Sensors for industrial automation and equipment often perform specific tasks or processes that require custom solutions. With more than 50 years of experience in load cell design and other force measurement solutions, Interface works with manufacturing leaders to design the solutions that will meet solve their industrial automation challenges.
Since 1968, Interface has been the trusted world leader in force measurement solutions. From using miniature load cells to apply the exact force needed to press a design on a candy shell, to verifying accuracy of intricately machined parts using multi-axis sensors, we’ve provided sensors for industrial automation solutions to thousands of customers using in-stock or custom application-specific sensors. All Interface load cells use our proprietary alloy strain gages to produce the most accurate and reliable data possible, even in demanding industrial environments. From net weighing to stamp forcing on candy, we have the perfect solution for your automation system whether its a manufacturing facility, production site, or R&D lab. Our products work well in the bottle and package filling along with cranes, hoists, and stands.
Our products have been used in a manufacturer environment, for a robotic arm in a packaging plant. The customer wanted to measure the force and torque of the arm when it lifts items, and places them down again. They wanted to ensure the robotic arm was in working order to do the job efficiently and correctly. Interface created a custom solution using our 6A40 6-Axis Load Cell, which was installed at the wrist of the robotic arm. The 6A40 was able to measure all forces and torques (Fx, Fʏ, Fz, Mx, Mʏ, Mz). This load cell was connected to our BX8 8-Channel Data Acquisition System and Amplifier with BlueDAQ Software, where results were displayed, logged, and graphed.
Drones are also an upcoming tool of technology that is being used in many different applications. For drones being used in delivering packages, it is necessary to make sure everything is in working condition so packaged goods can be delivered safely and on time. We used our WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cells to measure the weight capacity these drones can take. A small shift or uneven weight distribution is possible when in mid air, and the propeller motors of the drone must be able to compensate for it. The WMC’s are installed at the gear legs of the drone, and the drone’s processor. It was able to detect the uneven shifts in weight and communicated these results to the customer.
Interface torque transducers are used to measure torque for putting a cap on a bottle capping and for mixing viscosity. Reliable measurements that can be reported to the customers system quickly is our forte.
6-Axis Force Plate Robotic Arm Animatronics Autonomous Robot Dog Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Center of Gravity Testing for Robotics
Cobot Arm
Cobot Palletizer
Cobot Safety Programming Commercial Food Processing
Continuum Robot Testing EduRobots Emotional Support Robots (ESR's) Food Delivery Robot
Frankenstein Joint Control
Friction Testing Industrial Automation
Industrial Robotic Arm Proving Theoretical Cutting Forces of Rotary Ultrasonic Machining
Roboforming
Robotic Arm Robotic Bartender
Robotic Grinding and Polishing
Robotic Manufacturing Disassembly
Robotic Surgery Force Feedback
Search and Rescue Robots Spacecraft Repair Robot Syringe Needle Twist Force Tattoo Robot Water Rescue Robot
Discovering Bending Beam Load Cell Use Cases
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface bending beam load cells are versatile and cost-effective sensors for weighing and force measurement applications. Bending beam load cells can be embedded directly into a product or used in a test lab for analysis and evaluation. Get Interface’s Bending Beam Cheat Sheet to learn key terms and specification information to help in the selection process. Interface bending beams are compact in size and reliable, leading to innovative, data-driven solutions across various industries, from medical to industrial automation.
Assembly Excellence in Manufacturing
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassMeasurement sensor data provides manufacturers with a real-time understanding of assembly processes such as job batching, mating, fastening, sorting, and weighing for quality control and efficiency management. Interface load cells, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors used in manufacturing assembly processes ensure the correct force, weight, and pressure are applied at every step of advanced production lines, whether by human or robotic deployment.
Examining Round and Square Multi-Axis Sensors
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassTwo common shapes for Interface multi-axis load cells are round and square. Square multi-axis load cells have a cuboid or block-like shape. This geometry often simplifies mounting and alignment. Round multi-axis load cells have a cylindrical or disc-like shape. This model design is a compact, low-profile form factor, which can be crucial in space-constrained applications. Interface 2-axis, 3-axis, 6-axis, and axial torsion load cells deliver high-accuracy measurements for advanced requirements of more data than a single-axis load cell.
Unidirectional Advantage of Compression-Only Load Cells
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface compression-only load cells are utilized in test and measurement applications for enhanced performance, quality, and reliability in single-axis compression scenarios. The deformation of the strain gage provides measurement data. The design offers a more stable output and a higher resistance to off-axis loading, which can significantly reduce measurement uncertainty. Interface Tech Talk answers the unidirectional advantages of using compression-only load cells.
Moment Compensation Relevance for Aerospace, Robotics, and Structural Testing
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassMoment compensation is a fundamental engineering principle that ensures stability and accuracy by counteracting unwanted forces. Industries like aerospace, robotics, material and structural testing know precision is non-negotiable. At Interface, the moment compensation principle is a core part of our load cell design best practices, making our force measurement solutions a decisive component in some of the world’s most demanding applications.
X-Y-Z Robots and Multi-Axis Sensors are Advancing Automation
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassX-Y-Z robots offer exceptional mechanical precision and rigidity for movement, and Interface multi-axis load cells provide real-time sensory input about force and torque. The powerful combination of the inherent mechanical precision and rigidity of X-Y-Z robots with the tactile intelligence provided by load cells represents a significant leap forward in industrial automation.
Manufacturing Interface Load Cells in the USA Represents Quality and Value
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface’s force measurement solutions embody precision and reliability, bearing the “MFG IN USA” label. This label is a beacon of quality, trust, and enduring value, guaranteed by Interface. Interface manufacturing headquarters are in the USA, based in Scottsdale, Arizona. The company began in Arizona and boasts a 57-year legacy as a women-owned global leader in sensor technology.
How Precision Sensors are Driving the Robotic Revolution
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface measurement sensor technologies provide crucial data that enables robots to function correctly in various environments. Load cells, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors act as the sense of touch, quality controller, articulation master, and fail-safe robot monitors in robotics. From industrial arms to mobile autonomous robots, Interface sensors are fundamental in design, test, and performance monitoring.
Load Cells are The Force Multiplier in Precision Gripping Applications
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface load cells measure the applied force of grips used in robotics, industrial machines, medical devices, aerospace and drone applications, lifting, and research. Sensors must be selected based on capacity, size constraints, environmental conditions, and measurement requirements. Interface load cells measure the applied force of grips used in robotics, industrial machines, medical devices, aerospace and drone applications, lifting, and research. Sensors must be selected based on capacity, size constraints, environmental conditions, and measurement requirements. Learn about our gripping measurement products, including multi-axis sensors, miniature load cells, buttons, S-type load cells, low profiles, and wireless sensors.
Test and Measurement in the Autonomous Era
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassThe future of autonomous vehicles depends on rigorous testing and measurement. Interface, a leader in force and torque measurement, is at the forefront of enabling this autonomous revolution. We have provided high-accuracy sensors and instrumentation to automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturers for decades. As autonomy integrates into these fields, Interface is uniquely positioned to support the complex testing needs of next-generation vehicles for use across land, sea, and air.