3-Axis Load Cells 101

Interface 3-Axis Load Cells are valuable sensors for advanced force measurement in test and measurement applications. These multi-axis sensors are engineered to simultaneously measure forces along three mutually perpendicular axes: X, Y, and Z.

Interface provides a range of multi-axis sensors, including several 3-axis load cells with varying capacities, dimensions, and specifications. Interface’s 3-Axis Load Cells, such as those in the 3A Series, are designed for a wide range of capacities, from 10 N to 500 kN (4.5 lbf to 112K lbf). A key feature is that each axis provides a unique mV/V output, requiring no mathematical manipulation for standard 3-axis force measurements (Fx, Fy, Fz), as each signal directly correlates to a specific measurement direction. This is achieved by combining three single-axis sensors, each with its own full Wheatstone bridge, into a single, compact unit. This design also minimizes eccentric loading effects and crosstalk between axes.

For more complex analyses, some multi-axis sensors, like the 3AFM Series, employ a composite flexure with multiple full Wheatstone bridges. In these cases, all bridges react to applied loads, and individual axis values are calculated via a calibration coefficient matrix. This often requires mathematical processing, which is typically handled by the associated instrumentation.

When selecting a 3-axis load cell, it’s crucial to consider system-level loads and geometry, ensuring the chosen capacity is adequate for both measurement loads and potential peak or extraneous loads. It’s also important to note that relative capacities can vary by direction, so prioritize the primary sensor type for your main load direction.

Why Choose 3-Axis Sensors?

Multi-axis sensors offer significant advantages in test and measurement, including a more complete picture for analysis. The top five reasons to choose a 3-Axis sensor for your project:

#1 – Consolidate measurement signals and save test space. Instead of multiple single-axis sensors, one compact multi-axis sensor can handle the task.

#2 – Measure unwanted system crosstalk. They can quantify forces or moments that might be inadvertently applied in directions other than the primary test axis.

#3 – Quantify reaction loads using multi-axis sensors, which can measure reaction loads through a test article on the “non-measure” side, providing a more comprehensive understanding of force dynamics.

#4 – More data, more understanding, as ultimately, multi-axis sensors provide richer, more comprehensive data, leading to deeper insights into force and torque dynamics.

#5 – Faster results with no mathematical extra administration when using 3-axis force measurements (Fx, Fy, Fz), as each signal directly correlates to a specific measurement direction.

3-Axis Load Cell Specifications and Models

Interface offers a range of 3-axis load cell models, each with distinct specifications tailored to various applications. The types of applications range from measuring robotic balancing to testing aircraft structures. Here are the product series for Interface 3-Axis Load Cells.

3A Series 3-Axis Force Load Cells

The 3A Series measures forces simultaneously in three mutually perpendicular axes (X, Y, and Z), accommodating both tension and compression. Each axis provides a full bridge output and utilizes independent bridges for Fx, Fy, and Fz, requiring no mathematical manipulation. This series is engineered to minimize eccentric loading effects and crosstalk between channels.

• Measurement: Fx, Fy, Fz
• Force Range: 10 N to 500 kN (4.5 lbf to 112K lbf)
• Key Features:
  • 3 independent bridges for Fx, Fy, Fz
  • Compact size
  • Low crosstalk
  • mV/V output
  • Temperature compensated
• IP Ratings (by model):
  • 3A60A – IP65, 3A120: IP66 – 3A160 – IP67, 3A300: IP67 and 3A400 – IP67
• Typical Applications: Aerospace, robotics, automotive, medical research (orthopedics and biomechanical).

 3A40 3-Axis Load Cell

The 3A40 3-Axis Load Cell is a specialized, compact, and lightweight model within the 3A Series, constructed from aluminum alloy. It offers three independent axes (Fx, Fy, Fz) in a small package. Each axis provides a unique mV/V output and requires no mathematical manipulation, and it is designed to minimize eccentric loading effects and crosstalk.

• Measurement: Fx, Fy, Fz
• Force Range: 2 N to 50 N (0.45 lbf to 11.2 lbf)
• Available Capacities: 2 N, 10 N, 20 N, and 50 N
• Key Features:
  • 3 independent bridges for Fx, Fy, Fz
  • Compact size
  • Low crosstalk
  • Lightweight aluminum alloy construction
• IP Rating: IP65
• Typical Applications: Precision force measurement in confined spaces.

 3AFM Series 3-Axis Force and Torque Load Cells

The 3AFM multi-axis series is ideal for inspection tasks in quality assurance and material testing, offering a compact and low-profile design. It features four independently wired strain gauge measuring springs, enabling the calculation of axial force (Fz) and bending moments (Mx and My). Additionally, its design allows for the determination of horizontal forces (Fx and Fy) and bending moments based on the distance of force transmission from the sensor surface, with signal processing simplified by a calibration matrix.

