Posts

The Wonderful World of Wireless Webinar Recap

Interface recently hosted an online technical seminar, The Wonderful World of Wireless, discussing cable-less sensor technologies.

The ForceLeaders event began with a quick highlight of the history of wireless, starting with Heinrich Hertz demonstrating the existence of electromagnetic waves in 1988 through the 21st-century developments of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, plus 4G and 5G cellular networks.

These inventions have advanced test and measurement devices to the point where wireless sensors and instrumentation are commonplace. What does today and the future of wireless look like?

  • Extensive Wireless Components in the Lab
  • Network Connectivity and Cloud-Based Data (IoT)
  • Expanding Use for Different Environments
  • High-accuracy and Precision Measurement Capabilities
  • Enabling Advancements in Automation
  • Continuous Monitoring of Measurement Data
  • Safety and Alarm Systems Based on Key Measurements
  • Component Activation without Cables

During this technical discussion, Interface experts Keith Skidmore and Jason Graham detailed the benefits of using wireless components for test and measurement programs in addition to OEM products. The top five benefits of going wireless include:

  • Easier installation and maintenance
  • Reduced wiring costs and easier to integrate
  • Increased flexibility and scalability
  • Reduced risk of electrical interference and noise
  • Improved safety (no cables)

Sensor systems become significantly more flexible and adaptable by removing the need for physical wires. This translates to easier repositioning of existing sensors and seamlessly adding new ones without major infrastructure modifications. This wireless approach is particularly beneficial when traditional wiring is difficult or impractical. This includes:

Large-scale industrial applications: A sprawling factory floor or a vast agricultural field that requires wiring such expansive areas would be a logistical nightmare regarding cost and implementation. Wireless sensors eliminate this obstacle, allowing data collection across vast distances with minimal setup effort.

Monitoring moving or rotating machinery: Imagine trying to wire sensors onto a constantly spinning turbine or a robot arm in motion. The wires would be a tangled mess, prone to breakage and potentially hindering the machinery’s operation. Wireless sensors provide a clean and efficient solution, capturing valuable data without impeding the movement of the equipment. Interface details this with our system configuration using the BX6 during the webinar.

Remote or hard-to-reach locations: Whether it’s a sensor monitoring environmental conditions on a mountaintop or across the plains for oil field operations, reaching specific locations with wires can be impossible or prohibitively expensive. Wireless sensors bridge this gap, enabling data collection from even the most inaccessible places.

Interface offers wireless LowProfiles, Mini Load Cells, Load Shackles, and Torque Transducers. Interface has the experience and engineering capabilities to design most of our sensors for wireless use. Commonly used Interface wireless load cells are our WTS 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile® Wireless Load CellWTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell, WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pin and WTSSHK-D Wireless Crosby™ Load Shackle.

Specification Watch List for Wireless Components

  • Input Range
  • Sample Rate
  • Temperature Range
  • Temperature Errors
  • Linearity of Sensor or System
  • Environmental Rating
  • Battery Life and Power Supply
  • Compatible Output and Inputs of Every Component

Be sure to watch the event, and if you have any questions about the products Interface offers or need help selecting the right system components, contact us. We are here to help you get the right solution.

The event concluded with Interface wireless experts answering these top 10 frequently asked questions:

  1. What impacts the range of WTS?
  2. How reliable are the data results?
  3. What software is provided with the WTS devices?
  4. How many devices can operate on one radio channel?
  5. Can computer software gather data from many devices?
  6. What limits the devices’ radio frequency (RF) range?
  7. What frequency does the system operate on?
  8. Can wireless range extenders be used within the WTS network?
  9. Is the system point-to-point?
  10. What are the sampling rates of the transmitter modules?

Interface Wireless Telemetry System (WTS)

The Interface Wireless Telemetry System (WTS) offers more sensor placement and configuration flexibility. Components in wireless telemetry systems typically include sensors, transducers, instrumentation, communication modules, transmitters, displays, and printers. Use the Wireless Modular System Overview for more system details.

