Software Step-by Step and General Manual

⚠️ Important and critical Information

Useful, non critical information.

Help and troubleshoot on the operation.

For more information contains summarized additional functionality, configuration and information. Refer to the Software Index for more details.

Start the software

For proper initialization of the machine, it is recommended to turn on the machine first, wait 30 seconds and then turn on the software.

Start the computer.

On the Dekstop, Click On the Rtec MFT Software.

Wait for the softwares to initialize.

Q&A

Ensure that the tester’s switchs are On

Switching On the MFT-5000

The two AC Switches on the back of the machine, and the front ARU Button is disengaged.

Switching On the MFT-2000

The two 220VAC Switches on the MFT-2000 controller and the 24VDC Switch on the pillar are on.

Sorted Customer Q/A

Table

Question / Issue Encountered 1

Answer / Solution

I get DAQ polling error

This error typically occurs when communication to the DAQ box is interrupted or lost. To resolve it, restart the software or reconnect the USB cable from the DAQ box.

-Failed to connect for AutoDrive (Persisting)

If you have an older drive version, you may need to manually select the drive type instead of AutoDrive.

System.Exception: You must enable at least one channel

DAQ Box not communicating, unplug and plug back the USB cable on both sides. Close Rtec MFT and RtecController, wait 1 minute, restart the software

Some Devices not connected: Head

Imaging Head not connected.
Connect the imaging head or remove the imaging head product

Failed to connect for AutoDrive-Initialization Failed for Axis Z

Close Rtec MFT and RtecController, Wait 1 minute, restart the software.

Initialization Failed for Axes X and Y

Can happen if the system is in Z only configuration.

-Drive Motor and XYZ Axes Error
-XY AutoDrive is missing in the config table

No Drive is connected.
1. Ensure that the 2 drive cables are connected to the tester
2. Restart the software.

For more information

Initialization window

When launching Rtec MFT software, the status window automatically opens. This window shows the initialization of all the machine components.

Status Window successfully initialized (Left), unsuccessful (Right)

If any issue appeared during initialization, it will appear as a red line. On the image, the red line shows that the initialization of the scratch module was not successful.

Initialization should be successful for the software to work properly. If it’s not, please restart the computer. If the error persists, contact customer service.

Update the configuration

Open the Software Configuration Box.

Unroll and Scroll through the sensors section first.

Select each of the modules installed on the instrument by following the module list below.

Reciprocating & Rotary

Type

Fz

Fx

Options to select

Your Sensor Range

For heating Chamber

RTC

Your heating chamber

Select LVDT when this option have been installed with the Reciprocating module

LVDT

Select LVDT

animation example, please refer to the list table.

Every other modules

BOR

Type

Fz

Fx

Ts

COF

Options to select

Your Sensor Range

Your Sensors Range.

Your Sensor Range

Select COF-Ts:
COF Calculation using the Torques Sensors

Or Select COF:
COF Calculation using the Fx Load Cell Sensors

For heating Chamber

RTC

Your BOR heating chamber

4Ball

Type

Fz

Fx

Tz

COF

Options to select

Your Sensor Range

Select any range. (While there is no Fx, it is required).

Your Sensor Range

Select COF-Torque

For heating Chamber

RTC

Select 4Ball 180°

SRV

Type

Fx

Fx-Piezo

Fx-Piezo-RMS

Fx-Piezo Peak

Fx

LVDT

COF

Options to select

Any Sensor Range.* ex:1N

Your Sensor Range

Select LVDT.

Select COF-RMS

For heating Chamber

RTC

Select Select Stage-250°

*While there is no standard fx sensors other than the fx piezo installed, is it however requiered to select this component.

HFFR, MTM, VoiceCoil

Type

Fz

FxF

COF

Options to select

Your Sensor Range

Your Sensor Range.

Select COF-Fx

For heating Chamber

RTC

Your heating chamber

For more information

Whenever you update the configuration of your machine by adding or removing a component, you must also update the configuration in the MFT software.

You only need to do this if any components have been replaced since the last update.

Suspensions are not components that require configuration updates.

The load range of your cell should be written on the latest sensor calibration certificate or directly on the load cell.

If a label is missing, the unit calibration values will be non-round but close to the specified unit range.

ex: Fx: 214,56N → Unit range is 200N.

Ts: 24.56 Nm → Unit range is 24 Nm.

Saving and Loading preset configurations

The current configuration can be saved as a preset and reloaded in the future, avoiding the need to manually select each component when changing setup.

Saving Configuration

Click SAVE AS

Save the configuration file following this rule:
Addins+(Name)

The custom configuration is saved and can be loaded in the future.

Loading Configuration

Press Load Configuration

Select an Addin name file matching the module installed.

The software will restart with the new configuration loaded.

“Backup/Restore”: Creates or load a backup of the software files.

⚠️

When using an existing configuration, verify that the selected configuration corresponds to the installed components to avoid any software conflicts.

Press SAVE CONFIGURATION

(The software is restarting with the new configuration saved)

Create a New Recipe

Click EXPERT MODE.

Click NEW.

Name and save the file into a directory.

Click SAVE.

The new recipe is associated with the detected module type.

Click SELECT to continue to the next window.

For more information

When starting the software, the Select recipe window should appear. We can divide it into 4 separated parts.

Part 1: Window selection and Preview

In this part, you can navigate between the different windows of a recipe:

Windows Description:

Select recipe: General overview of the recipes

Edit steps: To create steps and to modify them.

Recipe parameters: General parameters of a recipe including advanced limit criteria.

Data logging: Defines how the data is logged during testing.

Sample info: To add sample and test conditions information.

Run: To monitor components in real-times and start the test.

Alarms: Shows all the activated alarms.

Part 2: Recipe files and details

On the left side of the window, there is a column for the name, the date of creation and type of recipe available to be opened.

The type of recipe depends on the type of lower drive selected when creating a new recipe.

On the right side of the window, there are 8 different icons:

Select: When selecting a recipe in the left side of the screen, you can open it by clicking on “Select”.

New: Creates a new recipe in the desired folder and automatically put it in the list of recipe files.

Add: Adds an already existing recipe into the list of recipes at the left side of the recipe files window.

Remove: Removes a recipe from the list of recipes.

Save: Saves the selected recipe in the current folder.

Save As: Saves a copy of the selected recipe in the desired folder

Save As Template: Bugged?

Add From Template: Bugged?

Help

Cannot “Save As” → Click on “Select” to open the recipe to enable “Save As”

When clicking on any recipe from the list, its details will appear here.

File: Shows the file name (.Rx)

Path: Shows the path towards where the recipe is stored

Modified: Shows the latest modification date

Type: ?

Description: Can be used by the user to add a description for the recipe.

Part 3: Preview

This window gives a preview of the recipe selected in recipe files. There are 2 different preview possibilities at the top left of the preview window. You can use any or both of these to get an idea of the recipe steps.

Part 4: Alert, Machine manual control and Test control

Alarms (Left), Machine manual control (Middle) and Test control (Right)

Alarm part

In this window, all the current alarms impacting the tester are shown.

Machine manual control

Machine manual control allows the user to manually control the displacement of the X, Y, Z stage and the module installed.

For X, Y and Z, the 2 first buttons move the axis in the direction of the button whenever pressed. The last button (“Distance”) allows the user to move the axis by a specific distance in a positive or negative direction.

Machine manual controller lower left window

By dragging the slider on the right of the window, you can uncover other parameters.

Vel: It is the displacement value (in mm/s) of the X, Y platform when moving the X, Y platform using the machine manual control upper window.

Move Abs XY: This part will be available if the tester is homed. It allows the user to move to a specific absolute position of the X, Y platform. This position is defined based on the home position.
The button on the left refreshes the current XY position.
You can enter the X and Y absolute position in the free space and then press ”XY Move” to move to this absolute position.

In the current version, the move Abs XY may have some problems, it is recommended to use the “Distance” of manual control explained previously.

Teach Offset: This parameter is used to teach the offset between the testing and imaging position of the tester. This is the part where you can do the inline imaging calibration. It will be introduced further in Part 2.2.2.4.1.

Move Offset: This parameter is used to automatically move between the testing and imaging position.

TEST => IMG: The platform goes from the test position (where the sample is located below the load cell) to the imaging position (where the sample is located below the imaging head)

IMG => TEST: The platform goes from the imaging position (where the sample is located below the imaging head) to the test position (where the sample is located below the load cell).

Make sure that you are using the right move offset type. If you are in the test position and use “IMG => TEST”, the platform will go in the wrong direction. It will be stopped and the initial position will be lost.

The “Move Offset” needs to be calibrated in order to efficiently move between the testing and imaging positions. The calibration will be introduced further in Part 2.2.2.4.1.

On the right side of the manual control window should be the manual module control. This window allows the user to manually use the module installed.

By clicking on the “ON” button, you can turn the motor off.

Next to it should be possible to modify an intrinsic parameter of the module: frequency (Hz), speed (RPM) etc…

The two buttons at the right start (Left one) and stop (Right one) the manual movement of the module.

The “Distance” button on the far right allows you to set a number of rotations / cycles.

Test Control Window

On the test control window, you can control the homing (Left), Start (Middle) and Stop (Right) of the recipe.

Add Steps

Reciprocating using the X Axis Table

Add a Standard Step

Click the drop-down menu and select Standard.

Click ADD a new step.

Define the duration of the step in the DURATION Section.

Define a constant or linear force within the range of the sensors and suspension.

Press ENTER.

⚠️

Remember to define values below the limits of your load cell and suspension.

(Refer to the load cell manual, suspension section for help)

Help

Cannot define a force within the sensor range → verify the selected sensors range in selecting the components.

For more information

Principle of the STANDARD Step:

A standard step can combine multiple axis and module activations, such as applying a force (Z stage), enabling motion (Drive function), and heating the sample (Temperature function for chambers).

During this combinated step, the force is first applied and stabilized. Then, if a heating chamber is used, the defined temperature is reached. Finally, the drive type of motion drive is activated and the duration starts.(unless the engage parameters are modified).

Standard Individual step modification window

Part 1: Duration

Duration of the step

In this window you can control the duration of the step.

The highlighted button allows the user to automatically calculate the duration of the step if the parameters selected offers to do so with a defined duration of a single repetition and certain number of repetitions (Slide for example)

By default, the logging and time duration start after the force is reached. (see Waiting for force/temperature to settle further)

Part 2: Reset

In this window you can reset the value of Fx at the beginning of the step. If it is unchecked, the Fx value will not be subjected to any reset.

This option is necessary to be pressed only when there is an offset of the Fx value at the beginning of the test (1D+1D arm), it will create issues in most cases when using a 2D Load Cell.

Part 3: Data Logging

Checking “Log during this step” will record the test data during the step. If it remains unchecked, no data will be logged for this step.

In case the user wants to divide the data logging into smaller periods, he can modify the values of “Log Period” and “Log Interval”.

Log period (seconds): The duration of the log period.

Log Interval (seconds): The duration of the interval between 2 log periods.

Part 4: Force

Force options:

Constant: The step is run at a constant value of force. For example: 10N.

Linear: The step is run in linearly increasing or decreasing force for the entire step duration. For example: 5N to 20N. So, the slope's steepness will depend on the duration of the time period.

Undefined: No force control and regulation. Z drive shall remain at the same position throughout the step, this is the equivalent of the Idle state. Use this options if you only use the drive or the temperature during this step for example.

⚠️

The Z-Axis will reach out for a contact when applying a constant force of 0 N as opposed to the undefined option.

Each force are defined for each step, this aspect must be taken in consideration, meaning that the same force must be defined each step to keep applying the desired force throughout the run-test.

Tracking : Adjusting the reaction time

Tracking options:

Low: Reduces the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too strongly to a slow Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Standard: To be used in most cases.

High: Increases the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too slowly to a rapid Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

We highly recommend to use the Standard tracking. However, if the tracking of the force is not satisfactory, you can try other possibilities or contact Rtec customer service if you cannot obtain a satisfactory tracking of the force

Activate the X Axis

In the same Step, click on X AXIS.

Click on Idle to unroll the list.

Select Slide.

Insert the Distance (Displacement amplitude).
Ex: 5 mm

Insert the Velocity, press Enter.
Ex: 10 mm/s

Leave Acceleration defaut value.

Default Motorized Table specifications (subject to customization):

Default MFT-2000 Motorized Table specifications:

X Max travel: 150 mm / Up to 50 mm/s

Y Max travel: 200 mm / Up to 50 mm/s

Default MFT-5000 Motorized Table specifications:

X Max travel: 130 mm / 0.001-6 mm/s

Y Max travel: 270 mm / 0.001-50 mm/s

Default SMT-5000 Motorized Table specifications:

X Max travel: 150 mm / 0.001-50 mm/s

Y Max travel: 150 mm / 0.001-50 mm/s

For more information

X axis motion

In this parameter, the user can command an action of the X axis for the step.

Idle: X axis does not move the during the step.

Cycle: Triangular motion along the X axis for the entered distance and number of cycles.

Distance: Amplitude of the X-axis displacement.
Velocity (rpm): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

The previous position of the X table is used as the origin. The distance setting will thus be the distance from the previous X position.

For example, if the X position is 0 and the Amplitude is set to -2mm, the axis will create a triangular movement between X=[0;-2mm]

Slide: Moves the X axis for the entered distance relative to the previous position (positive and negative as shown on the X, Y platform).

Rotary Basic Recipe

Add a Rotary Radius

Click the drop-down menu and select Reposition.

Click ADD a new step.

Click ADD a new item.

Click 3 times on Z.Velocity to get the dropdown menu

Click on Y.Position.

Press ENTER.

Enter the radius desired in Value.
ex: 5 mm

For more information

⚠️

Most Rtec-Instruments load cells are designed to measure friction along the X-axis (Fx).

Because of this, it’s important to always set Y to a nominal value and X = 0. This ensures that all friction forces appear only along the X-axis, where the sensor can detect them.

If you adjust the radius along X, the friction force will shift to the Y direction (Fy). In that case, the load cell will not be able to measure it correctly, and it could even cause damage to the sensor.

Add a Standard Step

Click the drop-down menu and select Standard.

Click ADD a new step.

Define the duration of the step in the DURATION Section.

Define a constant or linear force within the range of the sensors and suspension.

Press ENTER.

⚠️

Remember to define values below the limits of your load cell and suspension.

(Refer to the load cell manual, suspension section for help)

Help

Cannot define a force within the sensor range → verify the selected sensors range in selecting the components.

For more information

Principle of the STANDARD Step:

A standard step can combine multiple axis and module activations, such as applying a force (Z stage), enabling motion (Drive function), and heating the sample (Temperature function for chambers).

Part 1: Duration

Duration of the step

In this window you can control the duration of the step.

By default, the logging and time duration start after the force is reached. (see Waiting for force/temperature to settle further)

Part 2: Reset

In this window you can reset the value of Fx at the beginning of the step. If it is unchecked, the Fx value will not be subjected to any reset.

This option is necessary to be pressed only when there is an offset of the Fx value at the beginning of the test (1D+1D arm), it will create issues in most cases when using a 2D Load Cell.

Part 3: Data Logging

Checking “Log during this step” will record the test data during the step. If it remains unchecked, no data will be logged for this step.

In case the user wants to divide the data logging into smaller periods, he can modify the values of “Log Period” and “Log Interval”.

Log period (seconds): The duration of the log period.

Log Interval (seconds): The duration of the interval between 2 log periods.

Part 4: Force

Force options:

Constant: The step is run at a constant value of force. For example: 10N.

Linear: The step is run in linearly increasing or decreasing force for the entire step duration. For example: 5N to 20N. So, the slope's steepness will depend on the duration of the time period.

Undefined: No force control and regulation. Z drive shall remain at the same position throughout the step, this is the equivalent of the Idle state. Use this options if you only use the drive or the temperature during this step for example.

⚠️

The Z-Axis will reach out for a contact when applying a constant force of 0 N as opposed to the undefined option.

Each force are defined for each step, this aspect must be taken in consideration, meaning that the same force must be defined each step to keep applying the desired force throughout the run-test.

Tracking : Adjusting the reaction time

Tracking options:

Low: Reduces the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too strongly to a slow Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Standard: To be used in most cases.

High: Increases the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too slowly to a rapid Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Activate the Drive

In the same Standard Step, click on DRIVE.

Click on Idle to unroll the list.

Select Continous.

Insert the Velocity.
Ex: 500 Rpm or 10hz

Insert Acceleration and Deceleration time (or leave default).
Ex: 5s

Help

Only Idle appear → The module is not properly selected → refer to select the components.

For more information

Drive motion

The action type might change based on the drive selected.

Idle: If this action is selected, the drive doesn’t move during this step.

Cycle: Oscillates the drive in counter and clockwise directions.

Revolution: Number of revolutions before it changes direction.

