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Interface Load Cells for Press Machines

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Press machines are designed to measure and apply force for various reasons. Hydraulic presses can be used to shape materials or crush objects. Stamping presses make a visible impression or stamp onto materials, such as a pharmaceutical tablet or logo on a food product. Even sandwich presses follow many of the characteristics of more industrial presses.

Press machines are used across automotive, aerospace, construction, consumer goods, medical, agriculture, mining, and other industries.  The presses produce consistent, cost-effective quality parts, tools, and products. No matter what kind of press machine, it must undergo rigorous testing during the machine-building process. During operation, there must be continuous monitoring of the press force used in each application.

NEW! Interface Solutions for Machine Builders

Interface load cells are critical to designing, testing, and using accurate and reliable press machinery. Interface load cells come in various shapes, dimensions, and capacities, allowing press machine builders and engineers to find the best solution for their specific machinery use case. Whether selecting a miniature load button load cell for a small press test or our WMC Load Cell to integrate into the machine, Interface has a range of products for press machine applications.

Benefits of using load cells in press machines:

  • Enhance Operator Safety
  • Prevention of Overloading
  • Improve Consistency
  • Avoid Damage to Equipment
  • Reduce Waste and Scrap
  • Increase Quality and Consistency of Work Product
  • Improve Process Control
  • Extend the Life of the Machine’s Operation
  • Increase Productivity

In a press machine test, the load cell is typically placed between the ram of the press and the die, where it can measure the force being applied to the object. The load cell is usually connected to a readout or display showing the operator the force applied to the part or material. This readout may be a simple analog or digital display, depending on the specific press and load cell being used in the machine. Review our Instrumentation Selection Guide to find the best option for your press.

There are numerous options for the types of load cells used for press machine applications. Hydraulic presses are some of the most common presses that use load cells. These machines are often built to form metal parts, such as gears, shafts, and bearings. The construction industry uses presses to assemble and test concrete structures. These presses are designed to crush and process minerals and ore in mining.

Mechanical presses are typically used for high-precision applications, such as metal stamping and forming. Miniature load cells are used in more precise applications that require smaller measurements. These use cases are often reserved for the medical or consumer goods industry, where the goal is to provide a stamping force for medicine or candy to label the product without crushing or damaging it. A precision Interface load cell ensures that the force applied to the material is consistent and accurate.

Another type of press using a sensor is known as a screw press which forms and compacts materials such as plastic and rubber. These press machines are found in chemical, food, and waste processing facilities.

Depending on the measurement capacity needed in the machine’s application, two popular Interface options are the Rod End Load Cells and Mini WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Load Cells. A rod end load cell is typically installed at the end of the piston or ram, where it can measure the tension or compression force being applied during the pressing operation.  These load cells provide accurate and reliable force measurement in various presses.

Press Forming and Load Monitoring

Press forming is a method to deform different materials. For instance, materials such as steel can be bent, stretched, or formed into shapes. A force measurement solution is required to monitor the forces being applied by the press-forming machine. This ensures quality control and traceability during the production process. Interface recommended installing the 1000 High Capacity Fatigue-Rated LowProfile™ Load Cell for large press forming machines. When the material is placed under the punch plate to form a shape, the 1000 series load cell measures the force applied. The captured force results were sent to the INF-USB3 Universal Serial Bus Single Channel PC Interface Module, where results could be graphed and logged on the customer’s PC using the provided software. Interface’s force measurement products and instrumentation accurately monitored and logged the force results of the press force machine, ensuring zero-error production performance.

Tablet Forming Machine Optimization

A pharmaceutical tablet producer wanted to monitor the forces the tablet forming machine applied to understand the relationship between raw material, die set, form, force, and the motor’s cycle speed. The goal was to improve the productivity and efficiency of the tablet-forming process while reducing losses (i.e., cracked tablets or voids) by adding a dimension of feedback that could be used to assign specific press adjustment criteria for given inputs. An Interface Model WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Mini Load Cell (10K lbf Capacity) was mounted in the section of the downward press bar. The machine was modified to accomplish this. The load cell was then connected to a Model 9320 Portable Load Cell Indicator to collect the needed data. After analyzing the data, the tablet producer could quantify adjustment levels by monitoring which forces produced optimal results for a given cycle speed, die set, and raw material. The enhancement of the data feedback significantly improves productivity and efficiency.

