August 2023 Newsletter

Test Stands, Smart Weighing, Wind Energy, Center of Gravity Testing and More

Testing professionals, engineers and metrologists require a load cell test stand to perform accurate and precise measurements. Interface supplies these test and measurement experts with components used in a variety of test stands.

Test stands have various components, such as a base or base plate, columns, a crosshead, and load introduction devices. Interface provides high-accuracy load cells, instrumentation and DAQ systems, software and accessories designed for use in different types of test stands.

TOP CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO TEST STAND SENSORS

The test stand holds an object or device to be subjected to force or torque during a test. The stands should be designed to provide a stable and consistent testing environment. Most test stands today are built to adjust to objects of different sizes and shapes, making it a functional and configurable structure that can adapt from test to test.

Ensure sensors are properly sized for capacity, cycle, and extraneous load considerations.

Multiple bridges are good feature for redundancy and data validation.

Thread adapters and connector protectors must be considered in choosing the sensor for a specific test stand application.

Multi-axis data capture often requires robust instrumentation to take full advantage of the data.

Invest in versatility and ruggedness to maximize return.

Additional Test Stand Options

Programmable speed and force controllers help to regulate the rate at which the load is applied to the product, as well as the maximum force that can be applied during a given test period or cycle.

Data logging instrumentation records the force data for each test. This data can then be used to analyze the results of the test and to ensure that the product meets the required specifications.

Remote monitoring and controls help with test stand use from a remote location. This can be useful to run tests without being physically present at the test stand.

This is a topic we detailed in our Testing Lab Essentials Webinar. You can also learn more about specific test stand use cases in Test Stand Applications for Force and Torque. To discuss the different sensors best used in test stands, be sure to connect with our applications experts. They are ready to answer your questions.

SMART WEIGHING EXPANDS ACROSS ALL INDUSTRIES

Interface load cells are a key part of the advancements in weighing technologies. Breakthrough applications utilizing force sensing for weighing are expanding across industries. No matter the use case, weighing and scales must be trustworthy and always provide accurate information, as outlined in Accuracy Matters for Weighing and Scales. Weighing sensor technologies today are more than a standard measurement device, like these popular Interface products used for weighing applications: Platform Scale Load Cells, Load Shackles, Load Pins and Tension Link and Wireless Link Load Cells, Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cells and WeighCheck™ Load Cells. Interface load cells can measure across a wide range of force, from 0.02 to 2,000k lbf. Get more information about weighing and sensor options in our post: Load Cells for Smarter and More Efficient Weighing.

INTERFACE PROVIDES PTB WITH LOAD CELLS FOR INNOVATIVE WIND ENERGY PROJECT

In our new case study, Interface Supports Incredible Wind Energy Innovation, we showcase how custom Interface load cells were utilized in Germany to develop the world’s largest machine that measures torsional forces related to wind turbines. Interface force measurement sensors were selected by the Federal Republic of Germany Metrology Institute, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), for use in this extraordinary invention. The Interface products are being used to calibrate and test PTB’s torque measurement system, allowing the system to provide accurate and repeatable results over time.

PTB advises the German federal government on all metrology issues and is a departmental research facility and senior authority within the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection. Learn about this remarkable and unique project, and access the new case study, by clicking here. Plus, be sure to also check out Load Cells for Renewable Energy Production and Testing.

PRODUCT DESIGN HOUSES USE INTERFACE PRODUCTS

Interface load cells of various sizes and capacities, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors play a fundamental role throughout the entire product design process, from early stages to customer experience feedback. In fact, many products today actually design force sensors directly into products for automation and monitoring purposes. Here are some of the most common product design use cases for Interface solutions as detailed in Why Product Design Houses Choose Interface:

Concept Development and Prototyping

Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering of Products

Product Validation and Testing

Material Testing and Manufacturing

Packaging and Weighing

Regulatory Compliance and Certification Support

Product Safety Tests

Interface sensor technologies are used every day for product testing to ensure quality performance and consumer safety. Our load cells are used to test various consumer products’ weight, torsion, tension, compression, fatigue, impact, and materials. Read Force Measurement Testing Improves Products And Consumer Safety to learn more.

CENTER OF GRAVITY TESTING IS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE FOR ROBOTS

Testing of inertia, load shifting, and interaction are important in designing robots. Similarly, defining the center of gravity (CoG) for robotic systems’ actions and applications is a critical factor in its stability and performance. The CoG is the point at which the entire weight of the system is evenly distributed. If the CoG is not properly located, the system may be unstable and prone to tipping over, which could damage the robot and create great expense. Read Center of Gravity Testing in Robotics Demands Precision Load
Cells to learn more.

For any robotic application that deploys advanced mobility features, the center of gravity can affect the way the system moves. It can also impact the exactness of its movements. Thus, it is essential to use measurement solutions that are highly precise. See: Advancements in Robotics and Cobots Using Interface Sensors.

RESOURCES, EVENTS AND MORE

CABLE TECH TALK: Be sure to read Understanding Cable Length And Temperature Effects. Consideration of the cable and connectivity are important when selecting any transducer. The length of a cable and temperature can affect accuracy.

NEW EVENT! Interface ForceLeaders Summit 2023 Minneapolis is taking place at the Sheraton West Hotel. There are a few seats left, can you join us in Minnesota on September 26?

NEW GUIDE! Interface launched our new Torque Coupling Guide. Read about the new guide here. Never forget to add your couplings when selecting the torque transducer. Find all guides here.

RECORDED EVENT! We recently hosted a detailed technical discussion about the terms, values and measurement information found on force measurement product datasheets. Access the recorded event here: Demystifying Specifications and read our recap for a quick rundown of the webinar.

WEEKLY LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER! We are publishing a weekly InterfaceIQ newsletter that you can subscribe to on LinkedIn. We published all of August’s new articles this month.

Interface continues to add new products, events, and application examples on our site. If you have questions about any of these offerings and how we might help you with your specific requirements, please reach out. We are here to help you.

Your Interface Team