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Interface New Product Releases Spring 2023

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Interface continues to expand our product offerings of force measurement solutions. We have added new high-accuracy load cells, Bluetooth data loggers, indicators and load cell base kits. The following product summaries highlight the latest additions, along with product features for each model.  We also have a new torque couplings technical guide.

In our Interface New Product Releases Winter 2023 updated, we featured our Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cells (PBLC).  We are excited announce that our PBLC series are now available in multi-axis options. Reach out to our application engineers to learn more about Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cells 2-Axis custom options.

If you have questions about our new products, capacities, capabilities, or application uses, please contact our application engineers.

SSLP STAINLESS STEEL LOW PROFILE UNIVERSAL LOAD CELL

The Interface Stainless Steel Low Profile Universal Load Cell SSLP model is a low profile, pancake-styled load cells. The internal construction is a diaphragm design, offering a lower cost solution with high natural frequency, low deflection and excellent resistance to side and torsion forces. There is an optional mounting base available, required if used in tension testing. It provides high stability and low height. The SSLP can be supplied calibrated as a complete system with associated instrumentation. View: SSLP Stainless Steel Low Profile Universal Load Cell

Primary SSLP features and benefits:

  • Capacities from 2.5 to 5000 kN (562 to 1,124K lbf)
  • Low profile with stainless steel construction
  • Environmentally sealed to IP67
  • Hose and conduit fitting at cable exit
  • High thermal stability
  • Base options, including custom bases and custom top plate
  • Load cap assembly optional
  • TED options
  • ATEX and submersible versions available
  • Options for internally amplified and multiple bridges

BX6-BT PORTABLE 6-CHANNEL HIGH-SPEED BLUETOOTH DATA LOGGER

Interface’s digital instrumentation data acquisition system BX6-BT Portable 6-Channel High Speed Bluetooth® Data Logger is a multi-channel measuring amplifier that offers a multitude of features in a convenient compact package. The BX6-BT first channel is for full-bridge strain gages, channels two through six are individually configurable as voltage input (single-ended) or strain gage bridge input, including half and quarter bridge configuration. View: BX6-BT Portable 6-Channel High Speed Bluetooth Data Logger

Primary BX6-BT features and benefits:

  • Simultaneous zeroing of all channels can be triggered via a digital input (tare)
  • Measurable temperature in the device and the battery voltage
  • Protected against vibration by full encapsulation housing
  • Configuration and acquisition of measurement data with BlueDAQ in the mode “BT Classic” with Serial Port Profiles (SPP)
  • Integrated Bluetooth module has its own microcontroller.
  • Connected 3.7V lithium-ion battery can be charged by an integrated charging circuit.
  • Power supply via a Li-Ion battery from 3.6V – 4.2V

9840C TEDS READ WRITE INTELLIGENT INDICATOR

Interface’s new digital instrumentation 9840C indicator is a CE compliant and versatile precision instrument intended for the digital readout of strain gage sensors, which includes load cells. It is TEDS Plug and Play Ready and IEE 1451.4 Compliant. View: 9840C TEDS Read/Write Intelligent Indicator

Primary 9840C Intelligent Indicator features and benefits:

  • Reads and writes calibration data and coefficients to the load cell
  • Stores load cell information and calibration data and coefficients for use with up to 20 load cells
  • 10-point linearization
  • Adjustable calibration curve
  • Bipolar and accepts 2, 3, and 4 mV/V load cell inputs
  • Remote sense excitation (6-wire load cells)
  • Fast direct analog output with +/-10 VDC scalable analog output — 16 bit
  • Full duplex RS232C communication
  • Eight selectable digital filters
  • Front panel shunt calibration with two selectable resistors

LOWPROFILE™ LOAD CELL BASE KITS

Interface’s standard LowProfile Load Cells are offered with bases. The base is a flat surface, guaranteed to provide optimum support for the flexure. 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. Note that 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. Read more about the basics of base kits. View: LowProfile™ Load Cell Base Kits

Primary LowProfile Load Cell Base Kits features and benefits:

