As the world evolves, so do we. Yet we remain driven by our passion for developing innovative force measurement solutions, designing, manufacturing, and guaranteeing the highest quality performance load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, and related instrumentation available.

Look here for the latest news and media events from Interface, Inc.

2020 Trends in Force Measurement Sensors

Multi-axis wireless load cells and digital technology have changed the face of force sensors.

Keith Skidmore, MAY 18, 2020

Until about 10 years ago, the force test and measurement industry had been fairly unimaginative. It had developed a standard way of building analog load cells, torque transducers and other devices, and it worked for many years. However, as most of the rest of the technological world advanced and big data changed the way engineers and manufacturers work, this age-old force measurement analog technology stood out with no way to improve data collection or make it more efficient. Read more…

The Future of Force Measurement

May 18, 2020

The rise of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) and “Big Data” has had a tremendous impact on almost every industry, including force measurement. Up until about ten years ago, the industry had remained steady and predictable. There was a standard way of building load cells using analog technology that was widely accepted, and they served their purpose well. Read more…

Interface, Inc., Communications Regarding COVID‐19

Scottsdale, AZ – Updated March 30, 2020:  COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE FROM INTERFACE, INC.

Interface, Inc., continues to act, plan and adhere to all requirements related to the spread of the COVID-19. Under Executive Order 2020-18 by the State of Arizona in response to COVID-19, Essential Services and Essential Businesses are to remain open during the stay at home order.  Interface is classified as ‘Essential’ as a manufacturer and part of the supply chain for other essential businesses as defined by the Governor.

We are closely monitoring the updates from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Interface has not been impacted in any significant way by the virus, including no  current disruptions to our supply chain. We are enforcing work safety requirements for the well-being of our team members.

Please read: INTERFACE’S SUSTAINING ROLE IN ARIZONA AND THE GLOBAL BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM DURING COVID-19

Questions should be directed to your representative contacts at Interface. Should the need arise, we will establish a direct contact resource for centralized communication in the future.  Thank you for your trust in Interface and we look forward to our continued partnership.

Greg Adams, CEO at Interface, Inc.

Scottsdale, AZ – March 13, 2020:  READ NEWS UPDATE FROM INTERFACE’S CEO HERE 

Scottsdale, AZ – March 2, 2020: STATEMENT REGARDING COVID-19 FROM INTERFACE CEO GREG ADAMS

To Our Valued Customers:

The Interface team wishes to assure all our business partners that we take seriously the threat of any disruptions that might be caused by the spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus and associated COVID‐19 disease. Although we do not foresee any major disruptions in the immediate future, we are working to mitigate risks, and monitor and communicate with you regarding this rapidly changing environment.

Interface is fortunate that our geographic location, climate and more vertically integrated supply chain make us less susceptible than we might be otherwise. As you may know, we take pride in making the vast majority of our own strain gages and use primarily domestically melted material for flexure manufacture in our own machine shop and local supplier base. We maintain an inventory of raw material and key components in our Arizona factory and have taken steps to bolster some key commodities in the last month. Electronic components are an area of focus, and our supply base has confirmed that as of this writing there are only spot shortages and shipping delays, which we expect to diminish as Asian suppliers’ ramp back up.

There has been only one confirmed case of COVID‐19 in Arizona at this time; however, we are creating a three‐stage containment plan to minimize impacts to production output should the virus become prevalent in the area. Our plan includes a phased approach for training of employees, sanitation measures, critical resource identification and communication.

While no one can fully assess and mitigate the risks in this rapidly developing scenario, we want to re‐iterate that we are cognizant and taking proactive measures to maintain production continuity.

Questions should be directed to your current representative in our Sales organization. Should the need arise, we will establish a contact point for centralized communication in the future. Thank you for your trust in Interface, and we look forward to continued partnership.

Greg Adams
Chief Executive Officer
Interface, Inc.

