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Bending Beam Load Cell Basics

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Bending beam load cells are a versatile and cost-effective solution for many weighing and force measurement applications. These types of miniature load cells are small in dimension, which makes them ideal solutions for compact testing environments and for embedding into machines or products for continuous performance measurement.

The use of bending beam load cells expands across industries and applications, for weighing scales, medical devices, industrial process controls, robotic designs, packaging machinery and civil engineering projects.

How Bending Beam Load Cells Work

A bending beam load cell converts a force applied to it into an electrical signal by measuring the flexure of the beam. This is done by attaching strain gages to the beam. When the beam bends, the strain gages change their resistance, which is then converted into an electrical signal by a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The output signal is proportional to the applied load.

The bending beam load cell is bolted to a support through the two mounting holes. Under the covers, you can see the large hole bored through the beam. This forms thin sections at the top and bottom surface, which concentrate the forces into the area where Interface’s proprietary strain gages are mounted on the top and bottom faces of the beam. The gages may be mounted on the outside surface, as shown, or inside the large hole.

The compression load is applied at the end opposite from the two mounting holes, usually onto a load button that the user inserts in the loading hole.

MB Miniature Beam Load Cell

MB MINI BEAM LOAD CELL

The Interface Model MB is a miniature beam load cell used in test machines and a variety of low capacity applications.

  • Standard Capacities are 5 to 250 lbf (22.2 N to 1.11 kN)
  • Proprietary Interface temperature compensated strain gages
  • Performance to 0.03%
  • Low height – 0.99 in (25.1 mm)
  • Eccentric load compensated
  • ±0.0008% /˚F – max temperature effect on output
  • Low deflection

MBI Overload Protected Miniature Beam Load Cell

Interface’s Model MBI Overload Protected Miniature Beam Load Cell has better resistance to off-axis loads then other similar load cells and is fatigue rated.

  • Standard capacities from 2 to 10 lbf (10 to 50 N)
  • Proprietary Interface temperature compensated strain gages
  • Performance to 0.03%
  • Low height – 1in max
  • ±0.0008% /˚F – max temperature effect on output
  • 10x overload protection

MBP Overload Protected Miniature Beam Load Cell

Our Model MBP series Mini load cells provide a similar performance to Model MB series with the added safeguard of internal overload protection. This patented overload protection is accomplished via hard stops that are EDM machined into the load cell flexure. This provides a greater overload protection (2.5-10lbf ±1000% of full scale capacity, 100 N ±500% of full scale capacity), giving the user added protection in more severe applications.

  • Standard capacities from 2 to 10 lbf (10 to 50 N)
  • Proprietary Interface temperature compensated strain gages
  • 10x overload protection
  • Low height – 0.99 in (25.1 mm)
  • ±0.0008% /˚F temp. effect on output
  • 5′ Integral Cable (custom lengths available upon request)
  • NIST Traceable Calibration Certificate

MBS Parallelogram Load Cell

The Interface MBS Parallelogram load cell is made of lightweight aluminum construction and highly suitable for medical and robotics applications.

  • Capacities from 2.2 to 10 lbf (9.8 to 44.5 N)
  • Lightweight
  • Nonlinearity error 0.02% FS
  • Ideal for OEM applications

Double Bending Beam Cells

A very useful variation on the bending beam design is achieved by forming two bending beams into one cell. This allows the loading fixtures to be attached at the threaded holes on the center line, between the beams, which makes the sensitive axis pass through the cell on a single line of action.

Bending Beam Load Cell Applications

Material testing is a common application for bending beam load cells. This type of miniature load cell measures the forces applied to materials with a high degree of accuracy to determine stiffness, strength and durability of the specimen.

It is quite common to find bending beam load cells in industrial automation machines and robots to precisely measure the forces required for control, safety and efficiency. In robotics specifically, bending beam load cells will measure the force applied to the robot’s arms and grippers. The data is used to control the robot’s movements and to ensure that it is not damaging the objects it is handling.

Aerospace engineering have long used bending beam load cells in design, testing and manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft. Automotive engineering use bending beam load cells to design and test vehicles for safety and reliability.

Due to Interface’s ability to custom design bending beam solutions that meet strict size, capacity and accuracy requirements, our products are commonly used in medical and healthcare applications.

