Introduction
This manual applies to the following tester
MFT-5000
MFT-2000
MFT-2000 A
SMT-5000
This type of Load Cell is composed of a singular part, which makes it easier to use. Inside this Load Cell are two piezo sensors, one measuring Fz and the other measuring Fx.
In this example of standard assembly, you can see on the front side of the 200N load cell a sticker which is the calibration unit of each axis force, fz and fx, necessary to read correct value based on those reference value.
The 100N suspension assembled on it is used to limit the vibration induced by the sample during testing. There are several variations of suspensions depending on the maximum load it can be effective on.
Exemple of holder into their suspensions:
Required Tools and Components
Components:
- Argon Load Cell
- Argon Adapter Plate
- Argon Quick Exchange
- Slip Sleeve
- Ball Holder Plate MM002059-00
- Ball Holder
- Optional Components:
o Extension Block
o Suspension Plate
Screws and Hardware:
- (4x) 10-32 Screws - BM310612
- (4x) 10-32 Screws - BM310320-5
SHCS 10-32 X .375" LG PLAIN 18-8 SST
- (4x) ¼ inch button head screws
- (4x) 8-32 Screws
- Allen wrenches: 5/32", 9/64”
Mounting the Argon Sensor on MFT-2000 %Hide(MFT-5000)%
- Install the load cell on the fast-exchange attachment by fastening the 4 captive screws using a 5/32" Allen wrench.
- The narrow side of the fast exchange plate’s should point to the left of the front load cell as this side will fit into the back of the sliding support.
- The front of the load cell is the face showing the Rtec logo and the unit calibration sticker.
(Optional) With Extension block:
(Optional) You can also use an extension block to reduce the distance between the load cell and the lower setup.
- Mount the block extension on the exchange plate with 4 4 x 10-32 x 1.250” long screws using 5/32 Allen wrench.
- Then the adaptor plate mounted on the extension block with 4 x 10-32 x .625” long screws using 5/32 Allen wrench.
- Install the load cell on the fast-exchange attachment by fastening the 4 captive screws using a 5/32" Allen wrench.
- The narrow side of the fast exchange plate’s should point to the left of the front load cell as this side will fit into the back of the sliding support.
- The front of the load cell is the face showing the Rtec logo and the unit calibration sticker.
Mounting the suspension
Choosing the right suspension purchased
A suspension is used to limit the vibration induced by the sample during testing.
There are several variations of suspensions depending on the maximum load it can be effective on.
It is recommended to select a suspension system with the closest higher load rating to the expected load.
Medium to High Suspension List
Low Range Suspensions
Range and Components | SPN Number |
0.5N suspension L shape | SPN14015-508 |
1N suspension L shape | SPN14015-509 |
5N suspension L shape | SPN14015-510 |
10N suspension L shape | SPN14015-511 |
Low load sensor clamp Aluminum | SPN14039-512 |
Low load sensor clamp Steel | SPN14039-513 |
The labeled force represents the suspension capability, not the nominal operating force.
The suspension must be used within this specified range and exceeding this limit will lead to ineffective suspension operation.
The suspension must be used within this specified range and exceeding this limit will lead to ineffective suspension operation.
- Mount the suspension between the Argon Sensor and the Ball Holder
Plate by tightening the 2 captive screws using 9/64” Allen key.
The label of the suspension should face the same direction as the load cell sticker.
Rotary Application
Ball On Disk / Pin On Disk
Installation upper Y axis and radius holder %Hide(MFT-2000A + MFT-5000)%
Required Tools and Components
Step-by-Step Installation
Remove the current adapter and holder if present
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Install the adapter plate
- Position the rectangular plate along the Y axis of the load cell to support the module.
6-32 x .250” long using 7/64” Allen wrench
Install the Y axis module
- Firstly, lose the tightening screw on the right to free the upper plate and have access to each screws.
- Move the upper plate to 40mm and re tighten the side screw.
- Secure the upper module with 4 x M4 x 8 screws using a 3mm metric Allen key.
- Move back the plate to thighten the 2 last screws.
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Install the graphite plate and the holder
- Fix the second adapter with four 6-32 x .400” screws using a 3mm metric Allen key.
- Secure the graphite plate with four 6-32 x .250” screws long using 7/64” Allen wrench.
- Tighten the two captive screws from the suspension using 9/64” Allen key.
Without suspension
- Mount the graphite plate
- Fix the holder with 4 x 10-32 x .438” using 5/32” Allen wrench
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Center the holder to 0
Choose The Load Used:
Ultra Low Load
Low Load
Required Tools and Components
Ball holder and suspension installation
- Secure the suspension holder with the 4 screws using 5/64” Allen Key.
The labeled force represents the suspension capability, not the nominal operating force.
The suspension must operate within this specified range.
Exceeding this limit will lead to ineffective suspension operation.
Exceeding this limit will lead to ineffective suspension operation.
- Fix the suspension then secure it by tightening the side screw using 7/64” Allen key.
