Crush Tester Manual

L&W Crush Tester
Edition 1.4 e 2006-01-26
Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

Lorentzen & Wettre reserves the right to make improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or program(s) described in this
document at any time. Changes are periodically made to the information and will be incorporated in new editions of this document.
All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this document. However, should any errors be detected, Lorentzen & Wettre would
gratefully appreciate being informed of them.
In case of errors in this document, Lorentzen & Wettre shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or
2 4 8 1 .4 e
arising from such errors.
Copyright © 2006 Lorentzen & Wettre. All rights reserved.

L&W Crush Tester Code 248
J Warning
All running of tests and servicing work must be carried out
by suitably qualified personnel. Read and follow the
instructions given in this manual.
A high compressive force is exerted between the tester

platens (5000 N, 1000 lbf, 500 kgf). Keep hands and fingers
well away from the platens when the top one is in motion.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
2 (41)
Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 Delivery specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2 Technical description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Choosing the system of units to be used. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.1 Emergency stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.3 Operating the top platen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.4 Saving start positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.5 Running the test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.6 Report modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5 Inspection and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5.1 Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5.2 Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5.3 Loading a printer roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6 Controlling the system via a PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
6.1 Test readings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
6.2 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
6.3 Calibration: Force/Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
6.4 Miscellaneous additional menu functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
7 Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
A Technical data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
B Consumables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
C Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
D Test-piece preparation equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
E Fault codes and messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
F Transmission of test data to external PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
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G Factory settings for test modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
3 (41)
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4 (41)
Introduction
1 Introduction
The Lorentzen & Wettre Crush Tester Code 248 is designed for testing corrugated
board and its components, and the compressive strength of small cartons. Thanks to
its design stability, the tester is able to maintain the parallelism of the compression
platens, thus eliminating the risk of so-called falling flutes during the test.
The tester is extremely simple to use. Most common properties are preprogrammed
into the tester before delivery. The operator selects the property to be tested by
pressing a button on the control panel. Once a property has been selected, the top
platen will automatically advance to the start position for easy and fast routine tests.
The user may also define his or her own properties.
The readings are shown in large clear characters on the display panel. At the end of
a test sequence, a statistical report, together with individual readings, if required, is
printed out on the integral printer. Alternatively, the results can be sent either to a
PC for additional processing or to an external printer.
The tester can also send data to the PC so that the test report can be presented in
graphical format. Included with the delivery is a software program that can convert
the test data into a compatible format that enables Microsoft Excel to be used for the
presentation.
An external PC is also used to select certain settings, for storing user-defined

properties, and for calibration. The necessary software program is included in the
delivery.
The following test can be performed without the need for accessories:
FCT Flat crush test
During the flat crush test, the tester can also record the thickness of the board under
a given load, the flat crush hardness of the sample and the energy absorbed.
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5 (41)
Introduction
Equipped with suitable accessories, the tester can perform the following tests:
CCT Corrugated crush test

CMT Concora medium test
RCT Ring crush test
CLT Concora liner test
ECT Edge crush test
PAT Pin adhesion test
SQT Score quality test (TAPPI 829)
1.1 Delivery specification

A standard delivery includes the following items:
Qty Item
1 Tester
5 Print rolls for the report printer
1 Power supply unit complete with a set of connector leads for the tester
1 Interface lead for connection to external PC
In the accessories case:
1 CD-ROM containing two software programs:
L&W System Assistant, for selecting settings and for calibration via a
PC; and
plot2XL for input of data to Microsoft Excel.
The software is in an English-language version only.
1 Diskette containing the factory default settings for the tester
4 Gauges for precise positioning of FCT samples: 5 in², 50 cm², 65 cm²
and 100 cm²
1 Gauge for precise positioning of ECT samples (as per FEFCO)
1 Allen key (3 mm) for plug on top of engine casing
1 Allen key (5 mm) for manual manoeuvring of the top platen
For information on accessories required for different tests and for equipment needed
for pre-test procedures, please refer to Appendices C & D and the Lorentzen &
Wettre Handbook.
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6 (41)
Technical description
2 Technical description
Control panel
L&W CRUS H TES TER
1
2 High
3 Low
Speed
4
Force
5
UP Set
6
7
CHECH
8
MODE S
STOP
Low
High
REPORT
DOWN
Top, moving platen
Lower platen
Integral printer
Emergency stop
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7 (41)
Control panel
L&W CRUSH TESTER
423
1 High Speed
2 Low Force
3 Set
4 UP CHECK
5
6
7
8 MODE STOP
Low
High
REPORT DOWN
423 Display panel showing gap between platens, the test readings and the
number of the test in a series
MODE Selection & indication of property to be tested and recorded.
Press and release to scroll down.
Press and hold (for approx. 2 s) to scroll up.
REPORT Setting and indication of report mode
UP Manual raising of top platen
STOP Platen stop button. Also used for saving of start position.
DOWN Manual lowering of top platen
CHECK Check function
U Press & release (<3 s) to clear current reading
Press & hold (>3 s) to clear current test series
Also functions as stop button for platen movement
W End test series—generate report
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V Start test or activate a CHECK function
8 (41)
Ports
The following ports are provided on the back of the tester:
Label Function
RS 232 Port for external PC. Also used for some settings, calibration and
transmission of test readings.
PRINTER Port for external printer
POWER INPUT Port for mains power
Choosing the system of units to be used

