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Load Cell Set Up Basics

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So, you have a new project and plan to use an Interface load cell. Now what? There are several steps to optimize sensors for basic test applications. The following outlines recommended steps for setting up a load cell.

As with all set up, review your test plan and checklists to guide you through this process. Interface has considerable support resources available online to help you install our products. We also have several videos available for more complex sensor and instrumentation systems. Find our Getting Started playlist of videos here.

The standard process should always include:

  • Visual Inspection
  • Read the Label
  • Documentation and Installation Manuals
  • Fundamentals of Load Cell Output
  • Instrumentation Considerations
  • Usage and Best Practices

Visual Inspection

New Interface load cells will always pass a visual inspection, specification verification, and calibration certification before they leave our factory. This step is significant for load cells that are not new or have been used before your current test. We ask that all our customers visually inspect their load cell to ensure it is in proper working order and is not damaged. Specifically, we recommend reviewing the threading to ensure there are no scuffs or chips or that it is missing. You should also check for any rust or paint chipping. And finally, ensure that the connectors are not damaged.

Read the Label

Labels provide the essential information you need to understand the specifications of your load cell. The information will include model number, capacity, output, options, and material and sealing details for different environments. These details will be crucial in understanding the capabilities of your load cell and the application(s) for which it is best used.

Documentation and Installation Manual Review

The next step is to review the datasheet for your load cell. We have comprehensive product datasheets for each product online. These datasheets are a treasure trove of specification details, including wiring diagrams, basic option code information, connection options, performance information, and capacities available for each product type and form factor. Most importantly, the datasheet provides critical details on accuracy (max error), temperature ranges, electrical information, and mechanical details.

Another piece of documentation that will be available with your specific load cell is the calibration certificate. This document will include health during test conditions, traceability, shunt calibration, input and output resistances, and performance.

Consult Interface’s online Support Resource library for sensor set up, installation instructions, and manuals.

Interface Load Cell Installation and Operation Manuals by Model

Interface Torque Transducer Installation and Operation Manuals by Model

Interface Multi-Axis Sensor Installation and Operation Manuals by Model

Interface Load Pin, Load Shackle, and Tension Load Link Installation Instructions

Fundamentals of Load Cell Output

The fundamentals describe how you will use the load cell. They are the essential information you will need to use the load cell and understand the output you will get from it. The fundamentals will vary depending on the sensor you are using. Still, for this introductory review, we will describe some of the fundamentals of our most popular load cells, the 1200 Standard Precision Universal LowProfile Load Cell Series.

For the 1200 Series, the fundamentals are that you will need to understand which way you will use the load cell—universal, measuring tension and compression simultaneously, or single mode, where you will measure compression or tension—dictating the outputs you will get from the load cell. Most Interface load cells are tension upscale devices, meaning you will get a positive output when the device is placed in tension. The standard output for most of our load cells is unamplified, mV/V.

Instrumentation Considerations

You will need instrumentation to provide data readings and interpret the output based on your sensor model. Use Interface’s Instrumentation Selection Guide to help you find the best pairing.

The wiring diagrams mentioned in the documentation section of the set up guide will be crucial for connecting instrumentation. Our instrumentation comes in 4-wire and 6-wire signals. Another thing to be mindful of is shielding and proper grounding. Shielding can be found in proper cabling, while proper grounding can ensured by avoiding ground loops in wiring. Understanding the excitation of the instrumentation is also vital to selecting the correct instrumentation. Excitation calibration can also be found in the documentation. Matching the calibration with the correct instrumentation is also crucial for proper use.

Interface Instrumentation Installation and Operation Manuals by Model

Once connected to the instrumentation, you must consider scaling and sensitivity data. Once again, you can reference the load cell documentation to understand this step. When the load cell is connected, you can also examine data on its health, including zero balance, shunt calibration, bridge evaluation, and other troubleshooting.

Usage and Best Practices

Once you are ready to use the load cell, the first consideration is mechanical installation. Reviewing mechanical installation includes ensuring the load cell is attached correctly, the thread is fully engaged, and you have selected the correct mounting hardware. This includes reviewing hardware quality, ensuring correct flatness and hardness, and proper alignment.

As we discussed in the documentation section, you will also want to double-check the parameters of your test to ensure they are compatible with your device. This process includes reviewing the environmental status of the test area, minimizing extraneous loads, and not exceeding capacity.

These are just a few basic rules for using and getting the most out of your load cell. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or need additional information about load cell set up.

 

 

The Convenience of Interface Portable Instrumentation Devices

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Due to their flexibility, portable instrumentation devices are ideal for test and measurement projects and programs. Interface offers a wide range of portable devices designed to help our customers take advantage of the power of Interface solutions wherever they are needed: in the field, at a workbench, or in the test lab.