  • 14 model options in both U.S. and Metric thread
  • 15 stainless steel model options
  • Bases are all heat treated
  • High strength materials, including stainless steel options
  • Available in LowProfile standard sizes for Interface load cell models 1000, 1200, 2400, 3200
  • Standard thread size is the same as the mating load cell
  • Custom base options available
  • When the base and load cell are ordered together, a plug is supplied in both the cell and the base to prevent damage or errors caused by over engagement of mating parts

TORQUE COUPLINGS PLUS NEW TECHNICAL GUIDE

Interface is excited to introduce a complete summary catalog and technical guide of our extensive line of Torque ROBA® DS Couplings. These Interface torsional rigid shaft coupling transmits drive torques up to the nominal torque completely backlash-free and with permanently high torsional spring rigidity. Problems to be found on other commercially available couplings, such as denting the disks or overcoming the frictional locking, are not an issue when using our couplings. The specified shaft misalignments can be 100% utilized without affecting the transmittable torque. This guarantees unlimited use. View: Torque Couplings Technical Guide and Summary Catalog for all sizes, technical details, and installation instructions.

Primary Torque Couplings options and features:

  • Non-sensitive to alternating loads of up to 100% of the nominal torque
  • Low mass inertia due to high performance density
  • Completely backlash-free up to nominal torque
  • High misalignment compensation capability at low restoring forces
  • High torsional rigidity up to nominal torque
  • Completely wear and maintenance-free
  • Optimum construction shape due to large variant range

There are two main categories of couplings used in force measurement and the biggest difference in the two is the degree of freedom needed for the application. The categories are single-jointed and double-jointed. Read more in our Couplings 101 Series.

INF4-POWERLINK TWO, THREE, AND FOUR SENSOR WEIGHT TRANSMITTER AND INDICATOR

Expanding our INF4 series, we introduced the Interface INF4-POWERLINK Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator. It has a six-digit red LED display (8 mm height), space saving compact design, four buttons for the system calibration. You can store up to 50 events, use multiple load cells in parallel and set alerts for value deviations. View: INF4-POWERLINK Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator

Primary INF4-POWERLINK 2, 3 and 4 features and benefits:

  • Four independent channels for monitoring and direct management of individual load cells
  • Digital equalization
  • Four channel load distribution signaling with archive
  • Automatic diagnostics comparing recorded values plus alerts
  • Event log archives for calibrations, zero settings, errors, and equalizations
  • Excitation remote sense
  • 16 load cells in parallel
  • Tare weight zero setting, semi-automatic tare (net/gross weight) and predetermined tare
  • Connections to PLC via analog output or fieldbus and PC/PLC via RS485 up to 99 instruments with line repeaters, up to 32 without line repeaters
  • Direct connection between RS485 and RS232 without converter

INF1-POWERLINK SINGLE SENSOR WEIGHT TRANSMITTER AND INDICATOR

The INF1 series added the INF1-POWERLINK Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator. Like the version above, the options for this include a compact design, use with multiple load cells (up to 8) in parallel. View: INF1-POWERLINK Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator

Primary INF1-POWERLINK Single features and benefits:

  • Connection to PLC via analog output or fieldbus
  • PC/PLC via RS485 up to 99 instruments with line repeaters, up to 32 without line repeaters
  • Remote display via RS485
  • Excitation remote sense
  • Eight load cells in parallel
  • Digital filter to reduce the effects of weight oscillation
  • Theoretical calibration and real calibration with the possibility of weight linearization up to five points
  • Tare weight zero setting and automatic zero setting at power on

SPECIAL EVENT ALERT!

We are hosting Testing Lab Essentials: Today + Tomorrow on Thursday, April 6. We are diving into products and solutions used in all types of testing labs, along with tips and best practices for modernizing your test lab. Join the conversation.  All Interface webinars are recorded if you are not able to attend the live event.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT RESOURCES

Interface is ready to help you get the exact product based on your unique requirements.  For engineered to order or custom solution options, please contact our experienced applications experts.

Interface New Product Releases Winter 2023

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Interface continues to grow our total force measurement solutions. The following showcases new sensors and instrumentation products now available in our general catalog. You can also now find a new Summary Product Catalog, highlighting best-selling products online for download and quick reference.

