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What is Moment Compensation?

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Moment compensation refers to a process of adjusting or counterbalancing the effects of an external force or torque, known as a moment, on a system or object. This is often done in engineering or physics contexts where precise control and stability are required, such as the design of force measurement applications.

Moment compensation is often used to prevent unwanted movements or deformations in systems, to ensure precision and accuracy in measurements, or to maintain stability and control during operation. Moment compensated load cells improve accuracy by compensating for the impact of external forces and moments on the measurement, allowing for more precise and reliable measurements.

Most load cells are sensitive to orientation and loading concentricity. When external forces or moments are introduced, measurement errors are more common and reduce the accuracy of the readings. These external forces or moments can come from various sources. Examples of external forces or moments that can affect the accuracy of load cells and require moment compensation:

  • Off-axis loading: When the load is applied off-center to the load cell, it creates a moment that can introduce errors in the measurement.
  • Temperature changes: Changes in temperature can cause thermal expansion or contraction of the load cell, which can introduce measurement errors.
  • Vibration: Vibrations from nearby equipment or processes can cause the load cell to vibrate, creating measurement errors.
  • Changes in orientation or position: Changes in the orientation or position of the load cell can cause gravitational forces or other external forces to act on the load cell, affecting the measurement.
  • Torque: When a load cell is subject to torque, such as twisting or bending forces, it can introduce measurement errors.
  • Wind or air currents: Air currents or wind can create external forces on the load cell that can affect the measurement

A load cell that is moment compensated can minimize or eliminate these errors, resulting in higher accuracy. Load cells with moment compensation can be more sensitive to slight changes in the load, as it can compensate for any external forces or moments that might affect the measurement.

Moment Compensation is an Interface Differentiator

Interface’s moment compensation process reduces force measurement errors due to eccentric loads by deliberately loading cell eccentrically, rotating load, monitoring and recording output signal, and then making internal adjustments to minimize errors. Every product we ship must pass moment compensation specifications and performance requirements. Every Interface LowProfile™ load cell is moment compensated to minimize sensitivity to extraneous loads, a differentiator from other load cell manufacturers.

When load cells are moment compensated, they can be used in a wider range of applications, including those with complex or dynamic loads, which might be difficult or impossible to measure accurately using a load cell without moment compensation. Interface’s LowProfile Load Cell models have the intrinsic capability of canceling moment loads because of its radial design. The radial flexure beams are precision machined to balance the on-axis loading.

Moment compensated load cells are designed to counteract the external forces or moments by using a configuration of strain gages and electronics that can detect and compensate for these forces. The strain gages are arranged in a way that allows the load cell to measure the force applied to it in multiple directions, and the electronics can then use this information to calculate the impact of external forces and moments on the measurement.

Interface uses eight gages, as opposed to the four used by many manufacturers, which helps to further minimize error from the loads not being perfectly aligned. Slight discrepancies between gage outputs are carefully measured and each load cell is adjusted to further reduce extraneous load sensitivity to meet exact specifications.

Moment compensation improves the stability of a load cell, particularly in situations where the load is off-center or subject to torque. This can prevent the load cell from shifting or becoming damaged, leading to more consistent and reliable measurements. It also improves the durability of a load cell, as it can help protect it from the impact of external forces or moments that might cause damage or wear over time.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Addressing Off-Axis Loads and Temperature Sensitive Applications

Contributing Factors To Load Cell Accuracy

Off-Axis Loading 101

How Do Load Cells Work?

Load Cell 101 and What You Need to Know

Get an Inside Look at Interface’s Famously Blue Load Cells

Strain Gages 101

 

Basics on Load Cell Base Kits

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As resilient and accurate as load cells are engineered, there is risk of damaging a load cell if they are not properly supported through mounting or mating to the test subject or test bench.

Load cell bases are designed to support and stabilize load cells. Load cell bases come in assorted sizes and configurations, depending on the intended application and the weight capacity.

Load cell bases are used with load cells that are frequently utilized in industrial equipment, test machines, and commercial testing labs. They may also be integrated into several types of equipment, such as weighbridges, conveyor systems, structural test stands, and packaging machines.

Interface publishes numerous guides on properly supporting a load cell during a test. However, for our LowProfile™ load cells, we provide complete Load Cell Base Kits to provide the engineered accuracy and necessary support for precision performance as intended in regular use. Bases minimize risks in damaging load cells from improper use.

