Interface Measurement Solutions for Industry Testing Labs

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In today’s demanding world of engineering and manufacturing, rigorous testing is non-negotiable. From the vehicles we drive to the aircraft that soar overhead, the precision measurement of force, torque, and weight is the bedrock of product quality, safety, and performance.

Selecting standard equipment for any test and measurement lab involves more than choosing the right transducer. It’s essential to consider the entire testing ecosystem. This includes evaluating the mechanical connection and how the load will be applied to ensure accurate force transfer. Understanding the force magnitude and loading conditions (static or dynamic) will guide your selection process. The cycle count becomes crucial for repeated loading applications to ensure the transducer’s longevity.

Physical constraints may dictate form factor restrictions, limiting the size and shape of the transducer. Environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and potential exposure to liquids, must also be considered.

Finally, consider whether you need to measure force in multiple axes, which will influence the type of transducer required. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a force measurement lab capable of producing accurate, reliable, and repeatable results.

Our webinar, Testing Lab Essentials, explored the fundamental principles of measurement devices used in test labs. It highlighted how these products are used in different industry testing labs.

Automotive Testing Proves Durability and Precision on the Road

The automotive industry operates under demanding safety and performance standards, necessitating robust and reliable testing. Precision measurement is indispensable for everything from individual components to full-vehicle simulations.  Automotive testing labs provide data from high cycle counts using complex equipment and machines integrating load cells into actuation systems.

Interface Products for Automotive and Vehicle Test Labs

High Precision is Required in Aerospace Testing

Aerospace testing is where precision reaches its zenith. The criticality of aerospace applications demands meticulous accuracy and unwavering reliability. Aerospace testing presents unique hurdles, including the need for high channel counts, the ability to withstand extreme environmental conditions ranging from moisture to vacuum, and stringent limitations on form factor. In these labs, data is king. Multi-axis load cells are ideal for measuring forces acting on complex aerospace structures. Low-profile universal load cells offer precise force measurements in constrained environments without compromising design.

Interface Products for Aerospace Testing Labs

Geotechnical and Civil Testing for Confirming Structural Integrity

Geotechnical and civil engineering rely heavily on testing to guarantee the stability and safety of structures and materials, from bridges to buildings to the very ground beneath our feet. Testing labs for infrastructure projects and heavy machinery must contend with environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations, IP-rated exposures, and the need to integrate measurement devices into large-scale structures.

Interface Products for Geotechnical and Civil Testing Labs

  • Load Pins, Tension Links, and Load Shackles are IP-rated and can withstand submersion. These specialized, ruggedized sensors enable accurate force and weight measurements in challenging environments. They are used in testing labs to identify the exact measurement requirements for structural integration and continuous monitoring.  The capacities range from small lbs force to millions of lbs force and weight measurement. Check out Load Pins, Tension Links, and Shackles for more information.
  • Column load cells, like the 2161 High Capacity Column Compression Only Load Cell, are designed for heavy lifting. They offer very high capacity in a compact form factor, perfect for testing concrete and other robust material tests in the lab.
  • Torque transducers are important for various equipment tests. The 5330 Hollow Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer is designed for applications requiring high torsional stiffness, ensuring accurate measurements even under significant loads.

 Medical Device Testing Aids in Patient Safety and Compliance

Medical device testing is a high-stakes field where precision and adherence to strict regulatory standards are paramount to patient safety. Testing in these labs often involves low-capacity measurements, high cycle counts to assess durability, and the need for biocompatible materials. The small size of many medical devices requires miniature load cells to measure forces accurately without interfering with device functionality.

Interface Products for Medical Device Testing Labs

  • S-type miniature load cells are frequently found in medical and healthcare test labs. Our SuperSC S-Type Miniature Load Cell is a tiny but powerful load cell that provides precise force measurements in compact medical devices. It’s about the size of a quarter, so it’s easy to integrate into existing equipment. The SMTM Micro S-Type Load Cell delivers accurate measurements in an incredibly compact package.
  • Miniature beam load cells are popular and powerful measurement devices in medical device testing labs. The MB Miniature Beam Load Cell can fit into devices with limited space yet provides high-accuracy measurement through continuous monitoring and performance testing. There is also an MBI Overload Protected Miniature Beam Load Cell for high cycle count tests.

Calibration Standards are the Foundation of Accuracy in All Test Labs

Calibration standards provide the reference points against which all measurements are compared, ensuring traceability and reliability across all industries and testing scenarios. Using uncalibrated equipment can lead to significant errors, jeopardizing product quality, safety, and reputation. Regular calibration is essential for maintaining the accuracy of your measurement devices and ensuring the integrity of your testing processes.

Selecting the right measurement devices is paramount for achieving accurate and reliable test results, regardless of your industry. Interface offers a comprehensive portfolio of force, torque, and weight measurement solutions, meticulously engineered to address the unique challenges of each application. Our expertise spans various industries, and we are committed to providing tailored solutions that meet your specific testing requirements.  Use Interface Selection Guides to find the right sensors, calibration equipment, accessories, and instrumentation for your lab. Consult with our Application Engineers if you have specific requirements or are looking for an engineered-to-order solution.

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