Download or Print this Press Release

20 Most Promising Energy Tech Solution Providers 2020

ENERGY TECH EDITION, FEBRUARY – 17 – 2020, ISSN 2644-237X, CIOREVIEW.COM

Like every other industry, the energy sector too has witnessed the latest technological trends being implemented into its functioning, making the sector more productive and accountable for energy consumption and energy loss. Although every energy firm and service provider must have an undivided focus on boosting the operational efficiency and gaining huge returns, this still does not translate to diminishing the major business opportunities that may occur in the energy market. An insight into one of PwC’s reports centered on energy says, enterprises must double down on digitization to drive efficiencies and open up new opportunities in the energy sector.

One of the windows of possibilities is opened by the industrial internet of things (IIoT) Companies understand that the use of IoT devices transform multiple business operations as IoT not only connects machines and appliances, but also allows for enhanced connectivity across drilling rigs, refineries, pipelines, and grids. Such a connection optimizes performance and minimizes downtime while improving the health, safety, and environmental performance management. Energy companies can adopt the multifold benefits delivered by IIoT to ensure that they are on par with the fluctuating energy market.

Energy storage is yet another disruptor that is seeing a widespread acceptance and adoption among enterprises working in the energy industry. Coupled with Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), energy storage is all set to offer a consistent flow of energy at prices that are lower than the cost that is being currently paid by the users. Furthermore, energy storage is also immune to pulls and pushes of power demands as time and the market shift. Low-cost energy options, such as devices powered by solar energy or renewable materials are undoubtedly being favored upon choices that have been used until now—coal and natural gas-based energy products. Multiple energy solutions and service providers are now turning their attention toward such techniques.

Speaking of energy options, renewable energy is steadily gaining traction and has become widely popular among various nations in the world over the last couple of years. To prevent and revert the catastrophic results of climate change, countries across the globe are heavily pressing on the use of renewable energy. IT giants have recently made a list of companies that are setting up their own solar and wind farms to promote green, cost-saving, and greater control over energy requirements.

One of the major shifts in the energy sector is brought by digitization that has transformed the operations across the value chain. Digitization has brought forth the use of decentralized networks of intelligent, agile and self-serve units to redefine the energy generation and revamp the balance and diagnose demand. Additionally, intelligent automation by using the internet of things (IoT) along with artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) are increasing the efficacy for responsiveness to the user demands and costs. Energy service providers have not left any stone unturned in ensuring that their offerings are aligned with the digital revolution that has swept the energy sector.

This edition of CIOReview has compiled a list of 20 Most Promising Energy Tech Solution and Service Providers of 2020 that are delivering unmatched services and solutions to the enterprises.

Interface

Bringing Accuracy to Force Measurement

It was just another day for a petroleum company that was performing an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in one of their oilfields. However, the extraction procedure came to a halt when the field manager realized that the reading from their tool string weight indicator was no longer accurate. They needed a downhole force measurement solution that could be trusted for their highly deviated wells.

This is where AZ-based Interface came to their rescue. With the expertise of building the highest quality precision load cell and torque transducers, Interface helped the petroleum company with a custom force measurement solution specially developed for the harsh conditions downhole that can withstand up to 30,000 psi and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Interface, the inventors of LowProfile™ load cells, utilized industry-leading engineers, proprietary technology and strain gage manufacturing expertise for the project, who understand the requirements needed to get the most accurate readings for energy industry demanding environments.

Such problem-solving capability defines Interface, who has been carving successful stories like this for the last half-century since its establishment in 1968. “Today, we are a thriving world leader in designing and manufacturing force measurement solutions. We pride ourselves on making sizable contributions to oil, gas, wind, coal, and several other emerging energy markets,” says Brian Peters, the U.S. sales director at Interface.

As a veteran in the energy sector himself, Peters notes that he has observed a tremendous shift over the years in the way companies retrieve oil and natural gases. “The trend has moved from vertical drilling to horizontal oil extraction, which has made topside measurement tools and solutions inadequate.” Interface leverages its high precision and reliable downhole force measurement solution to assist oil companies in navigating through this transition seamlessly. The solutions include tools for pump-down and perforating operations that can help Interface’s clients to monitor the amount of force being applied during the procedure of oil recovery. These solutions have not only helped Interface always strive toward achieving high-end performance and accuracy of results but also reduce the overall cost and risk of its clients associated to new innovations and product testing. “Anchoring strongly on our values of efficiency and innovation, we make sure our clients receive a solution that fits their needs, specifications, and budget completely,” mentions Peters. To accomplish this feat, the company incorporates customer-specific design requirements and tailors customized solutions that can integrate easily with their client’s existing tool systems if need be. Then, Interface delivers its products with detailed test reports that certify the design performance and provide further customizing abilities.

