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Detailing Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cells

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Most commonly, a pillow block bearing is used to create a rolling system. This type of bearing is often utilized for industrial rolls for textiles, paper, and materials. It is also used on conveyor belts in manufacturing facilities. There are other common use cases in a variety of industries, including in transportation, medical device design, and aerospace.

Interface offers specialized loads cells designed to measure and monitor weight and other forces on pillow block bearings, aptly known as Interface Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cells. The force measurement is performed for this load cell between two supports.

Pillow Block Bearing Load Cell Spans Multiple Industries

Pillow block bearing load cells are important in all types of industries where accurate load measurement is required during production and use of rollers, small and large. Some examples include:

  • Steel industry: Pillow block load cells can be used in roller mills to measure the force required to crush or shape steel.
  • Textile industry: Pillow block load cells can be used in textile machines such as looms and knitting machines to measure the tension on the yarn.
  • Packaging industry: Pillow block load cells can be used in packaging machines to measure the force required to cut or seal packaging materials.

Pillow block load cells are valuable in building and enhancing infrastructure. Using our PBLC1 is a great solution for monitoring trains on a track, in-motion. When our PBLC1 is installed on a track, and the train runs across it, the sensor can provide a signal to a station elsewhere in the world. If any force indicators suggest that there could be a problem with the weight the train is holding or the train itself, the sensor can also trigger an automatic shutdown of the train. These sensors could prevent major damage from train derailments and other train related incidents by detecting errors before the inflict damage.

These weights are important to measure or monitor as they can tell you if you are running out of material on a roll, or if a production line conveyor belt is holding too much weight. An example of the feed roller system using our wireless options is below.

Manufacturing Feed Roller System

Feed roller systems are common in production and manufacturing. In this example, a feed roller system needs to monitor the forces of both ends of the rollers, to maintain a constant straight feed. This reduces waste and ensure quality in the product use. They would also prefer a wireless system. Interface suggests installing two PBLC Pillow Block Load Cells at both ends of the bottom roller to measure the applied forces. The output of measurement is sent to the instrumentation device, our WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module. The data is then transmitted wirelessly to the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station and the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for multiple transmitters, where data can be displayed, graphed, and logged a computer. Learn more about this type of use case in our Feed Roller System Application Note.

In addition to this use case, here are a few other ways Pillow Block Load Cells are used to measure weight and force:

  • Material handling: Pillow block load cells are commonly used in conveyor systems to measure the weight of materials being transported.
  • Automotive industry: Pillow block load cells are used in assembly line applications to measure the weight of parts and components being assembled.
  • Heavy machinery: Pillow block load cells are used in cranes, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery to measure loads and monitor the equipment’s performance.
  • Manufacturing: Pillow block load cells are used in material testing machines to measure the force required to break or deform materials.
  • Aerospace: Pillow block load cells are used in aerospace applications to measure the weight and balance of aircraft and spacecraft.
  • Medical industry: Pillow block load cells are used in medical equipment such as patient lifts and hospital beds to measure the weight of patients.
  • Food industry: Pillow block load cells are used in food processing and packaging equipment to measure the weight of ingredients and finished products.

Pillow Block Bearing Load Cells Product Overview

This type of force sensor is suitable for the measurement of forces under pillow block bearings for diameter Ø 20mm (Ø 0.79 in) and for the measurement of axle weight in test stands for trains and vehicles. Our system is compatible with INA Pillow Block Bearings and is installed underneath the bearing to measure force. There are three model versions, with the options for additional multi-axis measurements for engineer to order products.

PBLC1 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell

PBLC2 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell

PBLC3 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell

Features and benefits of our Pillow Block Load Cell include:

  • Capacities from 5 to 30 kN (1.1K to 6.7K lbf)
  • Compatible with INA pillow block bearings
  • IP65 moisture protection
  • Rugged electro-galvanized surface

In addition, our Pillow Block Load Cell are also available in multi-axis versions, which allows for more force data from your test application. This helps with measuring forces such as center of gravity, tension across a load bearing beam and more. These multi-axis versions come in two and three axis models. If you are looking to get accurate measurement for your pillow block bearing use cases, contact our specialized application engineers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Manufacturing and Production Solutions

Quality Engineers Require Accurate Force Measurement Solutions

Interface New Product Releases Winter 2023

Infrastructure Industry Relies on Interface Force Measurement

Interface Solutions for Production Line Engineers

Industrial Automation

 

Interface Manufacturing and Production Solutions

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Force measurement is integral to advanced manufacturing systems, especially when it comes to how this technology is used in production lines. Force sensors are utilized in both testing and monitoring of a wide variety of machines to ensure accuracy and repeatability throughout the production line. These sensors are also used by production line engineers in the design and development of systems used to ensure accuracy in measurements of force, weight, compression, and torque as products and components move throughout the line, including distribution.

Watch how Interface provided an industrial automation solution for small pallets used in the distribution of manufactured products. In the video, we highlight a request for a pallet weighing solution to use in their warehouse to monitor their products and goods 24/7. They need to use sensor technologies to verify if any products are missing based on the weight, and able to determine pricing for their goods based on the weight.

