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Types of Robots Using Interface Sensors

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Robots are increasingly being used in a wide range of applications, from manufacturing and healthcare to entertainment and defense. As robots become more sophisticated, the need for accurate and reliable force measurement becomes even more critical.

Interface load cells and torque transducers are commonly used in the design and testing of new robots. Our sensor technologies are used to measure and monitor forces and loads experienced by various robot components. Load cells are used to measure the forces exerted by robotic arms and grippers, while torque transducers are used to measure the torque generated by motors. Multi-axis load cells are growing in use with robotic engineers throughout the R&D phases for more measurement data to make smarter decisions in design and use of the robot.

The use of Interface load cells and torque transducers in robotics offers several benefits. First, they can help to improve safety by detecting excessive forces or overloads. Second, they can help to optimize performance by providing feedback about the forces being applied by the robot. Third, they can enable more sophisticated control of robotic systems by providing real-time data about the forces and torques being generated. Our miniature load cells are commonly used by robotic OEMs to provide control and feedback during use.

Types of Robotics Using Sensor Technologies

Autonomous robots are engineered to operate independently without human intervention. They are often used in applications such as space exploration, agriculture, and transportation. Cobots work in collaboration with humans, enhancing skills, providing safety, or replacing tedious tasks to increase productivity. Read more in our Advancements in Robotics and Cobots Using Interface Sensors case study. The following highlights robot types that utilize Interface measurement solutions.

Industrial Robots: These robots are used in manufacturing and assembly processes to automate tasks that are repetitive, dangerous or require precision. They are used in a variety of industries such as automotive and aerospace. Robotic arms are frequently used in industrial automation. Check out our Industrial Robotic Arm App Note.

Medical Robots: These robots are used in healthcare applications, such as surgical procedures, diagnosis, and rehabilitation. They are often designed to be highly precise and can perform tasks that are difficult for human surgeons to perform. Learn more: Robotic Surgery Force Feedback

Military and Defense Robots: These highly skilled robots are used in military applications, such as bomb disposal, reconnaissance, and search and rescue missions. They are often designed to operate in dangerous environments where it is not safe for humans.

Educational Robots: These robots are used to teach students about robotics, programming, and technology. They are often designed to be easy to use and intuitive, allowing students to experiment and learn through hands-on experience.

Entertainment Robots: These robots including animatronic robots are designed for amusement purposes, such as robotic toys or theme park attractions. They interactive and engaging, incorporating features like voice and facial recognition. Read about this type of use case here: Animatronics

Consumer Product and Service Robots: These robots are designed to interact with humans and perform tasks such as assisting in healthcare, cleaning, or entertainment.

Why Interface Supplies Robotic Manufacturers with Load Cells

Measurement solutions, including load cells, play a vital role in the design, testing, and operation of robots by providing valuable information about forces, loads, and weights. They contribute to enhancing safety, optimizing performance, and enabling more sophisticated control of robotic systems.

Load cells are used to measure the forces exerted by robotic arms and grippers. By integrating load cells at key points in the robot’s structure, engineers can monitor the forces and torques experienced during operation. This helps in optimizing the robot’s performance, ensuring it operates within safe limits, and improving its control algorithms.

To determine the weight of the robot itself or the payload it carries, sensors are vital. The measurement data is crucial for stability analysis, power calculations, and designing the mechanical structure of the robot to ensure it can handle the intended loads. This is extremely important when utilizing robots in industrial applications for lifting and weighing.

Utilizing robots in production lines requires integrated sensors into robots to protect everyone and the equipment. Integrating load cells into robotic safety systems helps to detect excessive forces or overloads. If a load cell detects a force beyond the specified limit, it can trigger emergency shutdown procedures to prevent damage to the robot or injury to nearby humans.

Calibrating robotic systems in the design phase by using transducers ensures accurate measurement of forces and torques is very important. They are used during testing to validate the performance of the robot under different operating conditions and loads. This data helps engineers fine-tune the control algorithms, improve the robot’s efficiency, and identify potential weaknesses or areas for improvement.

A quality force measurement solution is ideal for real-time feedback about the forces being applied by the robot. This feedback can be used in closed-loop control systems to regulate and adjust the robot’s movements, gripping force, or interaction with the environment. Load cell data can also be integrated into the robot’s control system to ensure accurate and precise force control.