The tester can be set to display the readings in SI units, the foot-pound system or in
the technical system of units. For most tests, the test speed is set by the factory at
12.5 mm/min. Details of exceptions are given in Appendix G. The test speed can be
altered using the external PC.
A number of properties are preprogrammed into the tester on delivery. These differ
according to the system of units that has been selected. A list of the settings is given
in Appendix G. Details of how to program user-defined properties are given in
section 6 Controlling the system via a PC.
Setting the units to be used can be done either via a PC or following the procedure
described below. The default system is SI units.
The system of units selected can be changed as follows. Unplug the lead from the
power-input port on the back of the tester. Press and hold the U button and
reconnect the power supply. Release the U button. The currently selected system of
units (SI, FPS or tECH) will now be shown on the display. Use the V button to
scroll to the desired units and select by pressingW .
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9 (41)
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10 (41)
Installation
3 Installation
Unpack the crush tester and check the delivery specification to ensure that nothing is
missing and that none of the items is damaged. Stand the tester on a vibration-free
bench at a suitable height.
Electrical power supply

The tester receives a 24 V DC supply via the in-line power adaptor. Mains power:
90–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz. Plug the lead into the power-input port and the mains
socket.
K Use only the power adaptor supplied by Lorentzen & Wettre.

Printer roll
Load the printer with paper, as described in 5.3 Loading a printer roll.
Startup
A number of settings can be made via an external PC connected to the tester. The
following are the default settings:
l Selection of units—SI units. (Cf. 2 Technical description | Choosing the
system of units to be used)
l Test compression speed: 12.5 mm/min. For exceptions, see Appendix G.
l Fast mode: approx. 60 mm/min. Fixed setting—cannot be altered.
l Automatic termination of test series-function is set to “0” (disabled). This means
that a test series must be terminated manually—by pressing the W button. The
system can store up to 999 test readings.
A number of additional values can be set via the PC (cf. 6.2 Settings | Test mode).
2 4 8 1 .4 e
11 (41)
Installation
K Before the tester is checked or used, it must be left to stand, with the
power switched on, for at least half an hour to give the electronics
time to stabilize. This presupposes that the tester is already at ambient
temperature.
The tester is now ready for use.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
12 (41)
Operation
4 Operation
J Warning


4.1 Emergency stop

Press the emergency-stop button to stop the moving platen. No readings will be
recorded for the current test and fault code E124 will be displayed.
To reset the emergency stop, turn the button in the direction of the arrow
(clockwise). Next, press the W button to resume the tester program.
The moving platen will stop automatically if the maximum force of 5000 N is
recorded or if the platens are about to collide. The moving platen can also be
stopped by pressing the STOP button or the U button on the control panel.
When the platen is being operated manually or moving because the test mode is
changed, the platen will be stopped automatically for safety reasons if the load cell
registers a force of 50 N (10 lbf; 5 kgf).
4.2 Settings
Before a test series is started, the test mode and report mode must be selected. Other
settings are selected via the PC. To obtain a printout of all the current settings, press
and hold the REPORT button for about two seconds.
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13 (41)
Operation
Selecting the test mode (MODE)

The tester can store up to 15 test modes, that is, record readings for 15 different
properties. Mode 1 is the standard setting for testing the breaking force and cannot
be changed by the user. The readings are presented in Newton, lbf or kgf, according
to the system of units chosen.
A number of test modes are preprogrammed into the tester at the factory. These
differ with the different systems of units (see the tables in Appendix G). Apart from
in mode 1, the user can program in a factor for multiplication of the recorded value,
in order to generate a new property or report unit (further details in 6 Controlling
the tester via a PC). A list of the stored test modes can be printed out using the
Check function.
K When the test mode is changed, the top platen automatically moves in
fast mode to the new start position. Before changing the test mode,
always check that there is nothing between the platens that can be
damaged. For safety reasons, the moving platen will stop
automatically if a force greater than 50 N is recorded whilst the platen
is moving in fast mode in conjunction with a change of test mode.
Press the MODE button repeatedly to scroll forward to the required test mode. Press
and hold the button for two seconds to scroll back to the previous test mode. Once
the test mode has been selected, after a delay of a few seconds the platen will
automatically move to the start position for the test. The selected test mode is
indicated by one or two LEDs coming on, as follows:
Test mode 1–8 Respective LED on (1–8)

Test mode 12–18 LED #1 plus one of 2–8 on simultaneously
Report mode (REPORT)

Press REPORT to scroll to the type of report required. The selected setting will be
indicated by an LED. Changes cannot be made when the top platen is in motion.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
14 (41)
Operation
Statistics—printed out at end of test series

Individual readings printed out immediately. Full statistics printed at end
of test series. If PC connected, individual readings sent to that.
Data transfer—individual readings sent to PC.
4.3 Operating the top platen