Load cells with positive overload protection must be ordered with an Interface installed base. The positive overload option is useful when high overloads occur in applications such as: impact loads on weighing platforms; engine malfunctions during rocket or jet engine testing; transient overloads on engine dynamometers.

Interface’s Load Cell Base Kits are a type of mounting plate guaranteed to provide optimum support for the flexure. Using the base, or a support surface with its equivalent flatness and stability, is required to ensure the exceptional performance. They are heat treated and high strength bases, available in all standard sizes of our low profile models.

Standard thread size is the same as the mating load cell. Bases or flat mounting surfaces are required for all low profile load cell installations. A mounting surface that is flat to 0.0002″ T.I.R. (total indicator reading) is required, unless a base is installed.

Use of the base, or a support surface with its equivalent flatness and stability, is required to ensure the exceptional performance of the LowProfile® Series.

The threaded hole in the base is on center, and a plug is permanently installed to seal dirt and moisture out of the space between the bottom hub of the flexure and the flat surface of the base. Center hub deflects under the load until it contacts the base which provides positive overload protection. The center tapped hole is sealed to keep overload surfaces clean.

When the base and load cell are ordered together, the base and plug are factory installed using the proper hardware tightened to the required torque specs. A plug is supplied in between the cell and the base to prevent damage or errors caused by over engagement of mating parts.

There are 14 model options in standard Load Cell Base Kits in both U.S. and Metric Threads. They are available for our standard 1000, 1100 and 1200 Load Cell Series of various capacities. We offer 15 stainless steel model options to be paired with our 2400 and 3200 Load Cell Series.

Load Cell Base Kits are an excellent accessory to ensuring the most out of your LowProfile Load Cells provide the performance as designed. For complete instructions on installations, please reference our Support section on the website.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Accessories

Load Cell Basics Sensor Specifications

Interface Presents Load Cell Basics

Technical Library

Force Measurement Installation Guides

Mechanical Installation Load Cell Troubleshooting 101

Load Cell Sensitivity 101

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Load cell sensitivity refers to the relationship between the input force applied to a load cell and the output signal it generates. It is a measure of the load cell’s responsiveness to changes in the applied force and is expressed in units of mV/V (millivolts per volt) or micro-volts per volt.

When determining the accuracy of a load cell, load cell sensitivity is an important parameter. A higher sensitivity means that even small changes in the applied force will result in a larger change in the output signal, making the load cell more sensitive and accurate.

It is critical to understand that load cell sensitivity and accuracy are closely related. A high sensitivity load cell will generate a larger output signal for the same applied force, which can increase the accuracy of the measurement. In general, the accuracy of a load cell is a combination of its sensitivity and the quality of its design and construction. Interface specializes in precision accuracy, which is important when considering the use case for your load cell.  As defined by the specifications, a high-quality load cell with appropriate sensitivity will provide accurate and consistent measurements, while a load cell with low sensitivity or poor quality may provide less accurate measurements.

Most load cells are designed to measure force in one certain direction, which is determined by the way the load cell is mounted. Inappropriate loading will cause side and eccentric load, which risks reducing the life of load cells and distorting measurement results.

Eccentric load sensitivity is measured by eccentric load, which is any load applied parallel to but not concentric with the primary axis. Side load is any load at the point of axial load application at 90 degrees to the primary axis.

To achieve a desired level of accuracy, it is important to choose a load cell with the appropriate sensitivity for the application. Load cell sensitivity can be affected by factors such as temperature, temperature gradients, and environmental conditions, so it is important to take these factors into account when selecting a load cell.

What conditions impact load cell sensitivity? Load cell sensitivity can be impacted by several factors, including:

  • Temperature: Changes in temperature can cause thermal expansion or contraction of the load cell material, affecting the output signal and reducing accuracy.
  • Temperature gradients: The presence of temperature gradients within the load cell can cause differential expansion or contraction of different parts of the load cell, further affecting the output signal and reducing accuracy.
  • Environmental conditions: Exposure to harsh environments, such as moisture, vibration, and shock, can cause damage or degradation to the load cell, reducing its sensitivity and accuracy.
  • Load cell orientation: The orientation of the load cell can impact the output signal, especially in applications where the load is applied at an angle.
  • Mechanical stresses: The presence of mechanical stresses, such as bending or twisting, can affect the output signal and reduce accuracy.
  • Aging: Over time, the load cell may experience degradation or wear and tear, reducing its sensitivity and accuracy. This is where regular calibration plays a role in the lifetime of your load cell.