If the number of revolutions entered is below 1, the rotary drive will realize a reciprocating-like rotary movement.

Velocity (rpm): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Slide: Moves the drive for a fixed number of revolutions.

Revolution: Number of revolutions to be realized.
Velocity (rpm/Hz): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Continuous: Moves the drive at constant velocity in counter or clockwise direction.

Direction: CW for clockwise, CCW for counterclockwise direction.
Velocity (rpm/Hz): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Move to Angle: Moves the drive to a nominal angle of the shaft

Activate the Heating Chamber (if installed)

In the same Standard step, click on TEMPERATURE.

Click on Idle

Select Lower Chamber.

Enter the C° temperature to reach for.

Press ENTER.

This temperature will be reach at the start of the step.

Click NEXT to go to the next Window.

Help

Only Idle appear → The Temperature module is not properly selected → see Update the Components.

For more information

Temperature

In this parameter, the user can command an action of the temperature chamber for the step.

Idle: No temperature chamber action is done during the step.

Upper Heater: Sets the desired temperature of the upper heater (if available)

Lower Chamber: Sets the desired temperature of the lower chamber (if available)

Lower &Upper: Sets the temperature of the upper and lower chambers (if available)

Stop: Removes the temperature setpoint.

Reciprocating Basic Recipe

Add a Standard Step

Click the drop-down menu and select Standard.

Click ADD a new step.

Define the duration of the step in the DURATION Section.

Define a constant or linear force within the range of the sensors and suspension.

Press ENTER.

⚠️

Remember to define values below the limits of your load cell and suspension.

(Refer to the load cell manual, suspension section for help)

Help

Cannot define a force within the sensor range → verify the selected sensors range in selecting the components.

For more information

Principle of the STANDARD Step:

A standard step can combine multiple axis and module activations, such as applying a force (Z stage), enabling motion (Drive function), and heating the sample (Temperature function for chambers).

Part 1: Duration

Duration of the step

In this window you can control the duration of the step.

By default, the logging and time duration start after the force is reached. (see Waiting for force/temperature to settle further)

Part 2: Reset

In this window you can reset the value of Fx at the beginning of the step. If it is unchecked, the Fx value will not be subjected to any reset.

This option is necessary to be pressed only when there is an offset of the Fx value at the beginning of the test (1D+1D arm), it will create issues in most cases when using a 2D Load Cell.

Part 3: Data Logging

Checking “Log during this step” will record the test data during the step. If it remains unchecked, no data will be logged for this step.

In case the user wants to divide the data logging into smaller periods, he can modify the values of “Log Period” and “Log Interval”.

Log period (seconds): The duration of the log period.

Log Interval (seconds): The duration of the interval between 2 log periods.

Part 4: Force

Force options:

Constant: The step is run at a constant value of force. For example: 10N.

Linear: The step is run in linearly increasing or decreasing force for the entire step duration. For example: 5N to 20N. So, the slope's steepness will depend on the duration of the time period.

Undefined: No force control and regulation. Z drive shall remain at the same position throughout the step, this is the equivalent of the Idle state. Use this options if you only use the drive or the temperature during this step for example.

⚠️

The Z-Axis will reach out for a contact when applying a constant force of 0 N as opposed to the undefined option.

Each force are defined for each step, this aspect must be taken in consideration, meaning that the same force must be defined each step to keep applying the desired force throughout the run-test.

Tracking : Adjusting the reaction time

Tracking options:

Low: Reduces the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too strongly to a slow Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Standard: To be used in most cases.

High: Increases the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too slowly to a rapid Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Activate the Drive

In the same Standard Step, click on DRIVE.

Click on Idle to unroll the list.

Select Continous.

Insert the Velocity.
Ex: 500 Rpm or 10hz

Insert Acceleration and Deceleration time (or leave default).
Ex: 5s

Help

Only Idle appear → The module is not properly selected → refer to select the components.

For more information

Drive motion

The action type might change based on the drive selected.

Idle: If this action is selected, the drive doesn’t move during this step.

Cycle: Oscillates the drive in counter and clockwise directions.

Revolution: Number of revolutions before it changes direction.

If the number of revolutions entered is below 1, the rotary drive will realize a reciprocating-like rotary movement.

Velocity (rpm): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Slide: Moves the drive for a fixed number of revolutions.

Revolution: Number of revolutions to be realized.
Velocity (rpm/Hz): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Continuous: Moves the drive at constant velocity in counter or clockwise direction.

Direction: CW for clockwise, CCW for counterclockwise direction.
Velocity (rpm/Hz): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Move to Angle: Moves the drive to a nominal angle of the shaft

Activate the Heating Chamber (if installed)

In the same Standard step, click on TEMPERATURE.

Click on Idle

Select Lower Chamber.

Enter the C° temperature to reach for.

Press ENTER.

This temperature will be reach at the start of the step.

Click NEXT to go to the next Window.

Help

Only Idle appear → The Temperature module is not properly selected → see Update the Components.

For more information

Temperature

In this parameter, the user can command an action of the temperature chamber for the step.

Idle: No temperature chamber action is done during the step.

Upper Heater: Sets the desired temperature of the upper heater (if available)

Lower Chamber: Sets the desired temperature of the lower chamber (if available)

Lower &Upper: Sets the temperature of the upper and lower chambers (if available)

Stop: Removes the temperature setpoint.

BOR Basic Recipe

Add a Standard Step

Click the drop-down menu and select Standard.

Click ADD a new step.

Define the duration of the step in the DURATION Section.

Define a constant or linear force within the range of the sensors and suspension.

Press ENTER.

⚠️

Remember to define values below the limits of your load cell and suspension.

(Refer to the load cell manual, suspension section for help)

Help

Cannot define a force within the sensor range → verify the selected sensors range in selecting the components.

For more information

Principle of the STANDARD Step:

A standard step can combine multiple axis and module activations, such as applying a force (Z stage), enabling motion (Drive function), and heating the sample (Temperature function for chambers).

Part 1: Duration

Duration of the step

In this window you can control the duration of the step.

By default, the logging and time duration start after the force is reached. (see Waiting for force/temperature to settle further)

Part 2: Reset

In this window you can reset the value of Fx at the beginning of the step. If it is unchecked, the Fx value will not be subjected to any reset.

This option is necessary to be pressed only when there is an offset of the Fx value at the beginning of the test (1D+1D arm), it will create issues in most cases when using a 2D Load Cell.

Part 3: Data Logging

Checking “Log during this step” will record the test data during the step. If it remains unchecked, no data will be logged for this step.

In case the user wants to divide the data logging into smaller periods, he can modify the values of “Log Period” and “Log Interval”.

Log period (seconds): The duration of the log period.

Log Interval (seconds): The duration of the interval between 2 log periods.

Part 4: Force

Force options:

Constant: The step is run at a constant value of force. For example: 10N.

Linear: The step is run in linearly increasing or decreasing force for the entire step duration. For example: 5N to 20N. So, the slope's steepness will depend on the duration of the time period.

Undefined: No force control and regulation. Z drive shall remain at the same position throughout the step, this is the equivalent of the Idle state. Use this options if you only use the drive or the temperature during this step for example.

⚠️

The Z-Axis will reach out for a contact when applying a constant force of 0 N as opposed to the undefined option.

Each force are defined for each step, this aspect must be taken in consideration, meaning that the same force must be defined each step to keep applying the desired force throughout the run-test.

Tracking : Adjusting the reaction time

Tracking options:

Low: Reduces the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too strongly to a slow Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Standard: To be used in most cases.

High: Increases the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too slowly to a rapid Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Activate the Drive

In the same Standard Step, click on DRIVE.

Click on Idle to unroll the list.

Select Continous.

Insert the Velocity.
Ex: 500 Rpm or 10hz

Insert Acceleration and Deceleration time (or leave default).
Ex: 5s

Help

Only Idle appear → The module is not properly selected → refer to select the components.

For more information

Drive motion

The action type might change based on the drive selected.

Idle: If this action is selected, the drive doesn’t move during this step.

Cycle: Oscillates the drive in counter and clockwise directions.

Revolution: Number of revolutions before it changes direction.

If the number of revolutions entered is below 1, the rotary drive will realize a reciprocating-like rotary movement.

Velocity (rpm): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Slide: Moves the drive for a fixed number of revolutions.

Revolution: Number of revolutions to be realized.
Velocity (rpm/Hz): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Continuous: Moves the drive at constant velocity in counter or clockwise direction.

Direction: CW for clockwise, CCW for counterclockwise direction.
Velocity (rpm/Hz): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Move to Angle: Moves the drive to a nominal angle of the shaft

Enter the BOR Effective Radius

The value inserted in this animation is an example.

In the same Standard step, click on the free area next to Effective Radius(mm).

Enter 34.93 for the default ring, or for the xx ring. (Refer to the Help section for other samples).

Help

BOR Effective Radius Calculations

For Block On Ring test, the Friction Coefficient (COF-Torque) is calculated using the effective radius entered in the “Radius” field of the previous window.

The effective radius of the block on ring depends on the amount of contact areas where the friction occurs:

Ring test: Only one single contact point at the radius of the ring.

“Radius” = Radius of the ring (mm).

Bearing test: Two contact points: One between the balls and the inner ring and a second one between the balls and the outer ring.

“Radius” = Effective radius of the 2 contact areas (mm).

The effective radius can be estimated as follows:

Ff,i being the friction force at a specific contact radius.

Default Ring specifications

Outer Diameter: 35mm (1-3/8")

Width: 8.73mm (11/32")

Activate the Heating Chamber (if installed)

In the same Standard step, click on TEMPERATURE.

Click on Idle

Select Lower Chamber.

Enter the C° temperature to reach for.

Press ENTER.

This temperature will be reach at the start of the step.

Click NEXT to go to the next Window.

Help

Only Idle appear → The Temperature module is not properly selected → see Update the Components.

For more information

Temperature

In this parameter, the user can command an action of the temperature chamber for the step.

Idle: No temperature chamber action is done during the step.

Upper Heater: Sets the desired temperature of the upper heater (if available)

Lower Chamber: Sets the desired temperature of the lower chamber (if available)

Lower &Upper: Sets the temperature of the upper and lower chambers (if available)

Stop: Removes the temperature setpoint.

4Ball Basic Recipe

Add a Standard Step

Click the drop-down menu and select Standard.

Click ADD a new step.

Define the duration of the step in the DURATION Section.

Define a constant or linear force within the range of the sensors and suspension.

Press ENTER.

⚠️

Remember to define values below the limits of your load cell and suspension.

(Refer to the load cell manual, suspension section for help)

Help

Cannot define a force within the sensor range → verify the selected sensors range in selecting the components.

For more information

Principle of the STANDARD Step:

A standard step can combine multiple axis and module activations, such as applying a force (Z stage), enabling motion (Drive function), and heating the sample (Temperature function for chambers).

Part 1: Duration

Duration of the step

In this window you can control the duration of the step.

By default, the logging and time duration start after the force is reached. (see Waiting for force/temperature to settle further)

Part 2: Reset

In this window you can reset the value of Fx at the beginning of the step. If it is unchecked, the Fx value will not be subjected to any reset.

This option is necessary to be pressed only when there is an offset of the Fx value at the beginning of the test (1D+1D arm), it will create issues in most cases when using a 2D Load Cell.

Part 3: Data Logging

Checking “Log during this step” will record the test data during the step. If it remains unchecked, no data will be logged for this step.

In case the user wants to divide the data logging into smaller periods, he can modify the values of “Log Period” and “Log Interval”.

Log period (seconds): The duration of the log period.

Log Interval (seconds): The duration of the interval between 2 log periods.

Part 4: Force

Force options:

Constant: The step is run at a constant value of force. For example: 10N.

Linear: The step is run in linearly increasing or decreasing force for the entire step duration. For example: 5N to 20N. So, the slope's steepness will depend on the duration of the time period.

Undefined: No force control and regulation. Z drive shall remain at the same position throughout the step, this is the equivalent of the Idle state. Use this options if you only use the drive or the temperature during this step for example.

⚠️

The Z-Axis will reach out for a contact when applying a constant force of 0 N as opposed to the undefined option.

Each force are defined for each step, this aspect must be taken in consideration, meaning that the same force must be defined each step to keep applying the desired force throughout the run-test.

Tracking : Adjusting the reaction time

Tracking options:

Low: Reduces the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too strongly to a slow Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Standard: To be used in most cases.

High: Increases the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too slowly to a rapid Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Activate the Drive

In the same Standard Step, click on DRIVE.

Click on Idle to unroll the list.

Select Continous.

Insert the Velocity.
Ex: 500 Rpm or 10hz

Insert Acceleration and Deceleration time (or leave default).
Ex: 5s

Help

Only Idle appear → The module is not properly selected → refer to select the components.

For more information

Drive motion

The action type might change based on the drive selected.

Idle: If this action is selected, the drive doesn’t move during this step.

Cycle: Oscillates the drive in counter and clockwise directions.

Revolution: Number of revolutions before it changes direction.

If the number of revolutions entered is below 1, the rotary drive will realize a reciprocating-like rotary movement.

Velocity (rpm): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Slide: Moves the drive for a fixed number of revolutions.

Revolution: Number of revolutions to be realized.
Velocity (rpm/Hz): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Continuous: Moves the drive at constant velocity in counter or clockwise direction.

Direction: CW for clockwise, CCW for counterclockwise direction.
Velocity (rpm/Hz): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Move to Angle: Moves the drive to a nominal angle of the shaft

Enter the 4Ball Effective Radius

In the same Standard step, click on the free area next to Effective Radius(mm).

Enter 4.49.

Help

4Ball Effective Radius Calculations

Four 12.7mm (0.5”) balls are used in the 4Ball test. The following calculation explains why an effective radius of 4.49 needs to be selected in the software for this specific test method:

4-ball test geometry.PDF

50.5 KB

The radius selected will be defined for the whole recipe and registered in the sample information section.

Activate the Heating Chamber (if installed)

In the same Standard step, click on TEMPERATURE.

Click on Idle

Select Lower Chamber.

Enter the C° temperature to reach for.

Press ENTER.

This temperature will be reach at the start of the step.

Click NEXT to go to the next Window.

Help

Only Idle appear → The Temperature module is not properly selected → see Update the Components.

For more information

Temperature

In this parameter, the user can command an action of the temperature chamber for the step.

Idle: No temperature chamber action is done during the step.

Upper Heater: Sets the desired temperature of the upper heater (if available)

Lower Chamber: Sets the desired temperature of the lower chamber (if available)

Lower &Upper: Sets the temperature of the upper and lower chambers (if available)

Stop: Removes the temperature setpoint.

Press DATA LOGGING window

(skipping optional window)

Introduce the components

Save the destination file

In the Data logging Window

Click OPEN LOG FILE.

Name and save the data file into a folder.

Leave the sampling rate by Default, or please refer to the recommendations below.

Modules with Rotation

→ Such as Rotary, Block On Ring, Upper Rotary ,4Ball, TapTorque

Sampling rate (Hz) = max. Rpm/2

Your velocity value defined in the standard step for the test

Ex: 1 Khz for a drive velocity of 2000RPM

Averaging = 5

Modules with Reciprocating motion

→ Such as X, Y Stage Reciprocating, Linear Reciprocating and VoiceCoil

Sampling rate (Hz) = max. Freq (Hz)*30

Your frequency value defined in the standard step for the test

Ex: 0.3 Khz for a drive frequency of 10 Hz.

Averaging = 2

Other Modules ex: Scratch

Sampling rate (Hz) = 1-10Khz
Averaging = 1-5

For more information

Select the components

Please refer to this animation as an example only.

Left column: Click on the component.

Click ADD.

Rotary & Reciprocating

Fz

Fx

COF

Z Position

Velocity

Temperature if installed

Temperature

Select LVDT when this option have been purchased with the Reciprocating module

LVDT

BOR & 4Ball

Fz

Ts or Fx

COF

Z Position

Velocity

Temperature if installed

Temperature

Every other Modules Component Selection

HFFR

Fz

FxF

FxF RMS

COF

Z Position

RMS-Lvdt

Temperature if installed

Temperature

MTM

SRV

Fz

Fx

Fx-Piezo RMS

Fx-Piezo Peak

COF

Z Position

LVDT

Temperature if installed

Temperature

Feel free to also loggin additional components that may be relevant for this familiarization test.

Q&A

If you cannot introduce the sensors installed → Refer to the previous
Update the configuration Step

For more information

Press RUN window

(skipping optional window)

Run the Test

In the RUN window

Bias all the sensors

⚠️

Ensure that the sensors return coherent values within their measurement range.

On the right colum: CHANNEL DATA ,press the Red Bias Button next to each force/torque sensors.

Bias the Fz sensor.

Confirm the biasing operation. (Yes)

Bias the Fx sensor.