Read: Interface Wireless Telemetry System Review

Applications Using Interface Wireless Telemetry System Solutions

Crane Capacity Verification

Mobile Force System

Inflatable Space Habitat

Gantry Crane Weighing

Robotic Arm

Aircraft Engine Hoist

Airplane Jacking System

Patient Hoyer Lift

Road Bridge Lift Monitoring

Jib Crane Tension Monitoring

Waste Management Container Weighing

Force Measurement Solutions for the Forestry Industry

The natural resources industry spans multiple subsectors, including minerals and mining, aquacultures, environmental services, water management, agribusiness, energy, and forestry.

Within the forestry sector, sensor technologies aid in optimizing operations, ensuring safety, and enhancing efficiency. Sensors are used in forestry heavy equipment, forest and timber management tools, logging machines, wood product manufacturing, pulp and paper manufacturing, and the recycling of forest products.

Interface force measurement solutions have a role across the continuum of forestry, from providing universal load cells to accurately measure the performance of tools and machinery during operations to supplying torque transducers for testing vehicles and equipment used in managing and securing resources.

Interface products are ideal for forest management, harvesting, and processing use cases, whether designing heavy-duty machinery using load cells to prevent overloading or protecting operators with sensor-based alarm systems and monitoring tools.

Interface devices are used in tree harvesting equipment to measure the force required to cut down trees accurately, ensuring minimal waste and maximizing resource utilization. With heavy machinery, such as log skidders and loaders, force sensors can precisely measure the weight of logs and timber transported. This data aids in preventing overloading, which can damage the equipment and negatively impact the environment. Interface sensors, including our load pins and load shackles, are also used in crane and winch systems to measure weight and load in lifting and lowering logs with the appropriate force.

Timber Weighing and Harvesting

A timber company needed a weighing system for sustainable forest management and to measure the amount of timber harvested. Weighing and monitoring harvested timber helps with resource monitoring and contributes to the overall sustainability of the forestry industry. Interface suggested creating a truck weighing scale to weigh logging trucks before and after loading timber. Multiple SSLP Stainless Steel LowProfile Universal Load Cells with WTS-BS-1E Wireless Transmitter Modules were installed under the weighing bridge. The load cells transmitted the force results wirelessly to the WTS-BS-4 Industrial Base Station connected to the customer’s PC with the provided Log100 software. The WTS-LD2 Wireless Large LED Display could also display the weight inside for the driver to see in real-time. Results were viewed on the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters. Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System used in the logging truck weighbridge was highly accurate and efficient, creating better resource management and conservation. Read more here.

TIP: Check out the Wonderful World of Wireless webinar for additional tips and products that work in remote forestry environments.

Monitoring systems are another important application in forestry that utilizes Interface products to monitor the health and stability of trees. By implementing Interface sensors to measure the force exerted on tree trunks due to wind or other environmental factors, forest managers can assess the risk of tree fall and make informed decisions about tree removal to prevent accidents and property damage.

Forestry Applications Using Interface Measurement Solutions

Forest Management: This involves planning and implementing strategies to maintain and enhance the health and productivity of forests. It includes reforestation, forest inventory, pest control, and wildfire management.

Timber Harvesting: Timber harvesting is cutting and removing trees from forests for various purposes, including producing lumber, pulpwood, and other wood products. Sustainable harvesting practices are essential to ensure the long-term health of forests.

Wood Processing: Once harvested, trees are processed into wood products such as lumber, plywood, particleboard, and wood pulp. These products are used in construction, furniture manufacturing, and paper production.

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs): Besides wood, forests provide a wide range of non-timber forest products, including fruits, nuts, mushrooms, medicinal plants, and wildlife. These products are often harvested sustainably for food, medicine, and other purposes.

Bioenergy: Forest biomass, such as wood chips and sawdust, can be a renewable energy source for biofuels and biomass power generation.