Portable devices can be easily transported and set up in various locations. This allows measurements to be taken on-site, eliminating the need for a single testing location. Common use cases for portable devices are continuous monitoring applications.

Additionally, portable instruments are user-friendly and require minimal setup, making them ideal for field applications or quick spot checks. Their compact size suits them for tight spaces or situations where benchtop instruments are impractical.

Wireless Handheld Display Options

First, we have our Wireless Telemetry System lineup of products known as WTS displays. Each of these products offers portability and convenience. The WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display for Single Transmitters is roaming handheld, allowing the operator to cycle the display between all available transmitter modules and forms part of the WTS modular telemetry systems. The data sent by transmitter modules can be utilized by multiple receivers such as displays, handheld readers, analog outputs, relay modules, and computer interfaces. Receivers support common industrial power supplies and are available in robust IP-rated enclosures with internal antennas optimized to give outstanding coverage.

Additional models include the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display For Unlimited Transmitters and the popular WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters. Standard features for the WTS-BS series include:

  • Simple Operation
  • Single, Multiple, and Unlimited Transmitter Modules
  • Tare Function
  • Auto Shutdown
  • Rugged Construction

Portable Sensor Display

The 9325 Portable Sensor Display allows a simple display of strain bridge-based measurements such as load cells, torque transducers, and other mV/V output transducers with sensitivity up to +/-1 V/V. Up to six calibration ranges allow different tension and compression loading modes or additional sensors. Each calibration range will remember settings contributing to the user experience, such as selected units and tare values. Full configuration is available with a PC-based toolkit. Some simple configurations, such as two-point calibration, are available from the handheld using the menu system. The 9325NU Portable Sensor Display does not include the USB option. Primary 9325 Sensor Display features include:

  • Superior Linearity Performance Specifications
  • Measurement Rate up to 2400 Samples per Second
  • High Internal Resolution (up to 500,000 counts)
  • IP64 Environmentally Protected Enclosure
  • Battery Powered (Long Battery Life)
  • 128 x 64 Graphical Display with Backlight
  • Supports TEDS Template 33, 40, and 41
  • Live Calibration
  • Standard Audio Alarm
  • CE Environmental Approved

The applications for portable devices are vast, encompassing everything from environmental monitoring and quality control to troubleshooting machinery and building maintenance. With their versatility and ease of use, portable instrumentation devices are valuable for any test and measurement professional. Check out Interface’s easy-to-use Instrumentation Selection Guide to find the best solution for your specific applications.

Inventory Weighing Using Portable Instrumentation Solutions

Effective management of inventory is crucial for businesses. Maintaining precise records can be challenging when monitoring and managing stock from a distance is necessary. A weight-based inventory management system is needed in real-time. Interface suggests installing MBI Overload Protected Miniature Beam Load Cells under each corner of the inventory shelves for this challenge. A JB104SS 4-Channel Stainless Steel Junction Box is connected to each load cell and to a WTS-AM-1E that wirelessly transmits the sum weight to the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for multiple transmitters. Results can be displayed, logged, and graphed seen in real time. Customers can use this solution to effectively monitor and manage their inventory using Interface’s force sensors. It also reduces labor expenses and fewer errors, enhancing overall productivity.

jib crane carrying a heavy load

Jib Crane Tension Monitoring with Portable Handheld Display

Jib cranes are used to move or carry heavy loads, as they are attached to a vertical mast or strong support structure. A tension monitoring system is needed to ensure the lifted loads do not exceed the jib crane’s capacity. Interface’s WTSATL-JR Aluminum Compact Wireless Tension Link can be attached to the cable of the jib crane. When a heavy load is placed at the end of the jib crane, the force results are wirelessly transmitted to the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display for Single Transmitters. Using this solution, the customer could monitor the cable tension forces of the jib crane to ensure it did not reach its maximum capacity.

Catenary Mooring System with Interface Portable Display

A customer had a catenary mooring system used for various offshore applications. They needed to ensure the anchors and chains were securely locked to the node. They also needed to measure the strength and fatigue of the main node the chains and anchors attach to so they did not risk any mooring lines breaking or the node being damaged. Depending on how many points there are on the node, Interface’s special submersible ISHK-B Bow Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackles were attached to the node. The chains and anchors are then attached to the shackles. The shackles measure the forces implemented by the chains and anchors, and results are displayed, logged, and graphed using the 9325-1 Portable Sensor Display. This instrument also has supplied software to connect to the customer’s PC. Interface’s submersible shackles and instrumentation helped verify the tensions of the anchors and chains attached to the node of their catenary mooring system.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The Wonderful World of Wireless Webinar Recap

Digital Instrumentation 101

Interface Instrumentation Definitions

Introducing New Interface Instrumentation Selection Guide

Advancements in Instrumentation Webinar

 

Exploring Capabilities of New Products Webinar Recap

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Interface’s latest ForceLeaders webinar, Exploring Capabilities of New Measurement Products, provides an overview of 20 new products with details on specifications, features, and sample applications. The recorded event introduces several new measurement products across various categories, including load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, instrumentation, accessories, and systems.