Other Sensors to bias when installed : Fx-piezo, Tz, TS, 6D

Particular case of : Exceeding the limit offset error message

It may happen that you have exceeded the defined limit after biasing the sensors at a specific moment, which prevents you from biasing them again afterward.

In this case, if you are certain that the issue results from such an operation, you should temporarily increase the offset to allow the sensors to be biased by clearing this error.

Please go to the configurator window.

Naviguate to the sensors triggering this message.

Next to the Options selection, Press Advanced.

Please note the Unit Offset Value for the final step.

Increase this Limit offset over the value currently read so that you can bias the sensor.

Press SAVE.

Repeat the Bias Operation.

Enter the intial offset that was defined, for a proper sensor usage.

⚠️

After a successful bias operation, you must reset the limit offset to its initial default value to avoid operating outside the proper range.

Q&A

Sorted Customer Q/A

Table view

Answer / Solution

The window with the display of all sensor channels may be wrongly displayed. (“Subset” is shown or not).
1. Please go to the window “Data logging,”
2. Click on “Verify,”
3. Go back to the display window for all sensor channels. The signal sensors must be correctly displayed.

1. Please go to the configurator window (see Update the configuration step for help)
2. Naviguate to the sensors triggering this message.
3. Next to the Options selection, Press Advanced.
4. Increase the Limit offset so that you can bias the sensor.
5. Please Repeat the Bias Operation.

The sensors signal seems incoherent → Confirm the adequate sensor range (see Update the configuration step for help) Contact Rtec Support if persistent.

The graph appear black → You must have exceeded the limit of 6 Charts in the data logging window.

Unable to Bias : Exceding the limit offset message

Please go to the configurator window (see Update the configuration step for help)

Naviguate to the sensors triggering this message.

Next to the Options selection, Press Advanced.

Increase the Limit offset so that you can bias the sensor.

Please Repeat the Bias Operation.

Wrong Display of Sensor Signals

A screen shot of a computer Description automatically generated

The window with the display of all sensor channels may be wrongly displayed. (“Subset” is shown or not).

Please go to the window “Data logging,”

Click on “Verify,”

Go back to the display window for all sensor channels. The signal sensors must be correctly displayed.

The run screen is frozen

Close the MFT software and the controller running in background → reconnect the USB cable from the motion box (see index software) → turn on the MFT software again.

Temperature sensor is not detected and indicate -999°C → Verify the connection in the hardware installation + Follow the selecting the components step

For more information

All load cells are factory-calibrated. For further assistance, please contact your provided or Rtec support.

The sensors can be biased automatically, but this can be considered an advanced step for initial familiarization. More advanced procedures can be found in the Additional Optional Step section at the end of the manual.

Do the Homing

⚠️

Before homing, ensure that the X, Y, and Z stages are free of physical obstructions and that all disconnected cables are properly placed in their holders.

Chamber: Remove the chamber lids before homing as the upper shaft may collide with the lids.

Do the homing by clicking on the HOME.

Once done, Homing indicator bar turns green.

The current position is now set as the homing (0) position for all axes.

Q&A

Sorted Customer Q/A

Table

Question / Issue Encountered 1

Answer / Solution

The software say that homing is required after severals homing operation.

There is no X-Y motorized table, the component table must be updated.
1. Go to the configurator
2. in the XYZ section
3. Select Z Stage Only

My test is not starting from the same location

The Tester is not home

For more information

Z moves to the top before XY homing

When Homed: The upper component is positioned and centered relative to the XY stage. The Z drive is retracted to the top.

Homing position is retained after software restart.
(“Last homed with:” appear on the left indicator bar.)

Homing is lost after machine restart or emergency stop, when you close Rtec Controller (it can be in the hidden icons).

If the tester is not homed and you try to run the recipe, a warning message will pop up.

If a reposition step is used in the recipe, you cannot run the test until the tester is homed.

Position the upper holder over the sample

Perform a manual coarse approach to minimize the recipe engage time while ensuring that the upper holder is positionned over the testing aera.

Lower the Z-Stage using the jogbox

Move the X-Y axis to choose the working area on the sample.

⚠️

Important Operation only for Rotary and 4ball

Rotary alignement

You dont need to change the homing position after ball or sample replacement.
However, if you previously installed the drive or the load cell, you must manually center the ball holder to the center of the sample holder and save this new homing position.
Please follow the “Setting a new X Y Position as Home” Step

4Ball alignement

Do a coarse approach manually using the jogbox.

While doing it, you can visually ensure that the upper holder reach the ball without colding with the inner ring of the nut.

You can move the 4-ball container by hand to observe the degree of X–Y movement allowed by the self-centering platform.

The self-adjusting platform will guarantee the fine alignment on the initial approach and during the test.

⚠️

If the ball holder reaches or contacts the inner edge of the nut, even within the self-displacement range of the plaftorm, the homing position is misaligned. In this case, please proceed to the homing correction step.

Setting a new X Y Position as Home

The homing must have been done. The ball holder is manually aligned to the lower drive’s center.

Go to the Configuration Window.

Press CONFIG in the XYZ section.

Then press SAVE TO FILE and SAVE CONFIGURATION.

After the software has restarted, pleasdo the homing again.

Q&A

For more information

Machine manual control allows the user to manually control the displacement of the X, Y, Z stage and the module installed.

The last button (“Distance”) allows the user to move the axis by a specific distance (mm) in a positive or negative direction.

By dragging the slider on the right of the window, you can uncover other parameters.

Vel: It is the displacement value (in mm/s) of the X, Y platform when moving the X, Y platform using the machine manual control upper window.

Move Abs XY: This part will be available if the tester is homed. It allows the user to move to a specific absolute position of the X, Y platform (based on the home position).
The button on the left refreshes the current XY position.
You can enter the X and Y absolute position in the free space and then press ”XY Move” to move to this absolute position.

⚠️

In the current version, the move Abs XY may have some problems.

it is recommended to use the “Distance” of manual control explained previously.

Verify Drive Operation

It is recommended to manually check the drive proper working to ensure the drive is not obstructed.

Ex: To ensure the upper shaft stay within the working sample area during the reciprocating motion.

Select a low Velocity value (ex: 30RPM / 0.5Hz).

Press the Clockwise arrow to start the drive motion.

Press the Red square to stop the motion.

Help

You must press the stop button after adjusting the velocity to apply a new one.

The velocity defined in this section does not affect the configured recipe or the test execution.

The 2 Rulers button on the far right allows you to set a number of rotations / cycles

Start the Test

Press the Start icon.

Wait for the test finished dialog to appear.

Q&A

Sorted Customer Q/A

Table

Question / Issue Encountered 1

Answer / Solution

The software say that homing is required after severals homing operation.

There is no X-Y motorized table, the component table must be updated.
1. Go to the configurator
2. in the XYZ section
3. Select Z Stage Only

The sensors signal seems incoherent

Confirm the adequate sensor range.Please Refer to theUpdate the configuration Step

The Run section Graph appear black

You must have exceeded the limit of 6 Charts in the data logging window.

Unable to Bias : Exceding the limit offset message

Wrong Display of Sensor Signals

The run screen is frozen

Close the MFT software and the controller running in background → reconnect the USB cable from the motion box (see index software) → turn on the MFT software again.

Temperature sensor is not detected and indicate -999°C

Verify the connection in the hardware installation.
Then, Follow the Update the configuration Step.

Could not get the Fx Value

Go to another window section to refresh the Run section/ Graph window.

Aborted test at start

Save the file in a new location in the data logging window. Additionally, if you use the Limit Condition, ensure that it is not triggered at startup.

My test is not starting from the same location

The Tester is not home

The Heating Chamber is not instantly activating

The force first is reached, then the temperature is increasing.
See Optionals Step at the end of the manual

The Chamber struggle to reach the defined temperature

When defining a medium or low temperature ,make sure to select the Temperature Option the closest to the specified value.(Due to a unappropriate PID regulation)
ex: 180° Option instead of the hightest option related to your chamber.

The temperature is still not activating and increasing

Check the temperature cable (refer to the hardware manual for help)
Addionaly, ensure that the temperature box switch is on, the green led must be on when the recipe is started and a temperature is defined into the step.

Heating modules:

Temperature sensor is not detected and indicate -999°C	Verify the connection in the hardware installation. Then, Follow the Update the configuration Step.
The Heating Chamber is not instantly activating	The force first is reached, then the temperature is increasing. See Optionals Step at the end of the manual
The Chamber struggle to reach the defined temperature	When defining a medium or low temperature ,make sure to select the Temperature Option the closest to the specified value.(Due to a unappropriate PID regulation) ex: 180° Option instead of the hightest option related to your chamber.
The temperature is still not activating and increasing	Check the temperature cable (refer to the hardware manual for help) Addionaly, ensure that the temperature box switch is on, the green led must be on when the recipe is started and a temperature is defined into the step.

Open the Result

Minimize the Rtec Software to return to the Desktop.

Double-Click on the Rtec Viewer Icon.

Navigate to the explorer to import the .CSV result file now exported.

Click Files.

Click All Steps.

Press Refresh.

Select the components to review
Ex: Fz, COF, Temperature

Right-Click on the Graph and Set Scale to Defaut.

You can press CTRL to review multiple components on the graph.

Help

Sorted Customer Q/A

Table

Question / Issue Encountered 1

Answer / Solution

The viewer software close when opening the file.

Ensure you are selecting the .csv or .bin file.

The temperature is still not activating and increasing

The Chamber struggle to reach the defined temperature

The Heating Chamber is not instantly activating

The force first is reached, then the temperature is increasing.
See Optionals Step at the end of the manual

I get DAQ polling error

This error typically occurs when communication to the DAQ box is interrupted or lost. To resolve it, restart the software or reconnect the USB cable from the DAQ box.

The software say that homing is required after severals homing operation.

There is no X-Y motorized table, the component table must be updated.
1. Go to the configurator
2. in the XYZ section
3. Select Z Stage Only

My test is not starting from the same location

The Tester is not home

Aborted test at start

Save the file in a new location in the data logging window. Additionally, if you use the Limit Condition, ensure that it is not triggered at startup.

Could not get the Fx Value

Go to another window section to refresh the Run section/ Graph window.

Temperature sensor is not detected and indicate -999°C

Verify the connection in the hardware installation.
Then, Follow the Update the configuration Step.

The run screen is frozen

Close the MFT software and the controller running in background → reconnect the USB cable from the motion box (see index software) → turn on the MFT software again.

Wrong Display of Sensor Signals

Unable to Bias : Exceding the limit offset message

The Run section Graph appear black

You must have exceeded the limit of 6 Charts in the data logging window.

The sensors signal seems incoherent

Confirm the adequate sensor range.Please Refer to theUpdate the configuration Step

-Failed to connect for AutoDrive (Persisting)

If you have an older drive version, you may need to manually select the drive type instead of AutoDrive.

If you cannot introduce the sensors installed in the loggin window

Please Refer to the
Update the configuration Step

System.Exception: You must enable at least one channel

DAQ Box not communicating, unplug and plug back the USB cable on both sides. Close Rtec MFT and RtecController, wait 1 minute, restart the software

Some Devices not connected: Head

Imaging Head not connected.
Connect the imaging head or remove the imaging head product

Failed to connect for AutoDrive-Initialization Failed for Axis Z

Close Rtec MFT and RtecController, Wait 1 minute, restart the software.

Initialization Failed for Axes X and Y

Can happen if the system is in Z only configuration.

-Drive Motor and XYZ Axes Error
-XY AutoDrive is missing in the config table

No Drive is connected.
1. Ensure that the 2 drive cables are connected to the tester
2. Restart the software.

Additional Optional Steps

Some optionnal windows have been intentionally skipped during the basic procedure to simplify the initial familiarization process.

Automatic Reposition step are often used in most of the recipe to automatically start the test with biased sensors and a defined sample position.

Adjusting General Parameters

By default:
The standard step duration and start enable after the force is reached.
The Z Stage goes back to its initial position (before pressing start)

Tracking : Adjusting the reaction time

Any Standard Step → Tracking options

The tracking options are individuals for each standart steps defined.

Low: Reduces the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too strongly to a slow Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Standard: To be used in most cases.

High: Increases the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too slowly to a rapid Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Engage Parameters

Wait for the force to settle

The defined force is reached before the duration time start and the drive activation.

The approaching stage will not be saved into the data logging if checked. If the engaging period is a requiered data log, please uncheck this box.

⚠️

If unchecked

You must then take into consideration the approach duration into the step plus the time to fully apply the force on the sample.

A too short duration for the force to be properly applied will lead to an incomplete steps application and unexpected result of the final test.

Disengage at test end

the Z drive automatically move back to the Z starting position

It can be higher or lower than final position)

Unchecked, the Z drive will stay at the final position when the test ends.

Engage Velocity

This option allows the user to set the approaching speed of the Z drive towards the lower sample.

Low: Recommended for very low force and sensitive application. The touch force will not reach high values.

Medium: Recommended for most cases, the velocity will be faster than Low engage velocity but the touch force will still be relatively low.

High: High engage speed to find the touch point rapidly. Brings higher touch force. for relative high load application (>500N), this engage speed is useful to quickly reach the sample and desired force. However it is not recommended for lower load application because of the significant overshoot provoked.

It is recommended to adapt the engage velocity to every situation and to always perform an initial coarse approach using the jogbox.

Environmental Settings (For chamber module)

Wait for the temperature to settle: If checked, the step duration time will start when the desired temperature is reached. Otherwise, the load and drive will reach their defined value immediately.

Maintain environment: If checked, the desired temperature in a step shall be maintained throughout the recipe steps. This temperature matches the last one defined in the recipe.

Automatic Sensor Biasing at Start

Click ADD.

Select type : REPOSITION.

Click ADD ITEM on the top left.

Double-click on the new command line inserted.

Select Sensor.Reset Fz.

Same manner, add the second Sensor.Reset Fx.

Please Leave the reset value number 1 default (not affecting the command).

This Reposition Step must be inserted or moved to the FIRST Position if created for this purpose.

At the start of the recipe, the selected sensors will be biased.

Sensors to bias

Fz, Fx, Fx-piezo, Tz, TS, 6D

⚠️ Sensors not to bias

IRT, IndenterDepth, CAP, AE, LVDT, ECR, Analog Input

Automatic Sample Positioning at Start

Click the drop-down menu and select Reposition.

Click ADD a new step.

Click ADD a new item.

Click 3 times on Z.Velocity to get the dropdown menu

Click on Y.Position.

Press ENTER.

Enter the radius desired in Value.

Realize similar operations (steps 3 to 7) for X,Y,Z.Position or X,Y,Z.Velocity.

⚠️

Mechanical system damage can occur if the custom step is incorrect.
Please Read all the information below before operating:

As all the motions are executed in order: Velocity must be placed before an offset or position (X,Y,Z.Offset or X,Y,Z.Position) to operate with the defined speed. (otherwise, the default velocity will be applied to the displacement).

If the starting position is lower than the previous position of the reposition, the reposition step will still go down to the original recipe position.

For additional reposition step placed during the recipe, please unmark “disengage Z before reposition”.

The reposition step allows for the movement and control of different components without any testing. This step is typically used to position samples, move to a new location, reset sensors…

For more information

Part 1: General functions

“Log during this step”: If checked, logs the data of the reposition parts.

“Disengage Z (Before Reposition)”: Disengages Z to the starting position of the recipe to avoid any contact with the sample during the reposition step.

Remove item: Remove one of the items in the reposition step

Add item: Add an item at the end of the reposition step

Insert item: Add an item before the one selected in the reposition step

Part 2: Reposition commands

There are several types of reposition commands depending on the type of modules installed:

Sensors Reset: Automatically biases the value read by the sensor. The value read at this step will become the new 0.00.

Sensors to bias

Sensor.Reset Fz: Biases the normal force sensor reading.

Sensor.Reset Fx / Fx-Piezo: Biases the lateral force sensor reading.

Sensor.Reset TS / Tz): Biases the torque sensor reading.

Sensors not to bias

Sensor.Reset LVDT: Biases the Linear Variable Different Transformer sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset AE: Biases the Acoustic emission sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset ECR: Biases the Electrical Contact Resistance.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset IRT: Biases the InfraRed Temperature sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset IndenterDepth: Biases the Indenter Head capacitive sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset CAP: Biases the scratch table capacitive sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset AE: Biases the Acoustic Emission sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset Analog Input: Biases the Analog Input.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

X, Y, Z, ZWLI axes:

(X/Y/Z).Position (mm): Positions the drive to the nominal value.
(X/Y/Z/ZWLI).Offset (mm): Positions the drive to a value that is an offset from the previous position. (ZWLI corresponds to Z2, the Imaging axis).

For example, if the previous X.Position is 1mm and X.Offset is -5, the new position will be -4.

