choose a sam-ple file to open. You can then click on the Report tab to edit the linked report template that has been opened.

What does it contain?

There is a navigation bar on the left-hand side of the screen. When you click on an item in the navigation bar, the appropriate contents for that selection appear in the central portion of the screen.

There is a set of buttons on the right-hand side of the screen. The Open, Save, Save As, Preview and Print buttons are always available.

Refer to Edit a Report Template in Online Help for detailed descriptions of each of the screens within the Report tab.

How Report Templates work

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Report template files are linked to test method files, they are not embedded within them. The test method stores a link to a report template, which the soft-ware opens at the same time as the test method file.

If you open a report template in the Report tab when a method file is loaded, that template is then linked to the test method file. Alternatively, from the Method tab, you can change the report template link in the Outputs - Reports screen and this opens the appropriate report template file in the Report tab. When you save the test method, the new link is saved.

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Reports Tab

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Reports Tab

From the Home Screen, click on the Method Button and open any Method.

Method Editor

From the Method Editor above select the Report Tab.

Report Editor - General

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Reports Tab M18-16253-EN

Preview - Shows an example of the report without data.

• the report page can be changed at the top of the Preview pane.

• double right clicking will zoom in and double left clicking will zoom out.

Page settings - this pane on the right provides for a report description, setting margins, orientation, and fonts for the report.

Click on Header from the Navigation Bar.

Report Editor - Header

Preview Pane - Same as described for the General Editor.

Page Header - Provides for setting the margin, selecting the information to be included in the header and the location for that information.

Click on Body from the Navigation Bar.

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Reports Tab

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Report Editor - Body


How to Use the Available and Selected Lists - The list of available items contains all the elements that you can add to a report template. To add an item to the Selected list, click on its name in the Available list and click the Add button. The items appear in the report template in the same order that they appear in the Selected list. If you want to change the order, highlight an item in the Selected list and click on the Move Up or Move Down button to change its position in the list.

• Click and Drag - You can also click and drag parameters between the Available and Selected lists and click and drag parameters to change their order in the Selected list.

• Double-click - Double-click on a parameter in the Available list to add it to the Selected list.

Sample Parameters and Method Description - You can add Method Descrip-tion, Sample Description and any of the three Sample Notes to your report template. These parameters are set up in the Method tab from the General - Method and General - Sample choices in the navigation bar. When you add any of these items to the selected list, they disappear from the available list.

Note: If you have changed the Prompt for any of these parameters in the test method, it is that prompt which appears in the Available list. For example, if you have

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changed Method Description to Procedure Description in the Properties dialog for that parameter, it is Procedure Description that appears.

Show caption - The caption is taken from the prompt for the parameter (Method Description, for example). This box is checked by default and the caption appears above the parameter text in the report. If you do not want to see the caption in the report, uncheck this box. The font for the caption is taken from the default font setting in the Report > General screen.

Report Editor - Footer


Page Footer - Provides for setting the margin, selecting the information to be included in the Footer and the location for that information.

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Reports Tab

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Evaluate the New Report

From the Home Screen click on the Test Button, select Continue Sample, open any sample, select the Method tab - Exports - Reports.

From this screen click Change...

Select the Report Template you just created.

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Next Select the Report Tab

Use the tools previously discussed to evaluate the new template.

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