It is important to consider these factors when selecting a load cell and to properly maintain and calibrate the load cell to ensure optimal sensitivity and accuracy over time.

Calibration is a process that involves adjusting the output signal of a load cell to ensure that it accurately reflects the applied force. Calibration improves load cell sensitivity by correcting for any errors or inaccuracies in the output signal, ensuring that the load cell provides accurate and consistent readings over time.

During calibration, a series of known loads are applied to the load cell, and the corresponding output signals are measured. These measurements are used to create a calibration curve that represents the relationship between the applied force and the output signal.

Calibration helps to correct for various factors that can affect load cell sensitivity, such as temperature, environmental conditions, and mechanical stresses. By adjusting the output signal to accurately reflect the applied force, calibration helps to ensure that the load cell provides accurate and consistent readings, even in challenging conditions. Interface recommends calibration of every load cell at least once a year for regular sensitivity maintenance.

Interface engineers design high accuracy, quality load cells with appropriate sensitivity that provides accurate and consistent measurements. It is important to consider both sensitivity and accuracy when selecting a load cell for an application and to regularly calibrate the load cell to ensure that it continues to provide accurate and reliable measurements over time.

LowProfile Load Cells 101

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In the field of force measurement, load cells are defined by a set of specifications attributed to a configured shape and size of the flexure model. These models are engineered to meet requirements in weight, size, cost, accuracy, use life, rated capacity, extraneous forces, test profile, error specs, temperature, altitude, pressure, and materials.

Of all the flexure models available, the low profile load cell is the most common force measurement sensor model used for general test and measurement applications.

Did you know that Interface is known for creating the first low profile load cells more than 50 years ago? Our founder first introduced the low profile in 1969 and later trademarked as the first of its kind precision LowProfile® Load Cell by Interface. With this invention, Interface became with market leader of precision load cells. In fact, our 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile® Load Cell, designed for eccentric load compensated tension and compression, remains our most popular product today.

This pancake-style shear beam cell design is world-renowned for durability, accuracy, and performance. The LowProfile design resembles two shear beam cells end-to-end, exhibiting the stability of a doubled-ended shear beam and augmented by the fact that the circular design is equivalent to four double-ended cells. Thus, it provides stability in eight directions at the center point.

The LowProfile designs include a base, bolted to the flexure around its outside rim. The base is a flat surface, guaranteed to provide optimum support for the flexure. The use of a base ensures the exceptional performance in the Interface LowProfile series, as each load cell is built, evaluated, and calibrated with the base.

Advantages of all Interface LowProfile design include:

  • Higher output
  • Better fatigue life
  • Better resistance to extraneous loads
  • Shorter load path
  • Extremely low compliance with higher stiffness
  • Option for compression overload protection integral to the cell
  • Proprietary strain gages
  • Customization

One process step that is standard in the LowProfile series is the adjustment to extraneous load sensitivity. Although the design itself cancels out the built of this sensitivity, Interface goes one step further and adjusts each cell to minimize it even more.

The Interface LowProfile Series is available in compression-only, tension and compression and calibration grade. There are high and low-capacity options, flange-style, amplified, as well as fatigue rated models. Various features are available through hundreds of configurations to accommodate the wide range of testing profiles, such as connectors, wireless, additional bridges, and overload protection.

The LowProfile Series has three major classifications: precision, ultra precision and fatigue rated. The basic construction of all the cells in the series is quite similar. The major differences are in the number of shear beams and the number of gages in the legs of the bridge.

LowProfile Precision Series: Standard capacities of the precision low profile designs can measure up to 2M lbf. The gaged sensors in every load cell are individually inspected and tested and certified to meet our rigid standards. With greater stiffness, respectable static error band specifications and resistance to extraneous loads, this is Interfaces number one line of products.  The standard 1200 is by far the most sought after low profile today.

1200 Precision LowProfile Load Cell Standard Series features:

  • Proprietary Interface temperature compensated strain gages
    Performance to .04%
    High output – to 4 mV/V
    0.0008%/°F (.0015%/°C) temperature effect on output
    Low deflection
    Shunt calibration
    Barometric compensation

This 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile® Load Cell standard model is available through our QuickShip48 expedited delivery service. Click here to order now. For additional low profile capacities of the Model 1200 series, base options, connectors, bridge options and overload protection availability, go here for the specifications datasheet, model options, drawings and technical specifications.

