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Force Measurement is Fundamental in Material Testing

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Material tests are run to determine the quality, durability, and resistance of materials for parts and products. Selecting the right material is critical to performance of a product, system, or part, especially as it relates to the environmental factors. It is also core for adhering to regulatory standards and compliance requirements.

Whether it is construction and concrete materials, metals, fabrics, biomaterial, plastics, packaging, or some other matter, material testing is fundamental throughout the entire development lifecycle.

Among the various ways to test materials, force measurement is one of the most important. Common uses of force measurement in material tests include applications to measure hardness, torsion, strength, compression, bending, shear, impact, creep, fatigue, and nondestructive capabilities.

The use of load cells provides an adaptable tool that can be utilized for various types of material tests. Using force measurement sensors help to detect changes in load, which is used to determine the flexibility, strength, or weakness of properties in materials. This is critical for research and quality control.

For example, in metal material testing load cells are frequently used for characterizing and assessing the quality of metallic components and structures. Material test engineers use load cells to accurately measure the tensile strength, compression resistance, and yield properties of metal samples. By subjecting metals to controlled loads and monitoring the metals deformation during tests, Interface load cells provide critical data that informs engineering decisions and quality control processes. Material tests confirm that the metals chosen for products like aircraft structures, automotive components, and sports equipment, meet stringent performance standards. The measurement sensors are also vital for determining the reliability, longevity and safety of metal materials used for any product or part. See other examples of testing in our new Interface T&M Material Testing Overview.

It is the responsibility of a material testing engineer to determine the resilience, safety, and value of materials through mechanical testing, of which material testing is one of the five categories. Ultimately, product designers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) rely upon material testing data to ensure their products can withstand the anticipated levels of force during use. They also need to know if the material will stretch or elongate, as well as pinpoint its exact breaking point.

Interface’s robust line of load cells, multi-axis sensors, and data acquisition systems are used for material testing. It is common to have our 1200 LowProfile load cells installed into material testing machines at test labs and onsite. We also supply a variety of miniature load cells and load pins for material testing, depending on the type of equipment and environment used for tests.

High accuracy load cells are essential in material testing due to their precision, versatility, and ability to provide real-time data, which helps researchers and engineers gain a better understanding of a material’s mechanical properties and behavior under different conditions.

If force must be measured, Interface has a solution. This applies to testing materials used for infrastructure, medical devices, aircraft, rockets, vehicles, robotics and consumer goods. As new materials and composites are introduced in revolutionary ways for use in construction, designing light weight products using polymers, and 3D printed components, it is imperative that material tests validate the use case based on high accuracy measurements.

Our force measurement products are being used to gather data from testing materials in applications used for machines, equipment, structures, packaging and more. Here are a few examples of material testing applications.

Inflatable Space Habitat

Inflatable habitats are the newest innovation in the space industry, creating a new interplanetary dwelling for humans to live and work past the Earth’s atmosphere. An innovative space industry company wanted to test the overall design and material of their inflatable habitats by conducting a burst test. Multiple clevises and LP Stainless Steel Load Pins were attached to the in the webbing material that create the inflatable habitat. When pressure was increased within the inflatable habitat, the load pins captured how much force the heavy duty material will hold at specific pressures until it explodes. Interface’s LP Stainless Steel Load Pins successfully measured the amount of force the inflatable habitat could withstand during the burst test.

Material Tensile Testing Load Frame

A customer wanted to conduct a tensile force test on different samples and materials until failure. Materials include plastic, steel, or woven fabric. They wanted to measure tensile strength, yield strength, and yield stress. Interface’s 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Load Cell was installed into the customer’s test frame. The tensile test was conducted, and force results were captured by the load cell and extensometer were synced through the SI-USB4 4 Channel USB Interface Module. These results were then displayed on the customer’s PC with supplied software. With Interface’s force products, the customer was able to determine the tensile strength, yield strength, and yield stress of a variety of different materials.

Material testing is often the first step in any new product development process. With Interface force measurement solutions, our customers can expect industry-leading accuracy, quality and reliability in testing the materials that will go into their next project. Contact us for products used for various test types.