Forestry_InfographicPoster

Interface load cells, instrumentation, load pins and shackles, and our wireless telemetry systems are utilized and implemented across various forestry applications, contributing to sustainable practices. If you want to learn more about Interface’s Natural Resources Industry solutions, please contact our application engineers for assistance.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Natural Resources Brochure

Digging Into Interface Mining Industry Solutions

Heavy Truck Test and Measurement Solutions

Interface Measurement Solutions for the Natural Resources Industry

Engineered Solutions for Lifting Webinar

Lifting

Crane Block Safety Animated Application Note

Weighing Solutions Guide

 

Digging Into Interface Mining Industry Solutions

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.

Wonderful World of Wireless Webinar

Interface Wonderful World of Wireless Webinar explores using wireless sensors, instrumentation, and accessories to cut the cable. Our experts detail wireless load cells, wireless testing equipment, best practices, and tips. Learn about wireless telemetry systems, key considerations, and challenges. Interface engineers highlight industry applications and frequently asked questions in this new technical online seminar.

Monitoring and Controlling Spillway Lift Gates

Load cells are used in spillway gates to measure the force or load acting on the gate. The accuracy of these measurements is essential for managing water flow in spillways, dams, and similar water management structures. A load cell’s measurement data helps to monitor and control the position and stress on the gate to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Civil engineers and equipment manufacturers need immediate data to modernize vital infrastructure worldwide. A spillway gate’s exact capacity and dimensions may require a custom measurement solution to integrate the sensor into the design. Retrofitting spillways with advanced sensor technologies is essential to maintain gates, improve lift and closure, protect the environment, and safeguard people.

When selecting load cells for lift gates in spillways, it’s essential to consider factors such as the load range, accuracy, environmental conditions such as exposure to water and temperature variations, and the communication and control system. The load cells should be robust and designed to withstand the harsh conditions typically found in spillways.

Types of Interface Products Used for Spillway Lift Gates

  • LowProfile Load Cells are ideal for high accuracy and fatigue testing.
  • Mini Load Cells are best when space limitation for the sensor or a small measurement capacity fits the requirements.
  • Load Washer Load Cells are often used for structural monitoring and are easy to implement with a thru-hole design.
  • Multi-axis sensors are used with more than one axis of continuous measurement if necessary, or the project requires more data than a single sensor can produce.
  • Load Pins and Load Shackles are ruggedized and provide easy installation to existing equipment, such as gates.
  • Data Acquisition Systems can graph, log, and store data for continuous analysis and for creating safety systems.
  • Indicators Instruments enable the operator to have real-time analysis of measurement data.
  • Portable Instrumentation Modules are helpful when operators move around a site or need cableless devices.
  • Wireless Telemetry Systems are growing in popularity due to the cable-free options.
  • Submersible Load Cells are essential for some projects due to the exposure to moisture and various environmental conditions.
  • Enclosures are helpful to protect the sensor and instrumentation. They also provide mobility options for different types of project requirements.

How it Works: Load Cells Used for Monitoring and Controlling Spillway Gates

Load cells are positioned at various points on the gate structure to measure the force or load acting on the gate. This data helps determine the weight of water pressing against the gate, which is crucial for managing water flow. Load cells can monitor the load on a spillway lift gate during operation to ensure that the gate is not overloaded.

The load cell is connected to a data acquisition system or a controller for real-time monitoring and analysis. This system collects data from the load cells, which can be used to calculate the pressure exerted on the gate by the water.

The load cell data can be used to control the position of the gate. By continuously monitoring the load, the gate can be adjusted to maintain a particular load or to keep the gate at a specific position. This is important for controlling the water flow through the spillway.

Using Interface instrumentation solutions, the measurement data can trigger alarms if the load exceeds safe limits. This can alert operators to potential issues or dangerous conditions that must be addressed due to environmental factors or flood controls.

Interface’s Log100 Software is designed to map, record, and analyze the output data. It is valuable for assessing the gate’s performance and making necessary adjustments to ensure its longevity and reliability.