Brian Peters, VP of Global Sales at Interface, and Ken Bishop, Senior Director of Custom Solutions, detailed the various product categories and provided essential testing tips to consider for each product. They highlighted capabilities, different use cases, and applications for each product.

Interface’s expanding catalog has over 40,000 SKUs across load cells, torque, instrumentation, calibration systems, and accessories. New products are continuously added, driven by customer needs and industry trends like digitalization, complete systems, multi-axis sensors, submersibles, and wireless connectivity. The following is a recap of some of the products detailed during this comprehensive review.

New Load Cell Models

Ken introduced several new load cell models like the stainless steel ITCA series, which are available with IP67 protection and have capacities ranging from 1 to 150 metric tons (MT) (2.2K to 330.6K lbf). Typical applications are structural testing, jack load and cable tension monitoring, material test machine feedback, and press load monitoring. The ICPA compression model ranges from 2 to 1000 MT (4.4K to 2204K lbf) in a smaller package with optional dome caps and mounting bases. The IO link-enabled 1200 LowProfile Load Cell models for optimizing machine integration and process controls are ideal for the growing digital network environments. Additional products detailed in this section include the A4200 and A4600 WeighCheck™ Load Cells, the new SSLP Stainless Steel Low Profile Universal Load Cell, and our pillow block load cells PBLC1 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell, PBLC2 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell and PBLC3 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell.

Additions to ATEX Load Cell Line

Two new ATEX-approved load cells are reviewed during the event, including a rod-end style 3450 series and a 3411 Intrinsically Safe Compression-Only LowProfile® Load Cell with an internally amplified 4-20 mA output, loop-powered. Appropriate hazardous environment classifications must be reviewed carefully for proper installation.

New Torque Transducers

During the webinar, Brian introduced the lower-cost T18 rotary torque sensor. This valuable transducer is contactless and suits various test stands without needing separate encoders. It’s a great sensor for testing anything that spins. The TSCF C-Face Flange Torque Transducer wired and non-rotating model allows torque and pass-through mounting on standard C-face motor frames for conveyors, pumps, and other systems. It is available in capacities from 288.5 lbf-in to 885 lbf-in (10 Nm to 100 Nm).

Multi-Axis Sensors

New multi-axis sensors, like the 2-axis AT-104, are valuable for combined reaction torque and axial force cable testing. Customers use this for low-range combined force and torque testing, off-axis friction characterization, and articulating component testing. The AT-105 is available in capacities from 100/2, 250/5, & 500/5 N/Nm (22.5/17.7, 56.2/44.3, & 112.4/44.3 lbf/lbf-in). It measures torque, speed, and force for bearing tests. A new 3-axis load cell, the 3AR Series Round 3-Axis Load Cells, has a high Z-axis capacity that matches the BX8 data logger well. The 6-axis 6ADF series incorporates a DIN mounting flange for robot arm integration.

Load Pins, Shackles and Tension Links

Interface’s expanded line of load pins, shackles, and tension links offers a range of standard and custom solutions with integrated wireless options. The new ILMP Standard Stainless Steel Load Load Pin is a great standard load pin, available from 1.1K lbf (500 kgs) to 3,307K lbf (1500 MT). They work well for lifting, rigging, and inline tension applications. Load pins can be fully customized to fit unique mounting requirements with options for redundant bridges or special connectors.

New Instrumentation

A range of new instrumentation is covered, like the multi-channel 9325 indicator with 2400 Hz sampling, software, and TEDS support. The battery-powered 4850 replaces a previous model for outdoor weighing applications. The multi-function JB1100 junction box sums 4 load cell channels and options for CAN bus, Bluetooth, and analog outputs. The compact IF500 Load Cell Simulator generates precision load cell simulation signals for field use. And the 9840C TEDS Read/Write Intelligent Indicator has coefficients for use with up to 20 load cells. Additional instrumentation highlighted during the technical seminar include the BSC1-HD Single Channel PC Interface Module with Analog Output, the BSC4D-BT Portable 4-channel Bluetooth Data Logger, and the various models of INF4 Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator and INF1 Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator.