Bending Beam Application for Medical Device Testing

In this application, the medical device product lab needs to apply known forces to stent and catheters to ensure they pass all necessary strength and flexibility testing. MBP Overload Protected Beam Miniature Load Cell is placed behind the guide wire for the stent or catheter. The motor will spin the linear drive, push the load cell, and guide the wire through the testing maze. The bending beam load cell connects to the DIG-USB PC Interface Module to record and store testing data for analysis. Read more.

Bending Beam Application for Vertical Farming

Vertical farming is the production of produce in a vertical manner using smart technology systems, while indoors using an irrigation system. A wireless force measurement solution is needed to monitor the amount of water being used, to ensure the produce is being watered just the right amount. Interface suggests installing four MBI Overload Protected Miniature Beam Load Cells under each corner of the trays of the produce to accurate measure the weight during watering. A JB104SS 4-Channel Stainless Steel Junction Box connects to each bending beam cell and to a WTS-AM-1E acquisition module. The device wirelessly transmits the sum weight to the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for multiple transmitters, and the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station. Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System monitored and weighed the amount of water being used on the produce in this vertical farming system to increase yield and conversation. Read more here.

Additional Resources

How Do Load Cells Work?

The Basics Of Shear And Bending Beams

Interface Mini™ Load Cell Selection Guide

Introducing Interface Load Cell Selection Guides

The Anatomy Of A Load Cell

Mini Load Cells 101

Load Cell 101 And What You Need To Know

What are IO-Link Load Cells

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Interface continues to see a growing demand for using different communication protocols within our force measurement sensors and instrumentation devices. One of these protocols is IO-Link, which is a standardized communication protocol that enables bidirectional communication between the control system and the connected devices. It is frequently used in the field of industrial automation and IoT.

IO-Link is designed to connect and communicate between sensors, actuators, and other industrial devices with a higher-level control system. It runs over a standard three-wire connection, typically using unshielded industrial cables, and supports point-to-point communication.

Industrial automation and IoT are fundamentally reliant on digital transformation. Industry 4.0 requires the exchange and communication of information between sensor and instrumentation. IO-Link supports this requirement, helping to keep machines and facilities using sensors under control while improving their efficiency and productivity.

IO-Link can be used with load cells in industrial applications to enable enhanced monitoring, control, and diagnostics. Interface now offers customization of our most popular load cells with IO-Link capabilities.

Why Use IO-Link in Test & Measurement

  1. IO-Link is compatible with a wide range of sensors, actuators, and other devices. It provides a standardized interface, allowing easy integration and interchangeability of devices within an automation system.
  2. Real-time monitoring, control, and diagnostics is especially important in test and measurement. IO-Link enables this type of data exchange between devices and the control systems supporting the transmission of measurement data.
  3. IO-Link supports both analog and digital devices, making it versatile for a range of applications.
  4. With IO-Link, devices can be connected using a single cable, reducing the complexity and cost of wiring and simplifying installation and maintenance.
  5. Health and maintenance are important in testing. IO-Link supplies advanced diagnostic capabilities, allowing devices to report their status, health, and detailed diagnostic information. This is valuable for maintenance, troubleshooting, and reducing downtime.

Interface 1200 and 1201 Load Cell IO-Link Features and Benefits

The 1200 and 1201 Series IO-Link Load Cell Universal or Compression-Only are LowProfile load cells that are IO-Link compatible.

  • Proprietary Interface temperature
  • Compensated 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
  • Options include Base (recommended), custom calibration, multiple bridge, special threads and dual diaphragm
  • Accessories include mating connector, mating cable, instrumentation and loading hardware

For a complete datasheet of this product, go to the 1200 and 1201 with IO-Link product page.

IO-Link integration with load cells enhances the functionality and flexibility of weight measurement systems by enabling seamless communication, remote evaluations and diagnostic capabilities. It contributes to more efficient and reliable industrial processes where precise monitoring is necessary.

Weight and force monitoring: By connecting load cells to an IO-Link-enabled system, such as a PLC or a weighing controller, real-time weight data can be transmitted and monitored. The load cells measure the weight or force applied to them, and this information can be instantly communicated to the control system via IO-Link. The control system can then perform tasks such as weight-based control, process optimization, or triggering specific actions based on weight thresholds.

Remote parameterization and calibration: IO-Link allows load cells to be remotely parameterized and calibrated from the control system. Instead of manually adjusting the load cell settings at the device level, the control system can send the necessary configuration commands through the IO-Link interface. This feature simplifies the setup process, saves time, and reduces the risk of errors during calibration.