LowProfile Ultra Precision Series: Engineers at Interface designed this series to meet the demands of sophisticated testing labs with precision performance in the critical parameters such as static error band, non-linearity, hysteresis, non-repeatability, and extraneous load sensitivity. The models in the 1100 Ultra Precision LowProfile® Load Cell are the most popular of this design.

LowProfile Fatigue Rated Series: This series guarantees fatigue life of 100 million fully reversed load cycles.  This series has tighter specifications on resistance to extraneous loads and offers stiffer compliance. Interface’s fatigue rated load cells typically have static overload rating of 300% in both tension and compression modes. Originally designed for aerospace testing, the Interface 1000 Fatigue-Rated LowProfile® Load Cell are the most used fatigue-rated low profiles.

Interface also provides very high-grade low profiles for calibration. The LowProfile Gold Standard Calibration Series: Interface sets the standard in precision load cells. The model 1600 Gold Standard® Calibration LowProfile® Load Cell are uniquely designed for calibrating other load cells to the highest levels of quality and accuracy used in test and measurement. The Interface Model 1600 provides both tension and compression in one unit. It also has the options for a second and third bridge, as well as overload protection.

1600 Gold Standard® LowProfile® Tension and Compression Load Cell Standard Series features:
• 0.01% creep
• High Output to 4 mV/V
• High-Precision Installed Base
• ±0.0008%/˚F Max Temperature Effect on Output
• Low Deflection
• Shunt Calibration
• Barometric Compensation
• Calibration Adapter
• 3-Run NIST Traceable ASTM E74 Calibrations
• 4% Lower Load Limit per ASTM E74

Low profile load cells are used for all types of testing. There are many options and designs available as standard models. We also provide engineered to order, custom and OEM solutions for all our load cells. As with all our standard load cells, we do offer various capacities, modifications, and custom options.

One thing that is for certain, the Interface LowProfile is a standard across the force measurement industry. They are common in testing rigs, designed in as components, often found in the best metrology labs throughout the world.  Industry leaders in manufacturing, aerospace, automation, food processing, medical and biosciences, energy and transportation choose LowProfiles for the meticulousness required in high-performance force measurement testing.

Low-Profile-Load-Cell-Brochure

Interface Solutions are Designed and Built to Last

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Interface was founded by a visionary and entrepreneur, Richard F. Caris, who believed that if you designed and built dependable, quality, and accurate products, you would also build a sustainable company that will last generations.

His passion is what drives Interface today, sustaining his legacy and commitment to design products that revolutionize industries around the world. Interface, now owned by his two daughters, is a women-owned manufacturing and technology company that started in a garage and now is one of Arizona’s most enduring businesses. The company, started in 1968, continues to maintain its headquarters and productions facilities in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Today, we are the trusted partner and supplier of global test and measurement solutions for testing labs and by makers of robots, rockets, medical devices, airplanes, industrial automation and farming equipment, new energy products, vehicles of all types, along with maritime and entertainment inventions.

Interface’s purpose is simple, we enable innovation that improves people’s lives and keeps them safe.

When it comes to building products that last, we are adamant about control and quality throughout entire process. Every stage, from design engineering, machining, strain gage manufacturing and assembly, our team works to ensure the highest degree of performance possible for everything we manufacture.

It is not uncommon for Interface to get service requests for products that we built decades ago, in fact several decades ago. It is the depiction of what Mr. Caris planned for, and what we continue to strive for every day. Interface is a company that offers products built to last.

Fundamental to Interface, made is the USA has long been a celebrated distinction of Interface’s core offerings, including our LowProfile Load Cells, known as the first precision pancake-styled low profile load cells on the market. In fact, Interface has been engineering force measurement solutions for more than 54 years and has more than 35,000 products to show for it.

Our dedication to our customers around the world to be a total solutions provider in force measurement has driven expansion of our core load cell and torque transducers to include an extensive line of multi-axis sensors, miniature load cells, instrumentation, accessories, custom solutions, OEM products and engineered to order designs.

What makes Interface different? Our core differentiator is precision. We are known for providing high accuracy, innovative solutions, engineering excellence, and quality products that our customers trust.