“Today, Interface has a pool of 32000 products to offer across the globe, which includes standard test and measurement tools, custom designs, as well as OEM force measurement solutions.”

Today, Interface has a pool of more than 32,000 force measurement products to offer globally, which includes standard test and measurement tools, custom designs as well as OEM force measurement solutions. The company is also currently integrating their force measurement products with other manufacturer’s solutions and selling those to the gas industry for precision and accurate measurement. Alongside, Interface is working toward providing solutions for aerospace, industrial automation, medical, consumer products, and test and measurement sectors. Owing to its 52 years of glorious existence, the company’s reach has expanded massively, and have partnered with many leading Fortune 100 companies.

Moving forward, Interface intends to contribute more deeply in the energy sector by bringing forth more cost-effective and durable force measurement solutions in the market. “We plan on introducing wireless capability into most of our solutions to focus on the issue of expensive cable damage and cable routing for topside instrumentation,” says Peters. Above all, Interface wants to continue growing its roots globally as a trusted technology provider and explore the various technological revelations that are shaping the energy tech domain.

Download or Print this Article

INTERFACE, INC., NAMES GREG ADAMS AS CEO

Scottsdale, AZ- January 27, 2020 – Interface, Inc., the leader in force measurement solutions today announced the appointment of Greg Adams to the position of chief executive officer. As CEO, Adams will be responsible for driving growth for Interface across key served and targeted market segments.

Cathy Caris and Sherry Cowan, co-owners whose father founded Interface, announced to the employees today of the change.

“We are very proud of what Interface has accomplished over its 50 plus year history,” commented Caris and Cowan. “In the past few years, we have made progress on several important fronts deepening our operational bench and new product development. We are confident that this work provides a foundation for Interface to begin optimizing to its full potential. The company is fortunate to have Greg as its new CEO and is looking forward to beginning the new fiscal year under his leadership.”

This appointment follows the departure of Joel Strom who has served as CEO for the past four years.

“We thank Joel for his years of hard work and contribution to progress at Interface,” commented Caris and Cowan. “We wish him the best in future endeavors.”

Adams joins Interface from MGS Mfg Group where he served as chief executive officer. During his tenure, MGS attained record results while solidifying its position in key healthcare and precision industrial segments. Prior to MGS, he served as CEO of Tenere Inc, which roughly doubled in size through organic growth, expansion to Mexico and several tuck-in acquisitions. Adams joined Tenere from Nypro Inc., which was one of the country’s largest employee-owned manufacturers. He served in several executive roles at Nypro over 15 years, including regional general manager, chief technology officer, and most recently, senior vice president and chief financial officer, and member of the board of directors.

Prior to Nypro, Adams was an executive vice president at LDM Technologies, having joined through the acquisition of Huron Plastics Group. He also was director of marketing for Bundy Intentional and was manager of the Financial Services Group at Ernst & Whinney, now Ernst & Young. He received a B. A in Economics from Michigan State University; an M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan.

“I am excited to join Interface, an industry leader for over 50 years with innovation, quality and customer service at its core,” said Adams. “The company has tremendous opportunities, and I look forward to working on the next phase of Interface’s success.”

About Interface, Inc.
Interface is the world’s trusted leader in technology, design and manufacturing of force measurement solutions. Our clients include a “who’s who” of the aerospace, automotive and vehicle, medical device, energy, industrial manufacturing, test and measurement industries. Interface engineers around the world are empowered to create high-level tools and solutions that deliver consistent, high-quality performance. These products include load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, wireless telemetry, instrumentation and calibration equipment. Interface, Inc., was founded in 1968 and is a U.S.-based woman-owned technology manufacturing company headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information, please visit https://www.interfaceforce.com.