Controlling the Position of a Spillway Lift Gate

A civil engineering firm needs to control the position of a spillway lift gate to maintain a specific water level of a reservoir and control the water flow through the spillway. They desire a feedback control loop system for continuous monitoring.

Interface recommends using Interface’s 3-Axis Multi-Axis Sensor Load Cell to measure the force required to lift the gate and adjust the gate’s position to maintain the desired load. The Interface BX6 Data Acquisition System is programmed to maintain a constant load on the gate, ensuring that the water level in the reservoir remains constant, even as the inflow of water changes. The load cell can also measure the force required to lift the gate and predict the future position of the gate. The gate is then adjusted to ensure it reaches the desired position at the chosen time, with the ability to release a certain amount of water from the reservoir. This would help control the water flow downstream and prevent flooding.

The type of load cell and instrumentation selected for any spillway lift gate will depend on the application requirements. If you have questions about the type of measurement solution best suited for your project or design, please contact our application engineers.

Force Measurement Tips Related to Data Acquisition Systems

A data acquisition (DAQ) system consists of hardware and software components designed to collect, process, and analyze data from various sources and convert it into digital format for further analysis and storage. Based on the growing requirements to gather more data faster, Interface continues to add to our line of data acquisition systems to use with our load cells, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors. These systems are designed for comprehensive force and torque measurement data collection and analysis.

Is more data, with easy integration and high accuracy, your objective? Working with our team of application engineers, we can assist you in pairing the best data acquisition system with your specific transducers. Considering the options, our team of experts offers these five essential bits of advice.

Data Acquisition Systems Tips for Test & Measurement

Select the Right Data Acquisition System

Choosing a data acquisition system compatible with your specific force measurement devices and application requirements is crucial. Consider factors such as sensor type, measurement range, accuracy, resolution, sampling rate (considering your over-sampling requirements), and connectivity options. In addition, the size and form factors can be critical to an application.

Proper Sensor Installation and Calibration

Proper sensor installation and calibration are critical for accurate force measurements. Follow the guidelines for sensor installation, including correct mounting, alignment, and wiring. Ensure that the load cell is calibrated according to established procedures and standards and that the calibration is regularly verified to maintain measurement accuracy. Proper sensor installation and calibration help eliminate potential sources of measurement errors.

Signal Conditioning and Filtering

Signal conditioning and filtering techniques are essential for optimizing the quality of the acquired force data. Signal conditioning involves amplification, offsets (zeroing), filtering, and linearization of the sensor output signal. Filtering techniques, such as anti-aliasing filters, IIR, or FIR, can help reduce noise and unwanted signals, ensuring accurate and reliable force measurements.

Data Validation and Analysis

Implement data validation techniques, such as range checking, outlier detection, and data integrity checks, to identify and correct potential data errors or anomalies. Analyze the acquired data using appropriate statistical and data analysis techniques to extract meaningful insights and make informed decisions based on the force measurement data. Be sure to select a force measurement device that is highly accurate and of superior quality.

System Maintenance and Calibration

Regular system maintenance, including sensor calibration and system validation, is crucial for reliable and accurate force measurements. Follow Interface’s recommendations for system maintenance, including sensor cleaning, inspection, and calibration intervals. Regular calibration and validation of the data acquisition system and force measurement devices help ensure the system remains accurate and reliable.

For additional information about Interface data acquisition solutions, watch the Unlocking the Power of DAQ webinar.

