FAQs

Do I need an Instron device to calibrate my ELF system?

Question: Do I need an Instron device to calibrate my ELF or WELF?

Answer: No! You can use dead weights and that will work fine. The video calibration tutorial uses one, but it's not necessary.

 

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I have an RMA Number. What do I do?

After your RMA number has been issued, you should have received an email with instructions, which are printed below.

  1. Mark your RMA number clearly in large text on the outside of the package. We are unable to accept packages which do not clearly show the RMA number on the outside of the box.
  2. Inside the package, please include a letter providing your name, your RMA number, your return shipping address, and a brief description of the problem.
  3. Please package the returned product very carefully to prevent damage during transit. We recommend the original box and packing material. If the original packing is not available, we recommend at least one inch of firm padding all the way around the product. The package should be trackable and insured for an appropriate value.
  4. Ship the package to:

Tekscan, Inc.
333 Providence Highway
Norwood, MA 02062

Attention: RMA # RMAxxxxxx (your issued number)

Note: You are responsible for the cost of shipping the product to Tekscan. We will gladly match your shipping method (e.g., Ground, 2-Day, overnight, etc.) for the return shipment back to you. However, please be aware that any local customs charges will not be paid by Tekscan.

If you have any further questions regarding your RMA, please contact Tekscan Technical Support.

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How Do I Obtain an RMA Number?

An RMA number can only be issued by contacting Tekscan Technical Support.

We will help you with the necessary troubleshooting steps. If a product is in need of Tekscan evaluation, the Customer Support team member will issue an RMA number to you.

If you're calling about a unit:

  • Be ready to operate the unit
  • Have the product serial number available
  • Call when the unit is powered and exhibiting the symptom

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What is an RMA number?

RMA is an acronym for Return Material Authorization.

A RMA number is assigned to the service order that is created when a customer requests repair, or service of product believed to be defective. RMA numbers are required for all service and repair work performed by Tekscan, Inc. The RMA number will be provided to the customer after successfully providing the information needed to create the service order.

This FAQ entry details the steps to obtaining an RMA number.

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Can I customize a Tekscan sensor?

Question: Can I customize a Tekscan sensor?

Answer: Yes. If you cannot find a sensor that fits your application needs in our standard selection, we can work with you to custom design and manufacture a sensor. Your sales representative can provide you with additional information.

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Can I purchase only Tekscan sensors?

Question: Can I purchase only Tekscan sensors?

Answer: Tekscan’s patented array or grid sensors are designed to only work with our software and hardware; therefore you cannot simply purchase the sensors unless you own a Tekscan system. We offer single element force sensors that can be purchased without our electronics and software.

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How do I clean Tekscan sensors?

Question: How do I clean Tekscan sensors?

Answer: You can wipe our sensors clean with alcohol or water.

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Can Tekscan sensors be cut or trimmed?

Question: Can Tekscan sensors be cut or trimmed?

Answer: Yes, some of our sensors can be cut or trimmed to smaller sizes or shapes, or even punctured for secure placement, such as the model 7800 pressure sensor designed to be sized for custom embedding in battery placements.

For example, this is one of the most important advantages of our in-shoe F-Scan™ sensor, which can be trimmed to fit any shoe size up to a men’s size 14.

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How fast does the developed color of Prescale fade and what is the best way to keep the measured Prescale from being deteriorated?

Question: How fast does the developed color of Prescale fade and what is the best way to keep the measured Prescale from being deteriorated?

Answer: Ultraviolet rays accelerate the fading process of the color. Therefore, please protect the Prescale from ultraviolet rays by keeping it in a file and storing the file in a cabinet. The color will gradually fade even when storing the film in this manner. It is recommended that you measure the pressure values with a pressure measurement system within 60 minutes of applying the pressure and that you keep the data in digital form for reference.

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How fast is the Prescale System's minimum measurable pressure application speed?

Question: How fast is the Prescale System's minimum measurable pressure application speed?

Answer: The minimum measurable pressure application speed is 1 msec. At faster rates, accurate data cannot be guaranteed since microcapsules and color-developing material would absorb the pressure. As for the slowest speed, there's no limit unless pressure is repeatedly applied.

Correlation between pressure and micro-capsules

Micro-capsules in varying sizes and wall strength are used for Prescale. The size of the micro-capsule and the strength of its wall correlate with pressure. Large micro-capsules and micro-capsules with thin walls are broken by low pressure and small micro-capsules and micro-capsules with thick walls are broken by high pressure. The size of individual micro-capsules varies but starts as small as several µm. Small micro-capsules are coated on the Prescale to measure high pressure, and large micro-capsules are coated on the Prescale to measure low pressure.

Correlation between color density and micro-capsules

The volume of color forming material in micro-capsules and color developing material determines the color density.

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