Interface works with a large range of manufacturers and equipment makers to improve quality and productivity by supplying high-performance measurement solutions. From using miniature load cells to apply the exact force needed to press a brand identity onto fragile consumable, to using multi-axis sensors for verifying performance data when making intricately machined parts, Interface products are commonplace in manufacturing and production.

In fact, Interface offers manufacturing and production standard off-the-shelf, engineered to order and complete OEM solutions including load cells, instrumentation and weighing devices. Our products provide the quality and durability necessary within industrial environments. In addition, we can customize the majority of our products to fit unique and evolving needs as sensor technologies like robotics and advanced manufacturing devices are integrated into production lines.

Load cells are frequently used in monitoring equipment. Interface can custom design force sensors to be installed directly into product for monitoring certain forces in real-time, including for use in industrial automation robotics. This is particularly popular in manufacturing because you can monitor equipment to understand when it may be out of alignment and needs to come down for repair, rather than risking a disruption in production. This is particularly important in automated production lines because it gives engineers and extra set of eyes on machines and improves efficiency overall by reducing downtime.

One of the unique use cases for load cells used for monitoring is in weighing materials held on pillow blocks bearings. Pillow block bearings, or similarly constructed bearing, are used to carry rolled materials or conveyor belt. Interface’s new PBLC1 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell can be placed underneath the bearing to measure the weight of whatever material is being held up. These types of bearing are often found in machines with similar type of bearing are used on conveyor belts moving products down a production line.

Manufacturing Feed Roller System

A customer has a feed roller system and needs to monitor the forces of both ends of the rollers, in order to maintain a constant straight feed. They would also prefer a wireless system. Interface came to the rescue with our Pillow Block Load Cells and WTS Wireless Telemetry Systems. Interface suggests installing two PBLC Pillow Block Load Cells at both ends of the bottom roller to measure the forces being applied. The forces are measured when connected to WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module. The data is then transmitted wirelessly to the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station and the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for multiple transmitters, where data can be displayed, graphed, and logged on the customer’s computer.

Production Line Conveyor Belt Adhesion Test

A customer wants to test the adhesion strength in between the many layers and textiles of a conveyor belt. They want to conduct a separation test from the rubber of the conveyor belt from the other layers. They would also like a wireless solution. Interface’s SMA Miniature S-Type Load Cell is installed in the customer’s tensile test load frame, where it measures the forces applied as the test is conducted and the layers are pulled and separated. When connected to the WTS-AM-1F Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module, the data is wirelessly transmitted to WTS-BS-5 Wireless Analog Output Receiver Module with nV output. The WTS-BS-5 can then connect to the 9330 Battery Powered High Speed Data Logging Indicator to display, graph, and log the data with supplied BlueDAQ software.

Industrial Automation Robotic Arm for Production

A manufacturer of a robot arm needs to measure force and torque when the arm picks up and places objects. The manufacturer needs a wireless system to accomplish this in order to log the measurement results. Interface supplied Model 6A40A 6-Axis Load Cell with Model BX8-HD44 Data Acquisition/Amplifier.

Interface force sensors can be used in a number of ways within the manufacturing industry across a variety of applications for the test and monitoring of machines and production lines.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Force Measurement Solutions for Advanced Manufacturing Robotics

Robotics and Automation are Changing Modern Manufacturing at Interface

Vision Sensor Technology Increases Production Reliability

Industrial Automation Brochure

Weighing Solutions Brochure

Smart Pallet Solution

Interface Solutions for Safety and Regulation Testing and Monitoring

Interface New Product Releases Winter 2023

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Interface continues to grow our total force measurement solutions. The following showcases new sensors and instrumentation products now available in our general catalog. You can also now find a new Summary Product Catalog, highlighting best-selling products online for download and quick reference.

If you have questions about these new additions or any other Interface products, please contact us. If you would like to order any of the new products, go to Request for Quote.

NEW INTERFACE PRODUCT RELEASES 

PILLOW BLOCK LOAD BEARING LOAD CELLS

The Interface PBLC1, PBLC2 and PBLC3 Pillow Block Load Cells series by design measures the force of a pillow block bearing. The force measurement is performed for this load cell between two supports. Learn more about this type of use case in our Feed Roller System Application Note.

Primary Pillow Block Load Cell features and benefits:

  • Capacities from 5 to 30 kN (1.1K to 6.7K lbf)
  • Compatible with INA pillow block bearings
  • IP65 moisture protection
  • Rugged electro-galvanized surface
  • Commonly used for measurement of axle weight in test stands for trains and vehicles

INF1 CANOPEN WEIGHT SINGLE SENSOR WEIGHT TRANSMITTER AND INDICATOR

Interface’s new INF1-CANopen Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator has a six-digit red LED display (8 mm height), space saving compact design, four buttons for the system calibration, and a six indicator led.