Interface Solutions for Material Testing Engineers

Tensile Testing for 3D Materials

Bending Beam Load Cell Basics

The Aviation Industry Soars Using Interface Solutions

Interface Solutions for Structural Testing

Interface Solutions Aid Pharmaceutical Industry

How Load Cells Are Transforming the Construction Industry

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The construction industry is one the most universal, growing, and dangerous industries in the world. Interface force measurement solutions are used for all types of construction applications from bridge and high-rise building projects to foundation load tests and structural monitoring. Our sensors and instrumentation are used in crane and heavy lifting operations, material testing and equipment calibration.

Accuracy and quality of all measurement products used for design, testing, monitoring, and equipment evaluations is imperative in protecting the project’s assets and workers. One of the leading causes of construction accidents is overloading equipment. When equipment is overloaded, it can fail, leading to serious injuries. It is essential to utilize high accuracy load cell technologies to measure the amount of force being applied to construction equipment.

Interface force measurement solutions can help to prevent overloading accidents by using the measurement data to ensure that equipment is not being extended beyond its safety capabilities. Force measurement solutions can also be used to monitor the performance of equipment and identify potential problems before they lead to an accident.

Interface offers a wide variety of sensor solutions for construction equipment and material testing. Our load cells offer precise measurements of applied forces, furnishing essential data regarding the structural response under various load circumstances. This data plays a critical role in evaluating structural integrity, detecting potential vulnerabilities, and optimizing design to guarantee the safety and dependability of infrastructure.

Interface force measurement solutions can help to improve efficiency and productivity in the construction industry in all areas including engineering, testing and maintenance. By monitoring the performance of equipment, construction companies can identify areas where they can improve efficiency.

It is common to find Interface load cells, including load pins, load shackles, miniature and even jumbo load cells in use for various forms of construction projects, equipment and tools. These products, as well as torque transducers, instrumentation and wireless systems are frequently used in the testing and monitoring of the machinery, rigging and lifting devices, gear, and heavy duty vehicles that are used in various stages of building.

Interface provides various sensors for a range of construction use cases around the world, including:

  • Residential and commercial buildings
  • Infrastructure programs
  • Industrial construction
  • Material testing machines
  • Civil engineering projects
  • Mining and tunneling
  • Environmental remediation
  • Heavy equipment manufacturing
  • Vehicle OEMS
  • Cranes and lifting equipment


Construction is an ever-present and ever-growing industry estimated to reach nearly $13T in global spending with broad and diverse use of measurement solutions. From single dwelling construction tools to heavy machines used to move concrete slabs, measurement is fundamental in construction. Included below we have provided a few examples of how our sensors are being used in construction.

Construction Reach Stacker

A reach stacker is a vehicle used in construction site to lift, move, and stack heavy containers. A force monitoring system was needed to ensure the safety of surrounding personnel, and if the reach stacker can lift heavy loads. Interface’s WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pins were installed into the corners of the lifting mechanism of the reach stacker, where heavy loaded containers are lifted and moved. The force results were then wirelessly transmitted to both the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display for Single Transmitters, or directly to the customer’s PC with the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station. Using this solution, the customer was able to monitor their reach stacker with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System and ensure its ability to lift heavy loads on site.

Bridge Construction Wind Monitoring

Wind monitoring is a necessary operation during bridge constructions. Strong winds can destroy a bridge under construction since it is a work in progress with poor structural design. Monitoring these winds in real time is much more accurate than using predicted weather forecasts. Interface suggested installing the WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module on the highest point of construction, such as a crane. Wind speed results were wirelessly transmitted to the customer’s PC through WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Station with USB Interface in Industrial Enclosure. It was transmitted to the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters Data can be displayed, logged, and graphed with supplied Log100 software. Interface’s WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module combined with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System was perfect to monitor the wind speed in real-time during the bridge’s construction.

Metal Bending Force Material Testing for Construction

A construction material supplier wanted to know how much force it takes to bend different grades of steel metal used for building and infrastructure projects. They use their metal bending machine to create different metal hardware and wanted to record the amounts of force it takes to bend the metal used for their projects. Interface suggested using a wireless method, so cables do not interfere with the machine. The WTS 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile® Wireless Load Cell was attached to the head of the hydraulic operated steel bender. Results were wirelessly transmit to the customers PC through the WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Station with USB Interface, where data can be displayed, logged, and graphed with supplied Log100 software. Using this solution, the customer was able to record the force results of his metal bending machine with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System.