Additional key differentiators that make Interface a leader:

  • Interface is the world’s largest producer of low profile load cells.
  • Interface makes our own self-temperature compensated strain gages from our exclusive proprietary alloy.
  • Interface load cells are creep tested to the tightest specification in the industry.
  • Interface performs more than 100,000 calibrations every year in the world’s largest calibration lab.
  • Interface LowProfile™ load cell is moment compensated to minimize sensitivity to extraneous loads.
  • Interface’s Gold Standard Calibration System is the industry gold standard’ for test and measurement.
  • Interface is the only major load cell company offering a comprehensive system for customers to calibrate their own load cells.
  • Interface LowProfile™ load cells are individually calibrated and tested through a series of performance tests before it leaves our facility.
  • Interface calibrations are NIST traceable. And our lab has A2LA accreditation for both load cell and torque sensor calibration.
  • Interface can modify and customize force measurement solutions, delivering the broadest variety of available options in the industry.

Read more about our full capabilities here.

Learn more about our dedicated team and the Interface story about a company that has long-stood the test of time. Interface is built to last.

Interface Company Brochure

Get an Inside Look at Interface’s Famously Blue Load Cells

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Interface “blue” load cells have been utilized for millions of test and measurement projects and programs around the world.  Since the invention of Interface’s LowProfile® Load Cell, the world’s most popular pancake style load cell series has become a standard for testing engineers and lab technicians for more than five and half decades.  Today, Interface has more than 60 different types of Load Cells, including our line of Mini Load Cells.

Interface load cells come in capacities ranging from 1 lbf (500 gf) to 2 million lbf (9,000 kN). As a U.S.-based manufacturer, our extensive production and engineering facilities produce several shapes and sizes of our Interface load cells, as well as calibrate every model before it leaves our facilities.

Our expansive line of sensor models includes pancake and donut styled load cells in our LowProfile® Load Cell series and thru-hole load cells. Additionally, we offer canister, rod end, downhole, column, coil tubing, load buttons, and load washers. All of these models use Interface’s proprietary alloy strain gages to provide higher output, higher signal to noise ratio, higher resolution and superior fatigue life. This helps us build the most accurate and reliable sensors for test and measurement applications.

What makes Interface’s LowProfile Load Cells a top pick?

Here is a look inside our famous blue load cell, highlighting the top reasons Interface is selected for accuracy, quality and performance.

Interface’s load cell model that has the highest demand and usage is the 1200 Precision LowProfile series. They are used in all types of industry applications, from Material Tensile Testing to Aircraft Lifting Equipment Tests. It’s followed closely by the 1000 Fatigue-Rated LowProfile series and 1100 Ultra Precision Load Cell series.  Every series has multiple configuration and capacity options. For example, the 1200 series provides off-the-shelf model options including:

1200 Standard Precision LowProfile® Load Cell

1200 and 1201 Series 3-Wire Amplified Load Cell Universal or Compression-Only

WTS 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile® Wireless Load Cell

1200 High-Capacity Standard Precision LowProfile® Load Cell

1201 Compression-Only Standard Precision LowProfile® Load Cell

Every designed load cell can also be engineered-to-order or customized to unique specifications.

The accuracy of data, engineered designs, proprietary strain gages, comprehensive specifications, quality inspections, detailed certifications and multiple calibrations of every load cell to ensure performance make the top of the list as to why Interface is considered best in class.

Here is an opportunity to get another inside look at the Interface LowProfile Load Cell:

If you are interested in reviewing this insider’s view with SI measurements, go here.

Take a closer look at the advantages of Interface’s LowProfile Load Cell in this cutaway view.

LowProfile Cutaway

Fine-Tuning Testing Solutions for Championship Racing Vehicles

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As every championship race car team looks to find its competitive advantage, measured in seconds, Interface continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate force measurement solutions are used to test the limits of every component used in motorsports.

The automotive industry has long depended on the quality and accuracy of Interface load cells, torque transducers, instrumentation, and multi-axis sensors.  Did you know it is also used in the competitive arena of auto racing?  Performance demands are constantly being pushed for all types of racing machines, whether it’s for NASCAR, IndyCar, or even the amateur level racing. What is known in the racing community is that engineers and manufacturers of equipment and parts used in these high-performance vehicles rely on Interface for precision testing solutions.

In our new case study, Building a Championship Race Car, we detail some of the specific sensor technologies used in the racing arena for high performance testing. We highlight how Interface’s TXY 2-Axis Load Cell is used in testing tires. Leading tire manufacturers, including SCCA sponsors, utilize these sensors to get precise test data on tire uniformity. The TXY has minimal cross talk across its strain gage bridges, ideal for this type of testing.

