MTS Acumen - Manual (Page 87)

Important: When setting limits, be sure to enable them! Blue indicates an enabled limit while gray
indicates a disabled limit. Right click on the thumb control to change the status of a limit.
Setting Limits for Testing
After the specimen is installed and you are ready to run the test, it is best practice to adjust the upper and
lower force limit detectors to levels that will not interfere with forces that the test procedure is designed to
apply to the specimen. In general, this means you will extend detector limits values. For instance, in the
Example SpringTest, before you run the test you adjust the maximum compressive force to -500 N. In this
case, if you did not adjust the force detector levels from the levels set before installing the specimen, the
detectors would trip as soon as you start the test.
Important: When setting limits, be sure to enable them! Blue indicates an enabled limit while gray
indicates a disabled limit. Right click on the thumb control to change the status of a limit.
Nested Limits
As you
Learn More about Limits and Actions
For more information, see:
• Setting Fixture Limits (p. 156)
• About Detector Actions (p. 157)
• Pre-Test Station Checkup (p. 145)
To see how this feature is used when running the example test, see:
• Set Limits for Specimen Installation
• Set Tuning and Testing Limits
Understanding Interlocks
An interlock is a lock-out control that prevents a mechanism from being set in motion when another
mechanism is in such a position or state that the two operating simultaneously might produce undesirable
results. For example, an MTS Acumen system can have an optional test area enclosure that includes a
door. When this door is open, an interlock prevents the operator from moving the actuator into high power.
This is to protect the operator from possible harm and the specimen and system load cell from possible
damage.
MTS Acumen System Interlocks
The following table provides a brief description of the types of interlocks that you may encounter on an
MTS Acumen system.
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Key Concepts