Robotics_InfographicPoster

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Sensors Used for Development and Testing of Surgical Robotics

6-Axis Force Plate Robotic Arm

Automation and Robotics Demands Absolute Precision

Robotic Arm Animated Application Note

Industrial Robotic Arm App Note

 

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

 

Advancing Lithium-Ion Battery Test and Measurement

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One of the key driving forces behind electric vehicle innovation is advancements in lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology. Exploring more efficient and powerful lithium-ion batteries increases electric vehicle adoptions and propels robust Li-ion battery developments into other industries that include industrial automation, robotics, consumer products, machinery and renewable energy.

Today, lithium-ion batteries generally last two to three years. A lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is an advanced battery technology, also referred to as a secondary cell, that uses lithium ions as the primary component of the electrochemistry design.

To achieve the goal of improved and longer-lasting batteries, a wide variety of testing is needed to confirm performance, capacity, safety and fatigue. Force measurement testing is used in many facets of lithium-ion battery testing. Force testing is done on the battery itself and is used for various stages within the R&D and manufacturing processes.

The lithium-ion battery market is also expanding rapidly. According to Markets and Markets research, this market is projected to reach $135B in 2031, up from an estimated $48.6B in 2023. Interface is poised to support the growth by supplying our industry leading force products to battery and electric vehicle manufacturers around the world.

Li-ion Battery Test & Measurement 

There are several different ways force sensors are being used in the design, manufacturing, and testing of lithium-ion batteries. There is an even wider variety of measurement and high-accuracy sensors being used by engineers in this field. Interface has a product suited for the following test and measurement use cases.

Performance Testing: Load cells are used to measure the mechanical properties and performance of lithium-ion batteries. This is achieved by applying controlled loads to the batteries and monitoring the corresponding responses, such as force, strain, or displacement. Using this data, researchers can evaluate the battery’s structural integrity, durability, and mechanical behavior under different conditions.

Capacity Testing: Load cells can also be employed to assess the capacity and energy density of lithium-ion batteries. By subjecting the batteries to various load profiles and measuring the corresponding electrical outputs, load cells enable the characterization of a battery’s energy storage capabilities and performance over time. This is critically important as electric vehicles manufacturers push to get more range out of their vehicles.

Safety Testing: Lithium-ion batteries are prone to thermal runaway and other safety hazards. By integrating temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and load cells, it becomes possible to monitor and analyze critical parameters during battery operation. Load cells can detect abnormal mechanical forces or stresses that may indicate an impending failure, allowing for preventive measures or shutdown protocols to be implemented.

Environmental Testing: Load cells and other sensor technologies can be utilized to simulate real-world conditions and environmental factors that batteries may encounter during their lifespan. This includes subjecting batteries to vibration testing, temperature cycling, humidity exposure, or even simulating acceleration forces. By monitoring the battery’s response under these conditions, manufacturers and researchers can assess the battery’s performance and reliability in various environments.

Manufacturing Quality Control: Load cells can be used in battery manufacturing processes to ensure consistent quality and performance. By measuring and analyzing the forces and stresses experienced during assembly, welding, or compression processes, load cells can help identify manufacturing defects, inconsistencies, or deviations from design specifications.

Interface has detailed several examples of these types of testing in the following electric vehicle battery application notes:

Electric Vehicle Battery Load Testing Feature and Application

Electric Vehicle Structural Battery Testing

Electric Vehicle Battery Monitoring

Interface Products Used in Li-ion Battery Tests

Several types of load cells can be used in lithium-ion battery tests, depending on the specific requirements and parameters being measured. Here are a few commonly used load cell types in battery testing:

  • Compression Load Cells are often employed to measure the compressive forces applied to lithium-ion batteries during performance or safety testing. Compression load cells are designed to accurately sense and quantify the forces experienced when batteries are subjected to compression, stacking, or other types of mechanical loading.
  • Tension Load Cells are utilized when measuring the tensile forces applied to batteries. They are particularly useful in applications where the batteries are subjected to tension or pulling forces, such as in certain structural integrity tests or when evaluating the behavior of battery modules or packs under different loading conditions. Tension load cells provide high accuracy measurement.
  • Shear Beam Load Cells are suitable for measuring shear forces, which occur when two forces are applied in opposite directions parallel to each other but not in the same line. In lithium-ion battery testing, shear and bending beam load cells can be used to assess the mechanical behavior of battery components, such as adhesive bonds or interfaces, where shear forces may be a critical parameter.
  • Multi-Axis Load Cells are designed to measure forces in multiple directions simultaneously. These multi-axis sensors are beneficial when evaluating complex loading scenarios or when assessing the behavior of batteries under multidirectional forces. They provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical response of the battery in different directions.
  • Customized Load Cells are engineered to the unique requirements of various testing options and use cases for lithium-ion battery testing and performance monitoring. These load cells can be tailored to fit the battery’s form factor, provide high accuracy, or measure specific force parameters critical to the testing objectives. Interface can work directly with our customers to understand the use case and design a product suited for your specific needs. Go here to inquire about Interface Custom Solutions.