Interface Bluetooth Telemetry System Provides Measurements Viewable on Mobile Platforms

The new Interface Bluetooth Telemetry System features a free iOS and Android app to allow users to view data from multiple sensors in real-time on a smartphone or tablet.

Providing its customers with a more accessible solution for viewing and downloading force measurement data, Interface has introduced its new Bluetooth^® Telemetry System (BTS) solution. At the heart of Interface’s BTS solution is the powerful Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) strain bridge transmitter module that provides access to high-quality measurements on a mobile platform such as a phone or tablet. BTS features high measurement resolution, simple integration into iOS and Android Apps, achievable ranges of up to 90m line of sight, extended battery life and the ability to view data from multiple sensors all at once.

“Interface is well-known in the industry for accuracy, and the BTS combines precision with innovative Bluetooth technology to provide the most user-friendly experience possible. The ability to receive critical data in real-time will greatly improve our customer’s product development efficiency in the digital age.” Joel Strom, CEO at Interface

The BTS features high measurement resolution, which produces a noise-free resolution of 1 in 92,000 counts (16.5 bit) when used with a 3mV/V sensor and 1 in 184,000 counts (17.5 bit) when used with a 6mV/V sensor. The system also allows for advert format and encoding as well as details on connected services to facilitate simple integration of the device within custom apps for OEM applications.

The BTS free iOS and Android apps are available for download and enable users to create dashboards with varying degrees of detail based on application requirements. The BTS sensor data output can be visualized on mobile devices with a variety of digital displays, gages, tanks, and charts. Displayed data can be defined as mathematical expressions consisting of readings from multiple transmitters, functions, and constants. The apps also facilitate Interface’s BTS module configuration and calibration.

The BTS solution continues to showcase the growing line of wireless technologies offered by Interface that are used for accurate force measurement. BTS joins Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System (WTS) in the growing demand by manufacturers and integrators who need flexibility and freedom from the restraints of wired systems. The Interface BTS is available now and details of the solution can be found here.

PRESS RELEASE

Load Cell Accuracy: 5 Factors to Consider

Understanding your project is the first step.

Ken Vining, Jan. 9, 2020

New Bluetooth® Telemetry System Featuring High Quality Measurements Viewable on Mobile Platforms Introduced by Interface

A Free iOS and Android App Allow Users to View Data from Multiple Sensors in Real-Time on a Smartphone or Tablet

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/

Trends in Metrology Explained

July 2, 2019

Trends are not typically something that come to mind when we think about metrology; however, there have been some recent shifts in the industry worth taking note. Although these moves happen slowly over time when they do occur, we are starting to see some significant changes unfold. Read more…

The Next Generation of Torque Measurement Devices, AxialTQ, Announced by Interface at the 2018 Automotive Testing Expo

AxialTQ Redefines the Category of Torque Measurement Systems in Terms of Function, Accuracy Customization and Compatibility

PHOENIX, Oct. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/

Wireless Telemetry System Expanded by Interface the Leader in Force Measurement Solutions

New Modules and Customized Offerings Showcased at 2018 Automotive Testing Expo, October 23-25, Booth #6022C, Novi, Michigan

PHOENIX, Oct. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/

The Next Generation of Torque Measurement Devices, AxialTQ, Announced by Interface at the 2018 Automotive Testing Expo

 AxialTQ Redefines the Category of Torque Measurement Systems in Terms of Function, Accuracy Customization and Compatibility

PHOENIX, October 17, 2018 —To address the demand for a more accurate, reliable, customizable and easy-to-use force measurement device, Interface has introduced the pioneering AxialTQ torque measurement system. At the heart of AxialTQ’s innovation is the rotor and high-precision sensing element technology, which when combined with next-generation electronics, produces industry-leading accuracy. Interface will be demonstrating AxialTQ at the 2018 Automotive Testing Expo in booth #6022C from October 23-25 in Hall B at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI. AxialTQ is specifically designed for the expanding torque measurement needs in the automotive industry, as well as the aerospace and industrial sectors.