Interface is adept at providing solutions suited for use in construction projects, equipment and ongoing monitoring programs.  If you have questions about what products are suited for your specific project, equipment or testing programs, contact us. We are here to help.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Force Measurement Solutions for the Construction Industry

Interface Solutions for Heavy Equipment

Gantry Crane Weighing

Lifting Heavy Objects

Rigging Engineers Choose Interface Measurement Solutions

Innovative Interface Lifting Solutions

Modernizing Infrastructure with Interface Sensor Technologies

Interface Solutions for Structural Testing

Why Civil Engineers Prefer Interface Products

Innovative Interface Load Pin Applications

 

 

Are Load Cells Used in Vacuum Environments?

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Vacuum testing labs are essential for ensuring that products and materials are safe and dependable in vacuum environments. A vacuum environment is an area where there is little or no matter. This means that there are very few gas molecules present, and the pressure is incredibly low. Vacuum environments are often created using vacuum pumps, which remove gas molecules from an enclosed space.

Vacuum environments are used to simulate the conditions that products and materials will experience in space or other high-altitude environments. These types of testing labs typically have a vacuum chamber that can be evacuated to an incredibly low pressure. The vacuum chamber is then used to evaluate products and materials for a variety of properties. Engineers use vacuum environments in testing for reduced contamination, improving heat transfer, and to reduce the weight of products.

Tests performed in vacuum labs are used to determine the rate at which gases are released from a product or material and the ability of a product or material to withstand a vacuum without leaking. Thermal cycling tests are done to assess the ability of a product or material to withstand changes in temperature in a vacuum environment. Other tests are done to understand how the test article withstands exposure to radiation.

Vacuum testing labs are used by a variety of industries, including aerospace, medical, and defense. These labs are common for material process testing and used in R&D. Vacuum testing helps to identify potential problems with products and materials before they are used in a real vacuum environment. Engineers use this type of testing to improve the performance of products and materials and ensure they meet the required standards. Contact Interfaced to explore your options.

Can load cells be used in a vacuum environment?

Load cells can be used in a vacuum environment. However, not all load cells are created equal or suited for this specialized use case. Some load cells are designed that make them appropriate for vacuum environments, while others are not. Load cells that are not engineered to perform in vacuum environments may not be able to withstand the low pressures and outgassing that can occur in a vacuum. Using quality load cells that are manufactured by force measurement experts in sensor technologies is important in any consideration. It is critical to review the specifications and requirements with a qualified applications engineer.

Key considerations when choosing a load cell for a vacuum environment:

  • Outgassing: Load cells that are used in vacuum environments will have low outgassing rates. This means that they will not release gases into the vacuum chamber, which can contaminate the environment and interfere with measurements.
  • Mechanical strength: Load cells must be able to withstand the low pressures that can occur in a vacuum. They will also be able to withstand the conditions that can be generated by vacuum processes, such as outgassing and condensation. Form factor and model material of the load cell are important in choosing a load cell for this use case.
  • Temperature range: Load cells will need to operate in a wide range of temperatures. This is important because vacuum chambers can be very cold, especially when they are first evacuated, or when they are used to simulate high altitudes or space.

If you are looking for a load cell that can be used in a vacuum environment, please review with Interface application engineers to determine if the model fits your test requirements. We also can offer custom solutions to ensure that the load cell maintains the accuracy and performance specifications based on your exact test plan.

Can a load cell be vented for use in a vacuum testing lab?

Technically yes, you can vent a load cell to be used in vacuum. This allows the internal cavity of the load cell to equalize with external vacuum. However, this does not prevent outgassing and can cause the gages and wiring to be subject to humidity and condensation.

Cabling is extremely important when using any sensor in this environment. There are options to make the load cells wireless using Bluetooth technology.

Caution: Interface recommends that all our products used in this type of environment are designed, built, and calibrated for use in this environment. Venting an existing load cell can alter the performance and damage the cell.  By designing the load cell with venting for use, we can ensure that it will meet the vacuum test range.

Interface also can install thermocouples to work with the sensor to detect temperature in this type of testing environment. In fact, our engineers have designed load cells to package the thermocouples inside the form factor for convenience and performance benefits.

