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How to perform a profilometer calibration with PLX-HotStage

This operation takes about 5 minutes. It involves calibrating the profilometer signal using an indent with known dimensions. It should be carried out more frequently than the full calibration – CORSICA will prompt this based on both time (4 hours) and temperature fluctuation in the Plastometer electronics enclosure (±2.5°C). The procedure is as follows:

Position the crosshead and place the profilometer calibration sample provided by PLX on the platen. The indent should be located (very approximately) on the indentation axis. If this calibration sample is lost or damaged, please contact Plastometrex at support@plastometrex.com.

  1. Go to Tools>Calibrate>Profilometer. When ready, click ‘Start’.
  2. A dialogue box appears. Enter the calibration sample thickness and the sample indent depth. These values can be found on the calibration sample and sample box. Click on ‘OK’ when this is done.
  3. The indenter housing moves downward until it is close to the sample surface.
  4. The profilometer moves across to the (x, y) location of the indentation axis.
  5. A dialogue box now appears, for positioning of the (x, y) location of the profilometer so that it can scan the indent. This is done via the x- and y-direction arrows within the dialogue box.
  6. Move the profilometer so that it is above the indent – this is done with the appropriate arrows on screen. The profilometer tip should be positioned such that it is aligned with the centre of the indent in the x direction. This should be checked visually, looking through the workspace, as shown in the figure below. When this is lined up close to the centre, use the y control to do the same in the y direction – this is less critical in terms of getting close to the indent, but an attempt should be made to get as close as possible. When this has been completed, click ‘Yes’.
  7. The profilometer carries out a series of scans in the x-y plane, until the location of the centre of the indent has been established (and the depth at that point has been used to calibrate its output). The profilometer returns to its parked position.
  8. A dialogue box appears. Click on ‘Finish’.
  9. Retrieve and store the calibration sample.