“Interface is breaking new ground in several areas with the AxialTQ torque measurement system,” said Jake Shaffer, senior product manager, Interface. “The engineering experience and expertise that went into the development of this product has allowed us to produce an industry-leading system that addresses the most pressing needs in today’s market.”

Unique features of AxialTQ that allow the system to be fully customizable and flexible include its ability to use simultaneous analog and digital outputs to enable real-time control and data collection. Additionally, the flexible capability of the stator and output module mounting offers an infinite number of configurations to meet any application needs.

AxialTQ was developed in direct collaboration with end-users who shared their wish-lists for operational priorities, user interface, design, features, real-world field issues and more. The unique decision to implement an axial gap, as opposed to the industry standard radial gap, means there is minimized concern that the shaft, rotor and stator will make contact, significantly reducing the possibility of damaging the system.

Interface AxialTQ will be available in eight torque capacities and five DIN sizes. In addition, there are three accuracy classes, EX, LX and HX, and the benefits of each class are listed below:

AxialTQ-EX – (Available now)

• Designed to minimize uncertainty while covering a broad array of torque measurement applications.
• An accuracy class of 05, with up to 6mm axial gap and dual analog and digital simultaneous outputs.

AxialTQ-LX – (Available 2019)

• Test a wide range of loads without changing the scale, unlike traditional dual range systems.
• More accurate low torque readings with an accuracy class of 05 from 20 percent to 100 percent full-scale output (FSO).

AxialTQ-HX – (Available 2019)

• Designed for applications that require an accuracy class of 02.
• With the same features as the AxialTQ-EX, the AxialTQ-HX was created for testing facilities and labs that require maximum precision.

AxialTQ comes on the heels of Interface’s celebration of the company’s 50-year anniversary. For more information on Interface and its innovative torque measurement system and force measurement solutions, please visit www.interfaceforce.com/axialtq. 

Wireless Telemetry System Expanded by Interface the Leader in Force Measurement Solutions

New Modules and Customized Offerings Showcased at 2018 Automotive Testing Expo, October 23-25, Booth #6022C, Novi, Michigan

PHOENIX, October 17, 2018 — Providing automotive, aerospace and industrial professionals in need of easy-to-use wireless data communication between a force or torque sensor and a receiver, Interface today announced the expansion of its Wireless Telemetry System (WTS). Interface’s WTS includes sensor transmitters, receivers, displays, accessories and free software, which operates on a standard 2.4 GHz signal, making it FCC compliant.  Interface will be showcasing its WTS featuring the industry’s most integrated sensors, at the 2018 Automotive Testing Expo in booth #6022C from October 23-25 in Hall B at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI.

“We’ve offered our industry-leading WTS for several years, and now we’re thrilled we’ve expanded the system to better serve our customers growing needs,” said Ken Bishop, sales engineering director, Interface. “We’ve added considerably more modules than we’ve had in the past, and in addition to our standard solutions, are now offering custom wireless integrated products to meet unique measurement challenges.”

Interface’s WTS works with torque transducers, load pins, load cells, multi-axis sensors and other inputs with the goal of connecting to a display, PC or the customer’s system.  It wirelessly communicates with different types of receivers including displays, handheld readers, analog outputs, relay modules and computer interfaces for easy configuration of the application. For instance, a standard load cell can be connected to an industrial weighing application, and the WTS will provide power to the sensor and transmit the signal wirelessly to any WTS compatible device. This means that someone can look at the weight measurement on a hand-held display, while someone else is graphing it on a computer.

Interface WTS comes with free software for logging, graphing and mapping to create a multi-purpose, visual representation of the data.

“In addition to the support our experienced sales and engineering teams provide, the convenience and versatility of the WTS has always been important to our customers,” said Ted Larson, director of Product Development, Interface. “WTS eliminates the need for potentially hazardous wires running throughout the plant and reduces installation and maintenance costs.”

me·trol´o·gist®

NCSLI WORLDWIDE NEWS JANUARY 2018

Interface Inc. Gold Standard® Calibration System Load Cell Calibration 101

Jan_Metrologist_2018_48

Jan_Metrologist_2018_49

Jan_Metrologist_2018_50

Print or Download January Metrologist Magazine 2018