Primary INF1-CANopen features and benefits:

  • Baud rate: 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 125, 250, 500, 800, 1000
  • Equipped with RS485 serial port
  • Three relay logic outputs controlled by setpoint values or via protocols
  • Two optoisolated PNP logic inputs: status reading via serial communication protocols
  • One load cell dedicated input
  • Back panel mounting on DIN rail
  • Six-digit red LED semi-alphanumeric display (8 mm height), seven segment
  • Four buttons for system calibration
  • Extractable screw terminal boards

INF4-CANOPEN TWO, THREE, AND FOUR SENSOR WEIGHT TRANSMITTER AND INDICATOR

The Interface INF4-CANopen Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator has a six-digit red LED display (8 mm height), space saving compact design, four buttons for the system calibration, and a six indicator LED.

Primary INF4-CANopen features and benefits:

  • Baud rate: 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 125, 250, 500, 800, 1000
  • Equipped with RS485 serial port
  • Three relay logic outputs controlled by setpoint values or via protocols
  • Two optoisolated PNP logic inputs: status reading via serial communication protocols
  • Four load cell dedicated input
  • Back panel mounting on DIN rail or front panel (except PROFIBUS DP version) with fixing kit
  • Six-digit red LED semi-alphanumeric display (8 mm height), seven segment
  • Four buttons for system calibration
  • Extractable screw terminal boards

The INF Weight Transmitter and Indicator Instrumentation solutions come in multiple communication protocols for single and multiple sensors. Be sure to visit our Interface Instrumentation Selection Guide for help in choosing the right instrumentation production for your exact requirements.

ITCA TENSION AND COMPRESSION LOAD CELL

Interface’s new ITCA series load cell is ideal for measuring both tensile and compressive forces. The standard metric threads at each end of the load cell are designed to accept standard spherical seating rod-end bearings. There is great flexibility in the ITCA design, allowing us to offer custom sizes to meet specific application requirements, or different end thread sizes and combinations. There are versions available with male threads at each end, or male threads at one end and female at the other. We also offer the ITCA series with imperial thread sizes.

Primary ITCA features and benefits:

  • Ranges from 1 to 150 metric tons (MT) (2.2K to 330.6K lbf)
  • Stainless steel construction
  • IP66 environmental protection with IP67 and submersible options available
  • Tension and compression
  • Typical applications are structural testing, jack load and cable tension monitoring, material test machine feedback and press load monitoring

ENCLOSURES

Interface has introduced a series of enclosures to protect your transducers and instrumentation investments. These enclosures are designed for single and multiple instrumentation products, along with combined instrumentation and transducers. Enclosures are available as standard products. We also offer customization and mobile device configurations. Contact our Application Engineers to determine which type of enclosure best fits your products and application requirements. Download Interface Enclosures Overview.

Primary Enclosure options and features:

  • Special Purpose Wireless Enclosure NEMA 4
  • Single Instrument Enclosure NEMA 4
  • Dual Instrument Enclosure NEMA 4
  • Single Channel Benchtop Enclosure
  • Dual Channel Benchtop Enclosure
  • Single Channel Internal Mount Enclosure NEMA 4
  • Dual Channel Internal Mount Enclosure NEMA 4
  • Stainless Steel Enclosures for Indicators and Controllers NEMA Type 4X, Type 12 and IP66
  • Special Purpose Portable Systems
  • Rack Mounts

9825-AI GENERAL PURPOSE ANALOG INPUT INDICATOR

Interface’s 9825-AI is a General Purpose Analog Input Indicator Instrument works with mV/V sensors. It has an easy to navigate menu structure and fast speed, up to 1kHz. This product has analog output, peak valley monitoring, USB connection, and two relay setpoints plus alarms. It has an IP54 rating. Another option of this model is the 9825 General Purpose Indicator,

Primary 9825-AI features and benefits:

  • Digital input for print, reset, or tare
  • Excitation sense and bipolar
  • ±999,999
  • Nonlinearity < ±0.01%
  • Analog output 0-5V, 0-10V, 4-20mA, 0-24mA
  • Calibration by live load or mV/V entry
  • High speed of 1200 readings per second
  • Digital filters

9325 PORTABLE SENSOR DISPLAY

The new Interface 9325 Portable Sensor Digital Display Instrumentation is handheld, battery and USB powered, plus is TEDS ready. It a allows simple display of load cells, torque transducers, and other mV/V output transducers with sensitivity up to +/-1 V/V. Up to six calibration ranges are available allowing for different loading modes, both tension and compression, or different sensors. There are also up to six display modes available, which determine what is visible on the LCD display and what actions are available from the set of three soft keys. Please inquire about our new 9325-NU Portable Sensor Display product as well, which offers easy to use menu structure for setup and for performing live calibration of instrument.

Primary 9325 features and benefits:

  • Superior linearity performance specifications
  • Measurement rates up to 2400 samples per second
  • High internal resolution (up to 500,000 counts)
  • IP64 environmentally protected enclosure
  • USB port providing configuration, calibration, save and restore, live logging
  • Multiple display modes
  • logging and graphing, software is included
  • Supports TEDS template 33, 40 and 41
  • Live calibration and multi-point calibration
  • Standard audio alarm

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT RESOURCES

Interface Catalog

Interface Product Line Brochures

Interface Summary Catalog

Interface Products Overview

Interface Applications

Interface Solutions by Industry

Interface Support Resources