Accessories and System Offerings

Interface provides diverse accessories like bases, couplings and enclosures tailored to load cells and torque sensors. We also offer integrated systems that include sensors, data acquisition, software, displays and reporting for wireless devices, multi-axis sensors, torque testing, simulation, instrumentation calibration, and other applications. You can see the options covered in our Data AQ Pack Brochure. Customization services can modify standard products or build complete OEM solutions to customer requirements. Consider customized system development services from Interface for fully integrated deployments. It saves time and money.

The webinar concluded with a checklist of starter questions for planning testing projects covering the goals, measurements, cycles, environments, data usage, installation, connections, storage, and reporting requirements.

  • What are you measuring?
  • What are the number of cycles required in your test plan?
  • What is the environment for your project?
  • How will you use the measurement data?
  • What are the requirements for mounting and installation?
  • How will you be connecting your devices to instrumentation?
  • Where are you storing your data?
  • Will you need software to analyze your results?

Research Interface’s catalog of load cells, torque sensors, instrumentation, and accessories for models potentially fitting my application requirements. Be sure to consult Interface application engineers on recommendations for complete measurement solutions optimized for your specific use cases.

WATCH THE WEBINAR

Load Cells Elevate Gantry Crane Performance

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Interface provides a variety of measurement solutions for gantry crane applications. Load cells aren’t just an upgrade but a game-changer for gantry crane operations.

A gantry crane is an overhead crane with a horizontal beam supported by two legs traveling along a fixed track or wheels. They are used for lifting and moving heavy objects in various industrial settings, such as warehouses, shipyards, container yards, and construction sites.

Key features of gantry cranes include:

  • Mobility: Unlike bridge cranes, fixed to a runway system, gantry cranes can move freely within their designated area. This makes them more versatile and suitable for outdoor applications.
  • Lifting capacity: Gantry cranes can be designed to lift a wide range of weights, from a few to hundreds of tons.
  • Portability: Some gantry cranes are portable and can be easily moved from one location to another.
  • Versatility: Gantry cranes can be equipped with various attachments, such as hooks, magnets, and buckets, to handle a wide range of materials.

Benefits of Using Force Measurement Solutions with Gantry Cranes

Load cells, load pins, tension links, wireless telemetry systems, and instrumentation devices from Interface are valuable to makers and users of gantry cranes.  These vital measurement solutions offer several safe and efficient operation benefits:

Overload Prevention

  • Safety: The biggest reason is preventing crane overload. Exceeding the crane’s capacity can lead to catastrophic consequences, including equipment damage, structural failure, injuries, and even fatalities. Force measurement devices, often in the form of load cells or tension links, directly measure the weight of the lifted object, ensuring it stays within safe limits.
  • Alerts and Alarm Settings: Many devices paired with specific instruments can trigger audible or visual alarms if the load approaches the limit, giving the operator time to adjust. Some advanced systems automatically shut down the lifting operation to prevent potential overload.

Improved Efficiency and Accuracy

  • Optimal load handling: Knowing the exact weight of the load allows operators to position it precisely and efficiently. This is crucial for tasks like loading and unloading containers or placing heavy machinery with minimal risk of damage.
  • Reduced energy consumption: By lifting only the necessary weight, you optimize energy usage by avoiding unnecessary strain on the crane’s motors and systems.

Maintenance and Inspection

  • Monitoring crane health: Force measurement data can be used to track crane performance over time and identify potential issues early on. This helps with preventive maintenance and ensures the crane stays in top working condition.
  • Compliance with regulations: Many workplaces have regulations requiring the monitoring of crane loads for safety reasons. Force measurement devices provide accurate data to demonstrate compliance.

Gantry Crane Applications

Tension monitoring in cable cranes: For cranes using cables instead of hydraulics, tension links measure cable tension, safeguarding against cable stress and potential breaks.

Center of gravity determination: In complex lifts with unevenly distributed weight, measuring forces at different points helps determine the load’s center of gravity, which is crucial for safe lifting and maneuvering.

Retrofitting existing cranes for safety: Crane-safe load monitoring systems are vital to crane safety. Load pins for accurate measurement are an excellent way to modernize gantry cranes. Replacing existing load-bearing pins in the crane header block to sense the load, detect the moment of lifting a load, and monitor the cranes’ maximum safe load limit.

Weighing within winch assembly: Load pins are used to measure the weight of aluminum and steel rolls. The custom load pin was designed to fit within the winch assembly, with an anti-rotation bracket to ensure correct positioning.  We also supplied a large digit wall-mounted display to enable them to see resulting loads easily.