If you have questions about these new additions or any other Interface products, please contact us. If you would like to order any of the new products, go to Request for Quote.

NEW INTERFACE PRODUCT RELEASES 

PILLOW BLOCK LOAD BEARING LOAD CELLS

The Interface PBLC1, PBLC2 and PBLC3 Pillow Block Load Cells series by design measures the force of a pillow block bearing. The force measurement is performed for this load cell between two supports. Learn more about this type of use case in our Feed Roller System Application Note.

Primary Pillow Block Load Cell features and benefits:

  • 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
  • Commonly used for measurement of axle weight in test stands for trains and vehicles

INF1 CANOPEN WEIGHT SINGLE SENSOR WEIGHT TRANSMITTER AND INDICATOR

Interface’s new INF1-CANopen Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator has a six-digit red LED display (8 mm height), space saving compact design, four buttons for the system calibration, and a six indicator led.

Primary INF1-CANopen features and benefits:

  • Baud rate: 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 125, 250, 500, 800, 1000
  • Equipped with RS485 serial port
  • Three relay logic outputs controlled by setpoint values or via protocols
  • Two optoisolated PNP logic inputs: status reading via serial communication protocols
  • One load cell dedicated input
  • Back panel mounting on DIN rail
  • Six-digit red LED semi-alphanumeric display (8 mm height), seven segment
  • Four buttons for system calibration
  • Extractable screw terminal boards

INF4-CANOPEN TWO, THREE, AND FOUR SENSOR WEIGHT TRANSMITTER AND INDICATOR

The Interface INF4-CANopen Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator has a six-digit red LED display (8 mm height), space saving compact design, four buttons for the system calibration, and a six indicator LED.

Primary INF4-CANopen features and benefits:

  • Baud rate: 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 125, 250, 500, 800, 1000
  • Equipped with RS485 serial port
  • Three relay logic outputs controlled by setpoint values or via protocols
  • Two optoisolated PNP logic inputs: status reading via serial communication protocols
  • Four load cell dedicated input
  • Back panel mounting on DIN rail or front panel (except PROFIBUS DP version) with fixing kit
  • Six-digit red LED semi-alphanumeric display (8 mm height), seven segment
  • Four buttons for system calibration
  • Extractable screw terminal boards

The INF Weight Transmitter and Indicator Instrumentation solutions come in multiple communication protocols for single and multiple sensors. Be sure to visit our Interface Instrumentation Selection Guide for help in choosing the right instrumentation production for your exact requirements.

ITCA TENSION AND COMPRESSION LOAD CELL

Interface’s new ITCA series load cell is ideal for measuring both tensile and compressive forces. The standard metric threads at each end of the load cell are designed to accept standard spherical seating rod-end bearings. There is great flexibility in the ITCA design, allowing us to offer custom sizes to meet specific application requirements, or different end thread sizes and combinations. There are versions available with male threads at each end, or male threads at one end and female at the other. We also offer the ITCA series with imperial thread sizes.

Primary ITCA features and benefits:

  • Ranges from 1 to 150 metric tons (MT) (2.2K to 330.6K lbf)
  • Stainless steel construction
  • IP66 environmental protection with IP67 and submersible options available
  • Tension and compression
  • Typical applications are structural testing, jack load and cable tension monitoring, material test machine feedback and press load monitoring

ENCLOSURES

Interface has introduced a series of enclosures to protect your transducers and instrumentation investments. These enclosures are designed for single and multiple instrumentation products, along with combined instrumentation and transducers. Enclosures are available as standard products. We also offer customization and mobile device configurations. Contact our Application Engineers to determine which type of enclosure best fits your products and application requirements. Download Interface Enclosures Overview.