(X/Y/Z/ZWLI).Velocity (mm): Sets the velocity of the axis. (ZWLI corresponds to Z2, the Imaging axis).
Z.Reset Depth: Biases the value of the Z.Depth parameter which can be selected in “Data Logging”.

Drives:

R/T.Move Angle: Move to a specific angle of the shaft (See Help)

The angle of the shaft is not a nominal value of the motor and will change after an instrument restart.

R/T.Reset Position: Sets the current shaft position as the new 0.00 angle. (Bias the angle value)
T.Rotate: Maintains the rotation of the motor during the reposition step. (See Help)

Scratch

Following points applicable to Scratch table:

T.Home: Goes to the home position of the scratch table metallic plate.

T.GoToTest: Moves the scratch table to a position where the CAP sensor detects the surface.

Help

Move to Angle is not working

You need to manually activate the drive and rotate it once for the motor to be able to receive the move to angle order (by using the rotation manual control for example)

The motion is not maintained during the reposition step

If you would like to maintain the motor motion during a reposition step (which was set prior to that reposition step), you will need to insert a custom step with the same motion parameters as the ones at the end of the standard step (Velocity, Direction…).

Without custom step

With custom step

Applying Conditions Based on Component Feedback

Press Recipe Parameters Window

Exemple: Aborting the recipe if the COF is too high

Press Advanced.

Select the desired step on the step column.

Unroll the Action list to select Abort_Recipe.

Select the DAQ.COF Component.

Function, ABS for absolute value.

Select > or ≥

Enter the maxium value
Ex: When COF Value = 0.6

Leave AND.

Press ADD in the right column.
The Condition appear on the very right column.

(Optional) Press Apply to all steps to apply this condition to every step

For more information

Exemple of conditions

Aborting the step when the Zdepth is reached

Aborting the loop when the temperature reached

Aborting the recipe when the COF is reaching a certain value during an incremental loop.

To modify an existing condition:

Select the created condition on the right column

Modify the condition parameters.

Press UPDATE.

(Optional) Press Apply to all steps to apply this condition to every step

Stop conditions functions

Abort_Recipe: Applying this action to a recipe step will abort the recipe, show ing end of the test alert.

Abort_Step: Applying this action to a recipe step will abort the step.

Abort_Loop: Applying this action to a recipe step will abort the loop.

Component: This section allows a user to select a test parameter, such as COF, FZ, FX, Temperature, Z depth, etc. Based on the selected test parameter, a user can either opt to abort a step, loop, or recipe.

Function:It allows a user to select/apply the absolute function (“ABS”).

Operator: This section allows a user to apply Boolean operators to an abort step.

Value: The user can enter the desired stop value for the selected test parameter to an abort step condition.

Join: Several logical parameters from the conditions summary window can be used alone or with “AND/OR” conditions.

Using Loop for Repetition or Incremental Step

The Loop step allows for the repetition of certain steps in the recipe.

⚠️

Mechanical system damage can occur if the custom step is incorrect.
Please Read all the information below before operating.

From Step: Step beginning the loop.

Loop For: Number of repetitions of the loop. For example: Loop for 2 = 2 iterations of the loop (initial step plus another one).

Delay: Delay between 2 repetitions of the loop (in seconds).

Enable disengage Z*: If checked, the Z drive will automatically move to the Z starting position (it can be higher or lower than final position) before starting the other loop. If it is unchecked, the Z drive will stay at the final position when the test ends.

Filling the Sample Information

The sample information allows a user to save some information on the test conditions in the saved file.

Most of this information will not enter into the test conditions but will simply offer the user a better tracking of the test conditions.

To get access to it:

Open the .csv file using a spreadsheet software.

In the second row you will see all the information selected in the “Sample Info” window.

“Radius” is used for the specific COF calculations (COF-Torque and COF-Tz where radius is the effective radius of the contact plan)

Setting a new X Y Position as Home

The homing must have been done. The ball holder is manually aligned to the lower drive’s center.

Go to the Configuration Window.

Press CONFIG in the XYZ section.

Then press SAVE TO FILE and SAVE CONFIGURATION.

After the software has restarted, do the homing again.

Performing Tests as an End User

⚠️

Before operating the tester with the Basic software in low-level mode, the following conditions must be met:

End users must understand the basic principles of sensor operation and their limitations.

A predefined component configuration has been created and verified prior to loading.

The recipe must be validated by trained user to ensure that risks of collision or overload are addressed and minimized during execution.

Load the Configuration

Open the configuration box in your software (Icon on the top right corner of the screen).

Select the Recipe

Click on “Run A Recipe”

The following window appears:

Select the desired recipe and click on “Select”.

Window explanation

Select a recipe to run

All the recipes that have been authorized in the Expert Mode will be displayed here.

Machine manual control

Machine manual control allows the user to manually control the displacement of the X, Y, Z stage and the module installed.

By dragging the slider on the right of the window, you can uncover other parameters.

Vel: It is the displacement value (in mm/s) of the X, Y platform when moving the X, Y platform using the machine manual control upper window.

Move Abs XY: This part will be available if the tester is homed. It allows the user to move to a specific absolute position of the X, Y platform. This position is defined based on the home position.
The button on the left refreshes the current XY position.
You can enter the X and Y absolute position in the free space and then press ”XY Move” to move to this absolute position.

In the current version, the move Abs XY may have some problems, it is recommended to use the “Distance” of manual control explained previously.

Teach Offset: This parameter is used to teach the offset between the testing and imaging position of the tester. This is the part where you can do the inline imaging calibration. It will be introduced further in Part 2.2.2.4.1.

Move Offset: This parameter is used to automatically move between the testing and imaging position.

TEST => IMG: The platform goes from the test position (where the sample is located below the load cell) to the imaging position (where the sample is located below the imaging head)

IMG => TEST: The platform goes from the imaging position (where the sample is located below the imaging head) to the test position (where the sample is located below the load cell).

The “Move Offset” needs to be calibrated in order to efficiently move between the testing and imaging positions. The calibration will be introduced further in Part 2.2.2.4.1.

On the right side of the manual control window should be the manual module control. This window allows the user to manually use the module installed.

By clicking on the “ON” button, you can turn the motor off.

Next to it should be possible to modify an intrinsic parameter of the module: frequency (Hz), speed (RPM) etc…

The two buttons at the right start (Left one) and stop (Right one) the manual movement of the module.

The “Distance” button on the far right allows you to set a number of rotations / cycles.

Navigate to the home window

After selecting the recipe, it will appear as follows:

Firstly, click on “Change File” in the Part 2. This allows you to select the location at which the final file will be saved.

Then, fill the sample information in the Part 3 if necessary.

The data within the drop-down menu can be modified by clicking on the pink gear or in the expert mode.

Fill the information of the Environment and additional information in Part 4 if necessary.

Click on “Run View” in Part3.

Window Explanation

Recipe Steps Overview

It shows the summary of the steps in the recipe created in the Expert Mode.

Recipe Selection

The name of the selected recipe appears at the top. Clicking on “Load Recipe” brings you back to the previous recipe selection window. “Change File” needs to be clicked to modify the saving location. When pressing it, go to the desired location on the PC and click on “Open”.

Sample Information

This window allows a user to save some information on the test conditions in the saved file.

To get access to it, open the .csv file using a spreadsheet software. In the second row you will see all the information selected in the “Sample Info” window.

Information recorded in the "Sample Info" window and retrieved using a spreadsheet

Most of this information will not enter into the test conditions but will simply offer the user a better tracking of the test conditions.

However, “Radius” is used for the specific COF calculations (COF-Torque and COF-Tz where radius is the effective radius of the contact plan)

Status

Following a Recipe (ASTM or Specific)

Please refer to the Add Step section of this manual, as well as the Additional Optional Steps section for information and locations of the other functionalities.

All types of steps are available in the Edit Steps window.

(after creating or selecting a recipe)

Rotary Recipe

Preparation

Clean and Mount upper and lower samples.

for ASTM G99 standard: select appropriate samples according to.

Home the system and place the upper sample above the lower sample.

Create a new recipe, then follow the desired recipe steps below.

Simple rotary test

In the new recipe, Add the first Reposition Step

Sensor.Reset Fz: 1

Sensor.Reset Fx: 1

Y.Position: Your test radius value

X.Position: 0

⚠️

X axis Position must be at 0 for rotary tests

Most Rtec-Instruments load cells are designed to measure friction along the X-axis (Fx).

Because of this, it’s important to always set Y to a nominal value and X = 0. This ensures that all friction forces appear only along the X-axis, where the sensor can detect them.

Disengage Z: ✅

(Optional) rename it : Reset Sensor & Position

Add a Standard Rotary Step along with the followings drive motion.

Add a Standard Rotary Step

Duration: Your value

Force: Your value

Logging: ✅

Activate one of the following drive motion.

Continuous Rotary

Drive: Continuous

Parameters to be determined.

Reciprocating-like Rotary

Drive: Cycle

Revolutions: 0 to 1

Other parameters to be determined.

Spiral Rotary

Drive: Continuous

Parameters to be determined.

Y Axis: Slide

Distance: Smaller than the sample radius and larger than track diameter (to avoid passing twice on the same area)

(Optional) Add an Imaging Step.

Add a Loop/Delay Step from the Reposition Step 1.

Go to Data Logging

Sampling rate (Hz): max. RPM/2

Averaging: 5

Record: Fz & Fz, COF, Rotary Angle/Velocity Y position

Brake Pad : Rotary decelerating test

Reset Sensor & Position

Add a Reposition step

Sensor.Reset Fz: 1

Sensor.Reset Fx: 1

Y.Position: Your value

X.Position: 0

Disengage Z: ✅

Apply Desired Force

Add a Standard Step

Duration: 5 seconds

Force: Desired braking force.

Logging: No

Lift Up

Add a Reposition Step

Z.Velocity: 4mm/s

Z.Offset: 5mm

Disengage Z: ❌

Increase if the upper holder still touches the sample after this step.

Set Initial Velocity

Add a Custom Step

Using a custom step instead of a standard step is necessary to avoid that the motor stops during the following reposition step.

Continuous

Velocity: To be determined
Initial breaking velocity.

Touch Down

Add a Reposition Step

Z.Velocity: 4mm/s

Z.Offset: -5mm
(Or the Value entered previously)

Disengage Z: ❌

Breaking Duration

Add a Standard Step

Duration: Your Braking duration

Force: Your Braking force

Drive: Continuous

Velocity: Final Braking Velocity
Deceleration: Deceleration time between Initial speed (in Custom step) and final speed (in this standard step).

Optional: Temperature Verification

Add a Standard Step

Duration: 2 hours

Force: Undefined

Go to Recipe Parameters → Advanced

Abort_STEP

Temperature.IRT

Your temperature threshold to resume testing

Add a Loop/Delay Step from Step 1 with Disengage Z.

If you are simply interested in controlling the rotary decelerating time, you can use the same recipe and remove steps 3 and 5.

Go to Data Logging

Parameters

Sampling rate (Hz): max. RPM/2

Averaging: 5

Record:

Fz & Fx (or Tz)
COF
Rotary Angle/Velocity
Y position

Pre-made recipe to load in

Rtec Instruments ASTM G99 Test Protocol

⚠️

This procedure is based on the ASTM G99 Standard Test Method for Wear Testing with a Pin-on-Disk Apparatus.
The full standard is available from ASTM International (www.astm.org). This document is not a substitute for the official ASTM G99 standard.

Summary of Standard

This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining the wear of materials during sliding using a pin-on-disk apparatus.
Materials are tested in pairs under nominally non-abrasive conditions. For the pin-on-disk wear test, two specimens are required.
One, a pin or ball that is positioned perpendicular to the other, usually a flat circular disk. The tester causes stationary pin/ball to press against the rotating disk at a known force and speed. During the test COF, friction, wear etc. parameters are measured and reported.

This standard is applicable to metallic samples, non metallic, polymers, ceramics, composite materials etc.

Procedure

Check the hardware installation

After having followed the basic step-by-step software:

The upper load cell and lower rotary modules are properly installed following their respective steps.

The additional thermocouple must be connected in place at a location close to the wearing contact as indicated in ASTM G99. It is recommended to attach it to close to the ball as it is stationary during the test.

The software configuration have been followed, therefore, the temperature component is selected.

Load the Rtec Recipe attached

Download this recipe.

ASTM G99 Pin-on-Disk

7.5 KiB

Right Click on the .rx file attached above, click on Save Link As and save the file to any location on the PC.

Start MFT, click on “Expert Mode” and press Add the recipe

Select saving directory and select the recipe downloaded.

Adjust the recipe parameters

Only Modify explicitely stated steps

Sensors Reset & Sample Positioning

Modify Reposition Step

Y.Position: Enter Test radius. G99 Guide: 16mm (32mm diameter)

Initial Force Application

Modify Standard Step

Force: Enter Test Force G99 Guide: 10N

ASTM G99 Test

Modify Standard Step

Duration: change to 100hrs

Force: Enter Test Force (Same as Step 2)
G99 Guide: 10N

Drive: Continuous Linear Velocity
(or Constant Linear Velocity when no XY table)

Linear Velocity (mm/s): Enter desired linear velocity
G99 Guide: 100 mm/s (0.1m/s)
Direction: To be determined

Modify the limit condition

Go to Recipe Parameters → Advanced

Click on Step 3

Click on the limit condition on the right

Change the limit value to the amount of revolutions you desire

G99 Guide: 10000 revs (1000m at 0.1m/s)

Go to Sample Info.

Parameters

Upper & Lower Sample information

Material Type
Form
Processing Treatments
Surface Finish
Specimen preparation procedures

Environment information

Temperature
Relative Humidity
Interfacial Media

Go to Data Logging

Logging Parameters

Sampling rate (Hz): Modify to max RPM/2

Data Collected:

Keep following items, add or remove if necessary:

Fz, Fx, COF, Y Position, Radius value , Rotary Position

,Accumulated Revolutions ,Rotary Linear Velocity (Sliding speed between surfaces), Temp-2

Temperature of one specimen close to the contact (using additional thermocouple)

Run the Recipe

Home the system and start the test in the Run tab.

After test completion, clean both upper and lower samples to remove any debris.

Measure the wear volume on the sample and pin.

Please refer to the Performing an Image Acquisition step for more

Rtec-Instruments Lambda Imaging Head provides accurate data for full wear analysis (stitching) or cross section wear area (single image).

Calculate Measurement uncertainty and perform other analysis by following ASTM G99 documentation.

Rtec Instruments Data Results

Universal ball Holder

440-C Stainless Steel Ball, Dia. 9mm

Stainless Steel Disk (2 inch)

Comparative test at 3 separate laboratories on G99 procedure.

Reciprocating Recipe

Clean and Mount upper and lower samples.

Home the system and place the upper sample above the lower sample.

Physically adjust the stroke.

Create a new recipe

Reciprocating module test

Add a Reposition step:

Sensor.Reset Fz: 1

Sensor.Reset Fx: 1

Disengage Z: ✅

Add a Standard step:

Duration: To be determined

Force: To be determined

Drive: Continuous

Parameters to be determined.

Logging: ✅

Optional with Imaging Head:

Add a Reposition step:
Shaft goes to a specific angle, image always at the same part of the sample.

Move.Angle: 0

Add an Inline imaging step:

Inline Calibration to be performed
Image parameters to be selected (Top / Bottom / Objective used…)
Image type and parameters to be selected

Add a Reposition Step

Y.Offset: 3mm
Moves the sample outside the existing track.

⚠️

When performing an Offset, make sure that it will not reach out of the sample during the whole recipe loops.

Add a Loop/Delay:

From: Reposition step

For: To be determined
Number of iterations (including first one)

In Data Logging:

Sampling rate (Hz): max. Freq (Hz)*30

Averaging: 2

Record:

Fz & Fz
COF
Rotary Angle/Velocity
Y position

X-axis Reciprocating test

Add a Reposition step:

Sensor.Reset Fz: 1

Sensor.Reset Fx: 1

Disengage Z: ✅

Add a Standard step:

Duration: To be determined

Force: To be determined

Drive: X axis

⚠️

Only X-axis tests can be performed on most load cells.

Most Rtec-Instruments load cells are designed to measure friction along the X-axis (Fx).

Because of this, it’s important to always realize a X-axis reciprocating motion. This ensures that all friction forces appear only along the X-axis, where the sensor can detect them.

If you active the Y motion, the friction force will shift to the Y direction (Fy). In that case, the load cell will not be able to measure it correctly, and it could even cause damage to the sensor.

Parameters to be determined.

Logging: ✅

Optional with Imaging Head:

Add a Reposition step:
Shaft goes to a specific angle, image always at the same part of the sample.