Safety measurement system:  If the lifting load exceeds the safe lifting load, audible or visual alarms can be triggered, or if part of a control system, that action will automatically stop the lift. Additionally, having a real-time display of the lifted load allows crane operators to lift the maximum allowable amount, improving productivity by reducing the number of lifts required to complete a task.

To improve operational efficiency and safety, a measurement system is an excellent tool that can alert the crane operator to imminent excess lifting conditions that may cause harm to operators and equipment. Overall, force measurement devices are essential for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of gantry cranes, making them a valuable investment for any lifting operation.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Load Pins, Tension Links, & Shackles

Gantry Crane Weighing

A Great Force for Crane and Hoist Solutions

Interface Engineered Solutions for Lifting Webinar Recap

Seaside Ports are Optimizing Efficiency and Safety Using Interface Sensor Technologies

Jib Crane Tension Monitoring

Crane Safety Requires Precision Measurements Ship to Shore

Crane Block Safety Animated Application Note

 

Exploring New Measurement Products Webinar

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The Interface Exploring Capabilities of New Measurement Products Webinar details new products, including sensors, instrumentation, and accessories. Our experts will cover dozens of new additions to the extensive 40,000-plus product catalog of force measurement solutions. Interface engineers highlight product features, capacities, use cases, and technical tips in the fast-paced new technical online seminar.

Read more

Interface 2023 Top Products and Trends

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As engineers, we demand complex data and proven performance, especially regarding the tools we trust with our test and measurement projects. That’s why Interface crunched the numbers on our extensive 35,000+ product catalog, analyzing real-world usage and online preferences to reveal the 2023 top force measurement products.

Whether you’re tackling demanding aerospace wind tunnel tests, optimizing robotic grips for industrial automation use in the factory, or innovating in medical device design that will save lives, there are options for precision measurement. This list provides a data-driven roadmap to the Interface products fellow measurement device seekers created through their product reviews and acquisition. We highlighted some of these trends and use cases in our recent post: Top 10 Trends in Test and Measurement.

Let’s delve into the real-world data and discover the Interface measurement tools that testing professionals, technicians, buyers, and engineers like you relied on in 2023.

2023 MOST VIEWED PRODUCT CATEGORIES

2023 MOST VIEWED INTERFACE PRODUCTS

2023 MOST VIEWED PRODUCT FEATURES

The most viewed products provide Interface product design and planning teams with insights about future projects. Whether you are designing a new consumer product that provides IoT sensing capabilities with an embedded Mini Load Cell or updating your test lab with multi-axis sensors, Interface learns from your interactions.

So, how did all of this translate to products we built this year? Interface customers selected these most popular load cells, torque transducers, and instrumentation for various applications and use cases, including OEM solutions.

2023 MOST POPULAR INTERFACE PRODUCTS

Interface force measurement solutions proved a cornerstone of success, aiding in developing and testing countless innovative products. But with thousands of options in our catalog, pinpointing the most impactful measurement tools can be daunting. We can relate, so we designed a series of Interface Guides to help you navigate options based on your technical requirements and product specifications. Use these guides to start your research, then engage with our experienced application engineers to refine your options and get the right product for your specific needs.

NEW INTERFACE GUIDES HELP IN SELECTING THE RIGHT PRODUCT

Load Cell Selection Guide

Torque Transducer Selection Guide

Instrumentation Selection Guide

Data AQ Pack Guide

Multi-Axis Sensor Selection Guide

Lifting Solutions Guide

Weighing Solutions Guide

We are ready to help dissect the specific features, capacities, and application requirements with you to conquer your force measurement complexities confidently. We look forward to supplying you with sensor technologies in 2024.

Digging Into Interface Mining Industry Solutions

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Sensors are integral to ensuring the safety of mines, including underground, open surface, placer, dredging, highwall, mountaintop, and in-situ. However, one of the most valuable uses for Interface sensor technologies is assuring that equipment is adequately tested, controlled, and monitored to ensure safe operations.

The mining industry is wrought with hazards and extreme environments that can put a job site at risk and, more critically, endanger miners’ lives. Mining equipment and tools manufacturers turn to Interface for various transducers designed for use in unique and hazardous environments. These measurement instruments are essential in meeting the rising safety requirements of the mining industry and significantly improve the quality and reliability of mining equipment.

Interface force and torque measurement products help to efficiently and safely extract and process metals, gemstones, limestone, chalk, coal, oil shale, dimension stone, rock salt, potash, gravel, and clay.

Interface products are essential for designing, testing, and utilizing mining equipment, machines, components, and systems. Our load cells, instrumentation, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, load shackles, and tension links are used in tools and equipment for the mining industry.