Primary Enclosure options and features:

  • Special Purpose Wireless Enclosure NEMA 4
  • Single Instrument Enclosure NEMA 4
  • Dual Instrument Enclosure NEMA 4
  • Single Channel Benchtop Enclosure
  • Dual Channel Benchtop Enclosure
  • Single Channel Internal Mount Enclosure NEMA 4
  • Dual Channel Internal Mount Enclosure NEMA 4
  • Stainless Steel Enclosures for Indicators and Controllers NEMA Type 4X, Type 12 and IP66
  • Special Purpose Portable Systems
  • Rack Mounts

9825-AI GENERAL PURPOSE ANALOG INPUT INDICATOR

Interface’s 9825-AI is a General Purpose Analog Input Indicator Instrument works with mV/V sensors. It has an easy to navigate menu structure and fast speed, up to 1kHz. This product has analog output, peak valley monitoring, USB connection, and two relay setpoints plus alarms. It has an IP54 rating. Another option of this model is the 9825 General Purpose Indicator,

Primary 9825-AI features and benefits:

  • Digital input for print, reset, or tare
  • Excitation sense and bipolar
  • ±999,999
  • Nonlinearity < ±0.01%
  • Analog output 0-5V, 0-10V, 4-20mA, 0-24mA
  • Calibration by live load or mV/V entry
  • High speed of 1200 readings per second
  • Digital filters

9325 PORTABLE SENSOR DISPLAY

The new Interface 9325 Portable Sensor Digital Display Instrumentation is handheld, battery and USB powered, plus is TEDS ready. It a allows simple display of load cells, torque transducers, and other mV/V output transducers with sensitivity up to +/-1 V/V. Up to six calibration ranges are available allowing for different loading modes, both tension and compression, or different sensors. There are also up to six display modes available, which determine what is visible on the LCD display and what actions are available from the set of three soft keys. Please inquire about our new 9325-NU Portable Sensor Display product as well, which offers easy to use menu structure for setup and for performing live calibration of instrument.

Primary 9325 features and benefits:

  • Superior linearity performance specifications
  • Measurement rates up to 2400 samples per second
  • High internal resolution (up to 500,000 counts)
  • IP64 environmentally protected enclosure
  • USB port providing configuration, calibration, save and restore, live logging
  • Multiple display modes
  • logging and graphing, software is included
  • Supports TEDS template 33, 40 and 41
  • Live calibration and multi-point calibration
  • Standard audio alarm

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT RESOURCES

Interface Catalog

Interface Product Line Brochures

Interface Summary Catalog

Interface Products Overview

Interface Applications

Interface Solutions by Industry

Interface Support Resources

 

Interface New Product Releases Fall 2022

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In an effort to help our customers keep up with our growing catalog of force measurement solutions, we are introducing a new product release newsletter.

This new quick reference will help navigate our latest additions across all product categories, including new load cells, torque transducers and instrumentation.

In order to ensure you have all the information you need, we are posting the updates through our IQ Blog. The new product highlights below are referenced in our Fall 2022 New Products Release Update.

If you have questions about these new additions or any other Interface products, please contact us.

If you would like to order any of the new products, go to Request for Quote.

SUPERSC S-TYPE MINIATURE LOAD CELL

The new SuperSC Mini Load Cell is a compact design S-Type model available in 25 lbf to 1000 lbf and 100 N to 5 kN capacities. The SuperSC is an economical general purpose load cell that is 50% lighter in weight with an 80% smaller form factor than typical s-type and shear beam load cell designs. It is environmentally sealed and insensitive to off axis loading. SuperSC is ideal for OEM products and testing in confined spaces. Learn more about the SuperSC product release.

 Primary SuperSC features and benefits:

  • High force in a very compact design
  • Environmentally sealed IP66
  • Economical general purpose load cell
  • High stiffness, low deflection
  • Insensitive to off axis loading

AT104 COMPACT SIZE FORCE AND TORQUE TRANSDUCER

Interface’s new AT104 transducer is a reliable and durable reaction torque and force sensor. It is compact in size, with capacity options of 4.5/0.89 lbf/lbf-in and 11.2/4.4 lbf/lbf-in (20/0.1 N/Nm and 50/0.5 N/Nm). This model is non-rotating and easy to use.

Primary AT104 features and benefits:

  • Reaction torque and force sensor
  • Very short axial length
  • Reliable and durable
  • Simple handling and assembly
  • Side cable exit

T18 ROTARY TORQUE TRANSDUCER

Interface’s new T18 General Purpose Shaft Style Rotary Torque Transducer is a low-cost contactless rotary torque transducer that can float mounted with a 32-pulse speed option. This product is available in capacities from 10 to 100 Nm (88.5 to 885 lbf-in) and outputs of ±5VDC or ±10VDC.

