Benchtop Calibrating Machine (BCM) : Operation and Instruction Manual
Benchtop Calibrating Machine (BCM) : Operation and Instruction Manual
Rev. 4/2022
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Dimensions and Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installation of Force Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Compression and Tension Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Introduction
The Morehouse Benchtop Calibrating Machine (BCM) is a force calibration system that is capable of calibrating
a large variety of force instruments in compression and tension. The machine generates calibration forces up to
10,000 lbf in both compression and tension modes, while giving the operator fine control over the applied force
to maintain the calibration target points accurately. The machine utilizes mechanical force application apparatus
for minimum maintenance requirements, which makes it even more suitable for field and mobile applications.
Although the BCM is relatively small in size, it features a fairly large calibration area which enables calibrating the
largest force measuring equipment on the market up to 10,000 lbf capacity. The machine is also equipped with a
set of automatic alignment features to reduce misalignment errors in force calibration.
The BCM uses highly accurate Morehouse Shear Web load cells as a reference standard to measure the applied
force to the Unit Under Test (UUT). These accurate load cells combined with Morehouse’s accurate deadweight cal-
ibration turns the BCM into a highly accurate system with Calibration and Measurement Capability (CMC) of better
than 0.03 % of applied force.
Depending on the type and capacity of the instruments needed to be calibrated by the user, various standard load
cell capacities can be utilized to cover different ranges. The adjustment and force control on the machine are done
manually by the user and the machine does not need any source of electrical or hydraulic power to operate. How-
ever, electrical power might be needed to take output reading from standard reference load cell or unit under test.
Morehouse offers a set of threaded tension adapters, which can be purchased to perform tension calibration on
equipment with the most common thread sizes on several types of instruments such as load cells, and ring force
gauges. In addition, Morehouse’s 12K lbf Adaptable Clevis Kit is compatible with the BCM, which allows for calibrat-
ing numerous models of crane scales, dynamometers, and tension links from different manufacturers. In addition,
Morehouse offers several types of custom adapters that could be used in conjunction with the BCM to calibrate
any specialty force measuring instrument.
Description
Components
A standard Benchtop Calibrating Machine includes the following main components (Figure 1):
1. Base plate 7. Fast adjustment shaft
2. Guide posts 8. Handwheel
3. Force standard reference load cell with indicator 9. Coupling nut adapter
4. Quick-adjust stage beam 10. Compression base block
5. Mechanical screw jack 11. Compression ball seat adapter
6. Fine control shaft
Guide Post
Coupling Nut
Force Standard
Handwheel
Construction
The Benchtop Calibrating Machine is manufactured from high quality material and to high quality standards to
provide users with a reliable and accurate force calibration system. Calibration force is generated by a mechan-
ical screw jack up to 10,000 lbf in both tension and compression.
The position of the stage beam on the guide posts can be quickly adjusted to accommodate different calibra-
tion setups. The user can push the plunger buttons on two sides of the stage beam to release and slide it up or
down to reach the desired opening space. The stage beam position can be locked again by releasing the plung-
er buttons at 0.4 in. intervals.
The machine is operated by turning one of the input shafts in front of the mechanical screw jack to move the
jack’s lead screw up or down based on the direction of turning the shaft, and consequently, generate compres-
sive or tensile forces. The shafts are turned using a handwheel.
The shafts are made with square drives and no set screws or additional operation is needed to secure the
handwheel on the shafts. The mechanical screw jack features two input shafts with different operation speeds:
Fine control shaft used for applying forces during calibration. When this input shaft is in use, the machine pro-
vides fine control over the entire range of forces. In addition, the handwheel can be turned very smoothly and
with small effort by the user even at the capacity force (10,000 lbf).
Fast adjustment shaft used for initial adjustment of the jack screw position. Turning this shaft moves the jack
up or down faster than the fine control shaft. However, operating it needs much higher torque, and the opera-
tor normally needs to use both hands for turning it.