The data gathered from Interface measurement solutions ultimately helps monitor the mine’s structural supports, optimize digging and lifting processes, reduce wear and tear on equipment, and prevent overloading, which can lead to costly downtime and maintenance. This data is typically gathered throughout one of two stages of the product cycle: during thorough product testing or while monitoring the product in real-time. The mining industry heavily utilizes both use cases.

For example, Interface load cells are used for conveyor systems, which rely on force measurement to monitor the tension and load on conveyor belts. Load cells can also be installed on mining shovels, draglines, and excavators to measure the load on the buckets or booms.

Excavator Test and Measurement Applications

Load cells and torque transducers are used to test the performance of excavators. This includes testing the excavator’s digging force, lifting capacity, and swing torque. An Interface load cell can accurately measure the force exerted by the excavator’s bucket as it digs into the ground. The measurement data provides information to determine if the excavator has sufficient digging force to complete the task. Our torque transducers are helpful in accurately measuring the swing torque of the excavator to assess that there is adequate torque to swing the boom and bucket safely and efficiently.

Mining Equipment Design and Testing

Load cells and torque transducers are valuable in the design of mining and excavation equipment. The precision of Interface’s LowProfile Load Cells accurately measures the forces acting on different parts of the equipment, such as the boom, bucket, and undercarriage. The measurement data during extensive testing can also help determine how to optimize the equipment. Our Mini Load Cells, like the SSMH Sealed Hazardous Environment Intrinsically Safe S-Type Load Cell, can be integrated into mining equipment and tools for continuous monitoring and safety alarms to protect from overloading. Torque transducers can measure the torque requirements of different equipment components, such as the rotary drive and swing drive. This information can be used to design more powerful and efficient components.

Monitoring the Safety and Regulation of Cranes

Mining operations worldwide rely on cranes, lifting equipment, and heavy-duty vehicles. This equipment requires rigorous testing of every component and continuous monitoring to safeguard the equipment and, more importantly, operators.

In this video application, the customer verified if the crane is safe and functional enough to lift its working load limit (WLL) or safe working load (SWL) capacity. Using the Interface Model WTSATL-JR Aluminum Compact Wireless Tension Link Load Cell, they can measure the load’s maximum capacity. The WTS-RM1 Wireless Relay Output Receiver Modules can also trigger an alarm that can be set when it reaches the maximum capacity of weight and force. The data is transmitted and can be reviewed with the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display or on a computer.

See how our measurement solutions are used for crane capacity verification.

Interface offers an intrinsically safe lineup of products designed for rugged and extreme conditions that are of great value in the mining industry. These specialized load cells and force measurement solutions are designed and manufactured so that the materials and electronic components are safe for use in hazardous gas and dust environments when installed per applicable installation instructions. These components play an integral role in the safety of those working in dangerous environments, particularly in natural resource industries like oil, gas, forestry, and mining.

To learn more about our products used in the mining and natural resource industries, contact Interface Application Engineers. They are ready to answer your questions and find the correct measurement solution for your requirements.

Force Measurement Sensors are Essential to Modern Industrial Machinery

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Industrial machinery plays a vital role in the global economy. It helps to improve productivity and efficiency, and it is essential to produce many of the goods we rely on daily.

Industrial machinery use cases range from equipment used in manufacturing and construction to transportation and robotics. Force measurement sensors and instrumentation play a critical role in ensuring industrial machinery’s safe and efficient operation.

Interface sensor technologies, including our load cells and multi-axis sensors, provide critical data for various machinery designs and functions. Interface analog and digital instrumentation products are available to amplify, condition, and display the signals from force measurement sensors.

The accuracy of force, torque, and weight measurements guide industrial machinery’s design and performance mechanisms.

What types of industrial machinery are using Interface measurement products today?

  • Machine tools used for grinding, drills, and lathes
  • Fabrication apparatus used for bending, shearing, and welding
  • Assembly equipment for production environments that include conveyor belts, robotic arms, and picking devices
  • Testing, quality control, and safety inspection equipment
  • Heavy equipment operational controllers for forklifts, cranes, and hoisting gear
  • Construction machinery such as loaders, bulldozers, and lifts

Industrial machinery is prevalent in manufacturing vehicles, aircraft, consumer goods, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Heavy-duty machinery is standard in energy production, mining, forestry, agriculture, and transportation.

The machines’ quality heavily depends on the accuracy of measurements used in the initial design, retrofitting, production, and practice. Interface products provide the products that enable machines to operate at peak performance safely and efficiently. Learn more in our new Interface Industrial Machinery Solutions, a part of Industrial Automation market offerings.