Candy Stamp Force Testing

Manufacturers of hard-shell candies often stamp text or logos on the candy shells. Stamping too hard breaks the candy shell and stamping too light results in an uneven or incomplete imprint. Using a test apparatus with an Interface Model WMC Mini Load Cell attached to hydraulic actuators was discovered to be an accurate way to measure the compression force required. Engineers determined the specific force needed to properly apply the imprint without breaking the candy shell using this solution.

Using Interface load cells on a press machine is a valuable investment that can help to improve the quality of the products being produced, extend the life of the press machine, and reduce the risk of accidents.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Press Forming and Load Monitoring

Press Load Monitoring App Note

Hydraulic Press Machines and Load Cells

Metal Press Cutting Machine

Interface Solutions for Machine Builders

Force Measurement Sensors are Essential to Modern Industrial Machinery

 

Force Measurement Sensors are Essential to Modern Industrial Machinery

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Industrial machinery plays a vital role in the global economy. It helps to improve productivity and efficiency, and it is essential to produce many of the goods we rely on daily.

Industrial machinery use cases range from equipment used in manufacturing and construction to transportation and robotics. Force measurement sensors and instrumentation play a critical role in ensuring industrial machinery’s safe and efficient operation.

Interface sensor technologies, including our load cells and multi-axis sensors, provide critical data for various machinery designs and functions. Interface analog and digital instrumentation products are available to amplify, condition, and display the signals from force measurement sensors.

The accuracy of force, torque, and weight measurements guide industrial machinery’s design and performance mechanisms.

What types of industrial machinery are using Interface measurement products today?

  • Machine tools used for grinding, drills, and lathes
  • Fabrication apparatus used for bending, shearing, and welding
  • Assembly equipment for production environments that include conveyor belts, robotic arms, and picking devices
  • Testing, quality control, and safety inspection equipment
  • Heavy equipment operational controllers for forklifts, cranes, and hoisting gear
  • Construction machinery such as loaders, bulldozers, and lifts

Industrial machinery is prevalent in manufacturing vehicles, aircraft, consumer goods, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Heavy-duty machinery is standard in energy production, mining, forestry, agriculture, and transportation.

The machines’ quality heavily depends on the accuracy of measurements used in the initial design, retrofitting, production, and practice. Interface products provide the products that enable machines to operate at peak performance safely and efficiently. Learn more in our new Interface Industrial Machinery Solutions, a part of Industrial Automation market offerings.

How Interface Measurement Solutions Used in Industrial Machinery

Machine Safety Monitoring

Interface products are used for monitoring the performance of machines and for management in sensing potential problems before they cause a failure. Interface measurement technologies are used in construction machinery to enable operators to gauge the force applied to materials, preventing overexertion and potential damage. Read Interface Solutions for Safety and Regulation Testing and Monitoring

Heavy Machinery and Lifting Equipment

In material handling equipment, force sensors help prevent accidents and injuries. Interface load cells, including load pins and shackles, monitor loads, weight, and distribution. Learn more about lifting solutions in our Engineered Solutions for Lifting Webinar.

Manufacturing and Production Machines

Manufacturers rely on Interface sensor solutions in industrial machines such as injection molding machines to monitor the force applied to the mold or how they are used in machines to ensure correct product packaging. The efficiency of machines is enhanced by correctly measuring the forces applied during different operations. Force sensors help ensure products are assembled correctly and within tolerance on production lines.

Industrial Automation Machines and Robotics

Interface sensors in industrial machines such as robots allow for more precise and delicate tasks that measure force at touch and throughout the entire operation. In machine tools, load cells assist in monitoring cutting forces and prevent damage to tools and workpieces. In robotic arms and automated assembly lines, force sensors provide precise force application during welding, riveting, and material handling.

Benefits of Using Interface Products in Industrial Machinery

  • Improved safety: Load cells can help prevent accidents and injuries by monitoring the weight and distribution of loads and ensuring that machines operate correctly.
  • Increased productivity: Force measurement sensors can help improve machines’ efficiency by optimizing the force applied during different operations. Force measurement sensors can help reduce machine downtime and enhance the quality of products with accurate data, helping to make intelligent decisions.
  • Reduced waste and operating costs: Measurement devices can help to reduce costs by preventing machine failures and improving the quality of products.