Performance evaluation and detection: IO-Link provides diagnostic capabilities for load cells, enabling the detection of potential issues or abnormalities. The load cells can send diagnostic information, such as temperature, supply voltage, or fault codes, to the control system through IO-Link. This data can be utilized for predictive maintenance, troubleshooting, or alarming in case of malfunctions.

IO-Link enhances the functionality, flexibility, and efficiency of industrial automation systems by enabling intelligent communication between devices and the control system.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface New Product Releases Summer 2023

Force Sensors Advance Industrial Automation

Interface Weighing Solutions and Complete Systems

Instrumentation Analog Versus Digital Outputs

 

Why Product Design Engineers Choose Interface

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Load cells and torque transducers of all types play a critical role in the test and measurement landscape and are used widely by engineers to qualify product design, ensure safety, prove reliability and durability. Force measurement solutions are being utilized more frequently in original product designs and components today due to the dependencies on force feedback during design, testing, prototyping and for monitoring force in the finished goods.

Interface has been a long-time partner of product design engineers. They utilize our force sensors throughout the design process.  Interface sensor technologies are preferred by product design engineers because of the precision, accuracy, range of options, and quality. Across industries, our load cells and torque transducers are being used as a feature in all types of equipment, industrial solutions and consumer products, large and small.

In search of a solution to a problem, design engineers use our products in every stage of the process.

Ask + Qualify: Often in consultation with our application engineers, they gather key sensor specifications, design features, capacity and capability requirements. This initial step is critical in ensuring the right type of sensor is selected and that it will fit into the test plan.

Planning + Design Files:  As the plan is created by the engineer, they will turn to Interface to gather the datasheet details, along with our design files. Interface has thousands of products and each has their own unique drawing. These are all available on our site by product. If you need help finding a design file, submit CAD requests here.

Prototyping:  Once the plan is committed to and prototyping is the next step, if any of the specifications require a custom or modified design, our engineers will team with the design and test engineer to ensure exact specs meet the final design requirements.

Test + Measurement:  This is where accuracy and quality matter most. The designs are tested and data is gathered to determine if the problem is actually solved.  Often our sensors are paired with instrumentation and other products that are utilized in the lab to validate all the use cases and design specs.  It also provides valuable insights into improvements and modifications, if needed.

Manufacture + Launch:  The final step that Interface can play a significant role is building sensors at scale that are used as embedded components. We work with many OEMs in building unique parts for their product designs.

Product Solution Types for Design Engineers

Interface force measurement products are the preferred solutions for design engineers because of our extensive catalog of products. We offer four product solution types for design engineers:  standard products available on our site, engineered to order products to match a specific use case test, custom solutions that are built to specifications and requirements of the engineer and OEM products that are designed in as a part of a product.  We’ve worked across thousands of applications as noted in our extensive applications catalog and have developed a product list of over 30,000 SKUs to get started in the design process.

Designing Brake Pedals for Gaming

In the gaming world, load cells are extremely popular for racing game pedals to simulate the actual real-world experience. These load cells capture the force of a human foot pressing down on the pedal more accurately in game, especially when you are using products like our Bluetooth Brake Pedal Load Cell.  This specialized load cell is also available in wireless.  Brake pedal design engineers will create a series of tests to ensure that the pedal is performing as intended, and also to ensure that all the use cases are validated with accurate measurement data.  This helps in the final design tests and initial prototyping, as well as full release. Further details on this consumer product application can be found in the Gaming Simulation Brake Pedal App Note. Read more about gaming solutions here.

Designing Tractor Linkage Draft Controls

Farmers need to measure the forces applied on their tractor’s draft control, between the tractor and any linked-on attachments. Measuring the force helps the farmer sense any strains on the hitch of the tractor and will be needed in order to apply any specific settings to the draft control when the tractor encounters rough terrain. As this problem was being solved, the maker shared their requirements with Interface application experts. During the qualification process with the design engineer, Interface suggested the WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pin, which is a wireless load pin that can be installed directly in the hitch and replace the normal shear pin of the tractor. Force results are then transmitted wirelessly to the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station, where they can view the results of the testing via a connected computer. We also provided the WTS toolkit to provide the testing software. The engineer was able to view test results on the WTSBS-1-HS Handheld Display for Single Transmitters in real-time. Using this solution, the design engineer was able to determine the specific draft control settings to assemble with the tractors. They also were able to design in features to make real-time adjustments during the tractor’s use.