How Interface Measurement Solutions Used in Industrial Machinery

Machine Safety Monitoring

Interface products are used for monitoring the performance of machines and for management in sensing potential problems before they cause a failure. Interface measurement technologies are used in construction machinery to enable operators to gauge the force applied to materials, preventing overexertion and potential damage. Read Interface Solutions for Safety and Regulation Testing and Monitoring

Heavy Machinery and Lifting Equipment

In material handling equipment, force sensors help prevent accidents and injuries. Interface load cells, including load pins and shackles, monitor loads, weight, and distribution. Learn more about lifting solutions in our Engineered Solutions for Lifting Webinar.

Manufacturing and Production Machines

Manufacturers rely on Interface sensor solutions in industrial machines such as injection molding machines to monitor the force applied to the mold or how they are used in machines to ensure correct product packaging. The efficiency of machines is enhanced by correctly measuring the forces applied during different operations. Force sensors help ensure products are assembled correctly and within tolerance on production lines.

Industrial Automation Machines and Robotics

Interface sensors in industrial machines such as robots allow for more precise and delicate tasks that measure force at touch and throughout the entire operation. In machine tools, load cells assist in monitoring cutting forces and prevent damage to tools and workpieces. In robotic arms and automated assembly lines, force sensors provide precise force application during welding, riveting, and material handling.

Benefits of Using Interface Products in Industrial Machinery

  • Improved safety: Load cells can help prevent accidents and injuries by monitoring the weight and distribution of loads and ensuring that machines operate correctly.
  • Increased productivity: Force measurement sensors can help improve machines’ efficiency by optimizing the force applied during different operations. Force measurement sensors can help reduce machine downtime and enhance the quality of products with accurate data, helping to make intelligent decisions.
  • Reduced waste and operating costs: Measurement devices can help to reduce costs by preventing machine failures and improving the quality of products.

Force measurement sensors and instrumentation are essential components of modern industrial machinery. They ensure the safe, efficient, and productive operation of these machines. Contact Interface application engineers to evaluate the best sensor technologies for your specific test and measurement pe failures and improving the quality of products.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Hydraulic Press Machines and Load Cells

Sanding Machine Force Monitoring

Interface Solutions for Machine Builders

Metal Press Cutting Machine

Laser Machine Cutting Force App Note

Ice Machine Weighing

Force Measurement Testing Improves Products and Consumer Safety

Cobot Safety Programming

Crane Capacity Verification App Note

Interface New Product Releases Fall 2023

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Interface has added new load cells and instrumentation to our expansive measurement solutions catalog. The Fall 2023 new product releases include several standard products, along with options for engineered to order and custom solutions.

The Interface product line is one of the most extensive in the world of test and measurement. We want to make it easier to navigate models based on your requirements. Interface has a series of guides that can help you choosing the right load cells, miniature load cells, torque transducers, couplings, DAQ systems and instrumentation. Visit our online product selection tools.

ICPA STAINLESS STEEL COMPRESSION LOAD CELL

Interface’s new ICPA compression load cells are built to exacting standards with submersible versions available. The standard product is durable, versatile and easy to integrate into existing machines and equipment. There are several options available in standard capacities and dimensions including domed top (supplied with or without a loading cap), integral carry handles, mounting base, integral connectors and internal analog/digital signal amplifiers. The standard product is constructed from stainless steel and IP-rated. It can be customized to specific requirements. Download the ICPA datasheet.

Primary ICPA features and benefits:

  • Ranges: 2 to 1000 MT (4.4K to 2204K lbf)
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Environmentally sealed to IP67
  • Submersible version available upon request
  • Options: Special electrical connections, integral signal conditioning
  • Model options: Domed top and loading cap, mounting base and handles
  • TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) option
  • Custom ranges and sizes available

BSC4D-BT PORTABLE 4-CHANNEL BLUETOOTH DATA LOGGER

Interface’s new BSC4D-BT Portable 4-Channel Bluetooth Data Logger is designed for wireless measurement data acquisition with wire strain gage sensors. It is also suitable for connecting strain gage full bridges and half bridges. For quarter bridges (120 Ohm, 350 Ohm, and 1000 Ohm), there is a connection option in three-wire technology. Data is transmitted by radio via the Bluetooth Standard 2.0+EDR with serial port profile (SPP). The range is 20-meters in buildings or up to 100 m when in direct line of sight. Current consumption is less than 150 mA. When not in use, current consumption is under 10 mA. A battery can be charged at 5V supply voltage via an integrated charge regulator. Download the BSC4D-BT datasheet.