Interface engineers have worked with testing labs for decades. We are available to assist with any use case requirements to determine the best measurement solution.

Detailing Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cells

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Most commonly, a pillow block bearing is used to create a rolling system. This type of bearing is often utilized for industrial rolls for textiles, paper, and materials. It is also used on conveyor belts in manufacturing facilities. There are other common use cases in a variety of industries, including in transportation, medical device design, and aerospace.

Interface offers specialized loads cells designed to measure and monitor weight and other forces on pillow block bearings, aptly known as Interface Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cells. The force measurement is performed for this load cell between two supports.

Pillow Block Bearing Load Cell Spans Multiple Industries

Pillow block bearing load cells are important in all types of industries where accurate load measurement is required during production and use of rollers, small and large. Some examples include:

  • Steel industry: Pillow block load cells can be used in roller mills to measure the force required to crush or shape steel.
  • Textile industry: Pillow block load cells can be used in textile machines such as looms and knitting machines to measure the tension on the yarn.
  • Packaging industry: Pillow block load cells can be used in packaging machines to measure the force required to cut or seal packaging materials.

Pillow block load cells are valuable in building and enhancing infrastructure. Using our PBLC1 is a great solution for monitoring trains on a track, in-motion. When our PBLC1 is installed on a track, and the train runs across it, the sensor can provide a signal to a station elsewhere in the world. If any force indicators suggest that there could be a problem with the weight the train is holding or the train itself, the sensor can also trigger an automatic shutdown of the train. These sensors could prevent major damage from train derailments and other train related incidents by detecting errors before the inflict damage.

These weights are important to measure or monitor as they can tell you if you are running out of material on a roll, or if a production line conveyor belt is holding too much weight. An example of the feed roller system using our wireless options is below.

Manufacturing Feed Roller System

Feed roller systems are common in production and manufacturing. In this example, a feed roller system needs to monitor the forces of both ends of the rollers, to maintain a constant straight feed. This reduces waste and ensure quality in the product use. They would also prefer a wireless system. Interface suggests installing two PBLC Pillow Block Load Cells at both ends of the bottom roller to measure the applied forces. The output of measurement is sent to the instrumentation device, our WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module. The data is then transmitted wirelessly to the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station and the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for multiple transmitters, where data can be displayed, graphed, and logged a computer. Learn more about this type of use case in our Feed Roller System Application Note.

In addition to this use case, here are a few other ways Pillow Block Load Cells are used to measure weight and force:

  • Material handling: Pillow block load cells are commonly used in conveyor systems to measure the weight of materials being transported.
  • Automotive industry: Pillow block load cells are used in assembly line applications to measure the weight of parts and components being assembled.
  • Heavy machinery: Pillow block load cells are used in cranes, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery to measure loads and monitor the equipment’s performance.
  • Manufacturing: Pillow block load cells are used in material testing machines to measure the force required to break or deform materials.
  • Aerospace: Pillow block load cells are used in aerospace applications to measure the weight and balance of aircraft and spacecraft.
  • Medical industry: Pillow block load cells are used in medical equipment such as patient lifts and hospital beds to measure the weight of patients.
  • Food industry: Pillow block load cells are used in food processing and packaging equipment to measure the weight of ingredients and finished products.

Pillow Block Bearing Load Cells Product Overview

This type of force sensor is suitable for the measurement of forces under pillow block bearings for diameter Ø 20mm (Ø 0.79 in) and for the measurement of axle weight in test stands for trains and vehicles. Our system is compatible with INA Pillow Block Bearings and is installed underneath the bearing to measure force. There are three model versions, with the options for additional multi-axis measurements for engineer to order products.

PBLC1 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell

PBLC2 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell

PBLC3 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell

Features and benefits of our Pillow Block Load Cell include:

  • Capacities from 5 to 30 kN (1.1K to 6.7K lbf)
  • Compatible with INA pillow block bearings
  • IP65 moisture protection
  • Rugged electro-galvanized surface

In addition, our Pillow Block Load Cell are also available in multi-axis versions, which allows for more force data from your test application. This helps with measuring forces such as center of gravity, tension across a load bearing beam and more. These multi-axis versions come in two and three axis models. If you are looking to get accurate measurement for your pillow block bearing use cases, contact our specialized application engineers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Manufacturing and Production Solutions

Quality Engineers Require Accurate Force Measurement Solutions

Interface New Product Releases Winter 2023

Infrastructure Industry Relies on Interface Force Measurement

Interface Solutions for Production Line Engineers

Industrial Automation

 

Interface Solutions in the World of Sports

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With our headquarters in the golf capitol of the U.S., it is easy to see why Interface test and measurement solutions rank top for engineers and golf manufacturers to test the force of golf balls, range equipment, clubs, and even the carts that roam the course. But our sensor technologies have a much broader reach, in both sport and geography.