Move.Angle: 0

Add an Inline imaging step:

Inline Calibration to be performed
Image parameters to be selected (Top / Bottom / Objective used…)
Image type and parameters to be selected

Add a Reposition Step

Y.Offset: 3mm
Moves the sample outside the existing track.

⚠️

When performing an Offset, make sure that it will not reach out of the sample during the whole recipe loops.

Add a Loop/Delay:

From: Reposition step

For: To be determined
Number of iterations (including first one)

In Data Logging:

Sampling rate (Hz): max. Freq (Hz)*30

Averaging: 2

Record:

Fz & Fz
COF
Rotary Angle/Velocity
Y position

Rtec Instruments ASTM G133 Test Protocole

Not available - recipe created

TriboCorosion Test

Tribocorrosion evaluates how mechanical wear and electrochemical corrosion interact when a material is exposed to both sliding contact and a corrosive medium.

It simulates real service conditions to assess film stability, material loss, and wear–corrosion synergy.

Test Types:

Standard Tribocorrosion Test (OCP): No applied potential — measures natural potential (E(t)) to study film breakdown and repassivation.

Anodic Tribocorrosion Test: Constant applied potential — monitors current (I(t)) to assess wear–corrosion under controlled anodic protection conditions.

Standard Tribocorrosion Test

OCP test

This recipe evaluates natural corrosion and film repassivation behavior under sliding.

Polish a new sample, clean sequentially with acetone, isopropanol, and deionized water, dry with compressed air, then mount it in the tribo-corrosion cell and fill with fresh electrolyte.

Create a new recipe.

Add a Standard step (OCP Stabilization)

Duration: 15-30 mins (or until potential drift < 1–2 mV/min)
Force: Undefined
Drive: None
E-Test: None
Logging: Yes

Add a Standard step (Drive ON)

Duration: To be determined
Force: To be determined
Drive: Reciprocating
Parameters to be determined
E-Test: None
Logging: Yes

Add a Standard step (Drive OFF)

Duration: To be determined
Force: Undefined
Drive: None
E-Test: None
Logging: Yes

Add a loop

From: Drive ON Step
For: To be determined
Logging: No

In Data Logging

Sampling rate (Hz): max. Freq (Hz)*30
Averaging: 2.
Record: “weVoltage”, “Current” and other tribological parameters.

Open Rtec Insight and compare the weVoltage [E(t)] between the sliding and idle steps to determine:

Potential Drop between no contact and sliding.
Recovery kinetics of repassivation. (see Help)
Retrieve OCP value for recipe 2.

Take a profilometer image of the wear mark to determine T:

T = Total material volume lost under mechanical and corrosion influence

Help

Determine Steps duration:

Focus on kinetics (how quickly the surface film breaks down and repassivates):

Drive ON: 60–120 s
Drive OFF: 180–300 s.

Focus on steady wear (long-term equilibrium behavior under sustained mechanical action):

Drive ON: 180–300 s
Drive OFF: 90–120 s.

Determine Reciprocating Parameters:

Define the reciprocating motion parameters (stroke length, frequency) that provide consistent mechanical contact and realistic wear conditions for your specific tribo-corrosion testing.

Parameter	Symbol	Typical Range
Stroke length	L	1–5 mm
Frequency	f	0.5–5 Hz
Normal load	Fₙ	Material-dependent

Repassivation kinetics (τ) — how to compute:

Extract the repassivation time constant τ by fitting the weVoltage curve using:

E(t)=E∞−(E∞−Emin)*exp(−t/τ)

E(t): Potential at time t after sliding stops.
Emin: The lowest potential right when sliding stops (most active state).

E∞: The final potential after full recovery (steady passive state).

t: Time after sliding stops.

τ: Time constant (s); after t=τ, recovery ≈63% complete

Cathodic Protection test

This recipe evaluates mechanical wear under suppressed corrosion to isolate W0.

Reuse the same sample on a new wear track (positioning the upper holder in a new location), clean it sequentially with acetone, isopropanol, and deionized water, dry with compressed air, then mount it in the tribo-corrosion cell and fill with fresh electrolyte.

Create a new recipe.

Add a Standard step (OCP Stabilization)

Duration: 15-30 mins (or until drift < 1–2 mV/min)
Force: Undefined
Drive: None
E-Test: None
Logging: Yes

Add a Standard step (Conditioning)

Duration: 10-15 mins
Force: Undefined
Drive: None
E-Test: OCP - 350mV
OCP Value from Recipe 1
Logging: Yes

Add a Standard step (Drive ON)

Duration: Same as Drive ON in OCP test.
Force: Same as Drive ON in OCP test.
Drive: Reciprocating
Same parameters as Drive ON in OCP test.
E-Test: OCP - 350mV
OCP Value from Recipe 1
Logging: Yes

Add a Standard step (Drive OFF)

Duration: Same as Drive OFF in OCP test.
Force: Undefined
Drive: None
E-Test: OCP - 350mV
OCP Value from Recipe 1
Logging: Yes

Add a loop

From: Drive ON Step
For: Same as OCP test
Logging: No

In Data Logging

Sampling rate (Hz): max. Freq (Hz)*30
Averaging: 2.
Record: “weVoltage”, “Current” and other tribological parameters.

Open Rtec Insight and compare the weVoltage [E(t)] between the sliding and idle steps to determine:

Stability of cathodic protection during sliding (verify current remains constant and small).
Absence of hydrogen evolution: confirm no large current spikes or oscillations.

If current fluctuates strongly or hydrogen bubbles appear, reduce the applied cathodic offset (use OCP − 300 mV or OCP − 250 mV).

Take a profilometer image of the wear mark to determine W0.
W0: Total material volume lost without corrosion influence.

Tafel Plot

Open “Squidstat User Interface.exe”.

If prompted to update firmware → click “Postpone”

⚠️

Do not update Admiral Firmware if asked to. MFT software communication would be permanently lost by doing so.

Click on Linear Sweep Voltammetry

Change the Parameters to:

Select the Admiral Potentiostat.

Run the test

Plot:

log(I)=f(E)

Obtain E_corr and I_corr

Determine C0 by using the following formula:

C0=(Icorr*t*M)/(n*F*ρ)

Where:

t: Time of exposure (s): Total sliding duration (Drive ON periods) for the tribo-corrosion (Recipe 1 & 2) tests.

n: Valence number: Number of electrons exchanged per atom during oxidation.

F: Faraday constant (96485 C.mol-1)

ρ: Density of the material (g.cm-3)

Synergy Calculation

The total material loss (T) from the tribocorrosion test, the pure mechanical wear (W0) from dry or inert testing, and the pure corrosion loss (C0) from Tafel analysis are used to calculate the synergy term (S), which quantifies the interaction between wear and corrosion.

S=T-W0-C0

S represents the synergistic material loss arising from the interaction between mechanical wear and corrosion processes.

The result is specific to the OCP tribocorrosion test.

Anodic Tribocorrosion Test

⚠️

This test only applies to samples which have an anodic protection area (passive materials).

Help

How to Check if a Material Has an Anodic Protection Area:

Use a short potentiodynamic polarization scan of the sample in the intended electrolyte:

Start: at OCP, sweep anodically (e.g., OCP – 0.1 V → OCP + 1.0 V vs. reference).

Look for three regions:

Active region: current increases with potential.

Passive region: current drops sharply to a low, steady value ipass over a broad potential range.

Transpassive/pitting region: current rises again at Epit.

If a stable passive plateau exists between the active and transpassive regions, the material has an anodic protection (passive) zone.

The potentiostatic setpoint for the anodic test must lie inside that passive plateau, typically OCP + 100–300 mV, and below Epit.

Why active samples cannot be used:

Only materials with a stable passive film can sustain controlled anodic polarization without undergoing continuous dissolution.

If the sample is active (no passive window), applying OCP + mV will drive aggressive corrosion instead of stable tribocorrosion.

Example of active and passive materials:

Category	Typical Passive	Typically Active
Steels	Stainless steels (≥10.5 % Cr)	Carbon steels, low-alloy steels
Ni / Co Alloys	Ni-Cr alloys, Co-Cr-Mo, Inconel	Pure Ni (in Cl⁻) if film unstable
Light Metals	Al, Ti, Zr, Ta, Nb (strong oxide formers)	Mg, Zn, their alloys
Others	Passivated Cu, bronzes (mildly), Cr	Cast irons, active Cu in chloride media

Tafel Plot - Anodic Area determination

Open “Squidstat User Interface.exe”.

If prompted to update firmware → click “Postpone”

⚠️

Do not update Admiral Firmware if asked to. MFT software communication would be permanently lost by doing so.

Click on Linear Sweep Voltammetry

Change the Parameters to:

Select the Admiral Potentiostat.

Run the test

Plot:

log(I)=f(E)

Based on that curve, find a suitable point within the passive region (Oxidation) (OCP+ΔE where ΔE=[100;300]mV). It will be used for the anodic protection recipe.

OCP + 150mV typically works well for passive regime determination.

Cathodic Protection test

This recipe evaluates mechanical wear under suppressed corrosion to isolate W0.

Polish a new sample, clean sequentially with acetone, isopropanol, and deionized water, dry with compressed air, then mount it in the tribo-corrosion cell and fill with fresh electrolyte.

Create a new recipe.

Add a Standard step (OCP Stabilization)

Duration: 15-30 mins (or until drift < 1–2 mV/min)
Force: Undefined
Drive: None
E-Test: None
Logging: Yes

Add a Standard step (Conditioning)

Duration: 10-15 mins
Force: Undefined
Drive: None
E-Test: OCP - 350mV
OCP Value from Recipe 1
Logging: Yes

Add a Standard step (Drive ON)

Duration: To be determined
Force: To be determined
Drive: Reciprocating
Parameters to be determined
E-Test: OCP - 350mV
OCP Value from Tafel Plot
Logging: Yes

Add a Standard step (Drive OFF)

Duration: To be determined
Force: Undefined
Drive: None
E-Test: OCP - 350mV
OCP Value from Tafel Plot
Logging: Yes

Add a Loop/Delay

From: Drive ON Step
For: To be determined
Logging: No

In Data Logging

Sampling rate (Hz): max. Freq (Hz)*30
Averaging: 2.
Record: “weVoltage”, “Current” and other tribological parameters.

Open Rtec Insight and compare the weVoltage [E(t)] between the sliding and idle steps to determine:

Stability of cathodic protection during sliding (verify current remains constant and small).
Absence of hydrogen evolution: confirm no large current spikes or oscillations.

If current fluctuates strongly or hydrogen bubbles appear, reduce the applied cathodic offset (use OCP − 300 mV or OCP − 250 mV).

Take a profilometer image of the wear mark to determine W0.
W0: Total material volume lost without corrosion influence.

Help

Determine Steps duration:

Focus on kinetics (how quickly the surface film breaks down and repassivates):

Drive ON 60–120 s, Drive OFF 180–300 s.

Focus on steady wear (long-term equilibrium behavior under sustained mechanical action):

Drive ON 180–300 s, Drive OFF 90–120 s.

Anodic Tribocorrosion test

Evaluates tribocorrosion behavior under controlled anodic polarization within the passive region.

Polish a new sample, clean sequentially with acetone, isopropanol, and deionized water, dry with compressed air, then mount it in the tribo-corrosion cell and fill with fresh electrolyte.

Create a new recipe.

Add a Standard step (OCP Stabilization)

Duration: 15-30 mins(or until potential drift < 1–2 mV/min)
Force: Undefined
Drive: None
E-Test: None
Logging: Yes

Add a Standard step (Drive ON)

Duration: Same as Drive ON in Cathodic Protection test.
Force: Same as Drive ON in Cathodic Protection test.
Drive: Reciprocating
Same parameters as Drive ON in Cathodic Protection test.
E-Test: OCP + ΔE
ΔE determined previously with the Tafel plot.
Logging: Yes

Add a Standard step (Drive OFF)

Duration: Same as Drive OFF in Cathodic Protection test.
Force: Undefined
Drive: None
E-Test: OCP + ΔE
ΔE determined previously with the Tafel plot.
Logging: Yes

Add a loop

From: Drive ON Step
For: Same as Cathodic Protection test.
Logging: No

In Data Logging

Sampling rate (Hz): max. Freq (Hz)*30
Averaging: 2.
Record: “weVoltage”, “Current” and other tribological parameters.

Open Rtec Insight and compare the weVoltage [E(t)] between the sliding and idle steps to determine:

Potential Drop between no contact and sliding.
Recovery kinetics of repassivation. (see Help)

Take a profilometer image of the wear mark to determine T:

T = Total material volume (or mass) lost.

Help

Repassivation kinetics (τ) — how to compute:

Extract the repassivation time constant τ by fitting the weVoltage curve using:

E(t)=E∞−(E∞−Emin)*exp(−t/τ)

E(t): Potential at time t after sliding stops.
Emin: The lowest potential right when sliding stops (most active state).

E∞: The final potential after full recovery (steady passive state).

t: Time after sliding stops.

τ: Time constant (s); after t=τ, recovery ≈63% complete

Tafel Plot - W0 Calculation

Using the log(I)=f(E) plot obtained previously, you can determine C0 by using the following formula:

W0=(Icorr*t*M)/(n*F*ρ)

Where:

t: Time of exposure (s): Total sliding duration (Drive ON periods) for the tribo-corrosion (Recipe 1 & 2) tests.

n: Valence number: Number of electrons exchanged per atom during oxidation.

F: Faraday constant (96485 C.mol-1)

ρ: Density of the material (g.cm-3)

Synergy Calculation

S=T-W0-C0

S represents the synergistic material loss arising from the interaction between mechanical wear and corrosion processes.

The result is specific to the anodic tribocorrosion test.

General Manual

Introduction

⚠️

In this manual, you will learn how to realize tests by applying a load onto a sample.
Please make sure that you stay below the limits of your load cell. The load range of your cell should be written on the latest sensor calibration certificate or directly on the load cell.

This manual explains how to use Rtec MFT, the main testing software from Rtec-Instruments.

⚠️

If the user is restoring the software from the provided backup, please contact customer service before starting the restoration.

Before contacting customer service, please have your software version information available. You can find this at the top right of the MFT software by clicking on the icon.

To open Rtec MFT, click on the shortcut “Rtec MFT” on the desktop.

In case the desktop shortcut icon is missing, search for “MFT” using Window search option on Windows.

Initialization window

When launching Rtec MFT software, the status window automatically opens. This window shows the initialization of all the machine components.

If any issue appeared during initialization, it will appear as a red line. On the image, the red line shows that the initialization of the scratch module was not successful.

Initialization should be successful for the software to work properly. If it’s not, please restart the computer. If the error persists, contact customer service.

Selecting test configuration

System configuration

Whenever you update the configuration of your machine by adding / removing a module or sensor, you need to update the configuration in the MFT software.

To do so, click on the configure icon on the top right corner of the software:

In this window, you can see all the components of the system. In “Type” will be the type of module installed, and in “Options” will be all the options you have for this specific module (different temperature chambers for example).

You need to adapt the components depending on the modules you have installed in your tester. Please refer to your specific tester manual to know how to install any module or sensor.

Next to each of these parameters is a “Config” button. This opens a new window which configures the specific module. Please do not click on this button unless if asked otherwise.

DAQ

Not to be changed.

XYZ

If you have a configuration where you need to lock the X, Y platform (to use the fretting module for example), you will need to select “Z” in options.

Lower Drive

It corresponds to the lower drive of the machine. It usually corresponds to the module proving the movement in the test configuration. Different types of lower drives need to be selected depending on which module is installed:

Autodrive

The Autodrive option can be selected when a Rotary, Reciprocating or Block on ring is installed on the machine.

ℹ️

This only option works for latest modules versions.

Rotary

The Rotary type needs to be selected when a rotary module is installed on the machine.

⚠️

It is recommended to use Autodrive for latest module versions.

Reciprocating

The Reciprocating type needs to be selected when a reciprocating module is installed on the machine.

⚠️

It is recommended to use Autodrive for latest module versions.

BlockOnRing

The BlockOnRing type needs to be selected when a Block-On-Ring module is installed on the machine.

⚠️

It is recommended to use Autodrive for latest module versions.

4Ball

The 4Ball type needs to be selected when a 4Ball module is installed on the machine.

⚠️

It is recommended to use Autodrive for latest module versions.

VoiceCoil

The VoiceCoil type needs to be selected when a VoiceCoil module is installed on the machine.

TapTorque

The TapTorque type needs to be selected when a TapTorque module is installed on the machine.

Scratch

The Scratch type needs to be selected when a Scratch module is installed on the machine.

Temperature

Temperature Control: ?

RTC: You need to select this type when you installed a temperature chamber. Under “Options”, you will find all your existing temperature chambers. You need to select the correct temperature chamber option depending on the one you installed.

Chiller-J: You need to select this type when you installed a chiller. Under “Options”, you will find all your existing chillers. You need to select the correct temperature chamber option depending on the one you installed.