The top, moving platen is operated by means of three buttons: UP, STOP and
DOWN. When the platen is being operated by these buttons, the gap between the
platens is indicated on the display—in millimetres if SI or technical units have been
selected, or in inches if the foot-pound system has been selected.
Press and release the é UP button or ê DOWN button to initiate movement of the
platen at test speed in the desired direction. The LED for Low will now come on.
Press the STOP button to stop the platen.
If the UP or DOWN button is pressed and held in, the speed of the platen will change
to fast mode in about three seconds. When the platen is moving in fast mode, the
LED for High will flash continuously. As soon as the UP or DOWN button is
released, the platen will stop.
4.4 Saving start positions

Test modes that have been preprogrammed into the tester prior to delivery also have
their respective start positions programmed as well (see Appendix G). The start
position for test mode #1 cannot be saved.
Use the MODE button to select the test mode required. After a few seconds, the top
platen will automatically move to the appropriate start position for the test. If the
start position needs adjusting, this can be done using the é UP or ê DOWN button.
The platen will continue to return to this start position until a new test mode is
selected. To save the new start position, press and hold STOP for about two
seconds. The gap between the platens will flash on the display to confirm that the
start position has been saved. The former start position for this test mode will be
deleted automatically.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
15 (41)
Operation
4.5 Running the test

Make sure that the CHECK function is not active—all the LEDs adjacent to CHECK
should be Off.
Check that the required test mode and report have been selected. If necessary, make
any changes as detailed in 4.2 Settings. Some settings can only be programmed by
the external PC. For details of how to change the settings, see section 6 Controlling
the tester via a PC.
A test series consists of 1–999 readings. Set the desired number via the PC. When
the desired number of test readings have been taken successfully, a report will be
generated automatically and the readings cleared from memory. The mean value of
the test readings will be shown on the display. A test series can also be terminated or
aborted manually by pressing the W button on the tester.
During testing, the number of the current test in the series will be shown on the
display.
1 As regards the start position for the top platen, there are three options:
l To accept the programmed start position for the selected test mode.
l To create a new but temporary start position for the current test series—one that
will not be saved as the default for the current test mode. The operator uses the
é UP or ê DOWN button to move the platen into the required test position. The
platen will automatically return to this position after each test until either a test is
started from a different position or the test mode is changed.
l To save a new start position for the selected test mode. The operator uses the é
UP or ê DOWN button to move the platen into the required test position. To
program in this position, press and hold the STOP button for about two seconds.
2 Place the sample on the lower platen, centring it carefully under the top platen.
Gauges that help to position the samples correctly are available for a number of
test modes. Gauges included in the delivery are available for ECT (as per
FEFCO) and FCT.
3 Press the V button to start the test. The test number (1) will appear on the
display.
4 The top platen will now descend at test speed. As soon as the load cell registers a
force, readings will be shown on the display and the position of the platen will
be recorded.
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16 (41)
Operation
5 The platen continues to descend and the reading (force or calculated property) is
shown continuously on the display. Breakage is recorded when the force has
decreased by a given percentage (value can be altered via the PC) of the
maximum recorded force, whereupon the platen stops and returns at transport
speed to the position from which it started.
6 Insert the next sample, and press V to start the test.

The reading is shown on the display after each test. If the reading is rejected, it can
be deleted. Simply press U before starting the next test. Press the button repeatedly
to delete one reading at a time.
The test series will stop automatically after a preset number of tests have been
completed. Alternatively, press W to stop the test manually.
To abort and delete a whole test series, press and hold U for three seconds or more.
FCT and CMT
If the tester starts to register the force when the gap between the platens is less than
15 mm, the test will be treated as an FCT or a CMT.
An FCT (or CMT) will usually produce a force-compression graph with three peaks.
It is important here that breakage is not recorded from either of the first two peaks.
To prevent this, the L&W Crush Tester incorporates two threshold values for
sample compression. The sample thickness is recorded when a low force is applied.
A “low compression” threshold value of 40% is preset at the factory, which means
that no breakage will be recorded before the sample thickness has been reduced by
40%. If the sample thickness has been reduced under “high compression” (factory
setting of 70%), the test will be aborted and the platen returned to its start position.
The reading with the highest value is recorded and flashes on the display to indicate
that the value is uncertain. The reading can be deleted in the normal way by pressing
the U button.
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17 (41)
Operation
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0 0,5 1 1,5 2
Example of a plot on a force—compression graph for an FCT.
Place the sample on the lower platen, centring it carefully under the top platen,
such that the flutes are parallel with the long sides of the lower platen. This is to
take advantage of the enhanced lateral alignment of the top platen and, hence, to
prevent falling flutes during the test. Always use one of the gauges provided,
whenever possible.
When running the FCT, the tester can also record the following properties:
l The sample thickness when a standard force is applied. The function is
activated/terminated by the external PC, which also sets the force to be applied.
(The thickness is expressed in µm or mil, depending on the system of units
selected.)
l The sample crush hardness, ie, the highest load recorded when the sample
thickness has been reduced by a standard value. The crush hardness is reported
in kPa, psi or kgf/cm². The function is activated/terminated by the external PC.
l The energy absorbed by the sample before breakage is recorded and reported in
J/m², in × lbf/in² or kgf × m/m². The function is activated/terminated by the
external PC.
l Stiffness is registred as the maximum slope of the force—compression graph
2 4 8 1 .4 e
before the first force peak. Stiffness is reported in Nm, lbf × in or kgf × cm.
18 (41)
Operation
The relevant values used for reporting thickness and hardness can be checked by
printing out a list of the settings (see 5.2 Inspection | Settings). Values can be
altered by the PC.
Score Quality Test (SQT)