The standard Benchtop Calibrating Machine is supplied with a Compression Base Block and a Compression Ball
Seat adapter to simplify calibration of compression-only instruments. In addition, the machine features a swiv-
eling coupling nut underneath the stage beam. This coupling nut makes changing setups easier and includes
two spherical contact surfaces to align the load line of the machine with the standard load cell and reduce
misalignment errors.
Operation Instructions
In a Benchtop Calibrating Machine, the reference standard load cell is installed on top of the screw jack. A
reference standard mounting adapter is included with each machine. As depicted in Figure 3, this adapter is
threaded to the top of the jack from one side. The top side of the adapter with external thread is then used to
install the reference standard.
By default, the reference standard mounting adapter has an external 0.625”-18 UNF thread on the top side to
accommodate a Morehouse Shear Web load cell for capacities 10,000 lbf and lower. If any other thread size is
needed to mount other types of load cells, consult the Morehouse Sales team when placing an order.
When a shear web load cell is calibrated by the Morehouse Force Calibration Laboratory, the compression
force is applied through the bottom shoulder of the cell, unless otherwise specified by the customer. There-
fore, applying the compression load through the bottom thread will cause some additional errors from the
reported calibration values.
The reference standard mounting adapter was designed to ensure that the load cell is loaded through the
bottom shoulder and not threads when in compression. To achieve this goal, the user must make sure that the
reference standard load cell is tightened against the mounting adapter. Normally, after installation of a refer-
ence standard load cell, it does not need to come out of the machine frequently. However, after each time it is
taken out for calibration, switching standards, or maintenance, the proper installation must be ensured before
starting a calibration
IMPORTANT TIP: A standard load cell must be snug-tightened against the mounting adapter before compres-
sion calibration. The goal is to have the bottom shoulder of the reference standard in contact with the mount-
ing adapter.
Figure 3: Installation of Reference Load Cell Using the Standard Mounting Adapter
1. Install the compression base block on top of the reference standard load cell. Ensure that the internal
threads underneath the bearing block are fully engaged with the threaded stud on the load cell.
2. Install the ball seat adapter to the coupling nut underneath the stage beam of the Benchtop Calibrating
Machine.
3. Place the unit under test on the compression base block. The hole at the center of the base block can be
used with alignment plugs to align the unit under test with the load line accurately. In addition, Morehouse
offers various ball adapters to be mounted on top of the unit under test for better stress distribution within
the instrument and more accurate calibration results.
4. Release the two latches on the stage beam by pushing the plunger nubs on both sides. Then, move the
stage beam up or down while holding the plungers in to have the top of the unit under test close to the ball
seat adapter. Release the plungers to have the stage beam position locked.
5. Put the handwheel on the screw jack’s coarse adjustment shaft and move the jack up to position the unit
under test as close as possible to the ball seat adapter and coupling nut. Use the combination of adjust-
ments provided by the stage beam and screw jack to complete the setup with minimal effort from the op-
erator. Pull the plungers to check and ensure that they are fully engaged. A groove line is cut on the plunger
handles which must be visible when the plungers are fully engaged, and handles are completely pulled out.
Figure 4b illustrates a completed compression calibration setup with an S-Beam load cell as the UUT.
To set up a tension calibration, special adapters will be needed based on the type and configuration of the unit
under test. Morehouse manufactures several adapter kits designed for tension calibration in Benchtop Cali-
brating Machines. Prior to assembling a tension calibration setup, the proper adapters with appropriate safety
precautions must be acquired. To set up a tension calibration:
1. Check the mechanical jack to see that it is not retracted all the way down and has at least about 0.5” of
travel left in the downward direction. Adjust the height of screw jack if needed using the front hand wheel.
2. The tension unit under test is coupled to the top of the standard reference load cell using adapters. If the
unit under test has an internal threaded hole with 0.625”-18 thread size, it can be directly installed on the
threaded stud supplied with Morehouse Shear Web standard load cells.
