SOP for compression testing

Things to note
* Stiffness & Maximum Load under statistical results
* Diameter of compressor
**** Ensure that force do not fluctuate beyond 0.2-0.3N before running the test

1) Turn on the computer and open the software: Lr-Lrx Console

2) Turn on the machine

3) Words will appear on the screen

a. Load Cell Value: ensure that 2500.00N appears on the screen; tally it
against parts of the compressing testing machine. If it tallies, enter A on
the compressing testing machine.
b. Cell Calibration: Ensure that 106.1 appear on the screen; tally it against
parts of the compression testing machine. If it tallies, enter A on the
compression testing machine.

4) Open NEXYGEN software on the computer

a. Click on Insert New Test icon
b. Options window would then pop out
c. Click on general purpose, click next, click on compress to limit test
setup, click finish.

5) Ensure that preload do not fluctuate more than 0.2-0.3N prior to running any test.
In the event that preload fluctuates to a value more than that, turn off the machine
and restart it half hour later.
6) Place gel to be tested on the table and using the faster-arrow button on the
screen, lower the compressor slightly above the surface of the gel.

7) After setting the level of the compressor, click on the Auto Zero button.
Again, check against preload. Ensure that preload does not fluctuate to more
than 0.3N.

8) Click on the play button to start the test.

9) Window with batch reference and sample reference would pop out.
a. Batch reference: Key in the composition of your gel. (e.g.) 2% Agar, 2%
Gelatin
b. Sample reference: Name the samples numerically ; 1-10
c. Click OK after all information have been keyed in.

10) To have a better graph while the test is still running, click on Load and Deflexion
on the left hand side of the computer screen.

11) Once test is completed, graph would then appear. To save the graph, right click
copy and paste into excel sheet.

12) Close the current window and the window with statistical results will appear.

13) Go to File and click Save As. Create a folder under my documents and save.
Note: Name of file should be the composition of gel

14) For all statistical results / graph, go to Edit and Copy information into excel
sheet.
15) To run a new test, click on Insert new test icon and click on Return icon
thereafter.

16) Repeat steps 5 to 14.