The score quality test (SQT) requires the use of special accessories consisting of a
U-channel support for the sample, and a pressure bar and holder assembly. Place the
U-channel support on the lower platen, with the two pins engaging the holes in the
platen. The pressure-bar holder will be secured to the top platen by magnets.
Position the holder so that the side with the locating pin is to the front. Remember to
select a test mode that is suitable for the score quality test.
Prepare at least five scored samples and five unscored samples. Take care to
position the scored samples centrally under the pressure bar, with the fluting running
parallel, or at right angles, to the pressure bar. Test all the scored (or the unscored)
samples and press W to end the test. The display will show the mean value of the
readings. Next, test all the unscored (or the scored) samples and press W to end the
test. The tester will display the ratio (%) between the respective mean values for the
scored and unscored samples, irrespective of in which order they have been tested.
4.6 Report modes

The desired report mode has to be selected before a test series is started (see
4.2 Settings above).
Reports on integral printer

If reporting of individual test readings has been selected, the readings will be printed
out immediately. A statistical report will be printed out automatically at the end of
the test.
If a test value has been rejected by the operator, “TEST X REJECTED!” will be
shown on the printout. To end a test after a desired number of readings, press the
W button, whereupon the statistical report will be printed out.
If a test has been aborted by pressing the U or STOP button “TEST X ABORTED”
will be shown on the printout.
If reporting of individual test readings has not been selected, a report will be printed
2 4 8 1 .4 e
19 (41)
Operation
out automatically at the end of the test series or if the operator has terminated the
test by pressingW .
* * * * * Lorentzen & Wettre * * * * *
L&W Crush Tester, Mode 6

FCT 100 cm² Thick Energy
kPa µm J/m²
Test No. 2 rejected # 1 453.9 2771 64
# 2 205.0 2686 20
------- Test 2 rejected -------
# 3 444.4 2769 67
# 4 447.8 2815 70
# 5 457.1 2837 71
No. of tests in series * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
L&W Crush Tester
Test report
No of tests: 4
Test speed: 12.5 mm/min
Mean value
6 FCT 100 cm² Thickness Energy
Standard deviation xa: 450.8 kPa 2798 µm 68 J/m²
s: 5.7 kPa 34 µm 3 J/m²
CoV: 1.3 % 1.2 % 4.6 %
Coefficient of variation Max: 457.1 kPa 2837 µm 71 J/m²
Min: 444.4 kPa 2769 µm 64 J/m²
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Example of an FCT report showing thickness and energy absorbed
Using an external printer

An external printer can be connected to the tester’s printer port and used instead of
the integral printer. The same type of reports can be printed out on the external
printer as on the integral one.
A PC is used to select this function and for setting up the external printer (see
section 6 Controlling the tester via a PC).
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20 (41)
Operation
Sending data to a PC
An external PC can be connected to the tester’s RS 232 port. This port enables
individual readings to be sent as they are generated. If a statistics-only report has
been selected, no readings will be transmitted. The tester can also send data to a PC
for presenting the results in the form of a graph. See Appendix F for details of data
transmission.
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Operation
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Inspection and maintenance
5 Inspection and maintenance
J Warning


