Frazier Schiefer Compressometer (Digital Indicator Model) User Instructions

The Frazier Compressometer

Link to Instructions for Analog Dial Indicator Model

(all models are available with analog dial or digital indicators)

Frazier Schiefer Compressometer - Standards and Test Methods

General Information:

This instrument is used to give an objective measurement of the feel or “hand” of the fabric. It is also used to establish the resiliency (compressibility) and softness of materials.

The compressometer utilizes a calibrated spring and two indicators to effect this measurement. The upper indicator measures the stretch of the spring and directly related to the force applied to the spring and the lower indicator measures the changes in thickness of the material being sampled.

The proper alignment of the two indicators and the spring is critical to operation of the instrument. Any deviation will cause side applied friction to the indicator stem and will result in an erroneous reading of the upper indicator.

The erroneous readings can be eliminated by proper care of the instrument. The principle cause of misalignment is caused by incautious removal of the sample before the presser foot is completely lifted from the sample (ie. snagging the sample on the presser foot). The other cause of misalignment is improper or rough handling of the instrument. If this occurs the instrument should be recalibrated at the manufacture (Frazier Co).

Routine maintenance should be wiping the indicator stems very lightly with very thin (like sewing machine) oil. Excess oil should be wiped off. This will prevent possible rusting.

The upper indicator is permanently set and should never be altered. If is reads other than ’0’ (when the presser foot is installed) when turned on the instrument should be recalibrated.

A simple test of the calibration of the instrument would be to place the instrument with the 1 square inch (1.129 inch dia.) presser foot on the pan of a laboratory balance and if the pressure recorded is (in pounds/ per square inch) is the same as indicated by the calibration chart then the instrument should be in calibration.

The Compressometer can only be recalibrated at Frazier Company.

Check to make sure that the serial number is the same on the following parts:
    1. The serial number stamped on the top of the post.
    2. The serial number stamped on the bottom of the black frame near the post hole.
    3. The serial number on the calibration chart.
    4. The serial number listed on all name plates or any labeling.

When shipping the Compressometer - remove presser foot from head (frame & digital indicatiors) and head from base. Ship base in seperate container from head. Ship the Compressometer Head only in the Special Transport Case.

Only the Compressometer Head (frame & digital indicators) need to be sent back for recalibration. Do not send presser feet or base/post.

Additional Notes:

  • Changes in the settings of the scale of the Upper Digital Indicator or in the mounting of either Digital Indicator will change the calibration values.
  • Values of Lower Indicator can be preset or adjusted to Zero when Presser Foot is brought into contact with the Base Plate or gage blocks.
  • Upper Indicator itself must Never be moved or calibration values will change.
  • Upper Indicator will move to Zero when Presser Foot is attached on bottom stem.
  • When tightening or loosening the Presser Feet, turn only the knurled nut and hold Presser Foot.
  • Never turn or twist stem of Indicator.

    • Additional Cautions:

  • Oil or grease should not be put on the stems of the upper and lower digital indicators and the stems should not be touched with fingers. See note about wiping oil on.
  • Oil, dirt, and perspiration on the surfaces of the stems cause excessive friction of the stems in the bearings.
  • The Compressometer gives best results if the surfaces of the stems are clean and highly polished.

    • Setup and Use:

    1. Read General Instructions and All Notes and Cautions before setting up and using the Compressometer. If any instructions are unclear, please contact Frazier Co.
    2. Remove Base Plate from heavy shipping container.
    3. Place Base Plate on a stable, flat surface.
    4. Carefully remove the Compressometer Head (frame & digital indicators) from the Special Transport Case. Save the Transport Case for future shipping needs including returning head to Frazier Co. for Recalibration.
    5. Check to see that the serial number stamped under the frame near the post hole is the same as on the calibration chart and on the top of the Post of the Base Plate
    6. Slowly and carefully lower the Head onto the Post with Indicators in an upright position.
    7. Tighten knurled hand screws on back of frame into the post with the bottom indicator stem about 7/8" (enough space to carefully slide the presser foot under the stem) above the base plate.
    8. Screw fine adjustment collar ring upward so that about 1/4" of threads are showing. This ring is used to fine adjust the height of the frame on the post.
    9. Move fine adjustment collar up under the frame on the post and tighten knurled hand screw on the collar.
    10. Decide on the appropriate presser foot from the calibration chart for the desired applied pressure.
    11. Carefully hold the presser foot onto the knurled nut (that is attached to the bottom indicator stem) while screwing the knurled nut. (Keep knurled nut loose in presser foot) Never turn or twist the stem of the Indicator. [When removing the presser foot, carefully unscrew the knurled nut while holding the the presser foot. Never turn or twist the stem of the Indicator]
    12. Lower the frame with the fine adjustment collar ring until the presser foot contacts the base plate (anvil) with a slight pressure on foot and then tighten knurled nut finger tight to hold presser foot parallel to base (Remember to only screw finger tight - NO TOOLS) Never turn or twist the stem of the Indicator.
    13. *Adjust the knob up slightly so that the presser foot is not touching anything below. Push the on/clr button on the upper digital indicator. If at any time the upper indicator turns off during use or before starting, then repeat this step. (the upper indicator should read zero when presser foot is not touching anything below)
    14. Adjust the knob so that the travel of the lower digital indicator is near the bottom. Adjust the frame up or down on the post so that the both lower indicator and the upper indicator read zero with the presser foot is barely touching the anvil. (Lower indicator of digital model can be zeroed with on/crl button when presser foot is barely touching the anvil and upper indicator is still reading zero.)(for materials thicker than about 1", a gage block can be used to zero the indicators)
    15. Lock the frame to the post by means of the thumb screws on the frame.
    16. Recheck the indicators -- both should read zero and you are ready to begin.
    17. Be aware that the zero on the upper indicator shows that no pressure is being applied and the zero on the lower indicator shows that there is no thickness being read (the presser foot is flat against the anvil with no pressure being applied).
    18. Raise the presser foot with the adjustment knob and insert the sample.
    19. Make sure the sample is flat & smooth on the anvil.
    20. Lower the presser foot with the adjustment knob onto the sample.
    21. Increase the pressure of the presser foot on the sample until the desired pressure on the sample is reached (as indicated by the upper indicator) according to the test method (standard test methods). The lower indicator thus gives the thickness of the sample under this applied pressure.
    22. To measure the resiliency, start backing off the pressure on the sample very slowly. As soon as the thickness of the sample under the presser foot starts to change as indicated by the lower indicator, read the pressure as shown by the change in the upper indicator. This difference between the thickness at the initial applied load and the load at which the sample starts to go back to its initial thickness is and indication of the sample's resiliency.
    23. When finished raise presser foot to clear sample with at least 1/8" gap and carefully slide out sample.
    24. Remember - Do not snag the sample on the presser foot when removing from anvil - this will result in bending the indicator stems.