Designing Fitness Equipment and Machines

A fitness machine manufacturer wanted multiple load measurement systems for their different fitness machines such as the elliptical, leg press, rowing machine, and the cable machines. The goal of designing sensors into the equipment is to ensure the machines are functioning properly to prevent injuries. The sensors can also be used for trainers who want to conduct strength and endurance tests. Interface provided a combination of products including the WMCFP Overload Protected Sealed Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cell, SSB Sealed Beam Load Cells, and AT103 Axial Torsion Force and Torque Transducers. Paired with Interface’s proper instrumentation, the forces can be measured, graphed, and displayed during the testing stage. Interface’s products all effectively measured forces needed for those working out or undergoing athletic training. Not only did it ensure the designed machines were working properly, but it also helped those using them to track their endurance performance and consider future design enhancements based on consumer use.

These are just a few examples on the industrial and consumer side of how sensors can add critical capabilities to products across the board. Our sensors help to validate, measure, test, prototype and launch new products that are safe, reliable and durable. We’d also like design engineers to understand the wide range of monitoring and real-time sensing capabilities available through Interface. To get started, ask. We are here to help in the product design process.

Additional Resources

OEM Solutions- Turning an Active Component into a Sensor

OEM Brochure

Making the Case for Custom Solutions

 

Embedding Sensors in Products Webinar Recap

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Interface recently hosted a live virtual event, Embedding Sensors in Products, where Brian Peters and Randy White detail the processes, products and uses cases for using Interface load cells, load pins, and torque transducers as a stand-alone sensor solution or a component within a product.

Interface has been providing custom engineered and manufactured solutions for more than 50 years to equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and product engineers to meet unique specifications and requirements.

Interface sensor technologies are frequently being used medical devices, machines and equipment, industrial automation robotics, material extraction and pumps, weighing and monitoring devices, vehicle production and components and more. Building any custom OEM solution to exact specifications is a team sport.  Working together with Interface engineers, we partner with the customer through ever stage: Design, Test, Build and Supply.

The typical uses cases for Interface OEM Solutions include:

  • Products requiring sensor technology components
  • Instrumenting components
  • Utilizing sensors to measure force, weight, or torque
  • Managing test and measurement processes and protocols
  • Precision performance requirements and testing 

The entire recorded Embedding Sensors Event is available to online to watch at your convenience.

The best tip for success is to engage early with Interface. Our experts have the experience and know-how of product capabilities, applications, configurations, and a history of what works and potential risks. When getting started, details matter. Our OEM Applications Engineers will work with you to ensure we have answer to important questions, including: 

  • What are you measuring?
  • Why are you measuring?
  • What signal or connectivity is needed?
  • Measurement range and potential loading conditions
  • Envelope and mechanical integration
  • Environment
  • Calibration – relative vs absolute measurement
  • What are you trying to solve #1?

Be sure to watch the new ForceLeaders event to gain insights into the process, tips for success, industry use cases and the range of products available for embedding sensors into products. There are many products Interface has available that are great options for engineered-to-order and customization. These Interface products include low and high capacity load cells, compression load cells, miniature load cells and load buttons, load pins, s-type and beam load cells, sealed load cells, torque transducers, digital communication devices, multi-axis sensors and more. Several product options are discussed in detail during this informative presentation

You can watch the presentation below, where our experts discuss the following topics:

  • Interface OEM Solutions
  • How to Get Started
  • Dialing in on Specifications and Requirements
  • Process: Design, Test, Build and Supply
  • Common Sensors Used for OEM
  • Trends in OEM 
  • Applications + Uses Cases
  • FAQs

If you have questions about how to get started or need further information about our OEM Solutions, go here. Our experts are ready to help with your exact requirements.  Additional information is also available in our white paper, New Interface White Paper Highlights Turning an Active Component into a Sensor.

Why Machine and Equipment Manufacturers Choose Interface

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For innovators in the equipment and components manufacturing industry, data is everything. Quality data can make the difference between average and high-quality products and every bit of information gathered allows OEMs to make improvements that go a long way in performance and accuracy.

This is especially true in the design, test and evaluation of high-volume manufacturing where an increasing number of companies are implementing automation. To ensure consistent and repeatable quality, it’s important that there are capabilities to constantly gather data to monitor automated systems. If a machine is about to break or needs calibration, an automated system should be able to notify them without any human intervention.

