Lasertec ZTS-DPU Digital Push-Pull Force Gauge

Overview

The Lasertec ZTS-DPU is a high-precision digital push-pull force gauge engineered for static and dynamic tensile and compressive force measurement in industrial quality control, R&D laboratories, and production line verification. It operates on strain-gauge-based transduction technology, delivering traceable, repeatable force readings across calibrated load ranges from 2 N to 5000 N. Unlike analog spring-based gauges, the ZTS-DPU employs a microprocessor-controlled signal conditioning architecture with real-time digital filtering, enabling stable zero tracking, temperature-compensated linearity, and immunity to parallax error. Its core design prioritizes metrological integrity—complying with ISO 7500-1 (Class 0.5) and ASTM E4 requirements for verification of force-measuring instruments—while supporting routine calibration traceability to national standards (e.g., JCSS in Japan, NIST in the US). The device is not intended for continuous dynamic fatigue testing but excels in single-event or stepwise quasi-static measurements where resolution, repeatability, and data integrity are critical.

Key Features

• Ultra-high-speed sampling at up to 2000 Hz—enabling precise capture of peak force transients during snap-action or brittle fracture events.
• 4-digit color OLED display with adjustable brightness, optimized for readability under ambient lighting conditions ranging from cleanroom to factory floor environments.
• Multi-language UI (English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, German, French, Spanish) with customizable header/footer text for report-ready screen output.
• Robust mechanical architecture with 200% full-scale overload tolerance and dual-stage over-limit warning (visual icon + audible tone at 110% F.S.; shutdown protection at 200% F.S.).
• Integrated comparator functionality: programmable upper/lower limits with pass/fail (OK/NG) evaluation, visual status indicators, and relay-triggered outputs for automated sorting systems.
• Direction-aware force display: real-time polarity indication (+/−), reversible sign convention, and configurable “zero-on-load” offset for displacement-coupled applications.
• Configurable auto-power-down timer (1–60 min), peak hold (tensile/compressive), first/second peak detection, and calendar/time-stamped logging for audit-ready records.
• Dual-mode data acquisition: internal 1000-point buffer (non-volatile) plus external storage via USB flash drive (up to 100 samples/sec, selectable at 1/50/100 Hz).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZTS-DPU is compatible with a broad range of standard and custom load cells—including tension hooks, compression platens, shear pins, and miniature button-style transducers—provided they conform to Lasertec’s ZTA-series mechanical and electrical interface specifications (M3/M4 mounting threads, 5 V excitation, mV/V output). It is routinely deployed in electronics assembly (e.g., connector insertion force, solder joint pull strength), automotive component validation (latch actuation, pedal resistance), medical device testing (syringe plunger force, catheter torque), and consumer product safety assessment (lighter ignition force per ISO 9994). All firmware and hardware configurations meet CE Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). When paired with validated third-party software (e.g., LabVIEW drivers or Lasertec’s optional SPC module), the system supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures and audit trails for regulated environments.

Software & Data Management

The ZTS-DPU ships with a Windows-compatible utility for basic data logging, charting (force vs. time), statistical analysis (mean, SD, Cp/Cpk), and CSV export. For advanced integration, SDKs support RS-232C and USB CDC protocols, enabling direct communication with MES, LIMS, or custom Python/.NET applications. Raw data includes timestamp (ms resolution), force value, unit code, direction flag, and status bits (e.g., overload, zero drift alert). USB flash drive mode writes timestamped binary logs with embedded metadata (operator ID, test ID, calibration date), facilitating retrospective root-cause analysis. Optional firmware updates maintain backward compatibility while adding features such as multi-point linearization tables and user-defined pass/fail logic trees.

Applications

• Electronics manufacturing: Measuring peel strength of flex circuits, push-button tactile feedback force, and battery compartment lid retention.
• Textile and packaging: Quantifying zipper pull resistance, seam burst strength, and film puncture force per ASTM D5748 and ISO 11339.
• Building hardware: Verifying door closer torque, hinge breakaway force, and lock cylinder rotational effort.
• Regulatory compliance testing: Conducting child-resistant packaging (CRP) tests per ASTM D3475 and ISO 8317, including force ramp rate control and dwell-time synchronization.
• R&D prototyping: Characterizing elastomeric seal compression set, polymer creep behavior under constant load, and adhesive bond strength evolution over thermal cycles.

FAQ

What calibration standards does the ZTS-DPU support?
It accepts calibration certificates traceable to JCSS, NIST, or UKAS-accredited laboratories. Internal calibration routines require certified deadweight or reference load cells meeting ISO 376 Class E2 or better.
Can the ZTS-DPU measure displacement simultaneously with force?
Yes—when connected to a compatible ZTA-series displacement sensor (e.g., LVDT or digital encoder), it displays synchronized force/displacement curves and supports “zero displacement at specified force” offset calibration.
Is the USB memory function compatible with FAT32 and exFAT file systems?
Only FAT32 is supported. USB drives must be formatted accordingly and limited to ≤32 GB capacity for guaranteed compatibility.
Does the device support Modbus RTU or EtherNet/IP protocols?
No—native communication is limited to USB CDC, RS-232C, and Mitutoyo serial (binary format). Protocol conversion requires external gateways.
How is data integrity ensured during power interruption?
All internal memory is non-volatile. USB logging buffers the last 500 ms of pre-interruption data using capacitor-backed RAM, minimizing loss during unplanned disconnects.