• Measurement: Fz, Mx, My (and can derive Fx, Fy based on force transmission distance)
• Force/Torque Range:
  • Force: 20 N to 5000 N (4.5 lbf to 1124 lbf)
  • Torque: 0.2 Nm to 100 Nm (0.001 lbf-in to 0.57 lbf-in)
• Key Features:
  • Compact and low-profile design (12-14 mm thickness)
  • Four independently wired strain gauge measuring springs
  • Simple calibration matrix for signal processing
  • 70 or 100 mm diameter options
  • Stainless Steel or Aluminum Alloy
• IP Rating: IP66
• Models: 3AFM70, 3AFM110
• Typical Applications: Inspection tasks, quality assurance, material testing.

 3AR Series Round 3-Axis Load Cells

The 3AR Series is well-suited for a variety of industrial and scientific applications, providing simultaneous measurement across three independent axes. These load cells are designed to offer consistent capacity across all three axes and can be customized for varying capacities, higher temperature capabilities, or OEM/private labeling needs.

• Measurement: Fx, Fy, Fz
• Force Range: 5 kN to 1000 kN (1.1K lbf to 224K lbf)
• Key Features:
  • 3 independent bridges for Fx, Fy, Fz
  • Compact size
  • Low crosstalk
  • Temperature compensated
• Optional Enhancements:
  • BSC4A Amplifier for scaled analog outputs for all 3 channels simultaneously
  • BSC4D PC Interface Module for logging, graphing, and displaying data for all 3 channels simultaneously
• Typical Applications: Aerospace, robotics, automotive, medical research (orthopedics and biomechanical), 6-axis force/torque platforms (consisting of 4x 3AR sensors).

 5200XYZ 3-Axis Force Moment Load Cell

The 5200XYZ Multi-Axis Sensor LowProfile load cell is specifically engineered for applications that require the simultaneous measurement of moment loads in addition to axial loads. This capability is crucial for determining the center of gravity or detecting misalignment. Its LowProfile construction ensures very high thrust and moment stiffness.

• Measurement: Thrust (axial force), and moment perpendicular to the thrust axis
• Force/Moment Range:
  • Force: 4.45 kN to 222 kN (1K lbf to 50K lbf)
  • Moment: 45.2 Nm to 2.26K Nm (400 lbf-in to 20K lbf-in)
• Key Features:
  • Simultaneous measurement of thrust and perpendicular moment
  • Thrust axis functions to exact specifications as a Model 1200
  • Very high thrust stiffness
  • Very high moment stiffness due to LowProfile construction
• Models: 5210, 5220
• Typical Applications: Determining the center of gravity (CoG), detecting misalignment, and applications requiring simultaneous force and moment measurement.

Use Cases for 3-Axis Load Cells

Interface’s 3-axis load cells are highly versatile and are employed in a wide array of industrial and scientific applications, including:

• Aerospace for testing components for aircraft and spacecraft.
• Robotics for ensuring safe operation and precise force control in robotic systems and collaborative robots (cobots). Read more.
• Automotive for measuring forces in vehicle components, crash testing, and performance evaluation.
• Medical Research for critical applications in orthopedics and biomechanical studies, such as analyzing joint forces or prosthetic device performance.
• Manufacturing and Automation for measuring forces during mounting, assembling, cutting, or punching operations. Read more.
• Lifting Equipment testing for verifying the safe operation and load capacities of aerial lifts and other lifting machinery. Read more.
• Friction Testing is used to measure friction forces in materials and components accurately. Read more.
• Virtual Reality Product Testing for assessing user interaction and forces while in use.
• Motion Tracking and Navigation Systems for providing critical force feedback for advanced systems.

3-Axis Sensor Systems

Interface provides complete solutions for 3-axis load cell systems. For example, combining advanced 3A series 3-axis load cells and the BSC4 4-Channel Instrumentation. The 3A Series Multi-Axis Sensor captures X, Y, and Z forces with minimal crosstalk. At the same time, the BSC4D offers USB connectivity and data logging capabilities through BlueDAQ software, enabling users to graph and analyze results instantly on a computer. The BSC4A amplifier provides ±10V and 4-20mA outputs for connection to PLCs or data acquisition systems, while the BSC4D PC interface module features BlueDAQ software from Interface for logging, graphing, and displaying data. Learn about how this system works and the components by visiting Interface’s 3A Series 3-Axis Load Cell, BSC4D Multi-Channel Digital PC Interface Instrumentation Multi-Axis Sensor, and Data Acquisition System. These systems enable real-time monitoring and recording of force data, offering valuable insights for design, testing, and quality assurance.

Interface 3-axis load cells deliver a compact, efficient, and highly accurate solution for measuring complex force dynamics, providing a more comprehensive view than single-axis sensors. Explore our standard, high-accuracy 3-axis load cell options to gain deeper insights into your force and torque dynamics in the Interface Multi-Axis Sensor Selection Guide.

Do you have a specific application in mind where you’re considering using a 3-axis load cell, or would you like to explore the specifications of a particular model? Contact us to learn about your options. Get acquainted with the Multi-Axis product line in our Multi-Axis Sensors Product Brochure.