How does an organization get more performance measurement data to improve its manufactured products? The answer we know best is with precision sensors. Sensors of all types, sizes, and shapes are being integrated into a wide variety of machines, equipment, and products to gather analytics that improve design and manufacturing. Interface is proud to contribute to this growing wave of big data requirements through our force and torque sensors.

Force sensors can be used in a number of different applications to help enable automation of certain process and systems. Essentially, force sensors are used as part of a controlled feedback loop. When a force is placed on a part within a product, the sensor can tell an electronic system to make something else happen.

As a simple example, force sensors could be placed inside of a large industrial dumpster outside of a manufacturing plant. When the dumpster nears full capacity, a signal could be sent to an automated compactor within the dumpster to make more space. It could also merely notify a waste management company to come and empty the dumpster.

Interface has worked on a number of what we call “OEM Solutions.” This term basically refers to our products that are typically high volume and have Interface sensor technologies integrated into the design and production. We often custom engineer and engineer these solutions to fit the exact requirements of the innovators and product design teams.

As a end-to-end manufacturer, we build to spec, manage the supply chain of sensors, and inventory for our OEM customers. When engineered-to-order requires thousands of products, they can rely on Interface as a trusted partner. Included below are a few examples of products that we provided our products to advance use, performance and quality. Read more about our custom OEM solutions and capabilities here.

Interface OEM Solution Examples

This first example is the design of force sensors in prosthetic limbs. An Interface force transducer provides feedback from a knee or elbow joint and tell an electric motor to move the limb in certain ways. This would allow someone without an arm or leg to have a wider range of movement and enjoy a variety of new capabilities.

Another example is the use of force sensors in the energy industry. Interface sensors can be used to optimize the process of energy production and extraction. In this scenario, a force sensor measures the rate at which the machine removes the source and provides data that tells the operator the most effective rate for getting the most most volume without overloading the mechanics. Not only does this allow for a more efficient process, it also adds another layer of safety to people and the environment. Interface was selected as the top energy solutions provider.

An interesting consumer packaged goods application example we provided a solution for included multiple Interface SPI Platform Scale Load Cells installed on a machine that filled potato chips into a bag. Force results from the potato chips are read by the load cells and sent to an ISG Isolated DIN Rail Mount Signal Conditioner. The supplier is then able to control the automated production from their command center. Using this solution, the manufacturer can determine the weight of the potato chips being distributed into their bags with highly accurate results – meaning every bag of chips is consistent in the amount of chips and total weight.

These are all examples of OEM solutions that turn data into better efficiency or additional capabilities across three industries, while there are countless other applications for OEM solutions from Interface used in consumer goods, robotics and medical devices. From automation to quality control and safety, force measurement helps manufacturers create better products and better production facilities, resulting in a great customer experience.

Interface has invested a great deal of resources into our manufacturing processes and technologies to serve this market. We’ve improved automation in our facilities to lower costs and work directly with our customers to develop the perfect force sensor for every project that can be produced at volume. Not to mention, our propensity for developing the most accurate force sensors on the market mean high quality data and results every time.

To learn more about our OEM solutions, contact our OEM experts and let us know how we can help!
OEM Brochure Web

Tension Links 101

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A tension link load cell is commonly used in lifting, both for short and long distances, and weighing applications. This type of load cell sensor generally has capacities ranging from 2.2K lbf to 1.1M lbf (5 to 500 metric tons). All tension links are available in custom versions and large capacities based on the customer’s project requirements.

Interface’s Tension Link series is manufactured from high tensile aluminum and stainless steel. Matched to shackle sizes, the load links have a rugged design for uses in harsh environments on the surface and in water. The tension links are environmentally sealed to IP65, IP66 or IP67. There are higher ratings available upon request.

A major benefit of Interface tension links is the option for custom designs in dimensions, ratings and capacities. The tension links are easy to install and are highly accurate.  They are compact in size and light weight. Another benefit is the options available, which include standard, wireless and self-indicating, giving the operator a variety of application use cases for quick measurement readings.  Self-indicating tension links have a built-inaudible alarm, which can be set by the operator to warn when an applied weight or force is met.

Often, customers will integrate the tension links with an Interface Crosby styled load shackle for robust applications that require accurate and reliable force measurement used for lifting, weighing, hoisting or towing apparatus that need sensors for safety and monitoring.