Chiller

Pseudo Sensor

This pseudo sensor corresponds to the mathematical equation calculating the coefficient of friction. You need to select “COF” in type. The different options are:

COF: To be used when an Fx sensor is used

COF-TS: To be used when a torque sensor is used (Most modules except Fz+Torque Load cell).

COF-Tz: To be used when a Fz+Torque Load cell is used.

COF-Piezo: To be used when a Fx-Piezo sensor is used.

COF-Fx: ?

COF-Fxr: ?

Humidity

Humidity needs to be selected when a humidity chamber is installed.

Corrosion

To be selected when there is a potentiostat connected to the instrument: Tribocorrosion (Admiral), EV Testing.

Vacuum

Vacuum needs to be selected when a vacuum pump is installed.

Sensors configuration

When developing the sensors window, shown in Figure 3, you will get access to the sensors configuration window. The sensors also need to be selected depending on the ones installed.

CAP

To be selected when a capacitive sensor is used. Mostly for Scratch testing with the scratch table.

You should select the Fz (normal force) sensor in options based on the one you have installed. The calibration value should be written directly on the load cell, it can help you to know which unit range it is.

You should select the Fx sensor in options based on the one you have installed. The calibration value should be written directly on the load cell, it can help you to know which unit range it is.

TS needs to be selected when a torque sensor is connected.

FXF

RMS-FXF

LVDT

LVDT needs to be selected when a Linear Variable Differential Transformer sensor is connected.

RMS-LVDT

To be selected to record the RMS value of the LVDT.

ECR

ECR needs to be selected when an ECR sensor is connected.

STDDEV

AE needs to be selected when an Acoustic Emission sensor is connected.

Saving and Loading preset configurations.

The current configuration can be saved as a preset and reloaded in the future, avoiding the need to manually select each component when changing setup.

Saving Configuration

Click SAVE AS

Save the configuration file following this rule:
Addins+(Name)

The custom configuration is saved and can be loaded in the future.

Loading Configuration

Press Load Configuration

Select an Addin name file matching the module installed.

The software will restart with the new configuration loaded.

“Backup/Restore”: Creates or load a backup of the software files.

⚠️

When using an existing configuration, verify that the selected configuration corresponds to the installed components to avoid any software conflicts.

Software windows

This part of the manual presents each individual software window in the order they appear. Please refer to the part of the specific window you are interested in.

Select recipe

When starting the software, the Select recipe window should appear. We can divide it into 4 separated parts.

Part 1: Window selection and Preview

In this part, you can navigate between the different windows of a recipe:

Windows Description:

Select recipe: General overview of the recipes

Edit steps: To create steps and to modify them.

Recipe parameters: General parameters of a recipe including advanced limit criteria.

Data logging: Defines how the data is logged during testing.

Sample info: To add sample and test conditions information.

Run: To monitor components in real-times and start the test.

Alarms: Shows all the activated alarms.

Part 2: Recipe files and details

On the left side of the window, there is a column for the name, the date of creation and type of recipe available to be opened.

The type of recipe depends on the type of lower drive selected when creating a new recipe.

On the right side of the window, there are 8 different icons:

Select: When selecting a recipe in the left side of the screen, you can open it by clicking on “Select”.

New: Creates a new recipe in the desired folder and automatically put it in the list of recipe files.

Add: Adds an already existing recipe into the list of recipes at the left side of the recipe files window.

Remove: Removes a recipe from the list of recipes.

Save: Saves the selected recipe in the current folder.

Save As: Saves a copy of the selected recipe in the desired folder

Save As Template: Bugged?

Add From Template: Bugged?

Help

Cannot “Save As” → Click on “Select” to open the recipe to enable “Save As”

When clicking on any recipe from the list, its details will appear here.

File: Shows the file name (.Rx)

Path: Shows the path towards where the recipe is stored

Modified: Shows the latest modification date

Type: ?

Description: Can be used by the user to add a description for the recipe.

Part 3: Preview

Part 4: Alert, Machine manual control and Test control

Alarm part

In this window, all the current alarms impacting the tester are shown.

Machine manual control

Machine manual control allows the user to manually control the displacement of the X, Y, Z stage and the module installed.

By dragging the slider on the right of the window, you can uncover other parameters.

Vel: It is the displacement value (in mm/s) of the X, Y platform when moving the X, Y platform using the machine manual control upper window.

Move Abs XY: This part will be available if the tester is homed. It allows the user to move to a specific absolute position of the X, Y platform. This position is defined based on the home position.
The button on the left refreshes the current XY position.
You can enter the X and Y absolute position in the free space and then press ”XY Move” to move to this absolute position.

In the current version, the move Abs XY may have some problems, it is recommended to use the “Distance” of manual control explained previously.

Teach Offset: This parameter is used to teach the offset between the testing and imaging position of the tester. This is the part where you can do the inline imaging calibration. It will be introduced further in Part 2.2.2.4.1.

Move Offset: This parameter is used to automatically move between the testing and imaging position.

TEST => IMG: The platform goes from the test position (where the sample is located below the load cell) to the imaging position (where the sample is located below the imaging head)

IMG => TEST: The platform goes from the imaging position (where the sample is located below the imaging head) to the test position (where the sample is located below the load cell).

The “Move Offset” needs to be calibrated in order to efficiently move between the testing and imaging positions. The calibration will be introduced further in Part 2.2.2.4.1.

On the right side of the manual control window should be the manual module control. This window allows the user to manually use the module installed.

By clicking on the “ON” button, you can turn the motor off.

Next to it should be possible to modify an intrinsic parameter of the module: frequency (Hz), speed (RPM) etc…

The two buttons at the right start (Left one) and stop (Right one) the manual movement of the module.

The “Distance” button on the far right allows you to set a number of rotations / cycles.

Test Control Window

On the test control window, you can control the homing (Left), Start (Middle) and Stop (Right) of the recipe.

Edit Steps

Edit steps section contains the actual test parameters, such as force, velocity, distance, motion, time, temperature, etc. The window can be divided into 2 different parts: the recipe step summary (1) and individual step modification (2).

Part 1: Recipe Steps Overview

It shows the summary of the steps in the recipe.

On the top, you have the possibility of changing the preview design as explained in the Preview part.

Below it, you can see all the steps of your current recipe. If you click on any of these, it will open in the individual step modification on the right side.

At the bottom, you can find 4 buttons:

Remove: It removes a step from the recipe

Standard: It creates a recipe of a specific type, which we are going to introduce in the next part.

Insert: It inserts a step before the step selected.

Add: It adds a step at the end of the recipe

Part 2: Individual Step

“Type”: At the top of the window, the user can choose the type of step. He has the choice between several options:

Standard: Step for any mechanical testing

Reposition: Step to change the position of a component

Loop/Delay: Repeats steps in the recipe

Imaging: Auto imaging of test location

Custom: Step similar to Standard type

Scratch: Step for scratch testing

Indent: Step for micro indentation testing

Traction: Step for MTM (Mini Traction Machine) testing.

“Save”: Saves the current window: “Edit Steps” in this case. It needs to be pressed in order to save the modifications into the recipe file.

“Next”: Goes to the next window: “Recipe Parameters” in this case.

Standard step

Part 1: Duration

Duration of the step

In this window you can control the duration of the step.

By default, the logging and time duration start after the force is reached. (see Waiting for force/temperature to settle further)

Part 2: Reset

In this window you can reset the value of Fx at the beginning of the step. If it is unchecked, the Fx value will not be subjected to any reset.

This option is necessary to be pressed only when there is an offset of the Fx value at the beginning of the test (1D+1D arm), it will create issues in most cases when using a 2D Load Cell.

Part 3: Data Logging

Checking “Log during this step” will record the test data during the step. If it remains unchecked, no data will be logged for this step.

In case the user wants to divide the data logging into smaller periods, he can modify the values of “Log Period” and “Log Interval”.

Log period (seconds): The duration of the log period.

Log Interval (seconds): The duration of the interval between 2 log periods.

Part 4: Force

Force options:

Constant: The step is run at a constant value of force. For example: 10N.

Linear: The step is run in linearly increasing or decreasing force for the entire step duration. For example: 5N to 20N. So, the slope's steepness will depend on the duration of the time period.

Undefined: No force control and regulation. Z drive shall remain at the same position throughout the step, this is the equivalent of the Idle state. Use this options if you only use the drive or the temperature during this step for example.

⚠️

The Z-Axis will reach out for a contact when applying a constant force of 0 N as opposed to the undefined option.

Each force are defined for each step, this aspect must be taken in consideration, meaning that the same force must be defined each step to keep applying the desired force throughout the run-test.

Tracking : Adjusting the reaction time

Tracking options:

Low: Reduces the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too strongly to a slow Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Standard: To be used in most cases.

High: Increases the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too slowly to a rapid Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Part 5: Parameters

X axis motion

In this parameter, the user can command an action of the X axis for the step.

Idle: X axis does not move the during the step.

Cycle: Triangular motion along the X axis for the entered distance and number of cycles.

Distance: Amplitude of the X-axis displacement.
Velocity (rpm): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

The previous position of the X table is used as the origin. The distance setting will thus be the distance from the previous X position.

For example, if the X position is 0 and the Amplitude is set to -2mm, the axis will create a triangular movement between X=[0;-2mm]

Slide: Moves the X axis for the entered distance relative to the previous position (positive and negative as shown on the X, Y platform).

Y axis motion

⚠️

Most Rtec-Instruments load cells are designed to measure friction along the X-axis (Fx).

Hence, having a displacement along the Y axis will bring a Fy component which cannot be measured and can damage these load cells without an Fy friction measurement.

In this parameter, the user can command an action of the Y axis for the step.

Idle: Y axis does not move the during the step.

Cycle: Triangular motion along the Y axis for the entered distance and number of cycles.

Distance: Amplitude of the Y-axis displacement.
Velocity (rpm): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

ℹ️

The previous position of the Y table is used as the origin. The distance setting will thus be the distance from the previous Y position.

For example, if the Y position is 0 and the Amplitude is set to +5mm, the axis will create a triangular movement between Y=[0;5mm]

Slide: Moves the Y axis for the entered distance relative to the previous position (positive and negative as shown on the X, Y platform).

Drive motion

The action type might change based on the drive selected.

Idle: If this action is selected, the drive doesn’t move during this step.

Cycle: Oscillates the drive in counter and clockwise directions.

Revolution: Number of revolutions before it changes direction.

If the number of revolutions entered is below 1, the rotary drive will realize a reciprocating-like rotary movement.

Velocity (rpm): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Slide: Moves the drive for a fixed number of revolutions.

Revolution: Number of revolutions to be realized.
Velocity (rpm/Hz): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Continuous: Moves the drive at constant velocity in counter or clockwise direction.

Direction: CW for clockwise, CCW for counterclockwise direction.
Velocity (rpm/Hz): Final velocity of displacement after the acceleration phase.
Acceleration (s): Acceleration phase duration.

Move to Angle: Moves the drive to a nominal angle of the shaft

Temperature

In this parameter, the user can command an action of the temperature chamber for the step.

Idle: No temperature chamber action is done during the step.

Upper Heater: Sets the desired temperature of the upper heater (if available)

Lower Chamber: Sets the desired temperature of the lower chamber (if available)

Lower &Upper: Sets the temperature of the upper and lower chambers (if available)

Stop: Removes the temperature setpoint.

Humidity

In this parameter, the user can command an action of the humidity chamber for the step.

Idle: No humidity chamber action is done during the step.

Corrosion (E-Test)

In this parameter, the user can command an action of the tribocorrosion system for the step.

Idle: No tribocorrosion action is done during the step.

Vacuum

In this parameter, the user can command an action of the vacuum chamber for the step.

Idle: No Y vacuum chamber action is done during the step.

Inline

In this parameter, the user can realize an inline image in the step.

Idle: No inline imaging is done during the step.

Reposition step

⚠️

All the motions are executed in order, i.e., after the first item finishes, the second item will start etc… Thus, X,Y,Z.Velocity should always be placed before a X,Y,Z.Offset or X,Y,Z.Position (otherwise, the default velocity will be applied to the displacement).

The reposition step allows for the movement and control of different components without any testing. This step is typically used to position samples, move to a new location, reset sensors…

Part 1: General functions

“Log during this step”: If checked, logs the data of the reposition parts.

“Disengage Z (Before Reposition)”: Disengages Z to the starting position of the recipe to avoid any contact with the sample during the reposition step.

Remove item: Remove one of the items in the reposition step

Add item: Add an item at the end of the reposition step

Insert item: Add an item before the one selected in the reposition step

Part 2: Reposition commands

There are several types of reposition commands depending on the type of modules installed:

Sensors Reset: Automatically biases the value read by the sensor. The value read at this step will become the new 0.00.

Sensors to bias

Sensor.Reset Fz: Biases the normal force sensor reading.

Sensor.Reset Fx / Fx-Piezo: Biases the lateral force sensor reading.

Sensor.Reset TS / Tz): Biases the torque sensor reading.

Sensors not to bias

Sensor.Reset LVDT: Biases the Linear Variable Different Transformer sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset AE: Biases the Acoustic emission sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset ECR: Biases the Electrical Contact Resistance.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset IRT: Biases the InfraRed Temperature sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset IndenterDepth: Biases the Indenter Head capacitive sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset CAP: Biases the scratch table capacitive sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset AE: Biases the Acoustic Emission sensor.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

Sensor.Reset Analog Input: Biases the Analog Input.

Sensor value should be automatically biased during Production. This reset should not be performed

X, Y, Z, ZWLI axes:

(X/Y/Z).Position (mm): Positions the drive to the nominal value.
(X/Y/Z/ZWLI).Offset (mm): Positions the drive to a value that is an offset from the previous position. (ZWLI corresponds to Z2, the Imaging axis).

For example, if the previous X.Position is 1mm and X.Offset is -5, the new position will be -4.

(X/Y/Z/ZWLI).Velocity (mm): Sets the velocity of the axis. (ZWLI corresponds to Z2, the Imaging axis).
Z.Reset Depth: Biases the value of the Z.Depth parameter which can be selected in “Data Logging”.

Drives:

R/T.Move Angle: Move to a specific angle of the shaft (See Help)

The angle of the shaft is not a nominal value of the motor and will change after an instrument restart.

R/T.Reset Position: Sets the current shaft position as the new 0.00 angle. (Bias the angle value)
T.Rotate: Maintains the rotation of the motor during the reposition step. (See Help)

Scratch

Following points applicable to Scratch table:

T.Home: Goes to the home position of the scratch table metallic plate.

T.GoToTest: Moves the scratch table to a position where the CAP sensor detects the surface.

Help

Move to Angle is not working

You need to manually activate the drive and rotate it once for the motor to be able to receive the move to angle order (by using the rotation manual control for example)

The motion is not maintained during the reposition step

Without custom step

With custom step

Imaging step

In the imaging step, it is possible to take an image of the sample. The platform will move from the test position to the imaging position on its own.

Before presenting this step, it is important to realize the calibration of the inline imaging offset. This offset corresponds to the distance between the test position and the imaging position and needs to be calibrated so that the machine can automatically move from the test to the imaging position.

Inline imaging offset calibration

ℹ️

The factory inline imaging offset is taught to the software during the Quality Check. However, whenever changes are made to the following components, the calibration needs to be done again:

The load cell (Untightening the screws / Switching load cell…)

The tip / ball holder (Changing the tip / Replacing the ball…)

The Lower Module (Switching Module / Replacing the sample holder…)

The imaging microscope / profilometer (Replacing the unit / Replacing the objective…)

When replacing or modifying the position of any of these components, an offset can be observed in the order of µm. When using a small magnification objective, this small offset will only move the wear mark away from the center of the image, but, for higher magnification, this displacement will bring the wear outside the image and no longer provide inline imaging of the wear track.

ℹ️

As stated before, changing the lower sample will not result in the need for a new calibration. Thus, it is highly recommended to use a soft flat material to calibrate the inline imaging offset before switching to the material to be studied. A PMMA sample is typically recommended and delivered with some types of testers. This type of sample can also be bought from Rtec-Instruments separately.

To teach the offset in the software, the user first needs to mark the sample in a specific test position, then observe the marked area under the imaging unit and set it as the image position.

“Mark As Test” position

Observe your sample with the microscope then place the upper ball or tip above a relatively flat and undamaged easily recognizable area of your sample. The flatter and less damaged the sample, the easier it will be to locate the mark later on.

6mm Ball holder positioned above a PMMA sample.

To calibrate the inline imaging offset, firstly, open any recipe in MFT and record at least both Fz and the Z position.in the “Data Logging” window. Then, go to the “Run” window.

Then, you will need to indent the surface manually. To do so, use the Z Distance adjustment in small increments to diminish the height and thus increase the load.

