Professional Documents
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FX400
COMPRESSION TESTING MACHINE
Contents
Page Number
Warranty
Installation Procedure 4
Accessories Installation 5
Sequence Of Operation 6
Preventive Maintenance 14
Maintenance 15-16
Statement of Warranty
Subject to the terms and conditions as stated herein, Forney Inc. warrants all FX400 Series
testing machines to be free from defects in material, and factory workmanship, for a period of
thirty-six (36) months from the date of shipment from Hermitage, Pennsylvania.
A. If within 36 months from the date of shipment from the Forney factory, the FX400 Series
tester malfunctions, is noted defective or not complying with the stated A.S.T.M.
specifications, you must contact the Forney service department for disposition under
warranty. Forney Inc. will repair, replace, or credit, (at Forney option and expense), all items
found defective while under warranty.
B. Items not covered under warranty are those considered to be maintainable such as: O-rings
and back-up rings, fittings, hoses, filters, etc.
C. The warranty does not cover expenses, either direct or indirect, that may arise from the use
or inability to use these products. Liability for financial losses, injury or damage caused to
persons or property, are the sole responsibility of the purchaser. The warranty does not
cover the second owner in the event of resale. The warranty does not cover on-site
calibration or transportation costs due to replacement or repair of warranted items.
D. The warranty is void if defects result from misuse, negligent handling, improper installation,
or accidental damage caused by fire, water, or an act of God.
E. Forney Inc. reserves the right to make improvements in materials and design on products
without notice and without obligation to incorporate the same improvements on previously
manufactured products.
F. To qualify for warranty, all repairs or modifications must be authorized by Forney Inc. All
serial numbers must be intact and unaltered.
Installation Procedure
1. Before uncrating, inspect to see that no visual damage has occurred during
shipment. If damage has occurred, notify the delivering carrier immediately.
2. Locate the packing list and carefully uncrate and remove. Check parts and units
against the packing list to make sure the shipment is complete.
4. Machines equipped with electronic load monitors should be located in a heated lab
type environment where humidity or condensation is not a problem.
8. Clean off the machine surfaces that have been coated with rust preventative using
any suitable non-corrosive safety solvent. Wipe machined surfaces with a clean,
oiled cloth to minimize rusting.
FX 400 Series Testing Machines – All stock item accessories for the FX 400 Series
Testing Machines are held in place by means of a holding stem (TA-0176) and a set
screw (TM-6434). To install the accessory in the machine, place the accessory with the
holding stem up into the center hole of the frame, and tighten the set-screw.
Using pad caps ?? The sudden release of energy (when the specimen breaks)
associated with rubber pad caps can greatly reduce the life of hydraulic and
mechanical components. Pad caps are not recommended for consistent testing
beyond 80% of the machine capacity. (90% for sulfur caps)
1. An integral proximity switch will shut off the power to the pump if the piston
Should be extended beyond the 2.5” travel limits.
3. The electric pump has an adjustable relief valve that protects the testing machine
from becoming overloaded.
Even though the testing machine is completely factory calibrated and serviced, ASTM
requires recalibration of the testing machine after delivery and set up, to insure the
highest degree of accuracy possible.
Recalibration
Forney offers a complete on-site calibration service that is handled through our
Authorized Regional Representatives or Foreign Service Centers.
Please see the attached list on pages 17-23, of this manual.
Replacement Parts
When ordering, refer to applicable model and serial number of your testing machine.
This information can be found on the data tag attached to your machine.
Sequence of Operation
Testers Equipped with Control Valve, HA-0619
5. If a fast preload is desired, position Valve Control Handle No. 1 to “Full Advance”.
6. Watch the load monitor closely and when the desired preload has been attained,
move Valve Control Handle No. 1 to the “metered”position.
9. To hold pressure at any desired point, position Valve Control Handle No. 1 to the
“Hold” position.
10. To release pressure so that the platen will return after a test has been completed,
position Valve Control Handle No. 1 to the “Retract” position.
This position of the Control Handle No. 1 allows the operator to adjust the rate of
loading. Using Control Knob No. 2 as the adjustment, turn the control knob clockwise for
a decrease and counterclockwise for an increase in the rate of load.
