Interface ForceLeaders Summit 2023 will take place in Huntsville, Alabama, on April 20 at the Huntsville Marriot at the Space & Rocket Center. Experts will share valuable insights, tips, product demos, and applications for load cells, transducers, new sensors, instrumentation and more. Registration is required.
Interface’s Keith Skidmore recently detailed the growing demands for more data in the product development process to create better products in the February 2023 edition of Quality Magazine. In his contributed article, Measuring Force Data in Extreme Conditions, he expertly highlights how this demand comes with the added requirements for measurement and sensor solutions that can perform in any condition.
As makers of products, machines, and components can attest, they need more testing and performance data to make critical design and smart production decisions. The added requirement to secure this data with precision, requires quality measurement solutions that can perform under extreme conditions.
Interface has long been attuned to these demands, with an increasing product line of ruggedized products. These products, including our submersibles, intrinsically safe and stainless steel load cells help to fulfill the requirements. Examples of these products include:
Noted in the article, Keith writes: As technology has progressed, test and measurement systems are becoming more advanced and capable for a wide variety of applications and industries. This is because manufacturers want more data in the product development process to create better products, and they need solutions that can perform in any condition, especially when running field testing. This is increasingly important in force measurement as real-world testing is paramount to a safe and reliable product. And with the need for real-world force testing comes the need for sensors that can work effectively in hazardous environments including rain, wind, underwater, explosive environments, and exposed conditions.
Read the complete article here to learn more about Interface’s popular ruggedized force measurement solutions, sensor materials used to perform in harsh environments, extreme temperature options and various submersible options.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
High Temperature Load Cells 101
Hazardous Environment Solutions from Interface
Interface Submersible Load Cells
Stainless Steel Load Cells 101
Crane Safety Requires Precision Measurements Ship to Shore
QM0223 - Keith Skidmore Article 2-23
Most often the subject of weighing is a reference to scales. Although most of the world knows Interfaced for our expertise in test and measurement, aerospace, automotive, energy, and medical industries, we know our way around all kinds of weighing applications and scales.
In fact, load cells are truly the heart of every scale system and make modern use cases for highly accurate weight data possible. At Interface, we design, manufacture, and guarantee the highest performing load cells in the world.
In our online seminar, Weighing Your Options, Keith Skidmore, and Jeff White detail Interface products used for weighing, along with engineering tips, applications, and frequently asked questions.
How have sensors historically been used for weighing and lifting? The most common uses are in weigh modules, floor, and bench scales, along with truck and rail transport weighcheck systems. Interface’s involvement in providing measurement solutions have traditionally focused on test and measurement applications, sensors for machines and rigs, as well as use in weighing components. Trends are moving to complete weighing solutions.
Sensors are used throughout the product life cycle, from R&D to distribution, including
Interface load cells can measure across a wide range of force, from 0.02 to 2,000k lbf. Interface products used in weighing applications are diverse in design, including:
Our weighing sensors combined with available instrumentation use a variety of communication methods, including analog, digital, wireless and cloud based, to allow users to gather data in-facility or remotely. Junction boxes such as our JB1100 4-Channel Advanced Signal Conditioning Transmitter Indicator and Junction Box are frequently used for weighing systems. We can also customize sensors to meet specifications for weighing use cases.
Most Common Types of Instrumentation Used for Weighing
Interface has also introduced several weigh system modules, like the WSSCLC-Mount Weighing Assembly. It is a stainless-steel construction and available in three sizes. It incorporates a safety retainer to prevent accidental vessel lifting or sliding. When used with Model WSSCLC Load Cell, the system is IP68 rated and good for rugged applications.
The place to start with any new weighing application is what do you need to weigh by and what is the smallest increasing increment? Interface application engineers can help you choose the correct equipment, including the load cell, weigh module, instrumentation, and any accessories. They will review the requirements such as live load, dead load, number of supports, washdown, weighing materials, temperature and temperature swings, hazardous environment and exposure, type of vessel, measurements of compression or tension, mixers or shakers attachments, rigid conduit, or piping and even shock loading issues.
Watch the complete online seminar to learn more about weighing systems used for tank and hoppers, conveyor belts, industrial equipment, continuous weighing and automation features for alarms and safety requirements. We detail do’s and don’ts along with frequently asked questions.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Accuracy Matters for Weighing and Scales
Livestock Weighing System Application Note
INF4-EtherCat Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
CPG Water Bottle Dispensing and Weighing
New Interface Case Study Exams Weighing and Scales
CPG Veterinary Weighing Scales
Interface force measurement experts detail solutions used for all types of weighing and lifting applications. We discuss sensor models, capabilities, features and tips using various load cells, load pins, shackles, tension links, weighcheck systems and instrumentation. Learn about use cases, FAQs, measurement applications, options for harsh environments and OEM products. If you are exploring quality measurement solutions that provide high accuracy and reliability for scales, cranes, lifting equipment or tools, join us.
The new ForceLeaders live event takes place on the “Space Coast” in Cocoa Beach on Tuesday, April 18. Interface and GenTek force measurement solutions engineers and experts will share valuable tips and experiences using our precision load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, pressure sensors, and advanced instrumentation. Join us for a two plus hour conversation followed by interactive discussions, demonstrations and lunch.