Primary T18 features and benefits:

  • Keyed Shaft per DIN 6885
  • Outputs of ±5VDC or ±10VDC
  • Speed measurement options available
  • Contactless
  • Short overall length
  • High performing lower cost transducer

AT105 CONTACTLESS FORCE TORQUE TRANSDUCER

Interface’s latest force torque transducer addition is model AT105. It is a highly accurate and maintenance free. It is a contactless rotating torque and force sensor. They are used for all types of applications, such as continuous stress testing of equipment and components. The available capacities are 100/2, 250/5, and 500/5 N/Nm (22.5/17.7, 56.2/44.3, and 112.4/44.3 lbf/lbf-in).

Primary AT105 features and benefits:

  • Contactless
  • Digital signal transmission from rotor to stator
  • Highly accurate
  • Maintenance free
  • Simple handling and assembly

JB1100 4-CHANNEL ADVANCED SIGNAL CONDITIONING TRANSMITTER, INDICATOR AND JUNCTION BOX

Our new instrumentation device model JB1100 is the ideal solution for PLC systems which require weight data from a load cell. Interface’s JB1100 4-Channel Advanced Signal Conditioning Transmitter Indicator and Junction Box offers maximum control without the additional cost or space required of a traditional weight indicator. This multi-function weight transmitter junction box has a compact design while presenting needed signal-conditioning functions. This product can be utilized as an independent or dependent four-channel instrument. The JB1100 allows for the direct reading and diagnosis of each individual connected load cell or summed as a whole.

Primary JB1100 features and benefits:

  • Four independent scales or four load cell inputs
  • Red LED display (13mm) and six LEDs show active functions
  • Configurable calibration and setup
  • Calibration using linearization points
  • Diagnostic information via serial port
  • Analog Output Standard Opto isolated, 16-bit 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA, 0-5 VDC, and 0-10 VDC
  • 12-24 VDC power and comes with a 120VAC power supply as well

9825 DIGITAL GENERAL-PURPOSE INDICATORS

Interface Model 9825 is a general-purpose instrumentation solution that works with mV/V sensors. The indicator has an easy to navigate menu structure and fast speed up to 1kHz.

Primary 9825 features and benefits:

  • Bipolar
  • ±999,999 Display
  • Nonlinearity < ±0.01%
  • Analog output – VDC
  • Calibration types (live load and front panel entry)
  • Peak and valley monitoring
  • Front panel tare
  • High Speed
  • IP54 Rating

9325-NU PORTABLE SENSOR DISPLAY

The 9325-NU is a handheld portable display unit of strain bridge-based measurements such as load cells, torque transducers, and other mV/V output transducers with sensitivity up to +/-1 V/V. With six calibration ranges available, it is useful for different loading modes (tension and compression) or different sensors. Each calibration range will remember settings that contribute to the user experience such as selected units and tare values.

Primary 9325-NU features and benefits:

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

INTERFACE PRESSURE COMPENSATED DOWNHOLE LOAD CELL

The Interface Pressure Compensated Downhole Cell (IPCD) is designed for high performance downhole force measurement. Replacing “wet” load cells, Interface developed a proprietary technology that compensates for that pressure influence and allows for bridge isolation. IPCD is far more rugged, needing little to no repairs, and it can be used downhole without risk of damage, a first of its kind in the industry. Read the product release here.

Primary IPCD features and benefits:

  • High accuracy
  • Maintenance free
  • Pressure compensated up to 20,000 PSI
  • Temperature compensated up to 350°F
  • Superior to hydraulically compensated wet load cells which have a short life expectancy and high operating costs

WTSATL LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM WIRELESS TENSION LINK

The WTSATL Lightweight Wireless Tension Link series are designed for lifting and weighing in rugged or harsh environments. They are available in capacities of 11K lbf to 661K lbf (5 mt to 300 mt). Manufactured from high tensile aluminum to minimize weight also makes them ideal for mobile use. The wireless antenna is internally mounted, protecting it from accidental damage during use and handling. They are simple to install and have a high safety factor (5:1) to provide safe and accurate measurements during critical lifting operations.