Popular Interface Data Acquisition Instruments

BX8 Data Acquisition Series

BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System with Industrial Enclosure

BX8-HD15 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System for Discreet Sensors with Lab Enclosure

BX8-HD44 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System for Multi-Axis Sensors with Lab Enclosure

Features & Benefits

  • 8-Channel synchronized sampling + TWO encoder/pulse channels
  • Strain gage, mV/V, ±10VDC, and PT1000 temperature inputs
  • Internal calculation of axis load values for 6-axis sensors
  • Active scaling of analog outputs according to internal calculations
  • ±5V, ±10V, 4-20mA, and 0-20 mA outputs
  • 48K samples/sec/channel, 24-bit internal resolution
  • USB connection to PC, Includes graphing and logging software
  • Excitation sense
  • Strain gage Full, 1/2, and 1/4 bridge, including bridge completion
  • TEDS compatible, ZERO button for 8-channel simultaneous tare, 16 digital I/O
  • Galvanic isolation: Analog input, analog output, digital I/O, USB
  • EtherCAT and CANbus/CANopen options
  • Enclosure Options

BSC4 Digital DAQ Model

BSC4D Multi-Channel Digital PC Interface and Data Acquisition Instrument

Features & Benefits

  • USB outputs
  • Four independent channels
  • For use with model 3AXX series 3-axis load cells
  • It can be used with up to any four standard load cells (with mV/V output)
  • mV/V, +/-5V, +/-10V, PT1000
  • Strain gage quarter/half and full bridges
  • 120, 350 & 1000 Ohm bridge completion
  • Limit frequency 450 Hz
  • Eight digital inputs/outputs

Use Cases for Data Acquisition Systems in Test & Measurement

Robotic Surgery Force Feedback using DAQ System

A biomechanical medical company wants to test its robotic arm’s force, torque, and tactile feedback for invasive surgery. The robotic arm mirrors the surgeon’s movements during surgery, and all haptic force feedback must be measured to ensure safety during invasive surgery. Several of Interface’s force and torque measurement products have been used on this robotic arm, including the ConvexBT Load Button Load Cell, SMTM Micro S-Type Load Cell, and the MRTP Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer. Force results are collected when connected to the BX8 8-Channel Data Acquisition and Amplifier and viewed when attached to the laptop.

Material Tensile Testing using Data Acquisition Instrumentation

A customer wants to conduct a tensile force test on different samples and materials until failure. Materials include plastic, steel, or woven fabric. They want to measure tensile strength, yield strength, and yield stress. Interface’s 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Load Cell is installed into the customer’s test frame. The tensile test is conducted, and force results captured by the load cell and extensometer are synced. These results can be displayed on a PC with supplied software.

Planetary Sample Collecting

As space exploration continues to grow and evolve, more robotic systems are created to collect samples of objects and materials on planetary surfaces. Robotic arms with sampling tools must be tested for scooping, drilling, and collecting samples. Interface’s Model 6A40 6-Axis Load Cell can be installed between the flange and the sample collecting tool. When connected to the BX8-HD44 Data Acquisition, the customer can receive force and torque measurements when connected to their control system using BlueDAQ software. Interface’s 6A40-6 Axis Load Cell could measure all forces and torques (Fx, Fʏ, Fz, Mx, Mʏ, Mz.) The BXB-HD44 Data Acquisition could log, display, and graph measurements while sending scaled analog output signals for these axes to the customer’s robot control system.

Learn more about your DAQ system options using Interface’s Data AQ Packs Guide.

The Aviation Industry Soars Using Interface Solutions

Interface is proud to offer a diverse range of force, torque, and weight measurement solutions to the aviation industry.

A sector within the aerospace industry, Interface aviation solutions are products we supply for use in the design, engineering and operation of aircraft.

The quality of our products, including the reliable form factor design, proprietary strain gages, and rugged materials, are built to withstand the rigorous performance standards and environments that aircraft safety demands. It is why Interface is a provider of choice for test and measurement solutions in the aviation industry. Check out our new Aircraft Solutions overview here.

The aircraft and aviation industries are vast and complex with many different sectors. Our products are currently used in commercial, general and military aviation, aviation infrastructure, equipment and systems. In addition to the mechanical component testing, Interface often supplies load cells, torque transducers and instrumentation for use in aviation training, education, research and development.

While aviation systems embody an extensive collection of interconnected components and technologies, this complexity does not lessen the requirements for rigorous sensor-based test and measurement programs for every part. Interface products help to collect critical data on the performance of aircraft components and systems. These aviation systems include aircraft, air traffic control, navigation and communication systems, infrastructure, ground support equipment, airport transport vehicles, aircraft testing labs, and tools.