Wireless options are growing in acceptance for all types of uses. Interface provides wireless tension links that are compact and reduce the overall product weight based on the casing used to house the small alkaline batteries, which can be easily accessed by removing the telemetry housing cover while the internal electronics remain completely sealed. The antenna is also internally mounted, protecting it from accidental damage during use and handling, which is ideal for harsh environments.

Watch this discussion to learn more about the wireless features of the Interface Tension Links and Load Shackles.

Interface’s most popular tension links include:

WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell – Designed for lifting applications requiring short or long distances. This product can transmit wirelessly up to 600 meters in distance (clear line of sight) to a handheld display or USB base station. Model WTSTL is available in capacities ranging from 11K lbf to 220K lbf (5 to 100 metric tons). Custom versions and larger capacities are available upon request.

ISITL Self-Indicating Tension Link Load Cell – Manufactured from high tensile aluminum to minimize weight, the ISITL is great for lifting and weighing in rugged or harsh environments.  The self-indication tension link load cell is ideal for mobile use cases.  It is simple to install and is matched to standard shackle sizes. They have a built-in display for applied weight or force in tons, kgs, lbs or kN. Interface can also offer a custom software to meet any specific application requirements for digital display or readouts.

ITL Tension Link Load Cell – This basic tension link can be amplified with 5VDC, 10VDC or 4-20mA Outputs. It can also be made to meet ATEX requirements. Model ITL is available in capacities ranging from 11K lbf to 220K lbf (5 to 100 metric tons). Custom versions and larger capacities can be requested at no additional charge, based on the exact specifications needed by the customer.

To learn more about our wide variety of load pins, load shackles and tension links, please visit www.interfaceforce.com/product-category/load-pins-tension-links-and-load-shackles/.

 

 

Faces of Interface Featuring James Richardson

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Born in Arizona but growing up in the rural area of Cotton City, New Mexico, James Richardson was only exposed to the opportunity of a career in engineering after moving back to Arizona. After graduating as his high school class Salutatorian in 1995, he started college in Eastern Arizona.

He later moved to Mesa in 1999 where he took a job working for his uncle at Dewitt Equipment fixing restaurant and cooking equipment like ovens, fryers and microwaves, and along with refrigeration equipment including air conditioning units, freezers, and ice machines. It was also during this time he learned to braze, solder and TIG weld.

At Dewitt, his on the job training for fixing equipment built up his foundation for engineering. The spark that really kicked it off came on a sweltering Arizona summer day when James was repairing an A/C unit on a restaurant’s loose gravel rooftop. The temperature was so high that the gravel began to sink, melting the soles of his shoes. At this point, James realized he enjoyed working with his hands and on advanced equipment; however, it was time to finish his formal education in engineering and pursue a job that included more time inside where there was ample air conditioning.

By this time James had already completed an Associate Degree at Maricopa Community College and he was about 18 months from completing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree at Arizona State University. Completing this degree, he later earned a Master’s in Engineering Management from Ohio University. Towards the end of his bachelor’s degree, he got an internship at Honeywell Aerospace. His first job after earning his degree was with Enertron Inc., a leading provider of thermal management solutions for the aerospace, military, medical, telecommunications, and IC fab equipment industries. In this role, he designed heat sinks for circuit boards used for lasers, lighting and computers.

After three years with Enertron, he moved to Cleveland Electric Laboratories where he served as an applications engineer working on turbine engine instrumentation. This is where James got his first hands on experience with force measurement equipment. His job was to design instrumentation for strain, temperature, and pressure measurements. At one point he even designed a load pin for a customer.

In his role, he was also introduced to Interface. The company he was working for owned several Interface products and he became familiar with their high-quality and premium accuracy. Then in 2015, a headhunter called him out of the blue to offer him a chance to work for Interface. James was excited about the prospect of working for a company that put quality first. In fact, the thing that hooked him about Interface was the declared focus of “Quality is Our Driving Force,” and the fact that each of the four interviewers reiterated the importance of this statement in their interview.

James joined Interface as a production engineer. He remained in this role for about four years before being promoted to Senior Engineer, and then to his current role as Mechanical Engineering Manager where he leads a team of five other engineers. In this leadership position, James is responsible for overseeing development efforts for some of Interface’s most important product lines including the specialized 1923 and 1925 wireless custom solutions and our downhole products for the energy markets. James was instrumental in the latest new product release, the new ConvexBT Load Button Load Cell.

