Using the Mark-10 MESURGauge Software to Chart Force/Time Tim Rossiter & Bob Fox

The Mark-10 M3-100 Force Gauge All plant ergonomists should have the Mark-10 M3-100 force gauge. The gauge includes MESURLite data acquisition software which can tabulate continuous or individual data points. Data can be exported to Excel. The MESURLite software and user information can be downloaded from Mark-10 for free.

Modifications to the M3-100 to Allow It to Stream Data Your Mark-10 M3-100 may or may not be able to stream data. If you trial the gauge with the software and it does not work then the gauge will need to be sent into Mark-10 for a free firmware update. Link to the forms: http://www.mark-10.com/pdf/RMA%20Form.pdf Or contact Bob Fox Mark-10 will also require a return shipping account to bill against and turnaround time is about 2 weeks.

Mesurlite Software MESURLite software can be used to capture multiple force readings and will record the time for each force measurement. Software can collect data in either a single readings or a continuous readings mode. Single readings mode will capture individual measurements for the software. Continuous readings mode will stream force-time data until stopped.

Mesurlite limitations MESURLite will only stream data up to a maximum of 10 readings per second. For ‘slow events’ this may give some idea of how the force varies over the time of the application. For ‘fast events’ it is insufficient to provide enough readings to capture the peaks and valleys of the force profile.

MESURGauge Software MESURGauge software, also available through Mark-10, offers the following features: Captures and displays data in in graphical format and can show real time. Can graph/compare load vs. time, travel distance vs. time or load vs. travel distance. Calculates statistics on measurements. Can export to Excel.

MESURGauge Software MESURGauge can be downloaded from Mark-10 at the cost of $460.00 (GM price). It can be used with hand-held force measurements or can be mounted in test stands. It can stream data up to 50 measurements per second. A demo version of MESURGauge may have come with your gauge that you can use for a limited time period. You can download a demo version as well and use it for up to 90 days.

Read the Software Users Guide

Cautions While 50 per sec. is an improvement over 10 per sec., it may still not be capable of capturing all of the variation in very fast events. The Mark-10 and software are not intended or configured to measure impulsive or impact-type events! Be aware that while you can take force-time data with hand-held gauges, if you think that there is a force-time or distance-time issue, the gauge should be mounted in a test stand or vice for stability for more accurate measurements.

Settings Port Settings and USB drivers need to be set

Port Settings Be sure and set your port settings correctly for your computer to make sure that the data enter the program. Then click “APPLY.”

Testing the software and Gauge After Download Plug in the gauge and turn it on Go to Devices and Printers on your computer and see what Com Port the gauge is registered in. Go to the Port Configuration tab on the Mark-10 software screen Use the drop down menus and select the correct Com Port Make sure that the Baud Rate is 9600 Click Apply

Testing the Software and Gauge After Download Next, at the top of your MESURGauge screen make sure that the Gauge Only is selected.

Collecting Data Go to the Acquisition tab and click on the Start button on the right of the screen. Push on the gauge and if the graph shows up your gauge is connected and taking data Click on the START and STOP buttons to start and stop data collection

Analysis Tab Under Analysis Tab can export data to Excel

Interpreting Force-Time Information

Types of data obtainable from force-time graphs Time taken to apply the force Multiple force ‘peaks and’ ‘valleys’ Can show staged engagement of clips, tabs, etc. on parts; Can show ‘over-push’ or force applied in excess of that needed to insert the part; Can show differences between analysts in insertion force application and time. May show indications of quality problems and need for more extensive testing such as bench testing.

Information from Force-Time Graphs Peak on Gage From Instron data Over Push Estimated Peak Peak - 8.1 lbs Force - 6.9 lbs Time – 2.16 sec

Interpreting the ForceTime Graphs – Slam down of force gauge. This would be a sample of a data taker slamming down a part. In this instance this is sloppy data taking. By graphing you can see you made a mistake and retake the data.

Problem Solving with Force-Time Graphs Change in slope of the graph could mean something to look into. This could be trouble with the install force, yielding of the part or many other things. These would be areas to look into.

Graphing Force – Force Above Limit Makes for a nice presentation of a problem to the problem solvers. Force limit 17 lbs

Force Vs Distance Graph With the x axis using distance that can be available in the lab with the test stand, higher level problem solving is possible. If there is a change in slope than you know exactly where it happened.