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Interface Details Hydrogen Electrolyzers Solution in Design News

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In the new article, Force sensing helps hydrogen electrolyzers efficiently harness energy, Randy White, OEM Business Development Manager at Interface details how products made the the leader in force measurement are used for increasing operational efficiencies in renewable energy production.

Published in Design News in November 2022, the article focuses on using advanced sensor technologies to measure critical infrastructure that is used for hydrogen production and storage. As outlined in the article, Interface is a supplier of choice for innovative solutions used in the energy industry. Randy details how Interface LWHP14 Precision Load Washer Load Cells are used to monitor tie rods and submit results via a WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module for accurately reporting critical measurements in real-time.

Here is a quick excerpt from the article, Force sensing helps hydrogen electrolyzers efficiently harness energy.

The use of hydrogen as a clean and reliable renewable energy source has been a carrot on a stick for green energy innovators for many, many years. Scientists and technologists have understood the positive impact of hydrogen for a long time, and even harnessed it at times, but the ability to reliably store and harness this energy at a reasonable cost has previously eluded them. However, hydrogen is back in full force as storage and battery technology has advanced, giving new life to the promise of hydrogen.

Hydrogen is critical to the future of green energy because it is an optimal solution to storing renewable energy from other sources such as wind and water. In certain areas, like California, we’re actually producing too much energy from renewable sources, but have no place to store. This is leading to a tremendous amount of resource loss. Therefore, hydrogen innovation has come back to become a storage solution to curtail waste and hold enough energy to power more infrastructure with green energy.

Read more here.

Watch the actual use case in our animated Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell Tie Rod Monitoring Application Note.

Interface engineers and application experts work to design force measurement solutions that are customized for unique applications. Our solutions are available as stand-alone and at scale to include in manufactured parts, components, machines and products. Contact us to learn more.

Interface Introduces SuperSC S-Type Miniature Load Cell

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Interface has released its latest load cell invention, the SuperSC S-Type Miniature Load Cell. Interface’s new product is an s-type miniature load cell that offers capacities in a form factor 80% smaller and 50% lighter than other models of s-type load cells. It’s ideal for industry 4.0 applications.

The Interface SuperSC is an economical general purpose load cell with a compact design. It is perfect for all types of test and measurement applications in confined spaces and for OEM use cases with smaller product dimensions. The miniature sensor is also environmentally sealed and insensitive to off axis loading.

Designed by Interface’s engineer Raymunn Machado-Prisbrey, SuperSC comes in 12 capacities ranging from 25 to 1K lbf and 100 N to 5 kN. Six designs for international standards of measurement (metric) and six are imperial standards. They are environmentally sealed with an IP66 rating and offer high stiffness with low detection.

“S-type load cells have grown in popularity every year since their introduction in 1974 by Interface’s founder, primarily due to their design features and performance for use in diverse force measurement applications.” Mark Weathers, VP of Advanced Manufacturing and OEM Products

Due to its high capacity and compact housing, it is an ideal sensor for weighing and test machines, as well as in OEM product designs for ongoing performance measurement and monitoring. S-type load cells are some of Interface’s most popular products. The new product release of the SuperSC represents the next generation of the versatile Interface Mini product offerings.

“The SuperSC is the next generation of s-type load cells with the Interface’s distinguishable high quality, accuracy, reliability, and range of capacities, while also offering a more compact design and options for customization and embedding into products and machines,” said Mark Weathers, VP of Advanced Manufacturing and OEM Products

The Interface SuperSC is manufactured at Interface’s headquarters in Arizona. It has accessories and different build options, including a high-temperature rated version, fatigue rated, special calibrations, and it also can be pre-installed with rod end bearings. Interface also plans to introduce a submersible, IP68 rated version and a model specialized for load compensation.

The new Interface SuperSC S-Type Miniature Load Cell and review specification sheets and pricing are here.

Interface highlighted the product in the recent Superior S-Type Load Cells webinar recording.

PRESS RELEASE

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Superior S-Types Webinar Recap and New SuperSC

SuperSC S-Type Miniature Load Cell

Superior S-Type Load Cells Webinar

S-Type Load Cells 101

Feature Article Highlights Interface Solutions for EV Battery Testing

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In the recent article, Force sensors find opportunity in electric vehicles, battery assembly by Dan O’Shea of Fierce Electronics, the feature details increasing use of force measurement technologies in the EV industry.

In this must-read piece, Brian Peters was interviewed to share Interface’s role and growing support for the testing of electric vehicle components including electric vehicle battery testing.

In the article, the author highlights the different use cases for sensor technologies in the EV market. Interface shared our experience in supplying vehicle force measurement solutions for EV batteries chemical mixing, batch weighing scales, battery assembly machines, tension monitoring, material tests, structural tests and more.

Dan writes, “In the automotive sector, one of the most important areas where force sensor technology can play a role is in the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries, as well as testing and monitoring batteries for quality assurance.”

He continues, “Brian Peters, vice president of global sales at Interface Force Measurement Solutions, told Fierce Electronics that the need for force sensors in EV battery applications has grown rapidly as more new automakers and battery manufacturers have appeared on the scene and consumer interest in EVs has risen.”

An example of one of these applications is detailed in use case of Electric Vehicle Battery Monitoring.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY MONITORING

Interface’s customer was designing a system to monitor lithium-batteries used in electric vehicles. Typically, lithium-batteries are measured through ICV to monitor and analyze life and performance. Interface suggested using our LBM Compression Load Button Load Cell in between two garolite end plates, and measuring the force that is created from cell swelling or expansion. Instead of monitoring through voltage (ICV), this method is based on measured force (ICF). Paired with the 9330 Battery Powered High Speed Data Logging Indicator, force results can be displayed, recorded, and logged with supplied software. 