In addition to this critical role, James also loves to learn about the many ways that Interface products directly affect him and people close to him. This includes how measuring systems ensure the proper weight of food in nutritional planning and packaging, measurement of things like blood donations, and safety test systems for airplanes. The work done at Interface is incredibly important to everyday life and many people don’t even realize it.

In his free time, James can be found spending time with his wife of 21 years and their four children, two sons and two daughters. The family enjoys the outdoors together, partaking in activities like bike rides and hikes. He also brings some of his passion for engineering home. He’s intrigued by the possibilities of 3D printing and owns a printer himself. He’s designed and printed things like bowties, wallets, wall-mounts for various gadgets, and even toys for the kids. In case you missed it, the photo of James is his own 3-D printed bowtie. It was a big hit at the Interface holiday party.

Another interesting fact about James is that throughout his career he’s tried to connect with co-workers from different countries by learning their language. Throughout his life he’s learned a little bit of Polish and German, and is fluent in Spanish, which he learned while spending two years as a missionary in South America.

We asked James to describe his thoughts on his career in engineering in another language. He responded, “Un dicho o una frase que a mí me gusta pensar, cuando algo no sale buenisimo, es: “Siempre hay una manera mejor.” This translates to a saying or phrase that I like to think of when something doesn’t turn out great, “There is always a better way.”

To learn more about the ConvexBT, check out the datasheet here:

ConvexBT

Interface is a Critical Solutions Provider for OEMs

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The hardware industry is rapidly making its way into taking advantage of the Industry 4.0 and Big Data eras. The idea that data insight can cut costs, increase efficiency and reduce downtime is spreading like wildfire throughout major OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) across the world. These organizations are adding more and more sensors and other data collection devices to their products to receive deeper analytics on the health and efficiency of various in-action processes.

One of the most important tools in this mix of data tracking and collecting devices are force measurement sensors. Load cells and torque transducers are being added to products across industries to not only optimize individual product processes, but also to ensure that the product remains in proper working conditions.

As an example, the aerospace industry is putting force sensors all over airplane components. Everything from landing gear to the wings may include a sensor. These force sensors can then be used to constantly collect data on the well-being of these components. If landing gear needs to be fixed or adjusted, you don’t want to find that out while your 30,000 feet in the year. You want data that helps you track performance and potential degradation over time so you can solve problems before it puts lives at risk.

To serve OEMs in automotive, aerospace, robotics, medical and consumer product industries, force measurement companies like Interface must be able to manufacture sensors in high volumes and at affordable price points. Load cells and torque transducers used in test and measurement can be reused over and over, so the demand for higher volumes is lower. However, when the sensor is integrated into the final product, force measurements manufacturers need to be able to deliver a high enough volume to meet the OEM’s demand for production of the specific product the sensor will be integrated into for continuous use.

Interface holds a unique position in the OEM marketplace for custom sensor technologies. Our decades of success has allowed us to make critical investments towards streamlining our own production and manufacturing of industry-leading components to serve OEM customers. Over the last few years, we’ve implemented better, more efficient processes and have added automation to improve consistency, repeatability and time to market. This also benefits our customers by lowering costs for large scale, continuous production to meet the growing demands and use cases in the OEM market.

A huge benefit is that Interface controls the design and development of our load cells and torque transducers. We build everything from the strain gauges to the product packaging. This allows us to rapidly iterate and customize our designs to meet the needs of a wide range of OEM customers. Our engineers work hand-in-hand with our OEM partners to design the exact requirements into our sensor technology.

This is critical to being a top solutions provider serving OEMs because force measurement products must fit the design and specifications of the OEM application, as well as potentially removing unnecessary features to fit a certain price point for volume production. OEM applications can also be exposed to more extreme conditions in industries like aerospace, automotive or medical, so the sensor might need a specific material or treatment to withstand certain environments.

One of the essential benefits we provide our customers in the U.S. is the fact that our products are manufactured in country, and our engineering, sales and support staff is also local. This enables easier communication with our customers, as well as faster shipping times. When a customer needs to adjust the specifications on a device or troubleshoot a challenge, they know that they’ll get the support they need during their own working hours.  We are extending this value globally as we continue to create solutions that meet our demands worldwide.