Interface is also supplying force measurement products used in research and for mining operations that supply the materials used in lithium-ion batteries. To learn more about Interface’s products and offerings used in the advances of Li-ion batteries and electric vehicle design, test and manufacturing, visit our automotive solutions.

Additional Resources

Feature Article Highlights Interface Solutions for EV Battery Testing

EV Battery Testing Solutions Utilize Interface Mini Load Cells

Interface Powers Smart Transportation Solutions

Force Sensors Advance Industrial Automation

Evolving Urban Mobility Sector for Test and Measurement

 

Vertical Farming for Sustainable Food Production on Earth and Beyond

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Vertical farming is a method of producing crops in vertically stacked layers, typically in indoor environments such as warehouses or greenhouses. This innovative agricultural approach offers a number of advantages over traditional farming methods, including higher crop yields per unit of land, more efficient use of resources such as water and energy, and the ability to grow crops in urban areas where space is limited. While vertical farming is currently being explored to increase food production on Earth, it also has applications in space R&D and for food sustainability projects.

In space, where resources such as water, energy, and land are limited, vertical farming can offer a viable solution for producing food. By using vertical stacking of crops, indoor environments, and controlled conditions, vertical farming can potentially overcome challenges such as gravity, atmospheric conditions, and limited space. This could enable sustainable food production for future space missions, space settlements, and colonization efforts.

As the global population continues to grow, and urbanization increases, vertical farming is a promising approach for addressing food scarcity and production challenges on Earth. With most the world’s population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, the need for localized food production close to urban centers becomes more critical. Vertical farming can provide fresh produce year-round, reduce the need for transportation, minimize the use of pesticides, and optimize resource utilization, making it a sustainable and efficient method for urban food production.

Interface sensor technologies and instrumentation are being utilized to expand the capabilities and possibilities in agriculture on Earth and in space. In our new case study, Vertical Farming on Earth and in Space, we explore products and solutions for challenges related to farming on earth and beyond. These solutions utilize load cells, multi-axis sensors, wireless instrumentation and devices for irrigation and growth monitoring systems, robotics, and farming equipment. The case study highlights innovation from a collaboration of industries including agriculture, space, and automation.

 

Vertical Farming Robotic Monitoring

In vertical farming applications, automated mechanics pick up and move the products, thus using less human involvement and contamination. To keep an eye on these automated systems, a wireless force measurement system monitors the robotics that pick up and move the produce to their next destination of the packaging process. Interface suggests installing SPI Low Capacity Platform Scale Load Cells, along with WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules in the center of the platforms of the robotic lifting system that move around the produce. The WTS-AM-1E’s wirelessly transmit the data collected from the SPI’s to the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Displays for multiple transmitters, and the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station when connected to a computer. Read more here.

Vertical farming has the potential to revolutionize food production in space and on Earth, addressing the challenges of feeding a growing global population, particularly in urban areas. The intersection of various industries and the use of innovative technologies, including interface force measurement solutions, can play a crucial role in advancing vertical farming as a sustainable solution for future food production in space and on our home planet.

The collaboration between education, space, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, including the use of interface force measurement solutions, can accelerate the development and deployment of vertical farming technologies for space and Earth. These solutions can provide data on factors such as plant growth, resource usage, and environmental conditions, which can be used to optimize the design and operation of vertical farming systems for maximum sustainability and productivity. Read the case study here.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Inventive Agriculture Monitoring and Weighing Solutions

Aerospace Brochure

Force Sensors Advance Industrial Automation

Solutions to Advance Agriculture Smart Farming and Equipment

Using Multi-Axis Sensors to Bring Robotics to Life

Vertical Farming on Earth and in Space

Collaborative Robots Using Interface Sensors

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Industrial evolutions continue to find new and innovative ways to use technologies, from AI to advanced robotics. What is not changing over time is the unique ability for humans to solve challenges and create new solutions. Pairing human ingenuity with machines to increase efficiencies and productivity is what we see today with the fast growing use of collaborative robots.

