CHATILLON DFE Series Digital Force Gauge

The CHATILLON® DFE Series marks a new era in digital force measurement. This compact, easy-to-use force gauge is designed for economy applications without compromising functionality. It is ideal for handheld applications. The DFE is available with capacities from 2 lbf (10 N) to 500 lbf (2500 N). The DFE features an integral loadcell with a measurement accuracy of better than 0.25% full scale. A large, easy-to-read, high resolution dot matrix LCD display supports a variety of standard gauge functions including normal and peak readings, high/low limits, setpoints, pass/fail results, statistical results, loadcell actuation and direction. Loads are displayed in ozf, gf, lbf, kgf and N units. The display can be inverted and displayed results may be "hidden" from the operator. The DFE gauge may be specified with or without RS232 serial communication. All DFE Series force gauges come with a carrying case, battery adapter/charger, testing accessories and NIST Certificate of Calibration with data.

Features

  • Two Models and Seven Capacities Each
    • DFE Series (No Outputs)
    • E-DFE Series (With Digital and Analog Outputs)
  • Advanced Operating Modes
    • Normal
    • Peak Tension and Compression
    • Load Limits
    • Pass-Fail Limits
  • Statistical Calculations
    • Mean with Maximum and Minimum Values
    • Coefficient of Variation with Mean and Standard Deviation
    • Standard Deviation with Variance and Mean
    • % Differentiation
  • Integral Loadcells
    • Accuracy ±0.25% Full Scale
    • Mechanical Overload Protection to 150% Full Scale
  • Simple Operator Interface
    • High Resolution Display
    • Menus, Prompts and Function Keys for Easy Use
  • Optional Outputs (Standard on E-DFE Models)
    • RS232 Serial Data
    • Mitutoyo Digimatic
    • ±2Vdc Analog
  • NIST Calibration Certificate with Data
    • Available IEC/ISO17025 Cert with Uncertainty
  • 2 Year Warranty

Easy-to-Read Display

A large, easy-to-read 128 x 64 dot matrix display can display up to 8 lines of information. The high resolution display features contrast adjustments and can be inverted when required. The display can even be "hidden" at the press of a button. A load bargraph indicates load direction, measured load and safe load and helps prevent overloads. The integral loadcells feature mechanical overload protection at 150% Full Scale.

Single Touch Operation

The rubber keypad features dedicated and dynamic function keys. The function keys correspond to displayed options and guide the user during operation. A navigation pod lets you navigate through the menus and to scroll and change values quickly. The innovative "i" key can be used to display critical information on the gauge such as gauge capacity and resolution, battery life remaining, loadcell overload history, even service information including last calibration date, or the location of service centers.

Dependable Measurements

The DF Series features an integral loadcell sensor that delivers repeatable, accurate results. The innovative load bargraph shows dynamic load, direction of load and warns you of pending overload conditions. Smart technology in the gauge even keeps track of overload history to aide in maintenance and troubleshooting.

Comprehensive Results

The DF Series supplies you with comprehensive results that are easy to view and understand. The gauge displays:

  • Measured Result with Units
  • Operating Mode
  • Pass-Fail Result
  • High and Low Load Results
  • Saved Results
  • Statistical Calculations
    • Average with MIN and MAX Results
    • Cv with Average and Standard Deviation
    • % Differentiation between Successive Results
    • Standard Deviation based on Total Population or (n-1)

Outputs

The E-DFE Series comes standard with digital and analog outputs. RS232 outputs are supported with baud rates from 9600 to 115,600. Simply select the baud rate and whether or not you want to gauge to transmit with or without units. You may select the Mitutoyo output when communicating with a Mitutoyo device. Or, you may use the ±2V analog output to drive alarms or other ancillary devices.

Validated Calibration

The DF Series comes standard with a Certificate of Calibration with data certified to NIST. Calibration Certificates with uncertainty calculations are also offered since AMETEK is an ISO17025 accredited manufacturer.

Calibrate and Verify Status

The DFE Series incorporates flash memory and hosts a set of self-diagnostic functions for monitoring the display, keypad and electronics. Using the "i" key, you have immediate access to battery conditions, including estimated battery life remaining. You can also view loadcell status, including the number of overloads that have been applied to the gauge. Zero offset verification is standard and a step-by-step calibration procedure is built-in allowing you to calibrate your DFE gauge with certified standards.

High & Low Load or Pass-Fail Limits

The DFE Series may be configured with High and Low Load Limits or Pass-Fail Limits. Load limits allow you to establish setpoints for your testing. If the gauge exceeds a setpoint value, the gauge can provide a visual and audible alarm. You can also setup the gauge to operate as a pass-fail system. You can setup a pass-fail limit based on a limit range or on a nominal value with a % bandwidth. Based on your setup, the gauge will provide you with a Pass-Fail indication.