3. Another adapter will be needed to connect he unit under test to the swiveling coupling nut of the Bench-
top calibrating machine. This adapter is mounted to the unit under test from one side and from other side
is threaded into the coupling nut which has a 1.125”-12 UNF-2B thread. Install this adapter on the unit
under test and make sure full engagement is made if the adapter is a threaded type.
4. Release the two latches on the stage beam by pushing the plunger nubs on both sides. Then, move the
stage beam up or down while holding the plungers in to have the top of the unit under test and its at-
tached adapter in contact with the swiveling coupling nut underneath the stage beam. Release the plung-
ers to have the stage beam position locked.
5. Put the handwheel on the screw jack’s coarse adjustment shaft. Use the combination of the adjustments
provided by the stage beam and the screw jack to the turn the coupling nut onto the adapter on top of the
unit under test until full thread engagement is achieved. Pull the plungers to check and ensure that they
are fully engaged. A groove line is cut on the plunger handles which must be visible when the plungers are
fully engaged, and handles are completely pulled out. Figure 4a illustrates a completed tension calibration
setup with a shear web load cell as the UUT.
6. Some instruments may have special calibration requirements. Check the specifications and calibration
instructions of the unit under test before calibration setup to ensure that the right type of adapters and
setup is available for calibration.
Note: Before applying any tension forces, check the position of the standard mounting adapter and ensure that
there is enough space for it to move downward before making contact with the jack body. Pulling the standard
mounting adapter down against the jack body may generate large forces, and cause permanent damage to the
jack.
(a) (b)
Morehouse offers various types of adapters to make tension calibration setups. For calibrating crane scales,
dynamometers, and tension links, Morehouse has developed the 12K lbf Adaptable Clevis Kit. This kit includes
a set of clevises and various pin sizes to calibrate several types of instruments using the pin sizes recommend-
ed by their manufacturers. Figure 5 demonstrates a tension calibration setup for a 10,000 lbf crane scale using
the 12K lbf Adaptable Clevis Kit.
Adaptable Clevis
Clevis Adapter
Reference Standard
Figure 5: Crane Scale Calibration Setup Using Morehouse 12K lbf Adaptable Clevis Kit
Note: The machine pictured is an old design. Operation has been improved on the new design
To apply a predetermined certain amount of force, start turning the handwheel in the appropriate direction
while watching the output of the reference load cell. Morehouse offers various types of load cell indicators
which can be used to monitor the reference load cell output in ratio metric mV/V, or direct force values in engi-
neering units based on the user’s preferences. Once a certain amount of force is reached, if the user stops the
movement of the jack, the creep in the force instrument and the machine might cause some changes in the
force value. However, the user can continuously adjust the position of the mechanical jack to keep the force in
the vicinity of the target force.
The force applied to the calibration setup is generated by the movement of the mechanical screw jack. In other
words, the jack converts the torque applied to the handwheel by the user into unidirectional force. Therefore,
the force applied by the jack is dependent on the amount of torque applied by the user, and higher amount
of torque is required to generate higher forces. As the applied force increases, the handwheel feels tighter to
turn. This is normal as long as the applied force stays within the rated capacity of the machine and instruments
under calibration.
Force Control
The Benchtop Calibrating Machine offers an exceptional capability in controlling the calibration force when
compared to the other calibration systems commercially available on the market. The machine provides a two-
speed loading jack: coarse adjustment for completing the initial setup, and fine adjustment for application of
the target forces. When applying the desired force to load cell standard and unit under test, only the fine con-
trol shaft must be used. The fine control mechanism enables controlling the force very accurately. Although,
capability of controlling the force can change to some extent based on the experience of the user, quality of
the force reference standards, and indicator system. Preliminary tests have shown that a user can control the
calibration force in Benchtop Calibrating Machine within ±0.001 % of the reference standard capacity, when a
Morehouse Ultra-Precision Shear Web load cell is used as the standard reference with a high accuracy indica-
tor. For example, if a 10,000 lbf Ultra-Precision load cell is used, an experienced user can control the test forces
within ±0.1 lbf using the fine control shaft on the screw jack.
Maintenance
The mechanical jacks in a Benchtop Calibrating Machine are lubricated before leaving the manufacturing plant.
