November 2021 Newsletter

The Interface LowProfile 1200 is by far the most popular load cell that we offer and has been for decades. It is a staple in most testing labs around the world. There are hundreds of variations to this
load cell product family, in capacities and design.​

MOST POPULAR LOAD CELL

We have recently added 3-Wire Amplified Tension & Compression Load Cells to the 1200 and 1201 model series. The capacities range from 300 lbf to 100K lbf, 2 kN to 445 kN. Interface Model 1200 and 1201 Series 3-Wire Amplified Load Cell Universal or Compression-Only are internally amplified low profile load cells that provide a voltage or mA signal. This eliminates the need for an external signal conditioner. It comes scaled to the load cell and ready to use.

Interface’s 1200 model load cells are best in class. Here are the primary features of the 1200 and 1201 Standard 3-Wire Amplified model:

• Proprietary strain gages
• Eccentric load compensated
• Low deflection
• Shunt calibration
• Tension and compression
• Compact size
• 3-wire internal amp choice of 4-20 mA, ±5V, ±10V, 0-5V, 0-10V

There are options to include a base, which is recommended, as well as custom calibration, multiple bridges, special threads, and dual diaphragm.

CALIBRATION BASICS

Calibration of force and torque sensors is critical to receiving accurate data from measurement testing.  Calibration is the comparison of the instrument’s output against the known standard of measurement. For a load cell, it is the comparison of the load cell output against the standard test loads.

The calibration ensures the sensor is performing accurately and set for ideal output based on the capacity and configuration of the design. A standard calibration tests repeatability and linearity, which are both used to determine the accuracy. Calibration tests are run to identify any potential measurement errors caused by zero offset, non-linearity, hysteresis, non-repeatability, and shifts from zero.  Interface offers a wide variety of calibration grade solutions and equipment.

Calibration is important based on many different factors, including continued performance, safety, and compliance with ISO or industry specific standards. All Interface load cells are calibrated before release and provided a calibration certificate. Interface’s standard recommended calibration interval is to recalibrate every 12 months. Read more in our Calibration 101 post here.

TAKE-AWAYS FROM LATEST MULTI-AXIS + INSTRUMENTATION WEBINAR

Ken Bishop and Keith Skidmore presented useful insights into why there is a growing popularity in utilizing Interface’s 3-Axis and 6-Axis Load Cells for all types of test and measurement applications.  What is the number one reason to use multi-axis sensors?  Data! You can watch the entire Inventive Multi-Axis + Instrumentation Solutions online and read the webinar recap here.

In addition to detailing functionality of Interface’s multi-axis sensors, we provided a thorough overview of advanced instrumentation, mounting plate options, and new force plates. We even threw in some 6-Axis load cell solutions using Raspberry Pi.

In a comprehensive review of the BX8 8-Channel Data Acquisition System and Amplifier and two BSC4 Multi-Channel Bridge Amplifiers, we also introduced a new product that Interface will release this year, the BX6-BT Wireless 6-Axis Data Logger. This new miniature-sized instrumentation has 7-channels with Bluetooth capabilities. Listen to
the conversation about this new product, synchronizing multiple sensors, frequently asked questions, set-up options and more. Watch the event here.

MEASURING THE FORCE AND TORQUE OF TOOLS AND FASTENERS

Interface load cells, torque transducers and instrumentation are commonly used in the test and measurement of different tools and fasteners. Whether testing products or gathering performance data during actual production of various machines and components, the sensor data received in measuring assembly tools and fixtures used in securing nuts, bolts, and screws, is critical in making safe and reliable products.  Here are just two examples of how our customers use Interface products in tool testing.

A manufacturer was working on a test plan that involved taking torque and compression measurements on fasteners with varying joint materials. The system required both high and low sampling rates, in addition to the capability of precisely measuring force and torque simultaneously. See how they utilized Interface’s load washer and torque transducer in this bolt fastening solution.

To perform regular torque testing on a ratchet-type torque wrench while recording data, Interface supplied a model TS15 Square to Flange Reaction Torque Transducer with the INF-USB3 PC Interface Module to accurately perform calibration checks and log results with this wrench torque verification testing solution.

THERE IS ALWAYS MORE

​​​​​​NPS + CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RESULTS – One of the ways we formalize our customer feedback process is through customer satisfaction and Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys. Thank you to everyone that participated. Our new NPS is a resounding +58.

TESTING MACHINES – In test and measurement, one of the most common application for force sensors is industrial-scale testing machines of all kinds. Learn more about testing machines.

AEROSPACE SOLUTIONS – Interface provides more force and torque measurement solutions for structural, fatigue and static testing of aircraft and rockets than any other company in the world. New aerospace solutions brochure is here.