Z parameters (Left) and Z distance window (Right)

ℹ️

Use a small increment at first to make sure that you the force is not rising too fast.

Reduce the height until you get to a satisfactory force.

Force increase observed in the “Run tab” (0-20N)

Force decrease observed in the “Rub tab” (20-0N)

ℹ️

For PMMA, an indent will be easily identifiable at 20N for a 6mm ball. You need to adapt the force depending on the size of the ball/tip and the material used for indentation.

Once you reach your desired force, remove the force by increasing the Z height with the Z distance manual control. When the tip is noticeably above the sample, click on “Mark As Test”. You need to use the slider on the right side of the machine manual control to get access to the lower part of it.

Machine manual control with slider outlined

Lower part of machine manual control with "Mark As Test" outlined

“Mark As Image” position

Then, you can click on “Test => Image” so that the machine automatically moves from the test position to the imaging position.

ℹ️

Make sure that the tip is high enough so that it will not collide during the movement to the imaging position. It is recommended to perform the first calibration by moving the stage manually rather than using the “Test => Image” button.

PMMA sample in Imaging position, below the objective.

When the sample is below the objective, click on “Profiler” (top right of MFT window) to switch to the Profiler window similar to the Rtec Lambda software.

Position of Tribology / Profiler window buttons

When clicking on “Profiler, the following window will appear:

ℹ️

This window is identical to the window of Rtec Lambda software. It is recommended to use Rtec Lambda Software instead of this window for simple imaging analyses. Please refer to the specific Rtec Lambda Software manual for detailed explanation on how to operate the Profiler window.

Use the manual controls to locate the indent. Place the indent in the center of the screen, where the blue arrow is.

ℹ️

You need to realize this calibration with the highest magnification objective you are interesting in for the imaging and using the type of imaging technique you want to use. There is a slight displacement offset between the camera of WLI and BF and the camera of CF imaging.

When the indent is placed in the center of the screen for the specific imaging type and objective, switch back to the “Tribology” window (Next to “Profiler”) and select “Mark As Image”.

Teach Offset window after "Mark As Test" has been selected

Then, press save.

Teach Offset window after "Mark As Image" has been selected.

You have successfully calibrated the inline imaging offset for this specific calibration. You can now remove the sample you used for calibration and place the sample you want to analyze.

Automatic Imaging step

Rtec Lambda Window

In this window, you need to select:

The type of imaging analysis you want to perform

BF
DF
BFDF
CF
WLI
PSI

The Objective used

The Top, Middle and Bottom planes

You need to make sure that these planes are valid for the whole length of the scan.

Please refer to the Rtec Lambda manual for further details on how to select these parameters.

Auto Move Window

In this window, the user can select what type of image he wants to take.

In Multiple Scan, 3 options appear in the ribbon:

Single FOV: It takes an individual image where the sample is located.

Multiple FOV: It takes multiple images and stitches them together to create a scan of the sample.

Multiple Auto: It takes multiple images and stitches them together to create a scan of the sample. This option can only be used for scratch test images.

If you select either Multiple FOV or Multiple Auto, you need to check “Enable Auto Move”. This will allow the software to move the XY plate to realize a stitched scan of your surface.

Below it is the X, Y offset of the stitching. It corresponds to the distance the software will add to make sure that the whole wear mark is covered. We recommend to set it at 0.2mm.

Multiple Auto and Multiple FOV Scanning windows.

For Multiple FOV, you need to manually select the X, Y scanning length.

Other the other hand, for Multiple Scan, you need to “Get XY From Step”. You need to select the step number of the scratch and the software will automatically generate the X, Y scanning length.

You now know how to use the imaging step. For tribological tests, the automatic imaging will require to be set manually while for the scratch tests, it will be automatically performed using the Multiple FOV.

Custom step

In this window the user can obtain more options for the drive control.

Scratch step

Part 1: Scratch parameters

Mode

You can choose between different scratch techniques:

Scratch Only: After finding the contact point, realizes a single scratch during which it records the selected parameters.

This type of scratch test is mostly used for scratch tests with a profilometer. The profilometer is the most efficient at analyzing a final scratched surface.

Pre-Scan/Post-Scan: Realizes a pre-scan at very low force along the scratch length to analyze the original surface. After this pre-scan, it realizes the scratch. Finally, following the scratch it realizes a post-scan at very low force along the scratch length to analyze the final scratched surface.

This type of scratch test with a pre and post scan is mostly used for scratch tests without a profilometer to analyze the final scratched surface.

It is recommended to obtain the true scratch depth (not affected by any tilt or curvature on the sample surface) and to measure the residual scratch depth. Residual scratch depth is the profile of the scratch which remains after the scratch is completed. Due to self-healing and viscoelastic properties, the residual scratch profile may differ from the depth during the scratch.

Force (N)

There are different possibilities of force applications:

Constant: Applies a constant force throughout the displacement.

It is recommended for mar resistance testing (at low force)

Linear: Applies a linear force starting from the force entered in the left to the force entered in the right. (It only works for positive linear force application?)

For coating adhesion measurements it is suggested to use linear increasing loading.

Calculate

In this part, you need to enter 2 parameters to determine the velocity, distance and load rate of your scratch test.

It is possible to modify 2 of the 3 parameters as they are interdependent. By clicking on the circle at the left side of the parameter, it will lock its value and automatically calculate it based on the 2 other parameters.

Part 2: Scratch scan parameters

You can arrange the 2 parameters of the pre and post-scans:

Back Scan (mm): The length of the scan on the opposite direction of the scratch (the dotted line before the scratch solid line).

Scan Force (N): The force applied to analyze the surface during the pre and post scan.

Part 3: Scratch sample approach

The Touch Force can be modified here. It corresponds to the force the tip is applying when finding the surface.

More settings

You have the possibility to adapt settings to modify the scratch test settings to your specific application. To do so, please refer to part 6.4.

Indent step

Traction step

Recipe Parameters

Once the steps of a recipe are created, the recipe parameters window contains global parameters for the recipe.

Part 1: General Parameters

By default:
The standard step duration and start enable after the force is reached.
The Z Stage goes back to its initial position (before pressing start)

Tracking : Adjusting the reaction time

Any Standard Step → Tracking options

The tracking options are individuals for each standart steps defined.

Low: Reduces the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too strongly to a slow Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Standard: To be used in most cases.

High: Increases the Fz reaction time and adjustment intensity. Only to be used if the standard option is adjusting too slowly to a rapid Fz evolution (Tests with fast and high Z displacement).

Environmental Settings (For chamber module)

Wait for the temperature to settle: If checked, the step duration time will start when the desired temperature is reached. Otherwise, the load and drive will reach their defined value immediately.

Maintain environment: If checked, the desired temperature in a step shall be maintained throughout the recipe steps. This temperature matches the last one defined in the recipe.

Part 2: Limit Conditions

Limit Conditions

Exemple 1: Abort the recipe is the COF is too high

Exemple 2: Abort the step when the Zdepth is reached

Exemple 3: Abort the loop when the temperature reached

This option can be used to add limit conditions to the test steps and recipe. When clicking on it the advanced parameters window will appear.

Stop conditions functions

Abort_Recipe: Applying this action to a recipe step will abort the recipe, show ing end of the test alert.

Abort_Step: Applying this action to a recipe step will abort the step.

Abort_Loop: Applying this action to a recipe step will abort the loop.

Component: This section allows a user to select a test parameter, such as COF, FZ, FX, Temperature, Z depth, etc. Based on the selected test parameter, a user can either opt to abort a step, loop, or recipe. (see Data Loggin and Acquisition Components in the next step)

Function:It allows a user to select/apply the absolute function (“ABS”).

Operator: This section allows a user to apply Boolean operators to an abort step.

Value: The user can enter the desired stop value for the selected test parameter to an abort step condition.

Join: Several logical parameters from the conditions summary window can be used alone or with “AND/OR” conditions.

Reposition step is often used in most of the recipe to automatically start the test with biased sensors.

Data Logging

This section allows a user to log the data recorded during the test.

Part 1: File Management

In the file management window, it is possible to manage where the file containing the data will be stored.

Firstly, select the file format:

.CSV: Recommended file format, can be opened with Excel and most data analysis software (including Rtec software).

.BIN: Older file format, can be opened with Rtec analysis software.

Then, you have the choice between saving the data as a singular file or as part of a project.

Specific file: You can click on “Open File Location”, the file resulting from the test will be stored in the selected folder.

Project: You can save a file as part of a project.
First, click on “ Project Folder” to select the storage location of the project.
Then, in “Sample Name [Subfolder]”, it is possible to create a subfolder where all the tests of a specific sample are stored.
Finally, in “File name: Run-XXX-“, you can change the increment for every specific test of a sample.

Part 2: Data Acquisition Parameters

The maximum sampling rate of the system is 10kHz. Default value is 1kHz.

You have the possibility of changing the Sampling Rate (Hz) and number of data points averaged.

Sampling rate: It corresponds to the amount of data points taken in each second. The higher it is, the bigger the resulting file will be.

Averaging: This number is used for the moving average filter. It corresponds to the number of data points averaged for each point recorded in the final file. The higher this number, the less the variations will be seen in the results.

It is recommended to take a sampling rate between 10x and 100x the primary motion frequency (f0) of the system:

Rotary/Upper Rotary/BOR:

f0=RPM/60

Reciprocating/VoiceCoil:

f0=f(Hz)

For example, for a test at 1000 RPM, f0=16.67 Hz. Thus, it would be recommended to set the sampling rate to:

For basic shape visualization: 10*16.67 = 167Hz.
For balance between vibrations and shape: 30*16.67 = 500Hz
For vibration and outliers focused analysis: 100*16.67 = 1667Hz

When such calculation is not appropriate, we recommend to use a sampling rate of 1-10kHz.

Part 3: Data Acquisition Components

In this window are all the data components which can be tracked during the acquisition.

On the right side, there are 5 buttons:

Add: When you click on a result, adds it to the recorded data list. This list will be introduced in the next part.

Remove: Removes a result from the list.

Up: Moves a result up in the list.

Down: Moves a result down in the list.

Verify: Update the list to filter the parameters based on their chart number.

DAQ Data Recording

Group of data coming through the DAQ Controller (non-exhaustive):

Fz: Normal force measurement of the load cell. It is always recorded.

Fx: Lateral force measurement of the load cell.

COF: Coefficient of friction calculated from both Fz and Fx.

COF=ABS(Fx[N]/Fz[N])

AE: Acoustic Emission sensor. It measures the acoustic waves motion.

LVDT: linear variable differential transformer. It measures precisely a linear displacement.

XYZ Data Recording

Group of data tracking the XYZ stage movements

X ( Y or Z) Encoder: Raw axis position value. Only used by Rtec Customer Service.

X ( Y or Z) Position: Position gives the nominal value of the axis

X ( Y or Z) Velocity: Velocity gives the velocity of the axis during displacement. It will show 0 if the axis is stationary.

Drive Data Recording

Group of data tracking the reciprocating drive movements:

Frequency: Frequency of a reciprocating motion

Cycles: Number of cycles performed since the start of the test.

Velocity: rotational velocity of the shaft

Angle: Angle of the shaft.

Part 4: Recorded data window

This list compiles all the data which will be recoded during the test. If a result appears in this list, it will also appear in the final recorded data.

“Component” and “Result”: These columns correspond to the ones introduced previously.

“Header”: This columns correspond to the name associated with the result in the file.

“Chart#”: This columns correspond to the chart number in the Run window. You can organize every components on different charts by changing this value

⚠️

There is a maximum of 6 charts and it is recommended to have a maximum of 2 data per chart.

“Min”: Minimum value of the data’s scale shown in the Run window.

“Max”: Maximum value of the data’s scale shown in the Run window.

Sample Information

This window allows a user to save some information on the test conditions in the saved file.

To get access to it, open the .csv file using a spreadsheet software. In the second row you will see all the information selected in the “Sample Info” window.

Most of this information will not enter into the test conditions but will simply offer the user a better tracking of the test conditions.

However, “Radius” is used for the specific COF calculations (COF-TS and COF-Tz where radius is the effective radius of the contact plan)

BOR Effective Radius Calculations

For Block On Ring test, the Friction Coefficient (COF-Torque) is calculated using the effective radius entered in the “Radius” field of the previous window.

The effective radius of the block on ring depends on the amount of contact areas where the friction occurs:

Ring test: Only one single contact point at the radius of the ring.

“Radius” = Radius of the ring (mm).

Bearing test: Two contact points: One between the balls and the inner ring and a second one between the balls and the outer ring.

“Radius” = Effective radius of the 2 contact areas (mm).

The effective radius can be estimated as follows:

Ff,i being the friction force at a specific contact radius.

Default Ring specifications

Outer Diameter: 35mm (1-3/8")

Width: 8.73mm (11/32")

4Ball Effective Radius Calculations

Four 12.7mm (0.5”) balls are used in the 4Ball test. The following calculation explains why an effective radius of 4.49 needs to be selected in the software for this specific test method:

4-ball test geometry.PDF

50.5 KB

The radius selected will be defined for the whole recipe and registered in the sample information section.

Run Window

Part 1: Recipe Steps Overview

It shows the summary of the steps in the recipe created in the Expert Mode.

During the test, the step being executed will be highlighted in yellow.

Part 2: Test Channels Real Time Recording

The central display area presents the channels that have been selected for analysis. Each channel is identified by its designated Channel Number (Channel N°), which defines its position on the page. The configuration of which channels are actively recorded is managed through Expert Mode.

Part 3: Test Channels Real Time Value

This area of the screen allows the use to see the current value for each channels recorded.

The checkbox on the left Allows the user to show of hide the specific channel.

The channel will still be recorded in the final file

The “%” Icon can modify the scale of each specific channel.

Left-Clicking switches between zoom and zoom out.
Right-Click allows the user to set a personalized

Part 4: Real Time Recording Parameters

These icons allow the user to modify the recording parameters of the central window.

The circular motion icon refreshes the visual recording. It starts a new timeline.

The graph icon changes the maximum time of the visual recording (X-Axis).

The camera icon allows the recording of an external camera connected to the PC.

Part 5: Inline imaging parameters

Before starting a recipe where there is an imaging step, the current position of the sample needs to be selected:

Select “Test” when the sample is below the Load Cell.

Select “Image” when the sample is below the Objective.

There is also the possibility of manually moving from the current position to the other position using the 2 buttons below the start position.

Part 6: Test Control Window

On the test control window, you can control the homing (Left), Start (Middle) and Stop (Right) of the recipe.

Alarm

An alarm will pop up in case the sensor load limit is reached, or the test is aborted automatically. The alarm must be cleared/the issue resolved before the test can be restarted.

Application testing example

X, Y motion test

Scratch-like X motion test

To realize a simple rotative test, follow these steps:

Create a first reposition step to reset Fz and Fx sensors and position the sample under the ball.

Create a second step with:

A slide X movement.
Linear Force application

Image of test recipe and video of motion

Complex motion test : Circle

To realize a simple rotative test, follow these steps:

Create a first reposition step to reset Fz and Fx sensors and position the sample under the ball.

Create a second step with:

A slide X movement with distance =.2*x mm.
A cycle Y movement with distance = x mm.

Image of test recipe and video of motion

Complex motion test : Eight

To realize a simple rotative test, follow these steps:

Create a first reposition step to reset Fz and Fx sensors and position the sample under the ball.

Create a second step with:

A slide X movement with distance =.4*x mm.
A cycle Y movement with distance = x mm.

Image of test recipe and video of motion

Rotary test

Recipe creation

Simple rotary test

To realize a simple rotative test, follow these steps:

Create a first reposition step to reset Fz and Fx sensors and modify the radius of the rotary test by changing the Y value.

Create a second step with a continuous, cycle or slide rotary movement.

Optional with Imaging Head: Create a third step where the angle of the shaft goes to a specific angle. This allows the image to always be taken in the part of the sample if a loop is used.

Optional with Imaging Head: Create a forth inline step.

Optional with Imaging Head: Create a loop for inline wear evolution imaging.

Image of test recipe and video of motion

Image of test recipe and video of motion with inline imaging

Reciprocating-like Rotary test

To realize a reciprocating-like rotative test, follow these steps:

Create a first reposition step to reset Fz and Fx sensors and modify the radius of the rotary test by changing the Y value.

⚠️

X axis Position must be at 0 for rotary tests

Most Rtec-Instruments load cells are designed to measure friction along the X-axis (Fx).

Because of this, it’s important to always set Y to a nominal value and X = 0. This ensures that all friction forces appear only along the X-axis, where the sensor can detect them.

Create a second step with a cycle movement. Enter a number of rotation between 0 and 0.5 to have a reciprocating-like rotary test.