A cobot, short for collaborative robot, is a type of robot designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which are typically separated from human workers, cobots are designed to be safe and easy to use working side-by-side people. This interactivity is often referenced as part of moving from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0.

Cobots are typically equipped with sensors technologies that allow them to detect the presence of humans and react accordingly. This can include slowing down, stopping, or changing direction to avoid collisions or other safety hazards. Cobots are often used in tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or require a high level of precision, such as assembly, packaging, or inspection.

One of the main advantages of cobots is their flexibility and ease of use. They can be quickly reprogrammed or taught new tasks, making them a cost-effective solution for many distinct types of manufacturing and assembly operations. Additionally, because they can collaborate with human workers, they can help to improve efficiency and productivity while also reducing the risk of injury or accidents.

In our new case study, Advancements in Robotics and Cobots Using Interface Sensors, we explore how are force measurement sensors used for cobots.

Force measurement sensors are often used in collaborative robotics to provide feedback on the force being applied during a task. This information can be used to ensure that the cobot is performing the task correctly and to detect any issues or errors that may occur. There are several types of force measurement sensors that can be used in cobots.

  • Strain gage sensors: Interface uses proprietary strain gages in our load cells. Use of this type of sensor helps to measure the deformation of a material in response to applied forces. They are commonly used in cobots to measure forces applied to a gripper or end effector.
  • Miniature load cells and load cell load buttons: Interface load cells of all sizes are used for both testing during design as well as embedded into the actual cobot for continuous monitoring. These types of sensors measure the force applied to a structure, such as a robotic arm or a part being manipulated by a gripper. Load cells can be used to ensure that the cobot is applying the correct amount of force to the part being worked on. Our smallest load cells are often used in the production and design of cobots.
  • Torque transducers: Interface transducers are utilized to measure the movement of robots, in rotation and for pivotal activity. These are critical in tasks on production lines, as well in unique industry cobots, such as entertainment.
  • Tactile sensors: These sensors measure the pressure or force applied to a surface. They are commonly used in cobots for tasks that require a high level of sensitivity, such as grasping and manipulating fragile objects.

Advancements in Technology Leads to Multi-Axis Sensors and Cobots

As use of cobots grows, so do the demands for using more data to define precision measured responses and actions. Multi-axis sensors can provide several benefits for cobots, as they allow for more accurate and precise sensing of the robot’s position, orientation, and movement. Here are some ways that cobots can benefit from multi-axis sensors:

  • Improved accuracy: Multi-axis sensors can provide more accurate readings of a cobot’s position and orientation, allowing it to perform tasks with greater precision and accuracy. This can be particularly important for tasks that require precision accuracy, such as assembly or inspection.
  • Enhanced safety: Multi-axis sensors can help to improve the safety of cobots by detecting when the robot is approaching an object or a person and slowing down or stopping to prevent collisions. This can be particularly important when cobots are working near human workers.
  • Greater flexibility: Multi-axis sensors can allow cobots to perform a wider range of tasks, as they can adapt to changes in the environment or the task at hand. For example, a cobot with multi-axis sensors can adjust its position and orientation to grip an object from a variety of angles, or to perform a task in a confined space.
  • Faster response time: Multi-axis sensors can provide real-time feedback on the cobot’s movement, allowing it to adjust more quickly and with greater accuracy. This can help to improve the speed and efficiency of the cobot’s performance.

Cobots are being used in a wide range of industries, as they offer benefits such as improved efficiency, precision, and safety. Some of the industries that are currently using cobots include:

  • Automotive: Cobots are being used in the automotive industry for tasks such as assembly, material handling, and inspection.
  • Electronics: Cobots are being used in the electronics industry for tasks such as assembly, testing, and inspection.
  • Food and beverage: Cobots are being used in the food and beverage industry for tasks such as packaging, sorting, and palletizing.
  • Medical: Cobots are being used in the medical industry for tasks such as assembly, inspection, and material handling.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Cobots are being used in the pharmaceutical industry for tasks such as packaging, inspection, and dispensing.
  • Aerospace: Cobots are being used in the aerospace industry for tasks such as drilling, riveting, and assembly.
  • Plastics and rubber: Cobots are being used in the plastics and rubber industry for tasks such as injection molding, material handling, and inspection.