Be careful not to overload the load cell while inserting the suspension.
You can install the suspension into the holder first before installing the holder on the load cell.
Or, as shown, you may insert a thin Allen key into the clamping gap during insertion to allow the part to slide in effortlessly.
- Install or replace the ball from the ball holder, then hand-tighten the nut or using a wrench (optional).
- Secure the ball holder once slide into the suspension by tightening the side screw using 3/32” Allen key.
The ball holder must not touch the suspension base to ensure proper suspension operation.
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It is possible to use a ball holder extension to reduce the Z distance to the sample in certain testing configurations.
Please contact Rtec Service for this specific matter.
Manually adjust the Y Radius %Hide(MFT-2000A + MFT-5000)%
To adjust the y radius you need to manually turn the knob to the desired radius.
The center of the Y radius setup being the 25mm mark, you can adjust the radius to +-25mm.
Medium Load
Required Tools and Components
Pin/Ball holder installation
Universal Ball holder Overview
1. Test Ball or Pin
Rtec balls catalog
- E52100 Alloy Steel / HRC60
- 304 SSt / HRC25
- 440C SSt / HRC58
- WC Tungsten Carbide / HRC75
- SiN Silicon Nitride
- Nonporous Alumina Ceramic balls
- PTFE
Available Ball size :
- 1.6mm
- 3.9mm
- 6.3mm
- 9.5mm
- 12.7mm
Upper Sample Holder for Chamber
1200° Chamber
Upper Sample Holder for 1200℃ Chamber | Part no. |
Ball Holder 9.5 mm ( 3/8") | SPN03U008H |
Ball and Pin Holder 6.35 mm ( 1/4") | SPN03U008-1H |
Ball Holder 3.175 mm ( 1/8") | SPN03U008-2H |
Ball Holder 1.6 mm ( 1/16") | SPN03U008-3H |
1000° Chamber
Upper Sample Holder for 1000℃ Chamber | Part no. |
0.5 inch ball | SPN030060-55 |
0.375 inch ball | SPN030060-54 |
0.25 inch ball | SPN030060-53 |
3 mm ball | SPN030060-56 |
6mm diameter cylinder | SPN030041-462 |
6.3mm diameter cylinder | SPN13108 |
9.5mm diameter cylinder | SPN030041-463 |
12.7mm diameter cylinder | SPN030041-464 |
15mm diameter cylinder | SPN030041-465 |
5. Ball Holder
Holder Specification MSC 81197253
Collet Series | ER11 |
Shank Type | Straight |
Through Coolant | No |
Shank Diameter (Inch) | 5/8 |
Minimum Collet Capacity (Decimal Inch) | 0.0190 |
Maximum Collet Capacity (Decimal Inch) | 0.2760 |
Overall Length (Inch) | 3-1/2 |
Overall Length (Decimal Inch) | 3.5 |
Actuator Type | Wrench |
Shank Length (Decimal Inch) | 3.0300 |
Collet Nut Diameter (Decimal Inch) | 0.6200 |
For additional information or to place an order, please contact Rtec Support (contact information provided at the end of this manual).
The ball holder along with the provided collet can also accommodate circular pins.
- Loosen the nut to free the ball.
- Insert the adjusting pin into the holder, then the ball.
Provided for standard test: Ball, .250" (1/4") (6.350mm) Dia
E52100 100Cr6 grade 25 Alloy Steel.
- Hold the holder vertically, so the ball is resting on the pin.
Using a 1/8" Allen key, fasten the screw inside the holder to slightly push the ball.
- Once the ball is retracted enough, fasten the nut to secure it.
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For preliminary testing: The ball may be reused by rotating it to expose a unworn contact surface.
For final measurements: It is recommended to employ a new ball for each test to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
For final measurements: It is recommended to employ a new ball for each test to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
Extension holder
- Use the extension only in particular cases where the ball holder cannot reach the sample.
- Increasing the ball holder length can negatively affect test results, especially in reciprocating tests. Whenever possible, use the load cell extension block instead.
- This extension uses a left-hand (reverse) thread:
- To tighten: rotate counter-clockwise
- To loosen: rotate clockwise
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(to reduce the distance towards the sample)
Manually adjust the Y Radius %Hide(MFT-2000A + MFT-5000)%
To adjust the y radius you need to manually turn the knob to the desired radius.
The center of the Y radius setup being the 25mm mark, you can adjust the radius to +-25mm.
Block On Disk
Reciprocating Application
Ball On Plate / Pin On Plate
Block On Plate
Block Sample Quotation
Sliding Piston Ring On Cylindrical Liner
TRIBOCORROSION CONTAINER, PIN SAMPLE HOLDER
Block-On-Ring Application
Ball On Ring / Pin On Ring
Block-On-Ring
Self-Adjusting Block holder preparation
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The self-leveling block holder will ensure proper contact during the test.
- Firstly ,loosen the 2 tightening screws using /16” Allen key.