We also detail how our top load cell, the LowProfile, is frequently used in testing shocks, springs, and struts.  With any racing vehicle, control is fundamental, and the equipment used to maintain that control must be proven to meet the exceptionalism and requirements of racing professionals and their teams.

In this technical article, learn how the popular AxialTQ Torque Transducer, a bearing-less, compact wireless design, affords the test engineer suitable data collection for engine analysis, as well as brake HP calculations for active performance testing.

A competitive spirit runs deep within our Interface team, it’s what we do. We like to ensure our products are top class and help our customers win!  We also have first-hand experience in how our products are used in the racing arena. That experience affirms the positive performance effects of force measurement in auto racing.

Did you know that Interface’s Vice President of Sales, Brian Peters, has accomplished eight National Championships in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) solo racing, and also competes in the One Lap of America cross-country, weeklong multi-competition racing event?

The annual SCCA National Championships draws more than 1,000 drivers from across North America to compete over two days. Wins are decided by mere thousandths of a second. Knowing how our products are used in high-performance racing environments, only fuels us more.

Performance and precision are critical and Interface force measurement solutions help to fine-tune critical racing vehicles, parts, and apparatus used to test different components in motorsports. We also like to say, it’s a competitive advantage. Read our case study to learn more.

Additional Resources

Powered by Interface Race Update from Brian Peters

Race Car Suspension Testing

Driving Force in Automotive Applications

Automotive and Vehicle

Interface All-In-One Custom Test Systems

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One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a world-class manufacturer is when we’re able to work with customers on a custom solution that meets their unique and mission-critical needs. Custom solutions can be anything that’s needed from a customized sensor component to a complete custom system. One custom solution that is gaining popularity for its mobility, ease of use and wide variety of application options is what we call, testing systems in a box.

We have developed these unique all-in-one testing systems that combine force measurement sensors, transmitters and data display devices all together in a transportable case. The benefit for customers is that every aspect of this type of mobile test and measurement system is enclosed in the box and can be brought to remote testing locations along with a testing rig and computer. The wide variety of configurations also allow Interface to develop a test system for virtually any mobile requirement. Think of it as on-the-go testing that is flexible and adaptable to the test environment.

MOBILE TESTING CASE

When our customer wanted to perform force tests on a helicopter, we developed a mobile force measurement system that was put together in a ruggedized case to match the environmental conditions of the testing locations. The custom system included Model 9890 Indicators alongside SSM Fatigue Rated Load Cells. The case also featured rechargeable batteries for continuation of testing in remote locations. With this solution, the customer was able to easily perform their force tests while remaining independent of any confined lab or testing facility. They had a testing system that was completely versatile to the mobility requirements of test engineers.

AIRPLANE JACK POINT TESTING 

Interface developed a unique test system for an airplane jack testing solution. Once again, we put together a full system in mobile cases that included our precision LowProfile Load Cells, nearly 20 wireless transmitters, and a graphical display with visual alarms to read the output at each jack point. This allowed the customer to measure the forces at all jack points on a plane from front to tail and both wings. The testing system was created to be portable and provide constant feedback through the hardware and instrumentation via wireless signals.

MULTI-AXIS SPRING TEST SYSTEM

The final custom solution we are highlighting in this post is smaller in design, but just as impactful for the customer. This system included a 3-Axis Load Cell in a compact box with three indicator panels. The system was used to simultaneously measure both force and moment on a spring and provide the data on the indicator screen. The system was compact, easy to use and simply needed to be connected to the test rig to accurately collect data from the spring.

Mobile test systems provide a massive benefit to engineers and product manufacturers who want to be able to collect accurate and reliable data on the go and not be constrained by wires and large heavy solutions. Test systems enclosed within a box are a great solution for many of these remote challenges, as they protect the equipment and also provide a functional “on-the-go” testing system, anywhere.

As more demands for testing within the actual environment become core to the engineering and design of small and large apparatus, these types of unique solutions from Interface can be customized to capacity and test specifications based on the customer’s needs.

Our experienced engineers and application experts are able to look at specific objectives and present the best components to get the best results. From force and torque measurement sensors to digital instrumentation, wireless and supported by batteries, we can build the custom components to be enclosed in a case that is an all-in-one testing system or design the solution to put into an existing configuration. Taking advantage of our expertise, we work together with our customers to develop the right solution that fits their exact requirements.