By using force measurement sensors, cobots can perform tasks with greater accuracy and precision, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall efficiency. They can also help to prevent damage to parts or products being worked on and ensure that safety standards are being met.  Read the full case study below.

Advancement in Robotics and Cobots Using Interface Sensors Case Study

 

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 Solutions for Production Line Engineers

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Due to the influence of IoT, AI and big data, the role of production line engineer has become far more critical as manufacturers demand peak efficiency. These engineers need to stay current in automation technologies used to design, build, and monitor a production line for the benefits of decreasing speed to market, lowering costs, and improving outputs at the highest quality standards.

Among the many software and hardware solutions these individuals must also understand connected sensors are among the most important. Sensors are the nervous system of an automated production line, telling which machines must perform certain tasks, when, and how. They are a source for smart factories and smart manufacturing.

Sensors modernize manufacturing, assembly, and production lines by enabling real-time monitoring and control of the production process.

Measurement solutions provide accurate data on production parameters such as temperature, speed, pressure, force, and other relevant variables, which can then be used to optimize the production process, detect, and resolve problems in real-time, and prevent downtime. Additionally, sensors can be integrated into industrial IoT systems to provide valuable insights and analytics that can help manufacturers make data-driven decisions.

One of the sensor types that play a key role in these automated production lines are force sensors. Force sensors can be used by production line engineers across several different facets of an automated line. When designing a manufacturing line, there are quite a few factors that go into the full system. This includes process monitoring, quality control, predictive maintenance, energy management and inventory management. Force sensors play a role in each of these types of data points and processes.

For instance, a production line engineer can install sensors onto a machine that outputs a great deal of torque and monitor that torque to ensure the components creating that force are running smoothly, or if there are certain indicators that say it needs to be pulled off the line briefly for maintenance. When products on the line trigger certain force parameters such as weight, this can also tell the automated production line it is ready for the next stop in the process. Production line engineers design these lines around the sensing capabilities available and connected force sensing products have made a major difference in helping things become more efficient.

There is another automated process that also requires force sensors that is used as part of a manufacturing line, or as a standalone system – robotics. Production line engineers are doing a great deal of research and development into robotics to automate process that are repetitive, or far too delicate for human hands. Force sensors, in this use case, are used in both the testing of robotics to ensure accuracy or developed into the robotics to monitor certain functions over time.

Robotics can improve assembly and production processes, leading to higher efficiency, improved quality, and reduced costs. As technology continues to advance, the use of robotics by production line engineers in assembly and production is likely to become even more widespread.

Here at Interface, we have a great deal of experience in developing solutions for industrial automation and manufacturing lines. We have developed a few application notes to outline how production line engineers use our sensor solutions and force measurement products.

6-Axis Force Plate Robotic Arm

A customer wanted to measure the reaction forces of their robotic arm for safety purposes. The reaction loads occur at the robotic arm’s base; therefore, they needed a force measurement system at the base of the robotic arm. Interface suggested using their force plate option to install at the base of the robotic arm. Four 3-Axis Force Load Cells were installed between two force plates, then installed at the bottom of the arm. This creates one large 6-Axis Force Plate. The sensors force data is recorded and displayed through the two BX8 Multi-Channel Bridge Amplifier and Data Acquisition Systems onto the customer’s PC or laptop. Interface’s 6-Axis Force Plate was able to successfully measure the reaction forces of the customer’s robotic arm. Read more here.

Press Load Monitoring

Press forming is a method to deform varied materials. For instance, materials such as steel can be bent, stretched, or formed into shapes. A force measurement solution is required to monitor the forces being applied by the press forming machine. This ensures quality control and traceability during the production process. For large press forming machines, Interface recommends installing the 1000 High-Capacity Fatigue-Rated LowProfile™ Load Cell. When the material is placed under the punch plate to form a shape, the force applied is measured by the 1000 Series Load Cell. The force results captured is sent to the INF-USB3 Universal Serial Bus Single Channel PC Interface Module, where results can be graphed and logged on the customer’s PC with provided software. Interface’s force measurement products and instrumentation accurately monitored and logged the force results of the press force machine, ensuring zero-error production performance. Learn more about this application here.