Primary WTSATL features and benefits:

  • Lightweight aluminum construction
  • High accuracy
  • Environmentally sealed to IP65
  • License Free 2.4GHz radio
  • Internal antenna
  • 300 hours battery life using standard AAA batteries
  • Can be supplied with various telemetry and/or software packages

Interface also offers the WTSATL-JR ALUMINUM COMPACT WIRELESS TENSION LINK designed for lifting and weighing in applications where there is restricted lifting height. Capacities range from 2.2K lbf to 10.5K lbf (1 mt to 4.75 mt).

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT RESOURCES

As you navigate the products and services, if you have questions regarding specifications or capabilities, please reach out to our application engineers. Our experts are ready to help explore the possibilities and answer any technical questions.

New Additions to Interface Product Catalog

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Every month our team at Interface adds new technologies and solutions to our extensive product catalog.  This year, we’ve added several new force measurement devices and supporting instrumentation to use in test & measurement projects, as well to create complete systems.  The following highlight some of these new additions.

NEW INTERFACE PRODUCTS

The following products are the latest additions to our robust line of standard load cells and torque transducers offerings, along with several new instrumentation options available for pairing with different sensor models.

TORQUE TRANSDUCERS

AT105 Contactless Force Torque Transducer

Highly accurate and maintenance free, contactless, rotating, torque force sensor with digital signal transmission from rotor to stator.

AT104 Compact Size Force/Torque TransducerAT104 Compact Size Force Torque Transducer

Reliable and durable reaction torque force sensor that is ideal for testing in small places, it is non-rotating, often used with a very short axial length.

LOAD CELLS

IPCD Pressure Compensated Downhole Load Cell

Superior to hydraulically compensated wet load cells provides high accuracy, is maintenance free and pressure compensated up to 20,000 PSI and temperature compensated up to 350°F.

MBS Parallelogram Load Cell

The mini load cell is made of lightweight aluminum construction is available is capacities from 2.2 to 100 lbf (9.8 to 445 N).

WSSB Welded Stainless Steel IP68 Environment Protected S-Beam

Ideal for measuring both tension and compressive forces has standard metric threads at each end of the load cell designed to accept standard spherical seating rod-end bearings.

INSTRUMENTATION

9840TQ mV/V Input Torque Transducer Indicator

Provides a TEDS template 33 & 40 (3-point linearization) and is plug and play ready. It is IEEE1451.4 compliant with read and write capability with lbf-ft, lbf-in, N-m and mV/V measurement units.

BSC1 Single Channel PC Interface Module & Bridge Amplifier

A single channel 2.5 analog output, up to 10 mV/V input, 15-pin connector and USB powered and has graphing and logging software.

BSC2 Dual Channel PC Interface Module

Model offers 2-channels USB output, up to 10 mV/V input with two M12 connectors. It is USB powered and incudes graphing and logging software.

BX6-BT Portable 6-Channel High Speed Bluetooth Data Logger

A multi-channel amplifier with Bluetooth connection and data logger functions, which offers exceptionally many features in the smallest dimensions.

INF1-Ethernet TCP IP Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator

INF1 has a six-digit red LED display (8 mm height), space-saving compact design and four buttons for the system calibration.

INF4-EtherCat Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator

INF4has a six-digit display in a compact design with four buttons for the system calibration, and a six indicator LED.

JB1100 4-Channel Advanced Signal Conditioning Transmitter Indicator and Junction Box

This is a multi-functional, compact 4-channel instrumentation solution ideal for PLC systems requiring weight data from load cells.

VSC2 Rugged Compact Vehicle Powered Signal Conditioner

This new model is a high accuracy precision differential amplifier designed for use in harsh environments with low thermal error and an operating range from -40 to +125 C.

When reviewing your options for instrumentation based on features such as type of output, required channels, added software, programmability, speed, logging and graphing capabilities, TEDS ready, and enclosures, be sure to utilize our new Instrumentation Selection Guide.