5.1 Servicing
Always keep the tester clean and free from dust, paper, etc. We recommend that the
tester be serviced by Lorentzen & Wettre’s service organization at least once a year,
and up to four times a year, depending on the intensity of usage and the user’s
quality requirements. No other maintenance is required.
5.2 Inspection
Use the CHECK button on the control panel to access the following functions:
l Top platen speed check (Speed)
l Force check (Force)
l Printout of a list of test modes stored in the tester (Set)
Use the CHECK button to scroll through the functions. An LED adjacent to the
respective text label will indicate which function is active. Start the selected function
by pressing .V
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23 (41)
Speed
Press the Check button. The LED adjacent to Speed will now light up. Press the V
button to start the check. Movement of the top platen will now be checked at three
different speeds: 10.0, 12.5 and 48.0 mm/min. A flashing figure on the display will
indicate which of the speeds is being tested. Once the checks have been completed,
a report showing the readings, the target values and any difference between them
will be printed automatically.
If the checked speeds are accepted, the operator closes the function by pressing the
U button.
If any of the speed readings is shown to be outside the specified tolerances for the
standard concerned, the tester’s “self-adjusting” function can be used. Press the V
button to start a new check. The tester will now automatically perform up to three
new checks with adjusted speeds.
If repeated use of the “self-adjusting” function does not give acceptable speed
values, please get in touch with Lorentzen & Wettre for advice or for calibration of
the tester.
Force
Press the Check button. The LED adjacent to Force will now light up. When this
function is selected, the UP and DOWN buttons are rendered inoperative, so the top
platen will have to be operated manually. To do this, unscrew the plug in the top of
the tester housing (3-mm Allen key). Using a 5-mm Allen key inserted through the
opening in the housing, it is now possible to rotate the tester motor and in that way
manipulate the top platen manually. Turn the key anticlockwise to reduce the gap
between the platens or clockwise to increase it.
Rotate the motor to adjust the gap between the platens to suit the selected load cell.
Place the load cell on the lower platen, positioning it centrally under the top platen.
Press V to reset the force reading.
Apply a force to the lower platen, by rotating the motor, and check the reading on
the display. The force will be shown in N, lbf or kgf, depending on the system of
units chosen. Press U to clear the display.
If the check function for force has been activated, Force check: activated
will be shown on the report.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
24 (41)
Settings (Set)
Press the Check button. The LED adjacent to Set will now come on. Press V to
print out a list of all the program test modes for the system of units chosen. The
following table shows the items that can appear on the printout.
Item Function
Mode Test-mode number
Name Test-mode name
Unit Report unit
Note Additional information on test mode, eg, sample length or area
Speed Compression speed
Position Programmed start position for current test mode
Factor The factor used to convert the force reading (always Newton)
into the units selected for the report
Score Score quality test selected (Yes/No)
Thickness Thickness reading. Force value at which thickness reading
load made (“--” indicates no thickness reading reported)
Hardness Hardness reading. Force at which reading of reduction of
load thickness starts to be taken (“--” indicates no hardness
reading reported)
Hardness The hardness reading is the maximum force reading prior to
reduction the reduction of the sample thickness at this value
(“--” indicates no hardness reading recorded)
Energy Energy absorbed at break (Yes/No)
Stiffness Stiffness reported (Yes/No)
Rupture level The percentage drop in the highest reading obtained that is
required for rupture to be recorded
Threshold Value below which rupture is not recorded
Compression Low compression threshold—below which rupture not
low recorded. Used only in FCT and CMT.
Compression High compression threshold—point at which test terminated
high even if no rupture recorded. Used only in FCT and CMT.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
25 (41)
To exit the check function, press CHECK, whereupon all the LEDs will be
extinguished.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
L&W Crush Tester
Check report
Date:................
Target values Sign.:............... Difference

Speed check:
Target Measured Difference
mm/min mm/min mm/min
5.0 4.7 -0.3
10.0 9.7 -0.3
Measured values 12.5 12.5 +0.0
48.0 50.6 +2.6
Force check: activated

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Example check report
5.3 Loading a printer roll
K Use only printer rolls supplied by Lorentzen & Wettre. Use of any
others will invalidate the warranty.
If printer paper of the wrong grade is used, serious damage can ensue to the printer,
eg, because of overheating. Such paper can also cause abnormal soiling of the
printer.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
26 (41)
A red mark on the edge of the roll indicates that the roll is nearing its end. The
printer senses when it is out of paper and generates fault code E 402 on the
display.
1 Place the roll in the printer such that the paper is fed from the bottom.
2 Snip the leading edge of the paper to give it an obtuse point (as shown). Push
back the lever that raises the printer head.
Lever for raising

printer head
3 Insert the leading edge of the paper under the feeder and rubber cylinder so that
the paper is fed over the top of the cylinder. Place the roll in the printer.
4 Pull the paper so that it is aligned to pass in a straight line through the printer.
Push down the lever to lower the printer head.
1 2
2 4 8 1 .4 e
27 (41)
2 4 8 1 .4 e
28 (41)
Controlling the system via a PC
6 Controlling the system via a PC

Some of the settings, instrument calibrations and other operations are performed via
an external PC. The necessary software, L&W System Assistant, is on a CD-ROM
supplied with the tester and is available in English only. Plug the interface cable
(supplied) into the tester’s RS 232 port and the other end into a serial port on the
computer.
Power up the tester first and then the computer. Insert the CD-ROM into the drive
and click on Start and Run. Type in “D:\setup.exe” (D:\ = Drive for CD-ROM) and
click OK to instal the system, following the prompts on the screen. To start the
program after installation, click on Start | Program | L&W System Assistant. A
short cut to L&W System Assistant will automatically be generated on the PC’s
desktop.
The first time you run the program, you will be prompted to enter the comms port
that is being used for the tester, unless the system has already found it automatically.
Factory calibrations and settings made prior to delivery are stored in the file,
2 4 8 1 .4 e
Code 248 Delivery settings on the floppy disk supplied.
29 (41)
6.1 Test readings

A number of different tests can be run via the computer. Select the Test tab on the
menu and then the type of test required:
Test required Function Remarks

Measure A reading is taken according to the
test and report modes selected on
the tester.
A/D load cell For use by Lorentzen &
Wettre service personnel only
AD position sensor For use by Lorentzen &
Load cell For use by Lorentzen &
Position sensor For use by Lorentzen &
To start a test reading, click Start.
When individual readings are being taken, the recorded values (Values), number of
readings made (Count) and mean value (Mean) are displayed. To clear the
readings, click on Clear.
To abort a continuous test, click Cancel.
6.2 Settings
A number of system settings can be made via a PC, including those normally made
using the MODE and REPORT buttons on the tester. Select the Settings tab in the
L&W System Assistant window. To save your settings, click Save followed by
Apply to load the settings into the tester’s memory. There are two tabs under
Settings:
System
Under this tab, the settings that are normally chosen on the tester can be selected
here (Cf. section 4.2 Settings). A number of other settings can also be selected for
all test modes (MODE).
2 4 8 1 .4 e
30 (41)
Menu item Options Function