Force measurement sensors and instrumentation are essential components of modern industrial machinery. They ensure the safe, efficient, and productive operation of these machines. Contact Interface application engineers to evaluate the best sensor technologies for your specific test and measurement pe failures and improving the quality of products.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Hydraulic Press Machines and Load Cells

Sanding Machine Force Monitoring

Interface Solutions for Machine Builders

Metal Press Cutting Machine

Laser Machine Cutting Force App Note

Ice Machine Weighing

Force Measurement Testing Improves Products and Consumer Safety

Cobot Safety Programming

Crane Capacity Verification App Note

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

Interface Solutions Aid Pharmaceutical Industry

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Among the many highly regulated and incredibly complex industries, the medical industry is highly dependent on tools and resources that are precise and measure with high accuracy.

The medical industry is a broad, encompassing hospitals, medical professionals, payers, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. In each sector, Interface has a long history of providing precision measurement solutions for R&D, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, packaging and monitoring use.

In every use case, safety of patients and quality of products is predicated on extreme accurateness. Throughout a pharmaceutical product’s life cycle, specialized measurement equipment and sensor technologies are used by scientists, engineers, researchers, lab technicians, regulators, quality groups and manufacturers. These instruments are utilized in design and maintenance to provide unmistakable evidence of process quality and safety.

Medical and healthcare companies, including those specifically in pharmaceuticals, turn to Interface because our high accuracy force measurement solutions are designed for reliable performance test and measurement projects. The science used in the pharmaceutical industry depends on quality measurement of force and weight. Interface load cells are designed for these types of precise requirements. There is also tremendous demand for Interface’s ability to customize solutions that meet the exact measurement requirements of these sensitive applications. Visit our new Interface Pharmaceutical Industry Solutions.

Interface supports a range of pharmaceutical applications including:

  • Weighing and distributing
  • Specimen testing equipment
  • Tablet hardness testing
  • Tablet forming machine optimization
  • Capsule filling machines
  • Quality control and safety
  • Mixing
  • Packaging and filling
  • Bioreactors and fermenters

Interface force measurement solutions are used for a variety of pharma-related products and machines that help biotechnology and pharmaceutical product engineers to design, test, and manufacture their products.  When it comes to equipment used in the manufacturing of medicine, Interface products are used to optimize production and reduce waste. Our miniature load cells are often integrated into machines and equipment to provide precision measurements during operations.

Types of Interface Load Cells Used by Pharmaceutical Companies

Pharmaceutical Tablet Forming Machine Optimization

A pharmaceutical tablet producer wanted to monitor the forces applied by the tablet forming machine to understand the relationship between raw material, die set, forming force, and the motor’s cycle speed. The goal was to improve productivity and efficiency of the tablet forming process, while reducing losses such as cracked tablets or voids, by adding a dimension of feedback that could be used to assign specific press adjustment criterion for given inputs. An Interface WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Mini Load Cell (10K lbf Capacity) was mounted in the section of the downward press bar. The machine was modified to accomplish this. The load cell was then connected to a 9320 Portable Load Cell Indicator to collect the needed data. After analyzing the data, the tablet producer was able to quantify adjustment levels by monitoring which forces produced the most optimal results for a given cycle speed, die set, and raw material. Productivity and efficiency were greatly improved by the enhancement of the data feedback.

Tablet Hardness Testing for Pharmaceuticals

A pharmaceutical producer wanted to test and monitor the hardness of the pills being created in their tablet forming machine. Interface’s SML Low Height S-Type Load Cell was mounted to the hardness device inside the tablet forming machine. The SML Low Height S-Type Load Cell was then connected to the 9870 High-Speed High Performance TEDS Ready Indicator to record the force measurements. The tablet producer was able to verify and test the specific hardness needed for their tablets being produced by their tablet forming machine.

Pharmaceutical Tablet Machine Hardness Calibration

A customer wanted to regularly recalibrate tablet hardness testers. The customer needed a miniature load cell the size of a sugar cube that replaces the tablets and fits horizontally in the tablet test-box. Therefore, a special cable exit was important for the compression only calibration application. In the past, the machines had to be rebuilt for calibrations, or a complex mechanism had to be integrated to enable vertical calibration. However, Interface’s MCC Miniature Compression Load Cell measures forces on its side with a special cable exit on the flat side that attaches to the calibration indicator, such as the Interface handheld indicator and datalogger Model 9330. The MCC load-cell calibration set compared the applied forces with the hardness tester to make sure that the tablet hardness tester uses the correct force for future tablet hardness tests. The BlueDAQ software helped to log and compare the data of the MCC reference load cell. The customer successfully verified and calibrated the tablet hardness tester machine horizontally to conduct accurate hardness testing on tablets in the future. Interface’s MCC Miniature Compression Load Cell was perfect due to its small size, and convenient to measure the forces on its side.