If you have technical questions or need assistance in choosing the right load cell or instrumentation, please contact our experts.  We are here to assist you.

Setting the Standards in Innovation

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Interface continues to advance our business to meet the growing demands and requirements of our expansive line of products. As it pertains to product development, the focus is heavily placed on innovating to enable our customers to depend on Interface solutions for evolving technology trends to design and test next-generation products. This fundamental prioritization at Interface over the past decade is centered on the way we serve our customers and by enhancing our product development process.

How does Interface take a customer challenge or key technology trend from an idea to a scalable product? 

Interface does not follow a standard product development process with a team dedicated to coming up with new ideas. New product development is a culmination of input from every facet of our company, from sales to engineers. We leverage the outstanding talent we have built at Interface across the board to identify what is next in terms of solving force measurement challenges.

New product ideas are mainly identified from three different areas:

  1. Trend Research: We are continually looking at technology trends to determine how we solve problems in an evolving technology world.
  2. Customer Requirements: Many product ideas are born from working face-to-face with customers to discover their precise needs. Occasionally, a custom product built for a specific customer will present a wider market appeal and turn into a larger product line.
  3. Product Gaps: We are always reviewing our core products to try and identify gaps in our ability to solve customer needs.

Once we have identified specific challenges that Interface can solve with a new solution, we begin to look internally to ensure that we have the right talent and expertise to deliver an industry-leading force measurement product.  If not, we may search externally for the right talent or partners to collaborate on the project.  We utilize tools like the SWOT analysis to evaluate our technical, business, and competitive position in the market.

Upon determining that the product is in high demand with our customers or in new markets, we then further define our product concept, as well as the business case for development and going to market. We perform thorough research to determine potential applications and conduct a risk analysis on the product. This is followed by a timeline for development and assigning resources to the development project.

Interface uses either an agile or phase-gate approach depending on the type of project. This allows Interface to make better decisions throughout the development process and quickly adjust when we determine there is a better or more efficient way of doing something.

If the technology we will be working with to develop the new product is something we have never worked with before, we assess the technology readiness level (TRL). This process helps to determine if we are equipped to handle the new technology or if we need to invest in additional R&D and, in some cases, expertise to carry out the project.

Following the detailed development plan, risk analysis, establishing a timeline and allocating resources to the development of the new idea, we begin the concept phase. This involves some discovery and often includes designing and manufacturing a prototype of the product, to begin testing with customers and gaining feedback for additional iterations.

These steps lead us to deciding if a minimum viable product (MVP) or minimum valuable product is the best way to proceed to market. Utilizing this approach, we can quickly develop a fully functioning product with minimal bells and whistles and get it into a customer’s hands. This also freezes the design and allows production to prepare for the product launch.

Concluding the process is a new product introduction (NPI) and lifecycle management. During NPI we are focused on two key aspects – internal planning and external communication. Our internal planning involves setting up manufacturing and educating the sales staff on the final product. External communication is the process of creating a marketing plan, developing content and data sheets, as well as planning events and demonstrations for exhibits.

During the lifecycle management phase, we are taking orders, managing service on the product, and evaluating both the product and the launch. All these initiatives help drive future product development and launch strategies for innovative solutions.

This part of the process is where our technical sales team is critical. These individuals, with strong relationships with our customers, are constantly collecting feedback and reporting back to our design and engineering teams. This helps us determine the best way to proceed in adding additional features and technology to the product.  This in turn, leads to post launch releases and enhancements to the product, which help fuel the product’s growth.

Our product development process is constantly evolving as we continue to add new capabilities and work towards providing our customers with an all-encompassing suite of force measurement solutions to handle the challenges of today and into the future. Interface has thousands of products, standard, modified, and custom.  It is critical in our approach to stay ahead of trends, predict needs, and most importantly listen to our customers to make sure our products are exactly what they need from a leader in force measurement.

To learn more about Interface and our industry-leading lineup of force measurement products providing premium accuracy and reliability contact our Application Engineer experts. Be sure to watch for new product updates by subscribing to our InterfaceIQ blog here: /blog/.