Mode 1–8; 12–18 Selection of test mode.
See section 4.2 Settings
System of SI Report uses SI units
units Technical Report uses technical units
FPS Report uses foot-pound-system units
Report Print statistics See section 4.2 Settings
Print individual results
Data transfer
Printer No printer No printout
Integral Integral system printer
HP Laser Jet
Canon Laser
Matrix/Bubble Jet
Number of 0–999 Number of readings in a test series
readings 0 = No auto termination of test series
Press P to confirm, Save to save the settings and Apply to send the settings to the
tester.
Test mode (Mode)

The settings for the different test modes can be selected under the Mode tab:
2 4 8 1 .4 e
31 (41)
Item Function Option/Limit

Mode Select test mode—property to be measured 1–8; 12–18
Name Test-mode name Max 10 characters
Unit Report unit for this mode Max 7 characters
Note Additional information on test mode Max 10 characters
Factor The factor used to convert the force reading 0.000001–
(always N) into the units selected for the report 100.0000
Speed Compression speed 1.0–50 mm/min
Position Programmed start position for current test mode 1–76 mm
Thickness Report sample thickness? þ Yes; ¨ No
Thickness load Force value at which thickness reading made 1–4999 N
Hardness Report sample hardness? þ Yes; ¨ No
Hardness load Force at which reading of reduction of thickness 1–4999 N
starts
Hardness The hardness reading is the maximum force 0–5000 µm
reduction reading prior to the reduction of the sample
thickness by the selected value
Break energy Report energy absorbed? þ Yes; ¨ No
Stiffness Report stiffness? þ Yes; ¨ No
Rupture level Test is terminated when maximum force reading 1–99 %
is reduced by the given percentage
Threshold Threshold for indication of rupture 1–4999 N
Low Low compression threshold 1–99 %
compression Used only in FCT and CMT.
High High compression threshold 1–99 %
compression Used only in FCT and CMT
Score test Score quality test þ Enabled;
¨ Disabled
If an alternative system of units has been selected, those units will be shown instead.
Press P to confirm, Save to save the settings and Apply to send the settings to the
tester.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
32 (41)
6.3 Calibration: Force/Position
K Special equipment is needed to calibrate the tester. Calibration should

only be performed by service technicians from Lorentzen & Wettre or
authorized service representatives.
It is possible to incorporate a correction factor to enable the readings

in the tester reports to achieve better correspondence with readings
obtained from other testers. For further information, please get in
touch with Lorentzen & Wettre or one of our service representatives.
6.4 Miscellaneous additional menu functions

The following menu functions are also included in the program:
File
Menu item Function

Preview settings Displays the settings and calibration data
Print settings Prints out the settings and calibration data
Load settings from Downloads the settings and calibration data from the tester
instrument
Load settings to Uploads the settings and calibration data to the tester
instrument
Save settings to file Saves the settings and calibration data in a file
Load settings from file Loads the settings and calibration data from the file.
(Predelivery settings and calibrations are stored in the file
Code 248 Delivery settings included on the floppy disk)
Exit Closes down the L&W System Assistant program.
Communications
Menu item Function

Com. port Select comms port for the PC
Show spy Display comms between the tester and the PC
2 4 8 1 .4 e
33 (41)
Advanced
Menu item Function

Check Check functions (for use by Lorentzen & Wettre service
technicians only)
Reset instrument Resets the tester
General reset Clears (deletes) all the settings and calibrations from the
tester
Help
Menu item Function

About Information on the L&W System Assistant program. Also
shows the EPROM version installed in the tester.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
34 (41)
Appendices
7 Appendices
A Technical data
Measuring range 50–5000 N (10–1000 lbf; 5–500 kgf)

Resolution 1N
Platen size 125 × 125 mm
Stroke 76 mm
Top platen speed 1–50 mm/min
Fast mode 60 mm/min (approx.)
Mains supply 90–240 V, 50–60 Hz
(Threshold values: 85–264 V, 47–63 Hz)
Power demand 75 W
Computer interface RS-232 asynchronous port
Dimensions H 560 × W 500 × D 260 mm (approx.)
Weight 44 kg (approx.)
B Consumables
Printer roll 93400002
C Accessories
Accessories for RCT

Accessories for CLT
Accessories for CCT
Accessories for PAT
Accessories for ECT
Accessories for SQT
2 4 8 1 .4 e
35 (41)
Appendices
D Test-piece preparation equipment
L&W ECT Cutter Billerud Code 008

L&W Strip Punch Code 108
L&W Circular Cutter Code 123
E Fault codes and messages

The following fault codes and messages may be displayed:
E124 Top platen locked

E210 Top platen at upper end of travel
E211 Top platen at lower end of travel
E220 Maximum force reached
E300 Tester busy
E301 Incorrect tester identity
E302 Data buffer full
E401 Integral printer fault
E402 Integral printer, out of paper
E403 Integral printer, busy
E404 Readings memory full
E410 External printer fault
E411 External printer, busy
E499 No printer selected
E501 Unable to read from EEPROM
E502 Unable to write to EEPROM
When a fault code has been displayed, the testing can normally be resumed after the
W button has been pressed.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
36 (41)
Appendices
F Transmission of test data to external PC

