February 2023 Newsletter

Exploring the Smaller Side of Force Measurement

Interface introduced the world’s first low profile load cell in 1968. It was not long after that demands for smaller measurement devices grew. By 1974, Interface started engineering and building high-accuracy miniature load cells for use in applications for light touch, light weight, and less space.

Today, we offer numerous form factors of Interface Mini Load Cells and Torque Transducers in multitudes of capacities, configurations and options. In fact, Interface manufactures tens of thousands of miniature load cells every year to meet the needs of our OEM customers and those that simply need a small load cell to fit into a confined space. Find out more in our Interface Mini Product Overview.

POPULAR INTERFACE MINI PRODUCTS

Miniature load cells provide exceedingly accurate measurements like our full-size load cells with proprietary alloy strain gages. To explore these types of products, use cases and tips for applications in greater detail, we recently hosted our ForceLeaders event, Taking Measure of Miniature Load Cells. If you missed the event, watch the recorded seminar here to learn about popular Interface Mini™ standard products, engineered to order
options, and custom minis, including:

MB Miniature Beam Load Cell low capacity mini that is available in standard capacities of 5 to 250 lbf.

ULC Ultra Low Capacity Load Cell is overload protected and ideal for measuring a few grams to 2 N lbf.

WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cell is sealed and environmentally protected available in capacities ranging from 5 to 500 lbf.

LBM Compression Load Button Load Cell stainless steel load cell comes in standard capacities ranging from 25 to 50K lbf.

LW General Purpose Load Washer stainless steel through hole load cell available in standard capacities of 5 to 100K lbf.

SMA Miniature S-Type Load Cell has an exceptionally low height and comes in capacities ranging from 15 to 200 lbf.

ADVANTAGES OF INTERFACE MINIATURE LOAD CELLS

#1: Small Physical Form Factor Dimension Advantage: The compact size of miniature load cells allows them to be used in tight spaces and confined areas where larger load cells do not fit.

#2 High Accuracy and Precision Performance Advantage: Miniature load cells are known for their high accuracy, making them ideal for applications that require precise measurements.

#3 Portability Advantage: The small size and lightweight of miniature load cells make them highly portable and suitable for use in a variety of settings, including laboratory and field applications.

#4 Cost-Effective Sensors Advantage: Miniature load cells are less expensive than larger load cells, making them a cost-effective solution for applications that require precise measurements in a small form factor, especially for OEM use cases.

#5 Use Case Versatility Advantage: Miniature load cells are available in a variety of designs, including compression, tension, and shear beam, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

These advantages also apply to our line of Miniature Torque Transducers. Read more about these smaller torque products here.

MEASURABLE RESULTS FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Interface supplies measurement solutions for testing and monitoring consumer products in R&D labs, design houses, manufacturing, and packaging plants. They are used to predict failure and identify design challenges throughout the product life cycle from concept through engineering and testing, to manufacturing and eventually consumption, meeting strict regulatory and product safety requirements.

Our devices are used in the modeling and testing of golf clubs, bicycles, gaming simulation gadgets, robotics, appliances, IoT products, furniture, fitness equipment, home health devices, and numerous OEM products for consumers. These products benefit from Interface’s high accuracy and precision force measurement solutions used to evaluate and monitor functionality, improve, and modernize products. Check out these products and applications in our new consumer products case study.

INTERFACE HELPS TO MODERNIZE MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION LINES

Sensors are the nervous system of an automated production line, telling which machines must perform certain tasks, when, and how. They are a source for smart factories and manufacturing.

Measurement solutions provide accurate data on production parameters such as temperature, speed, pressure, force, and other relevant variables. At Interface, we have a great deal of experience in developing force measurement solutions for industrial automation and manufacturing lines. We highlighted a few of these applications, including press load monitoring and line robotics in our post about how production line engineers use Interface solutions.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW?

NEW QUALITY MAGAZINE FEATURE! In Measuring Force Data in Extreme Conditions, Keith Skidmore expertly highlights how this demand comes with the added requirements for measurement and sensor solutions that can perform in any circumstance. Read here.

NEW WEEKLY NEWSLETTER! We are publishing a weekly InterfaceIQ newsletter that you can subscribe to on LinkedIn. We share insights, tips and helpful test and measurement product information.

NEW PRODUCT VIDEOS! Check out how our multi-axis sensors are used in robotics with our new HecTARE 3-Axis Robot video and a demonstration of the SuperSC and 6-Axis sensor for pedal tests.

NEW 101 SERIES CONTENT! Discover new additions on load cell sensitivity, load proofing, mini torque transducers, data acquisition systems and more in our 101 series. Be sure to follow along and subscribe to our posts.

If you have questions or would like additional help in defining which product meets your precise requirements, contact our applications engineers. They are ready to step in and help.

Your Interface Team