Like medical devices, pharmaceutical machines and products must undergo a variety of mission-critical tests before they are safe for distribution to uses. Interface products are selected by the pharmaceutical industry is due to our product’s accuracy and reliability, in addition to our deep experience in supplying solutions to those in the medical business.

Pharmaceuticals_InfographicPoster

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Spotlighting Medical Device and Healthcare Solutions

Force Solutions for Medical Tablet Forming Machines

Interface Ensures Premium Accuracy and Reliability for Medical Applications

Interface Solutions for Medical Devices and Healthcare

Interface Solutions for Safety and Regulation Testing and Monitoring

Accuracy Matters for Weighing and Scales

 

Advancing Battery Possibilities with Measurement Solutions

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Advancements in batteries have opened new possibilities for the types of cars we drive, products we use in our homes, and even the way we store energy. Force measurement solutions play a crucial role in supporting advancements and innovation in battery technologies, as noted in Advancing Lithium-Ion Battery Test and Measurement.

The primary areas for battery developement utilizing Interface load cells and instrumentation are design, testing, and manufacturing. From structural integrity and safety tests to material testing and optimization, Interface measurement solutions are used for evolving batteries and their applications across many industries.

Interface is a preferred provider of force measurment solutions to the automotive industry, where they have long utilized our load cells and instrumentation for different battery testing. Learn more about our battery solutions for the auto and vehicle industry here.

As batteries become more powerful, ensuring their structural integrity for safety purposes becomes paramount. Our load cells are used to accurately measure the forces during various mechanical stresses, such as compression and impact testing. These measurement solutions can help to assess their robustness and identify potential weak points of the battery structure. Read: Electric Vehicle Structural Battery Testing

Understanding how battery materials respond to forces is critical in optimizing their performance and durability. Testing new materials is critical in developing new battery capabilities and capacities. With the introduction of new battery types, there is a requirement to thoroughly assess the chemicals and materials used in the battery, it’s encasing and the surrounding environment.

Load cells can be integrated into battery testing setups to monitor the mechanical stress on batteries during charge and discharge cycles. Load cells are utilized in thermal testing chambers to measure the mechanical stress experienced by batteries during thermal cycling. Load cells that are designed for high cycle counts for fatigue and stress testing are ideal for this type of measurement.

Interface products are important in the quality control processes of battery manufacturing. By validating the mechanical properties of batteries at different production stages, manufacturers can maintain consistent quality and comply with industry standards and safety regulations. All types of batteries are regulated in many countries to ensure safety, environmental protection, and consumer rights. The specific regulations may vary; however, most batteries are designed to meet the maximum industry standards.

Advancements in battery testing are essential for a wide range of industries that rely on batteries as a crucial component of their products or operations. Some of the industries that heavily rely on battery testing include automotive, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, consumer electronics, manufacturers, aerospace and aviation, medical devices, military, industrial equipment,, transportation and shipping, and maritime.

How are load cells used in battery testing?

The most common types of battery testing include capacity testing, safety testing, environmental testing, and manufacturing quality control. Load cells are commonly used for battery compression tests, impact testing, and thermal expansion and contraction.

Battery Compression Testing

This is crucial to ensure the battery’s structural integrity and safety under different conditions. During compression testing, the battery is subjected to controlled forces using hydraulic or mechanical presses, and load cells placed between the battery and the press measure the applied force accurately. Engineers can analyze the data to determine how the battery deforms and behaves under pressure, helping them design safer and more robust battery packs.

Interface low profile load cells, like our popular 1200 series or through-hole load cells like our precision load washers are often used for compression tests on batteries. Low profile load cells have a flat, disk-like shape and are suitable for applications where the force needs to be applied in a perpendicular direction to the cell’s surface. Through-hole load cells, on the other hand, have a central hole through which the force is applied, making them suitable for applications where the load needs to pass through the load cell.  Interface offers a wide range of models including high-capacity, compression-only, precision, and mounting options for our load cells.