We work with aeronautical and mechanical engineers who are involved in designing, developing, and maintaining aircraft, propulsion systems, avionics, and air traffic management technologies. Interface load cells and transducers provide accurate and reliable measurements of forces, weights and torques of aviation components and systems.

How does the aviation industry use Interface measurement solutions?

  • Aircraft engine manufacturers use our load cells and torque transducers to measure the operating performance within their design limits and for diagnostics and troubleshooting. Read: Aircraft Engine Hoist
  • Aviation system developers integrate our sensors into equipment and parts to provide continuous force monitoring and to trigger alarms for maintenance.
  • Rotorcraft part makers need to assess the loads and torques on blades and other components to the aircraft is safe to fly and to identify any weaknesses based on accurate measurements. Read:Propeller Testing
  • Landing gear experts use our load cells to confirm that the gear can withstand the forces encountered during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. Read: Landing Gear Joint Testing
  • Aircraft structures must be strong enough to withstand the forces encountered in flight. Testing is standard for cycle counts, environmental tests and assessment of materials. Interface products are used for assessing structural like wings and fuselages in wind tunnel tests. Read: Interface Solutions for Structural Testing and Aircraft Wing Fatigue App Note
  • Flight control systems are using measurement sensors to test and monitor the components used for various controls. Read: Aircraft Yoke Torque Measurement
  • In-flight systems and simulators utilize precision measurement devices to provide vital data that monitors aviation and aircraft health. This is important for real-time assessments and for training purposes. It is essential for the long-term growth of the industry to provide the best tools and equipment to learn the values of accurate measurement and how it impacts performance and safety.

Beyond the essential manufacturers of aircraft parts, aviation systems, and equipment, Interface supplies many of the leading aviation testing labs with load cells, load pins, torque transducers, wireless devices and instrumentation. The quality of our products is built to withstand the rigorous performance standards and environments that aircraft safety demands.

Our products are used for static testing, material testing, torque testing, fatigue testing, stress and tension tests, dynamic testing, environmental and wind tunnel testing, structural tests and compression testing. We also supply the aviation industry with measurement solutions for rigging, lifting, weighing and monitoring of equipment in use. Check out our Aircraft Lifting Equipment App Note.

Learn more about our range of solutions in this Airplane Jacking System solution.

The aviation industry is a dynamic and ever-changing industry, and the sectors within it are constantly evolving. New innovations in the aviation require extensive testing and accurate measurement. The aviation industry is a complex and demanding industry, and the development of new technologies requires a rigorous testing process.

The fact that Interface offers an extensive array of force measure devices in different models, capacities, configurations and capabilities helps aviation system suppliers and manufacturers. Our load cells and sensor technologies are used to measure a wide range of factors, such as tensions, weights, forces, and torques. This information can be used to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft and their components.

With a surplus of options that can meet the specifications of each use case and testing application, Interface is an experience and preferred provider to the aviation industry.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Supports Wind Tunnel Testing

LIFTING: Airplane Jacking System

LIFTING: Aircraft Engine Hoist

Taking Flight with Interface Solutions for Aircraft Testing

Aircraft Wing Fatigue App Note

Aircraft Screwdriver Fastening Control App Note

Airplane Static Testing Case Study

Engineered Solutions for Lifting Webinar

Interface’s technical webinar Engineered Solutions for Lifting details measurement devices used in lifting equipment, machines, and vehicles to improve operations and safety. Interface load cells and instrumentation are used to operate cranes, hoist heavy objects, and measure forces in infrastructure projects. Interface experts answer how load cells are used in safety monitoring for lifting equipment. Learn about Interface sensor products suited for integration into existing equipment and test and measurement projects.