Advanced Testing with Statistics

The DFE Series operates in Normal and Peak modes. When peak operation is required, the display will indicate the peak reading and direction. Load values may be displayed in ozf, gf, lbf, kgf or N values.

Your DFE force gauge can store up to 10 test results in memory. Results may be viewed, cleared and used to calculate statistics. The gauge will display the number of results stored and will alert you when the memory is full.

  • Calculate Mean and also show you the MAX and MIN values for your calculation
  • Coefficient of Variation is calculated and displayed with the Mean and Standard Deviation value
  • Standard Deviation is calculated and displayed with the Mean and the Variance value. User may specify Total Population or Sample (n-1)
  • Calculate and display % Difference between consecutive test results

Simplified Setup

Menus and intelligent prompts make gauge setup fast and easy. Gauge options are presented in a "List Format". Using the navigation pod and function keys, you simply select the functions and parameters required. The gauge will guide you through the setup process. Default settings are provided and a "Quick Reset" allows you to re-establish defaults with a single key press. If your gauge features digital outputs, you can print your gauge setup parameters for record archiving or use it as a setup template for other DFE force gauges in your plant.

Personal Computer Integration

The E-DFE gauge features digital and analog outputs. RS-232 for integration with our NEXYGEN™ software and a Mitutoyo Digimatic output is available. The gauge will also supply an analog output of ±2Vdc. Use NEXYGEN software for data acquisition, graphical load v. time results, analysis and reporting. With NEXYGEN software, store an unlimited number of results for analysis.

Specifications

Accuracy: ±0.25% of full scale
Certification: Calibration with NIST Data, IEC/ISO17025 optional
Data Sampling Rate: 5000 Hz
Peak Capture Rate: 5000 Hz
Display Update Rate: 10 Hz
Tare Capacity: 10% full scale
Overload Protection: 150% full scale
Display Characteristics: High resolution, dot-matrix LCD, 8 lines, 40 characters, adjustable contrast, invert and "hide" capability
Automatic Shut Down: Configurable time. May be disabled.
Data Storage: 10 results, Optional NEXYGEN™ software for unlimited storage and automated testing and analysis
Outputs (E-DFE): RS-232, Mitutoyo (Digimatic) and +2Vdc Analog
Power: Battery or direct AC operation. Universal Power 120V/230V, Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (supplied)
Battery Life: Approximately 30 hours, continuous use. Gauge may be operated with direct AC Power Source.
Instrument Weight: 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg)
Operating Temperature: 40 to 100°F (4 to 38°C)
Warranty: 2 year

Available Models and Accessories

DFE Series Without Outputs

Model ozf gf lbf kgf N
DFE-002 32 x 0.02 1000 x 1 2 x 0.002 1 x 0.001 10 x 0.01
DFE-010 160 x 0.2 5000 x 5 10 x 0.01 5 x 0.005 50 x 0.05
DFE-025 400 x 0.5 10,000 x 10 25 x 0.02 10 x 0.01 110 x 0.1
DFE-050 800 x 0.8 25,000 x 20 50 x 0.05 25 x 0.02 250 x 0.2
DFE-100 1600 x 2 50,000 x 50 100 x 0.1 50 x 0.05 500 x 0.5
DFE-200 -- -- 200 x 0.2 100 x 0.1 1000 x 1
DFE-500 -- -- 550 x 0.5 250 x 0.25 2500 x 2.5

E-DFE Series with RS232, Mitutoyo & Analog Outputs

Model ozf gf lbf kgf N
E-DFE-002 32 x 0.04 1000 x 1 2.2 x 0.002 1 x 0.001 10 x 0.01
E-DFE-010 180 x 0.2 5000 x 5 11 x 0.01 5 x 0.005 50 x 0.05
E-DFE-025 400 x 0.4 11,000 x 11 25 x 0.25 11 x 0.01 110 x 0.1
E-DFE-050 900 x 0.9 25,500 x 25 55 x 0.05 25 x 0.025 250 x 0.25
E-DFE-100 1800 x 2 50,000 x 50 100 x 0.1 50 x 0.05 500 x 0.5
E-DFE-200 -- -- 200 x 0.2 100 x 0.1 1000 x 1
E-DFE-500 -- -- 500 x 0.5 250 x 0.25 2500 x 2.5