Be sure to watch, “Making the Case for Custom Solutions” to get more insights on customization considerations and options when you partner with Interface Custom Solutions.

To learn more about Interface’s custom solutions and explore options and possibilities in building your testing system, go here to contact us to get started.

READ MORE CUSTOM SOLUTION POSTS

What is New in Custom Solutions

Making the Case for Custom Solutions Webinar Recap

How to Choose the Right Load Cell

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Load cells are used to test and confirm the design of hardware, components, and fixtures used across industries and by consumers. From the structural integrity of an airplane to the sensitivity of a smartphone touchscreen, there’s a load cell available to measure force. In fact, here at Interface we have over tens of thousands of products used in force measurement, for all types of different applications.

How do engineers and product designers go about choosing the right load cell for a specific application or testing project?

Have no fear, Interface has put together a short guide on choosing the load cell that is right for you. This blog will cover the basic questions to answer when selecting a product, as well the most important factors affecting load cell choice.  Be sure to watch the online video, Load Cell Basics, that highlights key factors of consideration when choosing the right load cell for additional insights.

The basic questions you need to consider when selecting a load cell include:

  • What are the expected loads? What is the minimum and maximum load you’ll be measuring?
  • Is there any potential for higher peak loads than what you intend to measure? What are these expected peak forces?
  • Is it tension, compression, or both?
  • Will there be any off-axis loads? If so, what is their geometry? Do you want to measure them too?
  • Will it be a static, dynamic or fatigue measurement?
  • What is the environment in which you’ll be conducting your test? Will the load cell need to be sealed?
  • How accurate do your measurements need to be? Do they need to be at the highest accuracy of ±0.02-0.05% or within ±0.5-1%?
  • What additional features, accessories and instrumentation does your application require to complete a test?
  • Do you need standard electrical connectors or customized options? What about additional bridges or amplifiers?
  • How are you planning to collect and analyze the data output from the load cell?

Next, these are the most important factors affecting accuracy, which will have a heavy influence over the load cell you choose. It’s important to understand how your application and the load cell will be affected by each of the factors, which include:

  • Mechanical – Dimensions and Mounting
  • Electrical – Output and Excitation
  • Environmental – Temperature and Moisture

One of the most important factors in choosing the right load cell is understanding how it will be mounted for testing or as a component within a design. There are a wide variety of mounting types including threaded connections, inline, through hole or even adhesive. Understanding the mounting type that suits your application is critical to getting the correct data because a poorly mounted load cell will distort the results and can damage the load cell.

The mounting process also requires you to understand which direction the load is coming from, in addition to any extraneous loads that may be present. The load cell mating surface is also an important factor. For example, when using our LowProfile® load cells without a pre-installed base, the best practice is to ensure that the mating surface is clean and flat to within a 0.0002-inch total indicator reading and is of suitable material, thickness, and hardness (Rc 30 or higher). Also make sure that bolts are torqued to the recommended level.

If you’re conducting a fatigue measurement, it’s also important to address the frequency and magnitude of load cycles with your load cell provider. Factors to address include single mode versus reverse cycles, deflection versus output resolution, and material types. Interface offers a wide variety of fatigue-rated load cells that are perfect for these types of applications.

Another consideration in choosing the right load cell is the electrical signal. Load cells work by converting force into an electrical signal. Therefore, it’s important to understand the electrical output type necessary for your application, which could include millivolt, voltage, current or digital output. You can find the excitation voltage data on our website for each of our load cells. Additional considerations include noise immunity, cable length and proper grounding.

The environment is also a critical factor in ensuring accurate performance of your load cell. Interface provides load cells in a variety of material types including aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. Each material has a variety of properties that make them more suitable for different environments. For a more in-depth perspective on the different strengths and weaknesses of materials, please read our blog titled, Considerations for Steel, Stainless Steel and Aluminum Load Cells. For applications where load cells need to be submerged in liquid or enter an explosive environment, we also have a variety of harsh environment and IP rated load cells, in addition to load cells suitable for high humidity or splash resistance. Learn more about our intrinsically safe load cells here.

Learn more about choosing the right load cell in these online resources:

WATCH: Load Cell Basics with Keith Skidmore

WATCH: How to Choose a Load Cell with Design Engineer Carlos Salamanca

READ: Load Cell Field Guide

VISIT: Interface Technical Library

To learn more about choosing the right load cell for any application, connect with our applications engineers about the force measurement needs for your next project at 480-948-5555.