Primary BSC4D-BT Portable 4-Channel Bluetooth Data Logger:

  • IP65 housing with integrated battery
  • Long distance Bluetooth interface
  • 4 channels
  • Inputs for mV/V / 0 – 5 V / PT1000
  • Measuring ranges 2 mV / V / 10 mV / V, mV/V quarter and half-full bridge options
  • 4 digital inputs and outputs
  • Data rate up to 450 Hz

BSC1-HD SINGLE CHANNEL PC INTERFACE MODULE WITH ANALOG OUTPUT

The new Interface BSC1-HD Single Channel PC Interface Module with Analog Output is a single channel signal conditioner with both digital and analog input and output. The BSC1-HD also has optional RS232, RS422, and CANopen protocols.  Download the BSC1-HD datasheet.

Primary BSC1-HD Single Channel Module with Analog Output features and benefits:

  • 24-bit
  • mV/V input (+/-10mV/V) and Analog Input (0-10VDC)
  • Analog Output (standard +/-5V)
  • LCD Display (to 200,000 digits display resolution)
  • Compatible with Interface BlueDAQ Software
  • RS232, RS422 or Optional – CANopen
  • Trigger input
  • Options include: 4-20mA Output, 0-10V Output, CANopen and +/-5V Output

Amplifier channel has a fixed gain settings and is not adjustable for specific load cell output signals. Thus, the amplifier output will typically 0.5V per mV/V of load cell output.

SGA AC/DC POWERED SIGNAL CONDITIONER

Interface versatile SGA Signal Conditioner is now offered as a series. There are eight configurations available for this popular instrumentation product. The SGA features user selectable outputs of ±10V, ±5V, 0-10V, 0-5V, 0-20mA and 4-20ma. This product is DC or AC powered with switch selectable filters from 1 to 5kHz and is packaged in a sealed ABS enclosure. This product supports shunt calibration and a wide range of gain settings. To review all the SGA options, go here.

NEW! 8 SGA Configuration Models Now Available

  1. SGA: Amplifier with no power cord
  2. SGA-WPC: Amplifier with power cord
  3. SGA-RSC: Amplifier with Remote Shunt Calibration option and no power cord
  4. SGA-RSC-WPC: Amplifier with Remote Shunt Calibration option and includes a power cord
  5. SGA-DCI: SGA-D with Isolated Power Supply option and no power cord (DC Power Only). Also allows for 9-36 VDC Supply
  6. SGA-BCM: Amplifier with Bridge Completion option and no power cord
  7. SGA-BCM-WPC: Amplifier with Bridge Completion option and includes power cord
  8. SGA-DRMK: DIN Rail Mounting Kit option for model SGA.

Primary and Optional SGA features and benefits:

  • User selectable analog output ±10V, ±5V, 0-10V, 0-5V, 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA
  • 110 VAC, 220 VAC OR 18-24 VDC power
  • Switch selectable filtering 1 Hz to 5 kHz
  • Single channel powers up to 4 transducers
  • Selectable full scale input range 0.06 to 30 mV/V
  • Switch selectable offset ±70% FS
  • Sealed ABS enclosure
  • Model SGA-RSC can remotely activate a shunt calibration by closing a relay on the related RSC module
  • Model SGA-DCI offers with isolated 12/24V power supply
  • Model SGA-BCM has a bridge completion module for both quarter and half bridges
  • Option: AC Power Cord (PWRCRD-SGA-110)
  • Option: DIN Rail for mounting available by request

4850 BATTERY POWERED BLUETOOTH WEIGHT INDICATOR

The new Interface 4850 Bluetooth Digital Indicator is a wireless capable digital indicator housed in a stainless steel NEMA 4X enclosure. It comes with a large 0.8” LCD display for easy readout of up to 50,000 display divisions and can drive up to 8-350Ω load cells. All setup parameters may be entered via the front panel keys. A full duplex RS-232 port or optional Bluetooth module can transmit data on demand or continuously to match the input requirements of a wide variety of peripheral devices including printers, remote displays and computers. This is a high quality instrumentation solution with Bluetooth capabilities. Review the 4850 weight indicator specifications here.

Primary 4850 Digital Indicator features and benefits:

  • Full front panel configuration
  • Drives up to eight 350 ω load cells
  • Full front panel calibration, multipoint cal – linearization
  • Units- lb, kg, g, and oz
  • Stainless steel swivel stands and enclosure
  • Easy to read LCD display with up to 50,000 graduations
  • Power requirements – 4-14 vdc
  • Battery is 6-volt 3 ah internal rechargeable lead acid
  • Options for analog output: 16-Bit, 0-5 VDC, 4-20 mA and built-in relays (6V or 12V)

Beyond our standard load cells, transducers, and instrumentation, we also offer options for engineered to order, OEM sensors, and complete custom systems. If you need any assistance in selecting the right products for your test and measurement applications, please contact us.  If you have questions about these new products, capacities, capabilities, or specifications, we are here to help.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT RESOURCES