The tester will send data to the PC if one of the following types of report has been
selected:
l “Individual readings printed out immediately. Full statistics printed at end of test
series.”
l “Individual readings sent to PC.”
If “Statistics report-printed out at end of test series” is selected, no test data will be
sent.
Communications are effected by an asynchronous serial port (RS 232) using the
following parameters:
Baud rate: 19 200 (fixed value)

Parity: None
No. of data bits: 8
No. of stop bits: 1
Check signals: None
The test-readings string is sent from the tester to the PC after each reading. The
tester waits for an acknowledgement or ACK signal (hex 06) from the PC.
If an ACK is received within one second, the transmission is treated as successful.

If, on the other hand, the tester receives a negative acknowledgement or NAK signal
(hex 15) within one second, the string will be sent again.
If the report mode selected on the tester is “Individual readings sent to PC” but no
return signal is received after the string has been sent, the reading on the tester
display will flash to indicate that communications with the PC have not been
established.
If the tester receives an ENQ (hex 05), it will send graph data for the latest reading.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
37 (41)
Appendices
Protocol
Byte 1 STX (hex 02) Start character

Byte 2–5 ’0248' Tester code
Byte 6 hex b0 Status byte 1 (not used)
Byte 7 hex b0 Status byte 2 (not used)
Byte 8 System of units
‘0’ SI
‘1’ Technical
‘2’ Foot-pound system
Byte 9–12 ‘0123’ Step length samples/mm
Byte 13 ‘0’ or ‘1’ Thickness inactive (0)/active (1)
Byte 14 ‘0’ or ‘1’ Hardness inactive (0)/active (1)
Byte 15 ‘0’ or ‘1’ Stiffness inactive (0)/active (1)
Byte 16 ‘0’ or ‘1’ Energy inactive (0)/active (1)
Byte 17 ‘0’ or ‘1’ Score quality test inactive (0)/active (1)
Byte 18–n GS (0x1d) Test result according to mode setting
‘1234’
SP (0x20) Thickness (µm or mil)
‘1234’ Sent if byte 13 active and byte 17 inactive
SP (0x20) Hardness (kPa, psi or kgf/cm²)
SP (0x20) Stiffness (Nm, lbf × in or kgf × cm)
SP (0x20) Energy (J/m², in × lbf/in² or kgf × m/m²)
ETX (hex 03) Character before checksum
’01a4’ Checksum-always 4 bytes and hex value. Displayed in
lower case. Sum of bytes sent: STX to ETX inclusive.
CR (hex 0d)
LF (hex 0a)
2 4 8 1 .4 e
38 (41)
Appendices
Transmission of curve data

If the PC replies with an ENQ (0x05), the tester will send up to 1 500 force readings
for the latest test. Note that no readings will be sent if SQT is performed.
Byte 1–n ‘1234’ Force in N

SP (0x20)
‘1234’ Force in N
SP (0x20)
---
‘1234’ Force in N
CR (hex 0d)
LF (hex 0a)
Transmitting graphics data to Excel