Contributor: Ted Larson, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing

Recent Articles: The Future of Force Measurement, Metrology News

Interface Highlights New Products at the 2019 Automotive Testing Expo

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Interface is showcasing three innovative solutions for advanced test and measurement at the 2019 Automotive Testing Expo that highlight the range of capabilities for the long-recognized leader in force measurement solutions.

The products include the AxialTQ™, as well as Interface’s new Bluetooth® Telemetry System (BTS), Wireless Telemetry System (WTS) and the soon-to-be-released ConvexBT™ Load Button technology.

“The Interface innovations on display at the Automotive Testing Expo demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing technologies utilizing our decades of engineering prowess in force measurement,” said Joel Strom, CEO, Interface. “Our customers will enjoy the hands-on experience they can take part in at the expo.”

The new products feature expanding capabilities and emphasize the future in force measurement. Experts and engineers from Interface will demonstrate AxialTQ’s latest abilities, along with various applications for BTS and WTS. Visitors of Interface’s exhibit will also see a sneak preview of soon to be unveiled ConvexBT Load Button technology.

The revolutionary AxialTQ is the first of its kind in precision wireless rotary torque transducers with simultaneous analog and digital output options that enable real-time control and data collection with high accuracy. With stator and output module mounting flexibility, there are infinite configurations available to meet the various vehicle and industrial testing requirements.

Interface is also be showcasing its advancements in telemetry systems with both Bluetooth and wireless features. Interface’s BTS and WTS solutions enable torque transducers, load pins, load cells, and multi-axis sensors to transmit output to a device, display, PC or other systems. It wirelessly communicates with different types of receivers such as mobile devices, displays, handheld readers, analog outputs, relay modules and computer interfaces for easy configuration of the application.

The new products, along with interface’s industry-leading LowProfile® Load Cells, Mini Load Cells, instrumentation and calibration systems, are on display at the Automotive Testing Expo 2019.

PRESS RELEASE

 

Faces of Interface Featuring Ted Larson

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When Ted Larson, VP Product & Project Management at Interface, has a passion for something he devotes his time and energy to mastering it, whether it is innovating industry game-changing products or discovering new tequila.

This pursuit of excellence has served Larson well during his 30-plus year career in product design and engineering. His expertise has helped Interface establish itself as one of the premier innovators in the force measurement industry. Larson credits his success to being mindful of customer needs.

“I believe the most important aspect of product development is listening to the customer and discovering the most difficult issues they face every day.” Ted Larson

Larson started his journey at the University of San Francisco in 1979 where he would go on to earn a B.S. in Business and Organizational Behavior. Shortly after graduating, he quickly realized that he had a desire to become an engineer and wanted to bolster his skills as a maker. In 1987, Larson earned a B.S. in Electronics from Chapman University in Orange, California.

His education and skillset boosted Larson’s career in the aerospace and defense industry where he held positions with Boeing and SYMVIONICS. Over the next 20 years, Larson would hold various management and executive level positions in manufacturing and engineering, initially starting in mechanical and eventually moving into electronics. He worked in a diverse range of industries including software, automotive, chemical and lighting.

In 2015, Larson joined Interface to head up new product development. This position was unique to Interface because in the company’s 50-year history its focus centered around improving its industry-leading load cells, as opposed to creating new products. Larson was tasked with creating products that take the company into its next 50-years, what Interface coins as the 2nd 50, as a leading innovator of force measurement technology solutions for the automotive, aerospace and defense, medical, industrial industries and metrology.

In the four years that Larson has been with Interface, the company has released some of the industry’s most innovative products including ConvexBT and AxialTQ. Larson’s propensity for fresh ideas and new ways of thinking have propelled Interface’s capability to solve complex customer problems.

“Engineers thrive when they are attacking a specific problem, and without customer input, new ideas wouldn’t change a thing.”

When Larson isn’t developing new ideas for Interface, he enjoys traveling to Mexico to be with family. In Mexico, he can spend time discovering and collecting new and delicious tequilas. Each year, Larson will bring back a few unique bottles of añjeo tequila to taste with family and friends.

For more information Interface’s new products and innovations, visit www.interfaceforce.com.