Load Cells for Smarter and More Efficient Weighing

Interface load cells are a key part of the advancements in weighing technologies. Breakthrough applications utilizing force sensing for weighing are expanding across industries. No matter the use case, weighing and scales must be trustworthy and always provide accurate information, as outlined in Accuracy Matters for Weighing and Scales.

For decades, load cells have been used for a wide range of weighing use cases. Load cells are electromechanical transducers that convert a force into an electrical signal. This electrical signal can then be amplified and processed to determine the weight of the object being weighed.

In testing or standard weighing practices, the load cell is typically mounted in a frame that supports the object being weighed. The load cell is connected to a signal conditioner, which amplifies the electrical signal from the load cell and converts it into a digital signal. The digital signal is then sent to a weighing controller, which calculates the weight of the object and displays it on a display. The weighing controller may also have additional features, such as data logging, remote monitoring, and programmable functions.

Now, Interface high accuracy load cells are found in advanced weighing applications used to define center of gravity for equipment, control inventory through weighing automation, batching, check weighing, process control and sample testing. Learn more about these applications and products in our Weighing Your Options Webinar.

Smart cities use connected force sensing trash receptacles for optimizing schedules of waste removal based on weight to reduce costs and increase efficiencies.  Innovative smart pallet force sensing helps to track products and goods at the dock to reduce expenses and increase productivity using weight as the measurement. Silo weighing for inventory management uses setpoints that are configured to automatically generate purchase orders when product levels fall below a defined weight.

Weighing sensor technologies today are more than a standard measurement device. Interface load cells can measure across a wide range of force, from 0.02 to 2,000k lbf. As the types of applications mature in capabilities, innovation, and complexity, these requirements also help to define the type of sensors that will provide precision measurement.

Our weighing sensors combined with advanced instrumentation use a variety of communication methods, including analog, digital, wireless and cloud based, to allow users to gather data in-facility or remotely. We can customize sensors to meet specifications for weighing use cases, including the design of complete weighing systems.

Advanced weighing applications often require sealed sensors with submersible features, wireless output and communications capabilities, and ease of use to design into products, machines or equipment.

Digital scales with advanced features such as data logging, connectivity options, and programmable functions have become commonplace. From bench scales to platform scales, there is a diverse way for our load cells to be implemented and available to measure diverse types of weighing applications.

Popular Interface Products Used for Weighing Applications

Load cells are an essential part of many weighing applications. They are used to measure the weight of objects in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, food processing, and logistics. Load cells provide accurate and reliable measurements, which is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of products.

WeighingSolutions_InfographicPoster

Learn more in the application note details below.

Veterinary Weighing Scales

A manufacturer wanted two weighing scales for consumers like veterinarians who want to weigh large and small animals. Interface suggested using two different solutions. For the smaller scale, Interface’s SPI Low Capacity Platform Scale Load Cell was perfect for smaller, and lighter animals. As for the larger scale, the INFRD Platform Scale with pre-installed load beams worked best. Both scales included 480 Bidirectional Weight Indicators to display the total weight of the animals being weighed. Using this solution, the veterinarian was able to weigh both large and small pets easily and accurately with both scales.

Silo Grain Weighing and Dispensing

A customer wanted to measure and record the grain being put in and out of their grain dispensing container, as it dispenses content into a carrier truck for transportation. Interface suggested a wireless solution, installing a WTS 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Wireless Load Cells at the legs of the grain dispensing container. The 1200 measured the distribution correlation of the grain as it inputted and outputted from the container. Results were transmitted and displayed using the WTS-BS-1-HA Handheld Display for multiple transmitters, and logged and graphed using the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station. With this solution, the customer was able to log and graph the measurement results of the grain content that the silo dispenses into the grain dispensing container, and when the grain is dispensed into the carrier truck.

Weighing is among the oldest use cases for load cells in the world and Interface has been there nearly every step of the way, growing alongside our customers and developing new innovations to perfect accuracy, reliability and durability. To learn more about our sensor solutions for weighing application, please visit https://www.interfaceforce.com/solutions/weighing-solutions/.