Image of test recipe and video of motion

Spiral rotary test

A spiral test can be very useful to make sure that you never analyze a part of the surface twice. To realize a spiral rotative test, follow these steps:

Step 1: Reset Fz and Fx sensors and modify the radius of the rotary test by changing the Y value.

⚠️

X axis Position must be at 0 for rotary tests

Most Rtec-Instruments load cells are designed to measure friction along the X-axis (Fx).

Because of this, it’s important to always set Y to a nominal value and X = 0. This ensures that all friction forces appear only along the X-axis, where the sensor can detect them.

Step 2: Y axis slide movement. Enter a sliding distance below the value of the radius entered in step one and a sliding speed adequate to avoid touching an already tested surface.

Image of test recipe and video of motion

Rotary decelerating test (Brake Pad)

Introduction

The rotary decelerating test aims at reproducing specific deceleration conditions such as break pad testing. To realize this test, follow these steps:

Step 1: Reposition step to reset Fz and Fx sensors and modify the radius of the rotary test by changing the Y value.

⚠️

X axis Position must be at 0 for rotary tests

Most Rtec-Instruments load cells are designed to measure friction along the X-axis (Fx).

Because of this, it’s important to always set Y to a nominal value and X = 0. This ensures that all friction forces appear only along the X-axis, where the sensor can detect them.

Stationary force application

First, you need to search for the Z position at which the desired braking force will be applied. To do so, follow these steps:

Step 2: Apply the desired force. It will be the force which the brake pad will apply onto the sample during the braking.

Step 3: Lift Up the Z axis with an offset. The default offset is 5mm but it can be increased or decreased but it always need to be high enough to have the brake pad above the sample during the sample during the initial speed increase and low enough for the contact to happen rapidly.

Set initial velocity

After finding the Z position at which the force will be satisfactory, you need to follow these steps:

Step 4: Set initial velocity: Create a custom step where the velocity (rpm) will be the initial velocity. The other parameters can be set to default.

Using a custom step instead of a standard step is necessary to avoid that the motor stops during the following reposition step.

Braking

After setting the initial velocity, you will need to apply the force and reduce the rotating speed.

Step 5: Touch Down: Create a reposition step where the Z will go back to the position where the force is applied (Step5 Z.Offset= -Step3 Z.Offset)

Step 6: Braking Duration: Standard step where the force is kept at the same value as it step 2. The final velocity is set in Velocity(rpm). The deceleration time is set in Deceleration(s).

Step 7: Loop/Delay step to create different iterations of the same step. “Enable Disengage Z” is checked to ensure that the force is removed before starting from step 1.

If you are simply interested in controlling the rotary decelerating time, you can use the same principle by removing steps 3 and 5 and adding another standard step before the custom step for the force application and time acceleration to the desired speed.

Data logging parameters

For a rotary test, we recommend to select the following parameters in data logging:

Sampling rate: RPM/2

Averaging: 5

See “Data Acquisition Parameters” part for further explanation.

Data acquisition components recommended:

Rotary Angle/Velocity: Intrinsic data of the rotary drive.

Y position: To verify that the value of the radius is properly set.

Fz & Fz: Typical values to record during a tribological test.

COF: Coefficient of friction recorded throughout the test.

These are recommendation for basic tribological testing. The data logging can be adapted to any specific test conditions.

Reciprocating test

Recipe creation

Without profilometer

To realize a reciprocating test, follow these steps:

Create a first reposition step to reset Fz and Fx sensors and position the sample below the ball.

Make sure that the stroke is not too long and that there is no obstruction to the reciprocating motion by placing the sample in position and manually control the reciprocating motion

Create a second step with a reciprocating slide, cycle or continuous motion.

Image of test recipe and video of motion

With Profilometer

If you acquired one of the imaging systems offered by Rtec, you can add an inline imaging step following the reciprocating step. To do so, follow these steps:

Step 1: Reposition step to reset Fz and Fx sensors and position the sample below the ball.

Make sure that the stroke is not too long and that there is no obstruction to the reciprocating motion by placing the sample in position and manually control the reciprocating motion

Create a second step with a reciprocating slide, cycle or continuous motion.

Optional: Create a third step where the angle of the shaft goes to a specific angle. This allows the image to always be taken in the part of the sample if a loop is used

Create a forth inline step.

Optional: Create a loop for inline wear evolution imaging

IMAGE of recipe and video of motion

Data logging parameters

For a reciprocating test, we recommend to select the following parameters in data logging:

Sampling rate: f(Hz)*30

Averaging: 2

See “Data Acquisition Parameters” part for further explanation.

Data acquisition components recommended:

Fz & Fz: Typical values to record during a tribological test.

COF: Coefficient of friction recorded throughout the test.

LVDT- position: If available, useful to visualize the stroke of the reciprocating module

These are recommendation for basic reciprocating tribological testing. The data logging can be adapted to any reciprocating test conditions.

Scratch test

Recipe creation

To realize a scratch test, follow these steps:

Create a first reposition step to reset Fz and Fx sensors and position the sample under the tip.

Create a second scratch step as a Pre-Scan Post-Scan Scratch.

Optional with Imaging Head: Create a third inline step.

IMAGE of recipe

Data logging parameters

For a scratch test, we recommend to select the following parameters in data logging:

Sampling rate: 5kHz

Averaging: 5

See “Data Acquisition Parameters” part for further explanation.

Data acquisition components recommended:

CAP: If the tester has a CAP (capacitive) sensor, its data can be used to display the pre-scan and post-scan data in Rtec Insight.

X Position: Needs to be selected for the test to be analyzed in Rtec Insight.

Fz & Fz: Typical values to record during a scratch test.

COF: Coefficient of friction recorded throughout the test.

Z depth: Can be used to determine the depth of penetration. Its resolution is significantly higher that the CAP sensor, thus it cannot be used for pre-scan/post-scan analysis.

AE: The AE (Acoustic Emission) sensor can be used to detect initial cracks on the surface.

These are recommendation for basic scratch testing. The data logging can be adapted to any scratch test conditions.

Block On Ring test

Recipe Creation

To realize a simple BOR test, follow these steps:

Create a first reposition step to reset Fz and Fx sensors and eventually position the load cell above the ring using X.Position and Y.Position.

Create a second step with a continuous, cycle or slide BOR movement.

Optional with Imaging Head: Create a third step where the angle of the shaft goes to a specific angle. This allows the image to always be taken in the part of the sample if a loop is used.

Optional with Imaging Head: Create an inline step.

Optional with Imaging Head: Create a loop for inline wear evolution imaging.

Image of test recipe and video of motion

Image of test recipe and video of motion with inline imaging

Data logging parameters

For a Block On Ring test, we recommend to select the following parameters in data logging:

Sampling rate: RPM/2

Averaging: 5

See “Data Acquisition Parameters” part for further explanation.

Data acquisition components recommended:

Rotary Angle/Velocity: Intrinsic data of the BOR drive.

Z position: To observe the Z position during the test

Fz & Fz: Typical values to record during a tribological test.

COF: Coefficient of friction recorded throughout the test.

These are recommendation for basic tribological testing. The data logging can be adapted to any test conditions.

Troubleshooting

This part summarizes the common errors which could happen on the software and hardware of the instrument.

Motorized Stage is Not Recognized

At the start of the instrument, the software may not recognize the motorized stage if the software starts too quickly after the start of the instrument. The controller may need some time to activate the electronics controller for DAQ acquisition.

Please re-start the instrument in the following steps:

re-start the instrument (Switch ON and OFF) and the PC (restart of the PC)

wait for 10 seconds

open the MFT software

check that all drivers and modules are successfully detected

Lower Module is Not Recognized

The lower module may be set up in the function “AutoDrive,” where it automatically recognizes the module present. In case of miscommunication with the hardware, the lower module may not be recognized easily.

There are two possible solutions:

restart the MFT software (the software will restart the automatic recognition of the module)

select the lower module present manually: go to “Tools”, and select

Click on “Tools”

A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Selection of the Lower Drive

In the case that the lower drive is not detected, an error message will appear. If the wrong drive is selected, it will not allow the start of the measurements with the corresponding motion.

The tribometer measurement cannot be started when the lower drive is not detected, but no harmful incident can occur to the instrument.

Do not forget to push “Save Configuration” to save the lower drive selected.

Possible manual selection of the lower drive

Temperature Sensor is Not Detected

When the temperature sensor is not detected, it would indicate a temperature of -999°C.

⚠️

Do not start the heating system or temperature control if the temperature sensor is not well detected.

Please restart the instrument and check the temperature value again.

Please check that the temperature sensor is well detected in the configurator.

Click on “Tools”

, then select “Temperature,” “Type,” and see if another temperature sensor is available and able to measure the temperature.

In the case it is not resolved, please contact Rtec-Instruments or one of the official distributors for support.

The Offset Value of the Force Sensor is Too High

Please check the force sensor values.

If the offset value of the force sensor is too high. It may be caused by two errors:

Wrong reading of the force sensor:

If the force value is wrong after verifying the force sensor (the range selected is correct, and all cables are well connected), please contact Rtec-Instruments for further support.

Wrong offset of the force sensor:

Offsets of the force sensor are set for values of the standard ball holder. The offset can vary with time and applications. It can be re-initialized with the window “Advanced” in “Configure” for its corresponding force range.

The force sensor has a calibration certificate and also values indicated in the sensor. Please verify that the force range selected in the software corresponds to the force range installed.

Graphical user interface Description automatically generated

Verification of the Force Sensor range

When no signal on the temperature is indicated, you may restart the instrument first and then the PC. If the error is not corrected, please contact Rtec-Instruments or its representative.

It is important not to start the heating tests if the temperature sensor is not displaying the correct value.

Wrong Display of Sensor Signals

The window with the display of all sensor channels may be wrongly displayed. (“Subset” is shown or not).

Wrong indication of the sensor signals

It is possible to correct this error of display by clicking on “Verify”.

Please go to the window “Data logging,” click on “Verify,” and then go back to the display window for all sensor channels. The signal sensors must be correctly displayed.

Checking of Signals on the Rtec Controller and COM Port

It is possible that the COM Port of the 3D Profilometer or other option on the instrument is not correctly detected.

Verification of the Com Ports on the instrument

Verification of the installed setup

A screenshot of a computer program Description automatically generated

Verification of the motorized stage

Rtec-Instruments Controller

Rtec controller software communicates between the tester and the PC. When MFT.exe is opened, the controller tab is also opened automatically. If the Rtec controller software is closed, the tester will stop responding to commands. In case of any issue with XYZ drives, Open the Rtec controller to see color codes (Green means OK, Red means Faulty state).

A screenshot of a computer program Description automatically generated with low confidence

Why do I get DAQ polling error?

This error typically occurs when communication to the DAQ box is interrupted or lost. To resolve it, restart the software or reconnect the USB cable from the DAQ box.

Why is my run screen frozen?

DAQ communication is not present. Close the MFT software, reconnect the USB cable from the motion box and turn on the MFT software again.

Why isn’t my lower drive moving?

Check if the 20 Amp switch from the back side of the motion box is enabled.

Check if the lower drive power and encoder cable are connected to the tester.

Check if power switch is enabled in the motion box.

Why is my test not starting from the same location?

Tester is not home. Users need to home the tester.

How do I check if the force numbers are correct?

All load cells are factory-calibrated. For further assistance, please contact support@rtec-instruments.com.

Why is my temperature channel showing -999°C?

There is no communication with COM8. Please close the MFT software and Rtec-Instruments controller, unplug the COM8 USB cable from the motion box, and reconnect it again. Once the USB cable is connected again, Turn on the MFT software.

Why is no Fz channel present?

The DAQ board may be on a different Dev channel. Please open the national Instruments NIDAQ max software and rename the channel to Dev1.

3D Profilometry

Inline Imaging not accurate

In the case where the inline imaging is not showing an accurate image of the test position (test not centered on the image), the user should realize a new calibration of the inline test to image position.

To perform this calibration, make an indent by moving the Z-stage (using Z distance in 2.1.4.2 will increase the load in small increments) and applying a force on the sample with the tip or ball in position. It is also possible to realize more than one indent or a cross (After applying the force, use X and Y distance adjustment to follow the pattern X=+1mm; X=-0.5mm; Y=-0.5mm; Y=+1mm; Y=-0.5mm) to find the indent location more easily.

Please observe the load in the run tab of the software. This load should not get near the limits of the load cell. The required load to have an observable indent will depend on the material used for the test. It is recommended to use a soft but rigid sample material (copper, aluminum…).

After the indent is made, click on “Reset” in the machine manual control.

Then click on “Test → Image” and click on “Profilometry” on the top of the MFT software. The sample moves to the microscope position. Using the lowest objective magnification, center the indent on the image using the jogbox or the blue arrow on the center of the screen.

Use the highest magnification available and fine tune the center of the indent. When the indent is centered in the field-of-view, click on “Save” in the machine manual control: 2.1.4.2.

Now, the distance (in XY position) between indenter and microscope is calibrated.

It is recommended to redo the calibration after the force sensor is removed or when the tip is changed. Without redoing the distance calibration, a small offset may be observed.

No Automatic MountainsMap Report creation in Rtec Lambda

The “Open” button of the “Report” window in Rtec Lambda is greyed out:

Make sure that you have purchased and installed MountainsMap and that the USB dongle is inserted in the PC. If the button still cannot be pressed, please contact Rtec-Instruments customer service.

The motion is not maintained during the reposition step

Without custom step

With custom step

Appendices

Scratch Appendix – Theory

Coating adhesion and scratch resistance

A scratch is created by dragging a tip of known geometry to the surface of a sample of interest. As the tip moves along the surface, the normal load applied to the tip is kept constant or increased linearly.

In the case of coatings, the linear increase of the normal force increases the contact pressure along the displacement. This provides the ability to observe critical failures of the coating and the coating/substrate interface. It can also determine possible coating removal from the substrate.

The combination of scratch data and imaging provides a complete picture of the effects of the force on deformation and failures of the surfaces. Different types of scratch results can be evaluated using the scratch testing instruments:

The scratch resistance: It corresponds to the permanent deformation at a given load. The higher the scratch resistance, the small the deformation will be.

The coating adhesion: It can be determined by analyzing the value of normal force required to break the bond between the substrate and the coating. It corresponds to the complete delamination of the coating.

Mar resistance: The ability of a coating to resist light abrasion can be tested using a low force scratch test.

Scratch hardness:

explanation of some of these?

Following the scratch, an additional analysis can be done using Rtec inline imaging. This provides the user with complete information on scratch wear mark width, depth and volume, crack propagation, failure mode, roughness and more.

Scratch principle (Left) and delamination 3D image (Right)

Applications

Scratch testing can be used in a lot of applications, here is a list of some applications where it could be used to characterize materials:

Coatings: Hard coating adhesion and hardness…

Paint: Scratching resistance and mar resistance of a paint…

Polymers: Self-healing coatings, polymers…

Electronics: Metallic nanofilms, phone glass…

Optics/Glass: Lenses, coatings, optics scratch resistance and mar resistance…

Scratch Appendix – In Depth Analysis

Sample Approach – More settings

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When clicking on “more settings” in the sample approach window, you can customize the indenter-sample approach and retraction (indenter removal after the scratch test is completed) parameters.

Delta X (mm) / Delta Y (mm): Delta X and Y bring a lateral movement between the touch-point and the scratch start position. It avoids that the touch point is positioned in the scratch.

Note: Delta X and Y should be positive.

Approach speed (mm/min): This is the speed at which the indenter is moving towards the sample surface during the initial approach step. To reduce the approach time, it is recommended to do a coarse approach of the tip by using the joystick or pressing the blue Z-arrow (2.1.4.2) prior to testing.

Note: Please observe the indenter-sample distance all the time and stop the coarse approach when the distance is around 5 mm.

Retract speed (mm/min): The velocity at which the indenter moves up after the initial sample approach.

Retract distance (mm): This is the vertical retraction distance after a scratch test (or pre-scan) is finished. For flat and smooth sample surfaces, this can be set at 1 or 2 mm. For scratches at curved or tilted surfaces, it is recommended to increase the retract distance.

Scratch – More settings

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Tracking: Possibility to choose between predefined PIDs to tracking the force during the scratch.

Scan Tracking: Possibility to choose between predefined PIDs to tracking the force during the pre and post-scan steps of the scratch.

Note: “Scratch Default” is the recommended PID loop for normal load control during scratch testing. For fast scratch (or tribological) measurements, you can set the tracking at high.

Scratches can be made with all kind of tips (Rockwell-C, Sphero-conical, Vickers, Cube corner,…). Selecting or configurating a new tip can be done under section “Tip”.

Indentation Appendix - Theory

Indentation Appendix - In Depth Analysis

Contact & Support

For technical support or further assistance, please contact:

Rtec-Instruments Support

support@rtec-instruments.com

+1 (408) 708-9226

www.rtec-instruments.com