In the recent article, ‘May the force be with you: Force sensing keeps factories running, product quality high’ Dan O’Shea at Fierce Electronics writes about the growing demand for sensors in industrial automation applications.
Following his interview with Interface’s Keith Skidmore, Dan writes:
‘While some sensors are more focused on monitoring equipment or measuring environmental conditions around a manufacturing process, force sensors measure mechanical forces occurring in the equipment and processes, and the products being manufactured. They measure things like load, tension, resistance, weight or total pressure applied. By employing this kind of sensing technology, manufacturers can monitor the health of their equipment and improve quality assurance for their products.’
“Testing things by applying a force to them is super common. Many products in lots of industries get tested this way, from aerospace to automotive, through to consumer goods. Chairs, furniture, mattresses, ladders–basically, anything that’s being manufactured, there can be a desire to figure out how strong the various parts of those products are.” Keith Skidmore, engineer and regional sales director at Interface
Read the entire Fierce Electronics article here.
Interface provides industrial automation and IoT solutions to manufacturers, equipment makers and factories around the world. Sensors play a pivotal role in production and optimization through tools and process improvements.
Robotic arms are frequently used in production facilities throughout the manufacturing process. Suppliers of these devices heavily rely on accurate and quality sensors to provide feedback. In this application, the designer needed to test the force of the arm apparatus to ensure it could safely secure packages on a moving conveyor belt without damaging any materials or products. This automated function helps to improve quality of packaging and increase productivity on the line.
Interface provided the model 6A40A 6-Axis Load Cell with model BX8-HD44 Data Acquisition Amplifier instrumentation. The 6-Axis load cell provides measurement of all forces and torques (Fx, Fʏ, Fz, Mx, Mʏ, Mz) and the BXB-HD44 Data Acquisition Amplifier logs, displays, and graphs these measurements while sending scaled analog output signals for these axes to the robot’s control system. Customer installed 6A40 6-Axis Load Cell between robot flange and robot grabber. The extensive data outputs from the multi-axis sensor provided the exact detailed measurements needed for the industrial robotic application.
Interface experts recently hosted a conversation about what is changing in the world of instrumentation, as it related to sensor technologies and force measurement. The new event, Advancements in Instrumentation is a continuation of our ForceLeaders Interface Instructional on Instrumentation Event.
The conversation began with a focus on what has changed in the last five years and why instrumentation is such an important topic in T&M.
TRENDS IN ADVANCED INSTRUMENTATION
The number one change in test and measurement that we have identified is the omnipresent use of sensors in things that didn’t use to have sensors. This includes consumer products, home healthcare medical devices, EVs, factory equipment, tools, robotics, just to name a few. With the demands for more feedback, more data, and more required performance monitoring, instrumentation requirements are growing in functionality.
We are getting smarter in our applications and uses cases, which means we need smarter devices to capture all the information to make intelligent decisions in product design, engineering, and manufacturing. We see this with smart factories, smart vehicles, smart agriculture, smart tools, smart medical technologies, these innovations and advancements need more data to make smart decisions, in design, test, build and use.
Other trends we discussed include the infusion of IoT into test and measurement. As we connect more instruments and devices into our networks, it requires advanced instrumentation and changes in what has been used as basic and standard instruments in the past. We also see customization and programmability needs changing and movement towards more digital interfaces. Specifically, during this hour-long discussion we dive into digital outputs, amplifiers, communication protocols and advancements in software options, including a quick MathScript demo. Watch the video here.
TYPES OF INSTRUMENTATION HIGHLIGHTED IN WEBINAR
Interface highlighted a series of new instrumentation solutions in great detail. This includes recent releases like our BX8 DAQ Series, Wireless Telemetry System Additions, 9850 Torque and Load Cell Indicator and SI-USB4. We also shared what we are bringing to market this year, including new portable indicators, a DAQ systems designed specifically for torque transducers, advanced multi-channel solutions and new USB indicators for wireless sensors. We also talked about custom instrumentation solutions when you need something designed for a unique use case or OEM application.
Throughout the webinar, instrumentation selection criteria were highlighted to help make the right decisions in pairing your measurement devices to the available instrumentation options. We addressed common questions, do’s and don’ts, and tips that are helpful in evaluating what will work with your project, in your lab or at your factory.
ADVANCEMENTS IN INSTRUMENTATION WEBINAR TOPICS
You can watch the entire conversation to learn more.
WHY INTERFACE FOR INSTRUMENTATION
With so many options available, we want to make it easier in choosing the right instrumentation. Here are a few reasons why Interface is a provider of choice when it comes to instrumentation for force measurement.
Additional Resources
Interface Instructional on Instrumentation Event
Recap of Inventive Multi-Axis and Instrumentation Webinar
Instrumentation Analog Versus Digital Outputs
Interface ForceLeaders live event in Austin, Texas, is March 22, 2023. Our force measurement solutions engineers and experts will be onsite to share valuable tips and experiences using load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors and advanced instrumentation. Register to join the conversation.
Listen and watch as we explore innovative new instrumentation solutions that are designed for all types of force measurement applications. We detail options for load cells, torque transducers and multi-axis sensors. Keith Skidmore and Ken Bishop highlight system-ready instrumentation options, along with features and benefits, types of software, trends and tips. What pairs best with each type of measurement device? Our experts will answer your questions in this recorded ForceLeaders event.