The demand for big data and automation is growing rapidly among OEMs. It is also one of the most competitive markets in the world. To serve our customers with unique engineered to order designs and solutions, we work every day to stay on top of manufacturing trends and find new ways to optimize production to meet their cost and volume needs.

To learn more about Interface and our custom solution capabilities for the OEM market, please visit us at www.interfaceforce.com.

Contributor:  Brian Peters, Interface Regional Sales Director for the US

Load Button Load Cells 101

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Manufactured devices, technology advancements and product designs are getting smaller and smaller as innovations demand less space to do more for their consumers. As engineers are designing products with miniaturized components, they also need high quality test and measurement solutions that produce accurate results within these smaller testing spaces.

Interface has created a series Load Button Load Cells to meet these exact requirements. These load buttons are designed and manufactured to specifically fit into small and confined spaces, providing the precision-based measurements as expected from larger load cells.

Interface Load Button Load Cells are compact strain gauge-based sensors used in a wide variety of applications, including test and measurement and for general measurement applications. Interface standard LBM and LBS Load Button Load Cells can fulfill the need for compression force measurements at a very respectable precision level for most applications.

Product diameters range from 1 inch to 3 inches, with heights from 0.39 inch to 1.5 inches. The shaped load button load cell has a spherical radius to help confine misaligned loads to the primary axis of the cell. And while these products are small, they are capable of measuring compression forces from 10 lbf all the way to 50,000 lbf. The spherical radius of our Load Cell Load Buttons also help to confine misaligned loads to the primary axis of the cell.

Interface Load Button Load Cells 

Interface’s Custom Solutions Team and Product Engineers can also help to design a specific size and capacity to fit our customer’s exact requirements. Let us know what you need by contacting us here.

Load Button Load Cells Functionality and Proper Use

Applications that use compression loads on load button load cells requires an understanding of the distribution of forces between surfaces of various shapes and finishes.

The first and most important rule is to always avoid applying a compression load flat-to-flat from a plate to the top surface of a load button hub. The reason for this is simple, it’s impossible to maintain two surfaces parallel enough to guarantee that the force will end up being centered on the primary axis of the load button load cell. Any slight misalignment, even by a few micro-inches, could move the contact point off to one edge of a hub, thus inducing a large moment into the measurement.

Minor misalignments merely shift the contact point slightly off the centerline. In addition to compensating for misalignment, the use of a load button load cell of the correct spherical radius is necessary to confine the stresses at the contact point within the limits of the materials. Generally, load button load cells and bearing plates are made from hardened tool steel, and the contacting surfaces are ground to a finish of 32µ inch RMS. If you use too small of a radius it will cause a failure of the material at the contact point, and a rough finish will result in galling and wear of the loading surfaces.

Interface Load Button Load Cells in the Real World 

The evolving world of technology and product design has created a high demand for these types of small and accurate testing equipment. Innovative industries are looking at new ways to fit more capabilities into a single device that is the same size or even smaller. OEM applications that require this type of testing equipment include medical devices, drones, industrial automation, packaging and robotics.

We have highlighted a few examples of how Interface Load Button Load Cells have been used in the medical industry to solve complex challenges related to measuring compression force in confined spaces.

Measuring Vascular Clamp Force

A customer in the medical industry wanted to test various types of vascular clamps to see which type would generate the best clamping force for surgery. Using a Model LBS Load Cell, the clamps were secured onto the compression button. A Model 9330 High Speed Data Logging Indicator provided compression force measurements and allowed the customer to determine the most appropriate clamp type. Read the full application use case here.

Optimizing Surgical Stapler Force

Another customer needed to optimize the design of their surgical stapler to make it easier and more efficient for a medical professional to use. The original equipment manufacturer mounted the surgical stapler onto a test rig to enable force verification, and then connected a Model LBMU Compression Load Cell Button to a Model 9890 Load Cell Indicator. The indicator would collect compression force data from the stapler, and that data was then analyzed to allow the OEM to determine the design changes needed to reduce the amount of force applied to use the stapler.  Learn more about this application here.

For more information on our expanding lineup of Load Button Load Cells, see the overview below. In addition, say tuned in to the IQ Blog for an exciting announcement about new Interface Load Button Load Cell technology.  Most standard Load Button Load Cells are available to ship within 2 business days. Contact us for more information or visit our QS48 now.

Click here to see the full line of Load Button Load Cells.