This places the machine in a rapid advance, non-controlled rate. This is used chiefly for
setting a pre-load or positioning the crosshead.
With valve Control Handle No. 1 in the metered advance position, this knob allows the
operator to accurately control the loading rate. Turn the control knob clockwise for a
decrease, and counterclockwise for an increase in the rate of load.
This position, channels oil from the pump to the reservoir releasing pressure from the
specimen, and allowing the piston to retract.
Note: During operation, the flow control valve will go through a significant temperature
rise. Do not be alarmed, as this rise will not affect the operation of the testing machine.
PART # DESCRIPTION
The above list includes the most common repair parts requested, and the part numbers
can be used to order from a Forney sales associate.
The SPX Power Team Valve Repair Kit includes the following parts:
QTY.
HA-0619-48 Compression Spring 4
HA-0619-53 Spring Washer 4
HA-0619-54 O-Ring 3/8x1/4x1/16 4
HA-0619-55 Teflon Backup Washer 4
HA-0619-56 Shear Seal 4
HA-0619-57 Rotor 1
HA-0619-58 Roll Pin 5/16x1 1
HA-0619-59 O-Ring 2 3/8 x 2 3/16 x 3/32 1
FX-SERIES
EQUIPPED WITH SPX POWER TEAM PUMP
The oil reservoir has been filled prior to shipment with Dexron III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
. Keep the oil level to approximately 1” to 1 1/2” below the black cover plate on the top
of the reservoir. Make sure that the hydraulic piston in the testing machine is retracted
completely before checking the oil level.
NOTE: The reservoir capacity of the ¾ hp. pump is 2 gallons, and the reservoir capacity
for the ½ hp. pump is 7 quarts.
The electric pump operates on 115/220 volts, 50/60 cycles, single phase current unless
otherwise ordered. If the voltage of the pump is changed, be absolutely sure the
rotation is in the correct direction according to the arrow on the motor.
The electric pump is reasonably quiet when idling; however, as pressure builds up, the
pumping noise gradually increases, but this is not cause for alarm. If the pump
becomes excessively noisy, check the filter element for possible replacement.
Operating Instructions
SPX Power Team Pump
This two-stage hydraulic pump incorporates precision design and engineering features,
which make it the most outstanding pump of its kind on the market. All moving parts are
made from high-grade tool steel, heat-treated, machined, ground and lapped to
extremely close tolerances to assure efficient operation and long life. Peak efficiency
for either continuous or intermittent operation is assured at the full range of pressures
up to 10,000 P.S.I. You will have uninterrupted, trouble free service if you keep it clean
and use only high grade, Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid.
1. Viewing the top of the reservoir, you will notice a plastic screw-in-plug. This is the fill
hole for hydraulic oil. Clean the area around the plug to remove all dust and grit
before removing the screw-in-plug. Any foreign particles in the oil could damage
pump surfaces resulting in loss of performance.
2. Insert a clean funnel with filter. Fill with oil to within 1” to 1½” from the top of the filler
hole, replace the plug. Do Not Overfill!
NOTE: The reservoir capacity of the ¾ hp. pump is 2 gallons, and the reservoir
capacity for the ½ hp pump is 7quarts.
1. Make sure all valve and hose connections are tight. Plug in the power cord.
2. Set the valve in the hold or retract position, turn on the power switch to your pump
and let the pump idle for a few minutes.
3. Run the piston out to its full travel (2 1/2”) several times to eliminate air from the
system. The pump is now ready to be put into regular operation.
Preventive Maintenance
FX400 Series Machines
The following operations should be performed with the power off. The piston
should be retracted, and the front lower panel of the machine removed, to gain
access to the pump & motor assembly.
1. After locating the pump & motor assembly, find the sight glass mounted on the front
of the reservoir.
2. Check the oil level in the reservoir by viewing the sight glass to make sure it is filled
to the top of the clear area. (Or 1” to 1½” below the black cover plate on top of the
reservoir)
3. When it is necessary to add oil to the reservoir, remove the cap and fill the reservoir
to the proper level with DEXRON III AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. (Do Not
Overfill)
Keeping this unit clean, and the oil free of dirt will increase the life of the pump &
valve
The reservoir should be drained, cleaned, and replenished with clean oil at least once a
year or more often if possible. The frequency of the oil change will depend on the
general working conditions, hours of use, and the overall cleanliness and care given to
the pump & valve.