The CD-ROM provided contains a program for making the graphics data compatible
for use in Microsoft Excel. Instal the plot2XL program using the same procedure as
that for installing the L&W System Assistant.
First check that the L&W System Assistant program is not running and then open
plot2XL (the two programs must not be open at the same time). After a test has
been completed, the readings for the selected properties will be displayed in the
plot2XL window on the PC. Click on ToExcel. Excel will now be opened and the
readings and force—compression graph will be displayed on the Excel spreadsheet.
Select Save As, and save the report in an appropriate folder. Each report must be
saved separately.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
39 (41)
Appendices
G Factory settings for test modes
K Please note that the settings shown in the tables below are those
preset by the factory. The settings can be altered by an external PC
(see section 6 Controlling the system via an external PC). For details
of current settings, see 5.2 Inspection | Settings.
The preset (default) test speed for all test modes is 12.5 mm/min, with two
exceptions:
l The preset test speed for the score quality test (SQT) is 48 mm/min (which
applies to all systems of units).
l CCT in the foot-pound system ( FPS): 10 mm/min.
SI System
MODE Name Unit Formula Factor Start position**
1 N F (N) 1.000000 --
2 CMT N F (N) 1.000000 10.0 mm
3 RCT kN/m F (N) / 152.4 (mm) 0.006562 27.0 mm
4 CCT kN/m F (N) / 152.4 (mm) 0.006562 50.0 mm
5 ECT 25 × 100 kN/m F (N) / 100 (mm) 0.010000 30.0 mm
6* FCT 100 cm² kPa F (N) / 100 (cm²) 0.100000 10.0 mm
7* FCT 65 cm² kPa F (N) / 65 (cm²) 0.153846 10.0 mm
8* FCT 50 cm² kPa F (N) / 50 (cm²) 0.200000 10.0 mm
12 PAT FEFCO N/m F (N) / 0.33 m 3.030303 50.0 mm
13 SQT % F scored / F unscored 1.000000 75.0 mm
14 CLT N F (N) 1.000000 40.0 mm
15 N F (N) 1.000000 --
16 N F (N) 1.000000 --
17 N F (N) 1.000000 --
18 N F (N) 1.000000 --
* For details on the reporting of thickness and hardness in FCT and CMT, please
see 5.2 Inspection | Settings.
** Please note that start positions can also be altered from the control panel.
2 4 8 1 .4 e
40 (41)
Appendices
Foot-pound system
1 lbf F (N) × 0.224809 0.224809 --
2 CMT lbf F (N) × 0.224809 0.224809 0.4 in
3 RCT lbf/in F (N) × 0.224809 / 6 (in) 0.037468 1.1 in
4 CCT lbf F (N) × 0.224809 0.224809 2.0 in
5 ECT 1 in lbf/in F (N) × 0.224809 / 1 (in) 0.224809 1.2 in
6 ECT 2 in lbf/in F (N) × 0.224809 / 2 (in) 0.112404 2.4 in
7* FCT 10 in² psi F (N) × 0.224809 / 10 (in²) 0.022481 0.4 in
8* FCT 5 in² psi F (N) × 0.224809 / 5 (in²) 0.044962 0.4 in
12 PAT A+C lbf/ft F (N) × 0.224809 / 2 (ft) 0.112404 2.0 in
13 PAT B lbf/ft F (N) × 0.224809 / 1,25 (ft) 0.179847 2.0 in
14 SQT % F scored/ F unscored 0.224809 3.0 in
15 CLT lbf F (N) × 0.224809 0.224809 1.6 in
16 lbf F (N) × 0.224809 0.224809 --
17 lbf F (N) × 0.224809 0.224809 --
18 lbf F (N) × 0.224809 0.224809 --
Technical system
1 kgf F (N) × 0.101970 0.101970 --
2 CMT kgf F (N) × 0.101970 0.101970 10.0 mm
3 RCT kgf F (N) × 0.101970 0.101970 27.0 mm
4 CCT kgf/cm F (N) × 0.101970 / 15,24 (cm) 0.006691 50.0 mm
5 ECT 2,5 × 10 kgf/cm F (N) × 0.101970 / 10 (cm) 0.010197 30.0 mm
6* FCT 100 cm² kgf/cm² F (N) × 0.101970 / 100 (cm²) 0.001020 10.0 mm
12 PAT kgf/cm F (N) × 0.101970 / 33 (cm) 0.003090 75.0 mm
13 SQT % F scored/ F unscored 0.101970 40.0 mm
14 CLT kgf F (N) × 0.101970 0.101970 50.0 mm
15 kgf F (N) × 0.101970 0.101970 --
16 kgf F (N) × 0.101970 0.101970 --
17 kgf F (N) × 0.101970 0.101970 --
18 kgf F (N) × 0.101970 0.101970 --
* For details on the reporting of thickness and hardness in FCT and CMT, please
2 4 8 1 .4 e
see 5.2 Inspection | Settings.
** Please note that start positions can also be altered from the control panel.
41 (41)
Appendices
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L&W Crush Tester

Edition 1.4 e 2006-01-26

Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

arising from such errors.

Copyright © 2006 Lorentzen & Wettre. All rights reserved.

A high compressive force is exerted between the tester

G Factory settings for test modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

An external PC is also used to select certain settings, for storing user-defined

FCT Flat crush test

CCT Corrugated crush test

1.1 Delivery specification

L&W CRUS H TES TER

Top, moving platen

L&W CRUSH TESTER

Choosing the system of units to be used

Electrical power supply

K Use only the power adaptor supplied by Lorentzen & Wettre.

The tester is now ready for use.

All running of tests and servicing work must be carried out

A high compressive force is exerted between the tester

4.1 Emergency stop

Selecting the test mode (MODE)

Test mode 1–8 Respective LED on (1–8)

Report mode (REPORT)

Statistics—printed out at end of test series

Data transfer—individual readings sent to PC.

4.3 Operating the top platen

4.4 Saving start positions

4.5 Running the test

6 Insert the next sample, and press V to start the test.

Example of a plot on a force—compression graph for an FCT.

Score Quality Test (SQT)

4.6 Report modes

Reports on integral printer

* * * * * Lorentzen & Wettre * * * * *

L&W Crush Tester, Mode 6

Example of an FCT report showing thickness and energy absorbed

Using an external printer

5 Inspection and maintenance

All running of tests and servicing work must be carried out

A high compressive force is exerted between the tester

Target values Sign.:............... Difference

Force check: activated

Example check report

5.3 Loading a printer roll

Lever for raising

6 Controlling the system via a PC

Code 248 Delivery settings on the floppy disk supplied.

6.1 Test readings

Test required Function Remarks

To start a test reading, click Start.

To abort a continuous test, click Cancel.

Menu item Options Function

Test mode (Mode)

Item Function Option/Limit

6.3 Calibration: Force/Position

K Special equipment is needed to calibrate the tester. Calibration should

It is possible to incorporate a correction factor to enable the readings

6.4 Miscellaneous additional menu functions

Menu item Function

Menu item Function

Menu item Function

Menu item Function