E-DFE Muscle Strength Testing Kits

Model Description Accuracy Certification Capacity Thread
K-DFE-200 E-DFE with Medical Accessories
(Large Carrying Case)
±0.25% FS NIST Data 200 x 0.1 lbf 5/16-18M
K-DFE-500 E-DFE with Medical Accessories
(Large Carrying Case)
±0.25% FS NIST Data 500 x 0.1 lbf 5/16-18M

Standard Accessories

Model Description DFE-XXX E-DFE-XXX K-DFE-XXX
SPK-FMG-011A Flat Adapter, #10-32F (100 lbf) Optional Standard NA
SPK-FMG-011B Flat Adapter, 5/16-18F (500 lbf) Optional Standard Optional
SPK-FMG-012A Hook, Stationary, #10-32F (50 lbf) Standard Standard NA
SPK-FMG-012B Hook, Stationary, #10-32F (100 lbf) Standard Standard NA
SPK-FMG-012C Hook, Stationary, 5/16-18F (500 lbf) Standard Standard Optional
NC002500 Hook, with Latch, 5/16-18F (500 lbf) Optional Optional Standard
SPK-FMG-008A Chisel Adapter, #10-32F (100 lbf) Optional Optional NA
SPK-FMG-008B Chisel Adapter, 5/16-18F (500 lbf) Optional Optional Optional
SPK-FMG-009A Point Adapter, #10-32F (100 lbf) Optional Optional NA
SPK-FMG-009B Point Adapter, 5/16-18F (500 lbf) Optional Optional Optional
SPK-FMG-010A Notch Adapter, #10-32F (100 lbf) Optional Optional NA
SPK-FMG-010B Notch Adapter, 5/16-18F (500 lbf) Optional Optional Optional
NC000725 V-Notch Fixture, 1-inch, 5/16-18F (500 lbf) Optional Optional Standard
NC000721 V-Notch Fixture, 5/8-inch, 5/16-18F (500 lbf) Optional Optional Standard
SPK-FMG-013A Extension Rod, #10-32F - #10-32M (100 lbf) Optional Optional NA
SPK-FMG-013B Extension Rod, 5/16-18F - 5/16-18M (500 lbf) Optional Optional Standard
SPK-FMG-142 Curved Compression Fixture,
with Rubber Pad, 5/16-18F
Optional Optional Standard
SPK-FMG-143 Compression Plate, Circular,
with Rubber Pad, 5/16-18F
Optional Optional Standard
SPK-FMG-144 Palm Fixture, 5/16-18F Optional Optional Standard
SPK-FMG-145 Compression Plate, Large Rectangular,
with Rubber Pad, 5/16-18F
Optional Optional Standard
SPK-FMG-146 Compression Plate, Small Rectangular,
with Rubber Pad, 5/16-18F
Optional Optional Standard
NC002844 Grasping Cable Optional Optional Standard
NC000857 Knurled Nut, 5/16-18 Optional Optional Standard
SPK-FMG-141 Pistol Grip Optional Optional Standard
SPK-DF-HANDLE Handle Assembly Optional Optional Standard
SPK-FMG-015 Hex Key Standard Standard Standard
NC002860 DF Series Battery Charger with USA,
UK and EU Plug
Standard Standard Standard
SPK-DF-118 DF Series Carrying Case Standard Standard Standard
NC000850-1 RS232 Cable NA Standard Optional
SPK-FMG-149 Carrying Case, Plastic, Medical Accessories NA NA Standard
NC002867 Software, Nexygen DF Application NA Optional Optional
NC002845 Soft Case Fanny Pack Optional Optional Optional
  Certificate of Calibration with
NIST Data and Uncertainty
Standard Standard Standard

Specialty Kits for E-DFE Series

Model Description
FCEK Functional Capacity Evaluation Kit (Soft Case, Accessories only)
MSCK Muscle Strength Evaluation Kit (Large Case, Accessories only, No cut out for Gauge)
MSCK-Travel Muscle Strength Evaluation Kit (Large Case, Accessories only, Includes cut out for Gauge)

Interface Cables, Adapters and Software

Item Part No. Included
RS232 Cable (6 ft, 2m) SPK-FMG-RS232 Standard
RS232 Cable (10 ft, 3m) NC000850-2 Optional
Mitutoyo Cable, 10-Pin NC000654 Optional
Mitutoyo Cable, RS232 NC000697 Optional
TCM201 Interface Cable ENC0125 Optional
TCD200 Interface Cable NC000647 Optional
RS232-USB Adapter SPK-DF-USB Optional
NEXYGEN-DF Gauge Software NC002867 Optional
Specification SS-FM-3003-1104, November 2004
AMETEK, CHATILLON and NEXYGEN are registered trademarks of AMETEK, Inc.