Replace the filter after the first 50 hours of machine operation and every 250
hours after.
Upon initial start up, air can accumulate within the hydraulic system. The trapped air can
cause the system to advance slowly or surge and make the motor become noisy. To
remove the trapped air, try the following steps.
With oil in the unit and the machine ready to operate under zero load, advance the
piston or platen out toward the 2 ½” travel limit of the machine and then retract to the
starting position. DO NOT ADVANCE PAST THE TRAVEL LIMIT OF 2 ½”. This should
be done several times to work the air out of the system.
Maintenance
FX400 Series Machines
The following operations should be performed with the power off. The piston
should be retracted, and the front lower panel of the machine removed, to gain
access to the pump & valve assembly.
1. Remove the black pressure line, and the clear plastic hose, from the silver manifold
block located on the top of the reservoir.
2. Remove the four 3/8” screws that hold the reservoir-mounting bracket to the base,
and slide the unit forward to gain easy access for cleaning.
3. Thoroughly clean the pump exterior before the pump interior is removed from the
reservoir.
4. Remove the screws that fasten the motor and pump assembly to the reservoir.
5. Lift the pump and motor off the reservoir carefully to avoid damaging the gasket or
any internal components.
6. Clean the inside of the reservoir and fill it half full of clean ATF DEXRON III.
7. Place the pump and motor assembly back into the reservoir and secure with 2
machine screws assembled on the opposite corners of the housing.
8. Connect a hose to the pressure fitting on the silver manifold block, and place the
other end of the hose in the oil fill hole.
9. Run the pump for several minutes and then disconnect the motor & pump assembly.
12. Place the pump & motor assembly with the gasket on the reservoir and tighten all
the screws.
13. Fill the reservoir with Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid to the proper level. 2
Gallon Capacity for ¾ HP. Pumps and 7 Quarts for ½ HP. Pumps
Maintenance
1. Locate the ball valve on the front of the reservoir and using a 5/16” Allen wrench,
remove the pipe plug.
3. Move the handle on the ball valve to the open position, and the oil will begin to drain,
when the reservoir is empty, move the valve to the closed position and install the
pipe plug.
4. Locate the oil filter by looking under the control panel shroud on the right side of the
machine.
5. Using an oil filter wrench, loosen and remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with a light coating of oil and install the filter hand
tight.
8. After filling the reservoir, turn on the motor and use the control valve to advance the
platen out to, but not beyond the 2 1/2” travel limit.
NOTE: Advancing and Retracting the platen will allow the oil filter to be filled with
1 quart of oil, this will require 1 additional quart to be added to the reservoir.
10. Check the sight glass, and add 1 quart of oil to the reservoir.
Panel Cover
Figure 1
5) The Proximity Switch is located above the control valve on the outside of the compression frame
wall. The switch will have three (3) wires blue, black and brown. (see Figure 2)
Proximity Switch
Figure 2
6) Unplug the wires from the white connection block or from an individual wiring connector.
Be sure to note the connection location before removal (see Figure 3)
Figure 3
Figure 4
c) Once the lock nut is loose, turn the proximity switch body by hand (clockwise or counter
clockwise) Set the distance between the Tie Guard and the Proximity Switch to .030”
(see Figure 5)
Figure 5
Proximity Switch
Between Side Wall and
Tie Bar
d) With adjustments complete, tighten the proximity switch 13mm hex nut. Do NOT over
tighten which could damage the proximity switch
e) Re-attach the proximity switch wires to the proper connection points
f) Test the machine for proper operation before placing Panel Cover back on
g) Replace the Panel Cover, Metering Control Knob and Valve Control Arm to complete the
proximity switch adjustment procedure
Attn: Bill Stump III, David Culp Michigan (Not Upper Peninsula)
Kris Allaman or Diane Reese Puerto Rico
Ship to: RD#3, Buttertown Rd. US Virgin Islands
Emlenton, PA 16373 Virginia
W. Virginia
Western NY to I-81
WPA to Philly