Snack Weighing and Packaging Machine

A snack manufacturing brand wanted to weigh the amount of their snacks that is automatically dispersed into the bags during the packaging process. In this case, they wanted to weigh their potato chips being packaged. The company also wanted to ensure the potato chips are at the exact weight needed due to regulatory standards to be distributed out to consumers in the public. Interface’s solution was to use multiple SPI Platform Scale Load Cells, and install it to the potato multi-head weigher and packaging machine. The SPI Platform Scale Load cells were installed inside of the mount that attaches the head weigher to the packaging machine. Force results from the potato chips were read by the load cells and sent to the ISG Isolated DIN Rail Mount Signal Conditioner, where the customer is able to control the automated production from their command center. Using this solution, the customer was able to determine the weight of the potato chips being distributed into their bags with highly accurate results. They also were able to control the automated production process with the provided instrumentation. They will use this same weighing method for other snacks that need to be packaged. Read about the solution here.

Production line engineers turn to Interface due to our quality, accuracy, and reliability. Our products are used to test, monitor in real time, and created automated processes within a manufacturing line. As automation and robotics grow, you will continue to see new applications for sensors in this sector.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

IoT Industrial Robotic Arm App Note

Quality Engineers Require Accurate Force Measurement Solutions

Vision Sensor Technology Increases Production Reliability

Force Measurement Solutions for Advanced Manufacturing Robotics

Robotics and Automation are Changing Modern Manufacturing at Interface

Industrial-Automation-Brochure-1

 

Interface Solutions for Machine Builders

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No matter the industry, if products are being made chances are industrial machines are involved in some part of R&D, testing, production, and distribution.

Engineers involved in the design and manufacturing of these machines require the highest quality sensors, tools and equipment. In addition, humans often lean on machines for very precise or repetitive tasks, this means that precision and reliability is key for every aspect of these machines.

Machine builders are the backbone of product development and production. They are responsible for building, assembling, and integrating components for stand-alone and multi-station automated machine tools and systems. These automated machine-tool systems are used in all sectors of manufacturing, including assembly, processing, and fabricating systems.

Interface plays a critical role for machine builders, for those that design one machine or manufacture machines at scale for users around the world. We supply machine builders with precision load cells, torque transducers, instrumentation, data acquisition devices and accessories. They lean on Interface because of our experience in supplying the world solutions utilized for industrial product testing and production across all kinds of industries from agricultural machinery to medical testing machines.

The accuracy and quality of our products is why machine builders rely on Interface. In addition, our experience and diversity of product has led machine builders and engineers to choose Interface force measurement sensors throughout their careers. In fact, Interface has served machine builders for more than 50 years. It is a relationship and role we know very well.

The world of machine building has also changed over the years. In the past, machine builders used force sensors primarily to test products before going out to the market. This is still a prominent use case amongst product engineers. The fast-rising use cases over the past decade comes from the demand for smarter machines, automation and miniaturization of products.

Today, more machines builders and OEMs are designing force sensors directly into machines to allow users to activate components, monitor data on the machines in use for real-time feedback and adjustments. This type of innovation using sensors has opened opportunities for Industry 4.0 connectivity between machines.

To get a better idea of how machine builders are using force sensors, Interface has developed a wide range of applications notes to provide real world examples of force measurement in action in the machine building world. We have included a few of those examples below.

Metal Press Cutting Machine

A customer wanted to test the amount of force it takes to cut through different thicknesses of metal on their metal press cutting machine. They also wanted to ensure their metal press cutting machine is working properly and understand its maximum limitation. Interface suggested installing their 3AXX 3-Axis Force Load Cell underneath the plate where pieces of metal are placed to be cut, or punched holes in. When connected to the BX8-HD44 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System, the force results of different metals being cut will be displayed, graphed, and recorded on the customer’s PC. It also has an analog output that can connect to the machines PLC in case of an overload. Using this solution, the customer was able to determine the different number of forces it took for their metal press cutting machine to cut through different types and thicknesses of metal. Read more here.

Snack Weighing and Packaging Machine

A snack manufacturing brand wanted to weigh the amount of their snacks that is automatically dispersed into the bags during the packaging process. In this case, they wanted to weigh their potato chips being packaged and ensure the potato chips are at the exact weight needed due to regulatory standards. Interface’s solution was to use multiple SPI Platform Scale Load Cells and install it to the potato multi-head weigher and packaging machine. The SPI Platform Scale Load cells were installed inside of the mount that attaches the head weigher to the packaging machine. Force results from the potato chips are read by the load cells and sent to the ISG Isolated DIN Rail Mount Signal Conditioner, where the customer is able to control the automated production from their command center. Using this solution, the customer was able to determine the weight of the potato chips being distributed into their bags with highly accurate results. They also were able to control the automated production process with the provided instrumentation. They will use this same weighing method for other snacks that need to be packaged. Read about this application here.