Why is force measurement so heavily involved in the making and designing of sports equipment? It is obvious even by definition; sports are considered an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.

The physical exertion often utilizes some type of apparatus, device, tool, material, equipment, or gear that requires measurement of tension, compression, or rotation. Every sport differs and type of testing also will vary, whether from initial fatigue testing or actual designing sensors into the fitness equipment like a treadmill.

Our force measurement sensors are used across a wide variety of sports equipment to evaluate performance, lifecycle, durability, and quality.

Our specialty is building high accuracy solutions for the testing and monitoring of parts and total systems that move and create force, which is vital to makers and product designers of sports equipment and machines. Our force measurement solutions are ideal for stand-alone testing rigs, production equipment, as well as to embed in sports products in order to increase operability and reliability for end users.

Interface force measurement solutions are commonplace in sports gear and equipment R&D labs, design houses, manufacturer test and production facilities. The range of products we provide is as broad as the variety of sport categories, both individual and team. This applies to products used by consumers, as well as by professional athletes, trainers, and pro sport teams. We also collaborate with several engineers and manufacturers that build exercise and training equipment.

Interface has a history of providing our low profiles, s-types and miniature load cells for testing products used in individual sports such as running, weightlifting, mountain climbing, skiing, skating, bowling, fishing and cycling. We have created solutions that measure force and torque for gear used by competitive team sports including football, soccer, hockey, rugby, tennis, baseball, water sports and more. We have even seen an extended use in tools and equipment used in auto racing and even esports, who are using our sensors to test the actual gaming devices like brake pedals, driving gear and touch screens.

Interface is a global supplier of load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, and instrumentation for sport and fitness equipment. Here a few examples of where Interface solutions were used to influence the design, test, quality, and user experience.


Fitness Equipment Testing

A premiere maker of machines used in training and gyms around the world needs multiple load measurement systems for their different fitness machines. These machines included elliptical, leg press, rowing machine, and the cable machine to start. They want to ensure the machines functioning properly to prevent injuries. It can also be used for trainers who want to conduct strength and endurance tests.  A combination of products such as the WMCFP Overload Protected Sealed Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cell, SSB Sealed Beam Load Cells, and AT103 Axial Torsion Force and Torque Transducers. Paired with Interface’s proper instrumentation, the forces can be measured, graphed, and displayed during the testing stage. Read more about these solutions here.

Golf Club Swing Accuracy

Golfers undergoing training or practice wanted a system that will monitor and record their striking accuracy and swing movement. Interface created a custom made SSB Sealed Beam Load Cell that can be attached in line with the golf handle. When a golf ball is struck, force measurements are recorded, logged, and graphed using the WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter. The results transmit directly to the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station when connected to the customer’s PC or laptop. Using this solution, the customer was able to successfully record, graph, and log a golf player’s striking accuracy and swing movement with Interface’s wireless force system. Read more here.

Mountain Bike Load Testing

A mountain bike manufacturing company wanted a system that measures their bike frames load capacities and vibrations on the frame. They want to ensure the bike’s high quality and frame load durability during this final step of the product testing process for their future consumers. Interface suggested installing Model SSMF Fatigue Rated S-Type Load Cell, connected to the WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge, between the mountain bike’s seat and the bike frame. This will measure the vibrations and load forces applied onto the bike frame. The results will be captured by the WTS-AM-1E and transmitted to the customer’s PC using the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station. With this system, the mountain bike manufacturing company was able to gather highly accurate data to determine that their bikes met performance standards through this final testing. Learn more here.