For normal operation, jacks should be greased about once per month. Under extended use, grease twice
monthly or as conditions dictate. Grease through all fitting on the jack and attached housing with hand or pow-
er operated equipment. Grease with No. 1 consistency grease. Do not allow the jack to operate unlubricated. It
is the responsibility of the user to maintain sufficient lubrication of the jack and to the lifting screw.
The products listed below are recommended by the lubricant manufacturers to meet the requirements for
normal operation. The listing of brand names is solely for the convenience of users of equipment and their
lubricant suppliers; it does not constitute any endorsement. Morehouse assumes no responsibilities for quality,
performance or availability of any listed products. Total grease capacity for the screw jack used in the Benchtop
Calibrating Machines is about 14 oz. or 40 shots.
The stage beam of the machine is in contact with the guide posts through a set of bronze bushings to avoid
jamming in the stage beam slide. In order to keep the slide of the stage beam smooth, the surface area of the
guide posts need to stay clean and free of debris. In addition, once the movement of the stage beam is not
smooth enough, applying some oil to the bushings and guide posts’ flat surfaces will smoothen the slide again.
Upon completion of routine inspection and preventative maintenance procedures, coat all unpainted guide
post surfaces with some light machine oil to prevent rusting on these surfaces.
Safety
For general guidelines about force calibration safety, refer to the Morehouse Force Measurement Equipment
Safety guide. In addition, the following safety practices must be exercised when using a Benchtop Calibrating
Machine. To avoid situations that may cause personal injuries, wear eye protection at all times when using a
Benchtop Calibrating Machine or any other force calibration machine.
• Any adapter or accessory you may design, make, or purchase for use with a Benchtop Calibrating Machine,
or force measuring instrument, must be of proper design and made from steel of the proper strength to
withstand the forces to which it is subjected. It is important that adapters and accessories be test loaded
under safe conditions prior to actual use with an instrument. Equipment should not be used beyond its
maximum rated capacity. Failure to use the proper strength material may result in serious injury or death.
• Inspect all parts of the machine regularly to ensure all the components are free of any defects and are
assembled properly. Look for any damaged connections or loose bolts. Contact Morehouse with any ques-
tions about the assembly of the parts, or for ordering new parts.
• The quick-adjust latches on the stage beam have a critical role in load bearing capability of the Benchtop
Calibrating Machine. Before starting to apply a force, check the latches to ensure that they are completely
pulled out, and the holding latches are fully engaged. Figure 6 demonstrates how the engagement of the
stage beam latches need to be checked.
• The spherical nut on top of the tension rod assembly is also critical in load bearing capability of the ma-
chine. Before starting a tension calibration, check the spherical nut on top of the stage beam and ensure
that the nut is fully engaged with the tension rod on the threads. The nut must not be tightened against
the alignment busing and the tension rod should be able to move freely.
• When the machine is applying force, do not touch the moving parts of the machine such as jack screw,
quick-change latches, guide posts, stage beam, etc.
• Always operate the machine on a flat and level surface with no risk of falling down or losing sight of it.
When the machine is under load, prevent any impact or sudden movements to the machine.
• The Benchtop Calibrating Machine can only be used to generate forces within the rated capacity of the ma-
chine. Trying to generate higher forces may cause damage to the machine and result in a dangerous situa-
tion for the user. All necessary safety precautions for using manual machinery must be carefully exercised
when using the Benchtop Calibrating Machine.
• Read the instruction manual carefully and ensure that anyone who intends to operate the machine has
proper training on safe practices of using Benchtop Calibrating Machine.
• Applying forces to equipment and instruments is inherently dangerous. This document does not, and can-
not, foresee all safety considerations in your testing and application environments. It is important to give
careful consideration to any application of force.
Parts
To order parts and accessories for your Benchtop Calibrating Machine, contact Morehouse Sales team. Figure 7
and Table 2 demonstrate the parts included in a Benchtop Calibrating Machine Model BCM-10MD-1.