Instructions

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Operating Instructions

Application

The ForceCheck pull-force gage measures the clamping force of power drawbars on machining centers.

Retention Knobs

For proper measurement of pull-force on standard taper machines, the correct retention knob for the machine must be used with the force-sensing bar. We recommend always using the same retention knob for measuring clamping force.

Basic Operating Instructions

Connect the supplied cable to the readout unit and force sensing bar.

Press the On / Off button to turn the gage on. The display will briefly show "ForceChk" and the installed software version.

If a force-sensing bar is already connected, the ForceCheck gage will automatically zero when turned on. However, if needed, the Zero button can be pressed.

Just as any other tool is clamped, insert and clamp the force-sensing bar in the machine spindle.

After the force-sensing bar is clamped in the spindle, the clamping force is shown on the readout.

To increase accuracy, take three to four measurements, rotating the force-sensing bar approximately 90º for each measurement. Fluctuations between readings are frequently the result of variations in the settling of springs in the drawbar and friction.

When finished, press the On / Off button again to turn the unit off. The display will briefly show "Goodbye" and then go blank.

Other Functions

The ForceCheck readout has several options that can be selected using the Function and Mode buttons as shown in this diagram:

instrart.gif (14378 bytes)

Force: displays only the force on the top line of the display.

F/PkHold: displays the force on the top display line, and the highest force read on the bottom line. This peak value can be reset with the zero button when the force sensing bar is unclamped.

Pound: display clamping force in pounds.

Newton: display clamping force in Newtons.

AutoOff On/Off: With AutoOff on, the readout will automatically turn itself off after approximately 1 minute of inactivity.

Note: the On/Off and Zero buttons do not function when in a menu.

Battery

The readout unit has a removable rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery. Because NiMH batteries have no "memory effect", the battery can be charged even when it is not empty. A charger is included with the ForceCheck gage. Charging time for a completely empty battery is approximately 12 hours.

Calibration

To ensure accuracy within design specifications, as is with any other measuring instrument, periodic calibration by the manufacturer is strongly recommended. Additionally, the software in the readout should be updated to the latest revision. Please send back the included product registration card. Sending back the card will allow us to contact you when the gage is due for calibration.

Conversion Factors

1 N [Newton] = 0.102 Kp;

10 kN = 10,000 N = 1,020 Kp 1,020 Kp ~ 1 Metric Ton

1 N = 0.22482 lbs.

Available Taper Standards

ANSI B 5.50 (DIN 69871) for Caterpillar retention knobs

DIN 2080 (also used for some Cincinnati Milacron tapers)

Hollow shaft taper HSK per DIN 69 893

Specials from # 20 ISO taper to # 60 ISO taper & HSK A 125 - call

Download an Adobe Acrobat PDF instruction sheet