Additional Resources

Interface Automotive Force Measurement Solutions

Automotive + Vehicle Brochure

Advancing Auto Testing with Interface Measurement Solutions

Torque Measurement for Electric Vehicles App Note

Interface Helps to Power the Electric Vehicle Market Forward

The Future of Automotive is Electric

Test and Measurement for Electric Vehicles

 

 

Force Sensing Keeps Factories Running Feature in Fierce Electronics

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In the recent article, ‘May the force be with you: Force sensing keeps factories running, product quality high’ Dan O’Shea at Fierce Electronics writes about the growing demand for sensors in industrial automation applications.

Following his interview with Interface’s Keith Skidmore, Dan writes:

‘While some sensors are more focused on monitoring equipment or measuring environmental conditions around a manufacturing process, force sensors measure mechanical forces occurring in the equipment and processes, and the products being manufactured. They measure things like load, tension, resistance, weight or total pressure applied. By employing this kind of sensing technology, manufacturers can monitor the health of their equipment and improve quality assurance for their products.’

“Testing things by applying a force to them is super common. Many products in lots of industries get tested this way, from aerospace to automotive, through to consumer goods. Chairs, furniture, mattresses, ladders–basically, anything that’s being manufactured, there can be a desire to figure out how strong the various parts of those products are.” Keith Skidmore, engineer and regional sales director at Interface

Read the entire Fierce Electronics article here.

Interface provides industrial automation and IoT solutions to manufacturers, equipment makers and factories around the world. Sensors play a pivotal role in production and optimization through tools and process improvements.

Industrial Robotic Arm

Robotic arms are frequently used in production facilities throughout the manufacturing process. Suppliers of these devices heavily rely on accurate and quality sensors to provide feedback. In this application, the designer needed to test the force of the arm apparatus to ensure it could safely secure packages on a moving conveyor belt without damaging any materials or products. This automated function helps to improve quality of packaging and increase productivity on the line.

Interface provided the model 6A40A 6-Axis Load Cell with model BX8-HD44 Data Acquisition Amplifier instrumentation. The 6-Axis load cell provides measurement of all forces and torques (Fx, Fʏ, Fz, Mx, Mʏ, Mz) and the BXB-HD44 Data Acquisition Amplifier logs, displays, and graphs these measurements while sending scaled analog output signals for these axes to the robot’s control system. Customer installed 6A40 6-Axis Load Cell between robot flange and robot grabber. The extensive data outputs from the multi-axis sensor provided the exact detailed measurements needed for the industrial robotic application.

Interface Announces Hiring Push to Meet Growing Demands for Products

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In recent news, Interface shared our plans to add 25% additional team members to support the growth and demands for our products and services. The company released an announcement that we are adding several new jobs to maintain our market position as the world’s trusted leader in technology, design, and manufacturing of force measurement solutions.

The current plans include hiring up to 50 new Arizona-based staff members by the end of 2021. The open jobs include positions in operations for machinists, calibration and soldering technicians, as well as professional opportunities in engineering, finance, customer service and support roles.

Interested applicants that want to join our team working at the headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, can apply on the Interface career page.

“Despite disruptions caused by the pandemic in 2020, we continued to meet our customers’ product needs, as well as launch new solutions and expand our manufacturing and global sales,” said Greg Adams, CEO, Interface. “As a result of our steadfast focus in managing through this unprecedented time, we created innovative ways to grow our product lines and internal capacities to deliver best in class measurement solutions. I am proud of the 53-year legacy that Interface has built in quality, accuracy, and reliability and we are excited to expand our team to meet the growing immediate demands and new opportunities on the horizon.”

Interface provides test and measurement solutions to the aerospace, automotive, energy, industrial automation, infrastructure, agriculture, and medical industries. Interface standard and custom OEM products can measure from grams to millions of pounds in hundreds of models and physical sizes. Interface has been operating in Arizona since 1968.

“At Interface, culture is incredibly important, and we pride ourselves on being a diverse and driven team of experts across multiple functions,” said Lilian Gaithe, CHRO. “Our people are passionate, curious, agile and engaging. We are looking for more than just the right skill set, we are looking for the right team to help take Interface to the next level.”

Read the entire news release here.

Interface COVID-19 Update from CEO

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As COVID-19 continues to impact businesses and people around the world, I want to personally update you on the actions and planning we have taken to ensure Interface’s business continuity for all our customers, team members and partners around the world.

Based on guidance from the medical experts, the World Health Organization, the CDC and other US state and federal officials, we have strengthened our business continuity plans with specific steps to account for COVID-19 (coronavirus).

As a US-based manufacturer, we have taken steps to provide continuous cleaning and support for our team members to lessen any production impact at our Arizona headquarters.  We are continuously engaging with our distributors, representatives and supply chain partners around the world.  In our planning, we also have provided technical support and capabilities for our office teams to work remotely as a precaution.

Please rest assured, we are ready to maintain the high-quality application engineer support and customer service.  In the current situation, the health and safety of our employees, customers and partners are vital. We are limiting employee travel, both international and domestic. In addition, given many of our customers have implemented similar travel policies, we have instructed employees to leverage technology and conduct internal and external meetings virtually as much as possible.

This is an extraordinary time for everyone. We are monitoring the changing situation daily. We are committed to maintaining our business operations and ensuring you continue to receive the highest quality service without disruption.

Thank you for your continued trust in Interface.

Greg Adams, CEO at Interface, Inc.

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