May 2021 Newsletter

Interface recently hosted an event exclusively focused on torque transducers. With more than 50 different models of these sensors available in our catalog, we wanted to break down the types, specifications, use cases, and frequently asked questions with our experts Randy White and Keith Skidmore. You can watch the entire event, A New Twist on Torque, online.

A Quick Turn on Torque

Throughout the ForceLeaders event, our experts shared important know-how in using the various types of transducers, including rotary, reaction, miniaturized, and even custom-built torque products. 

Reaction sensors, also referred to as static, measure torque without rotating. A rotary sensor, also called dynamic, rotates as part of a system. It is merely a reaction sensor that’s allowed to rotate. And yes, you can customize torque transducers. See all Interface Torque Transducers here.

There are four important considerations related to torque transducer capacity: 1) drive service factors, 2) load service factors, 3) stopping and starting conditions and 4) extraneous loading.

Here are a few more questions we answered during the recorded webinar:

• When do I need to decide on the type of couplings?
• Can I mount a pulley on a torque sensor shaft?
• Can I use the sensor over capacity?
• Can they be repaired if overloaded?
• Can they be environmentally sealed?
• What’s the fastest speed you can use in floating mountings?

For answers to these questions, go here for the recap and link to the recorded webinar.

To review your exact requirements, be sure to reach out to our experienced application engineers to ensure you get the right transducer for your testing needs.

Testing for Reliability and Durability

Interface custom solutions integrate actuators into our proprietary load cells for rigorous use and cycle testing. Cycle testing involves constant force being applied to a component or product over hours, days, and even months. There is increasing frequency for OEMs, product design engineers, and specialized testing labs to integrate actuators into load cells to use in automated testing lines or for products that require continuous feedback while in use.

Actuators are small components that convert energy in a linear moment. Each is designed to create force in different directions and on different axes. Actuators are very important because force measurement is fed back into a control loop and the actuator allows you to accurately control how much force you’re putting on a test article. For example, mobile device manufacturers use a miniature–sized load button load cell like the ConvexBT to test the pressure sensitivity of the touch screen as they go across a test line. Read more
about different use cases here.

An important consideration when selecting a load cell is to understand the potential temperature effect on output. Interface designs and manufactures load cells that are temperature compensated for zero balance. By compensating for zero balance, we can flatten the curve in the relationship between temperature and zero balance. An uncompensated load cell has a much more severe curve, which ultimately affects accuracy and performance.

Interface covers both hot and cold thermal compensation from 15 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, including adjust and verify cycles. If you are concerned about temperature, Interface provides specifications for every load cell available on the product datasheet which is available for download by product. It always includes all the necessary data required to understand the load cell’s ability to perform at the highest level, including compensation range, operating range, effect on zero balance, and effect on span. Learn more here.

New Event Focuses on Instrumentation

Join our team of experts to discuss what’s new in instrumentation. Did you know that Interface offers hundreds of different instrumentation devices and components designed for test and measurement? Keith Skidmore and Ken Bishop will be highlighting different types of instrumentation, tips for set-up, application use cases, and common questions at our next ForceLeaders webinar, Instructional on Instrumentation.  Register today for this live event, Tuesday, June 29 at 9:00 AM Pacific | 12:00 PM Eastern. SAVE YOUR SEAT!

In Case You Missed It!

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS – In the aerospace and defense industry, design and manufacturing are an exact science. Every piece of hardware needs to be built exactly to specification. In our new case study, learn how Interface is helping this highly regulated, complex, and vital industry launch, test, and measure when failure is not an option. Read more.

MOBILE TESTING – We recently highlighted mobile measurement systems that can perform force tests on location, outside a testing lab. This new application note highlights a customizable portable system that can both withstand extreme temperatures and rough environments using a rechargeable battery to go anywhere. Click here to see the complete solution.

FACES OF INTERFACE FEATURING JEFFREY BOYD – We are excited to introduce you to our new team member Jeffrey Boyd. An industry pro and field expert, Jeffrey is working with our customers to ensure they get exactly what they need from Interface. Read more about him here.