 

Golf Ball Tee Testing Machine

A customer wanted to ensure their golf ball automatic tee mechanism is working for their consumers- both buying their tee’s for home use or for golfing ranges. They needed a system that will sense the presence of a golf ball, which will trigger and automatically dispense new golf ball to the tee. Interface’s WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cell was installed within the golf tee, which would measure the golf balls pressure on the tee when loaded or unloaded. This load cell is electrically connected to the motor which initiates the cycle to release another ball onto the tee. Force measurements can be measured using the 9330 High Speed Data Logger when connected to the customer’s PC or laptop. With Interface’s products, the customer was provided a force solution that was able to measure the presence of a golf ball on their auto-tee machine. Get more information here.

These are just a few examples of Interface’s work in the sporting goods and fitness industry. If it moves, rotates, pushes, or pulls, chances are that Interface has a solution that can help perfect the performance. To learn more about our work in sports and consumer goods.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Measures Fitness Equipment with Extreme Accuracy – Case Study

Why Product Design Engineers Choose Interface

Race Car Suspension Testing

CPG Treadmill Force Measurement

CPG Gaming Simulation Brake Pedal

CPG Bike Power Pedals

CPG Bike Helmet Impact Test

Mountain Bike Shocks Testing

Fine-Tuning Testing Solutions for Championship Racing Vehicles

Considerations for Steel, Stainless Steel and Aluminum Load Cells

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In the world of force measurement and load cells, one size certainly does not fit all. There are thousands of different options for size and force ranges, and our load cell configurations vary widely based on the requirements of your project. Whether you are designing and testing products for the medical industry, or measuring force deep within a mine shaft, users need to be aware of certain force product details to ensure their getting the right tools for the job.

One of the critical considerations in the load cell selection process are the materials used in the construction of the load cell. If you did not already know, load cells can be made from several different metal materials. This list includes aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel®, and even glass or carbon fiber.

Each material used depends on the end-use requirements and the need for strength, resistance, hysteresis, environmental concerns, output signal, size and weight, and budget.

For this post, the focus is on the three most used materials for load cells: aluminum, steel and stainless steel. Below is an outline comparing the different factors that make one material better than the others based on the testing requirements and use case.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a light and inexpensive metal, making it the most budget-friendly of the three. It is also the easiest to machine, as it does not require a heat treatment or secondary machining. Aluminum has a higher thermal conductivity, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your need. The hysteresis of aluminum load cells is also the lowest on this list. The most prominent benefit is that it can be used for constructing smaller load cells, so if size, weight, and total volume of the load cell is a key consideration for your project, aluminum would be the metal we’d recommend.

In adverse, when dealing with aluminum load cells it is important to understand that it is the softest material on this list, which means it is more susceptible to damage. This also means that it cannot handle as much stress, resulting in a lower output signal.

Steel

Steel is a stronger metal, so it is a bit more expensive than an aluminum load cell. It is still comparatively cost-effective. It also has the highest strength of the three materials outlined here. This means it is the least susceptible to damage and has the highest signal output. It also has higher environmental resistance than aluminum and less heat conductivity, which once again can be good or bad depending on the project.

The downsides to steel include the fact that it is more complicated to machine and requires a multi-step heat treatment operation. Compared to aluminum, the hysteresis is generally slightly higher for certain load cell designs. This can be remedied with additional engineering. It also does not provide the benefit of size, weight, and total volume flexibility that lighter aluminum provides.

In our opinion, steel provides the best value for a load cell in terms of money and performance, if size, weight and total volume is not an issue with your project or application.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a stronger material than aluminum; however, it is not as strong as steel. The output signal performance for stainless steel load cells is somewhere in the middle of steel and aluminum. The main benefit of stainless steel is that it is the best material to use in a corrosive environment because of the metal’s environmental resistance properties.

The downside to stainless steel is that it is a bit more difficult to machine but does only requires a simple heat treatment process. It is also the most expensive metal of the three and has the highest hysteresis. We would recommend stainless steel when the user needs to collect data in a hazardous environment. Read more here about our Ex Rated products.

Understanding the difference between these materials is critical to getting the most accurate data from your force tests based on the environment and the nature of the product or system you are testing.

If you’re unsure about the requirements your project demands, be sure to reach out to us at 480-948-5555, or visit our website to be connected with an application engineer. We can discuss your specific challenge and help you select the load cell with the right material for your needs.

Contributor Ken Vining, Chief Engineer at Interface