Swapping the Indenter Tip

Three indenter tip sizes are available for the PLX-Benchtop: 1 mm, 0.5 mm, and 0.25 mm radius. It is recommended to use the 1 mm radius indenter tip when possible, but if the scale of the features or sample size is such that a smaller ball would be more appropriate, the 0.25 or 0.5 mm indenter tip can be used.

To start the process of changing the indenter tip, open CORSICA and go to Tools > Change Indenter Tip. The software will then guide you through the following steps:

1. Add a new tip or select your tip from the drop-down menu. The tip radius and serial number are indicated on the tip box.
2. Use a 2.5 mm Allen key to remove the 3 x M3 bolts in the insert. The insert should loosen when this is done.
3. To fit the new insert, push it up with the ball side down so that the LVDT goes through the hole in the insert.
4. Continue pushing and rotating the insert until the dowel pin in the insert is located in the housing.
5. Once the insert is in place, tighten the 3 x M3 bolts with the 2.5 mm Allen key.
6. After physically replacing the tip, the software will prompt you to perform the Machine Set Up operation.
7. Once the set up is complete, return the removed tip to its box, which will have an ID that matches the tip.

If you need replacement indenter tips, please contact Plastometrex at support@plastometrex.com.