Tablet Forming Machine

A pharmaceutical company needs to precisely monitor the forces applied by the tablet (pill) forming machine to understand the relationship between raw material, die set, forming force, and motor cycle speed. Optimizing the equipment will improve productivity and efficiency of the tablet forming process, while reducing losses. For maximizing production and monitoring the process, Interface suggested a WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Mini Load Cell (10K lbf Capacity) be mounted in the section of the downward press bar. The load cell was then connected to a 9320 Portable Load Cell Indicator to collect the needed data. Read more here.

Machine builders require the best test and monitoring equipment. Interface has backed professional machine builders, machine design engineers, machine manufacturers and those that utilize the equipment for many years with top-of-the-line force sensing solutions.  Whether you are looking to build a machine, design machine tools and equipment or embed sensors into machines, we are here to help.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Proving Theoretical Cutting Forces of Rotary Ultrasonic Machinery App Note

Force Solutions for Testing Machines

Interface Sensors Used for Internet of Things

OEM: Industrial Robotic Arm

Fitness Equipment and Machines

Ice Machine Weighing

GS-SYS04 Gold Standard® Portable E4 Machine Calibration System

Laser Machine Cutting Force App Note

Exploring Interface Capabilities and Differentiators

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Interface is the largest producer of load cells defined by a particularly important core differentiator. The Interface difference is precision.

How do we maintain this standard of excellence? Interface is directed by our foundational 4-pillars for success: quality, service, accuracy, and innovation. This applies to anything and everything that we do, including manufacturing premium force measurement products, engineering and design, custom solutions, providing calibration and repair, and in our commitment to service.

Interface has long been known for providing accuracy-based sensor technologies, innovative solutions, engineering excellence and quality products that our customers trust. We have detailed our breadth and depth of capabilities and differentiators for our products that are designed to serve customers across a growing number of industries.

In our online capabilities statement, you can find:

  • Interface differentiators
  • Interface core products and expertise
  • Certifications
  • Industry NAICS and PSC Codes
  • Interface’s Company Snapshot

Our customers around the world are innovators, market leaders, boundary-breaking leaders who are finding ways to do things differently, make things safer, improve products and create new solutions, all through the measurement of force. We provide solutions for test and measurement, as well as OEM. This includes companies in aerospace and defense, automotive and vehicle, medical devices, energy, industrial automation, entertainment and amusement, agriculture, maritime, infrastructure, and equipment manufacturing.

As the world’s trusted leader in force measurement technology, design, and manufacturing, it is important that we guarantee the highest quality performance of load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, wireless telemetry, instrumentation, calibration and more. To do this, it is the Interface people, technology, manufacturing, engineering, and force measurement solutions that make the difference.

Here are just a few of Interface’s key differentiators and capabilities:

  • PROPRIETARY STRAIN GAGES: We make our strain gages and assemble them in the same building that our final sensor testing is performed in-house to ensure the quality and accuracy.
  • THE STANDARD: Interface is the standard for all load cells. Since 1968, our LowProfile® load cells have been used throughout the world because of their accuracy and dependability.
  • CALIBRATION: Our trademarked Gold Standard Calibration System is the industry ‘gold standard’ for test and measurement.
  • SYSTEMS: Interface is the only major load cell company offering a comprehensive system for customers to calibrate their own load cells.
  • CERTIFICATIONS: Every load cell we make is individually calibrated and tested through a series of performance tests before it leaves our facility.
  • STANDARD, ENGINEERED-TO-ORDER AND CUSTOM: We design and build our force measurement solutions, delivering the broadest variety of available options in the industry.
  • TEAM: Our team is an extended network of professionals that design, build, administer, sale to, and support our customers with the best force measurement solutions that fit their exact requirements based on expertise and experience.

You can see all the Interface differentiators in our capabilities statement.

We are proud of the Interface brand, our five-decade legacy as a leader in the industry and fact that we are a women-owned manufacturing company. We guarantee our products quality because every employee and partner take pride in our work. It is our dedication to deliver on our promise.

Capabilities-Statement