- Slide in the block sample into the block support
ASTM Rtec Block Catalog
HRC 58-62 Roughness 4-8 Uinch → D3704, G77, G176
SPN13136-145
SPN13136-145
HRC 27-33 Roughness 20-30 Uinch → D2714, D3704
HRC 58-62 Roughness 20-30 Uinch → D2509
SPN13136-146
SPN13136-146
- Level the block sufficiently into the holder.
- Tighten the securing screws on each side.
High Torque Block Holder
Mounting the Argon Load Cell
Mounting the Argon Sensor on MFT-5000 %Hide(MFT-2000 + MFT-2000A + SMT-5000)%
In most cases, the Argon adapter plate will already be installed. However, if
installation is required, follow these steps:
installation is required, follow these steps:
- Mount the adaptor plate plate directly to the Quick Exchange base using the provided 4 x 10-32 x 1.250” long screws using 5/32” Allen wrench.
- Mount the block extension on the exchange plate with 4 4 x 10-32 x 1.250” long screws using 5/32 Allen wrench.
- Then the adaptor plate mounted on the extension block with 4 x 10-32 x .625” long screws using 5/32 Allen wrench.
(Optional) Using the extension Block
(Optional) You can also use an extension block to reduce the distance between the load cell and the lower setup.
- Install the load cell on the fast-exchange attachment by fastening the 4 captive screws using a 5/32" Allen wrench.
- Align the sensor so that the ribbon cable port is on the right-hand side
when viewed from the front.
- This ensures correct orientation in relation to the rear alignment features of the Quick Exchange.
Installing the Argon on MFT-5000 %Hide(MFT-2000 + MFT-2000A + SMT-5000)%
(1).gif)
- Slide the sensor assembly with the Quick Exchange into the MFT-5000
Quick Exchange Dock - Ensure first that the locking wings are forward.
- The front of the load cell (Rtec logo and sticker) is facing you.
- Lift the Argon Assembly up while tightening the Quick Exchange locks
outward - Always hold the sensor by its sides to avoid applying force on the sensors.
- Make sure the assembly is firmly wedged up with no vertical play.
- Connect the ribbon cable to the Argon Load Sensor.
The connector only fit one way.
Mounting the Argon Sensor on MFT-2000 %Hide(MFT-5000 + SMT-5000)%
- Install the load cell on the fast-exchange attachment by fastening the 4 captive screws using a 5/32" Allen wrench.
- The narrow side of the fast exchange plate’s should point to the left of the front load cell as this side will fit into the back of the sliding support.
- The front of the load cell is the face showing the Rtec logo and the unit calibration sticker.
(Optional) With Extension block:
(Optional) You can also use an extension block to reduce the distance between the load cell and the lower setup.
- Mount the block extension on the exchange plate with 4 4 x 10-32 x 1.250” long screws using 5/32 Allen wrench.
- Then the adaptor plate mounted on the extension block with 4 x 10-32 x .625” long screws using 5/32 Allen wrench.
- Install the load cell on the fast-exchange attachment by fastening the 4 captive screws using a 5/32" Allen wrench.
- The narrow side of the fast exchange plate’s should point to the left of the front load cell as this side will fit into the back of the sliding support.
- The front of the load cell is the face showing the Rtec logo and the unit calibration sticker.
Installing the Argon Sensor on MFT-2000 %Hide(MFT-5000 + SMT-5000)%
- Slide in the load cell into the Z stage rack.
Make sure the 4 screws above the rack are removed.
Slide the load cell with its front facing you and the connector on the right.
Slide the load cell with its front facing you and the connector on the right.
- Fasten the 4 securing screws by hands.
- Connect the ribbon cable. The connector only fit one way.
Installing the Argon Sensor on SMT-5000 %Hide(MFT-2000 + MFT-2000A + MFT-5000)%
Quotation for this one
Autre Holder
SAMPLE HOLDER, TORQUE SENSOR
SAMPLE HOLDER FOR BRIDGE SENSOR
Contact Sample Holder, Fretting Test
AM000569-00
TCT Sample Holder
HFRR SAMPLE HOLDER, FRETTING TEST
AM000569-06
Tribocorrosion sample holder
Installing the Ball Holder
- Use four 1/4” button head screws to secure the assembly to the load cell
and tighten using a 5/32” Allen wrench.
Then Insert the slip sleeve into the sensor mount.
- Place the ball holder into the slip sleeve.
- Mount the Ball Holder onto the suspension in the same manner as onto
the load cell using a 9/64” Allen wrench.
It is recommended to install the ball holder as far as possible into the suspension while making sure that it does not hit the load cell when the suspension is fully compressed.
Hardware Final Notes
- Always confirm all screws are hand-tightened and then secured with the appropriate Allen key.
- Refer to the full user manual for safety precautions and maintenance schedules
Contact & Support
For technical support or further assistance, please contact:
Rtec-Instruments Support
support@rtec-instruments.com
+1 (408) 708-9226
Manual Version | Date | Update Description |
ㅤ | 12/09/2025 | Initial Manual Version |
Made with Bullet