Battery Impact Testing

Load cells can be integrated into a machine, drop tower or other testing setups, where the battery is dropped from a specific height to create impact. The load cells measure the impact force experienced by the battery during the fall. This data is vital for evaluating the battery’s ability to withstand sudden shocks and impacts, ensuring it meets safety standards for real-world situations.

For impact testing, high-capacity load cells with a rugged and robust design are preferred. Impact events can generate high forces in a short period, so the load cells must be capable of handling such sudden loads without damage. Interface’s S-type load cells or rod-end load cells are commonly used for impact testing applications due to their ability to measure tension and compression forces accurately.

Battery Thermal Expansion and Contraction Testing

Load cells are used in thermal testing chambers to measure the changes in mechanical stress that occur within the battery as the temperature fluctuates. By analyzing how the load on the cells changes with temperature, engineers can assess the battery’s performance and structural stability under different thermal conditions, which is critical for battery design and optimization.

In thermal testing applications, miniature load cells often used. Miniature WMC load cells are compact and can be easily integrated into small spaces within thermal chambers. Strain gages offer excellent sensitivity and are suitable for measuring small changes in mechanical stress that occur during thermal expansion and contraction testing.

Read EV Battery Testing Solutions Utilize Interface Mini Load Cells

Interface Force Load Cell Considerations Used for Battery Testing

  • Capacity: Choose a load cell with a capacity that covers the expected force range during testing. Ensure that the load cell can handle the maximum force that might be applied during compression, impact, or thermal testing.
  • Accuracy: Look for load cells with high accuracy and low hysteresis to ensure precise and repeatable measurements, especially when evaluating the mechanical properties and behavior of EV batteries under various test conditions. Interface is known for accuracy in measurement. All specifications related to the accuracy are available on each product’s datasheet.
  • Model Design: The load cell’s form factor should be robust and durable to withstand the demands of testing. A rugged design, preferrably stainless steel, is essential for impact testing and to ensure the load cell remains stable and reliable throughout the testing process.
  • Compatibility: Ensure that the measurement device is compatible with the testing equipment and data acquisition system being used in the battery testing setup. Interface will work with you in selecting the right sensor, instrumentation, cable and any accessories based on your test plan.
  • Calibration and Temperature Compensation: All Interface load cells have calibration certificates. The temperature compensation features are outlined in the model specifications. Accurate calibration and temperature compensation are vital for obtaining reliable and accurate force measurements, especially during thermal testing.
  • Application-specific features: Depending on the type of battery testing, certain load cell features, such as high-frequency response for impact testing or low profile designs for compression testing in confined spaces, might be beneficial. Discuss with our application engineers if you have questions on selecting the right products.

Overall, advancements in battery testing have far-reaching implications across various industries, enabling the development and deployment of safer, more efficient, and higher-performing battery technologies, which are essential for the ongoing transition to a sustainable and electrified future. To learn more about solutions that Interface has supplied for battery testing, and affiliated components used in the advancements of batteries, contact us. Our solutions team is ready to help.

Additional Resources

Electric Vehicle Battery Load Testing Feature and Application

Feature Article Highlights Interface Solutions for EV Battery Testing

EV Battery Testing Solutions Utilize Interface Mini Load Cells

Advancing Lithium-Ion Battery Test and Measurement

Electric Vehicle Structural Battery Testing App Note

Electric Vehicle Battery Monitoring

Interface Powers Smart Transportation Solutions

 

Testing Labs Choose Interface High Accuracy Products

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Specialists focused on testing applications work in a variety of testing lab environments. In each lab, technicians rely on the tools to collect and report on data that is used to make products safer, guarantee performance, ensure quality, and to meet the strict industry standards and requirements. Accuracy in testing data is dependent on the precision measurement devices and instrumentation used to capture the results.

We supply lab engineers with high-accuracy sensor technologies used to complete rigid test requirements. Interface is the top provider of test and measurement products used for structural and material testing, static and fatigue testing, torsion effects, tension tests, calibration testing, and environmental testing. Read more in Types of Force Measurement Tests 101.

Our standard high precision load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, and instrumentation are used on every continent for T&M. Based on our quality and performance, we are the chosen supplier to calibration and testing labs. We see our products used today for continuous improvement programs, advancements in smart manufacturing and new product designs.

If it must be measured, Interface has a solution. Our products are designed for small and large testing facilities, including calibration-grade load cells, load frames and test stands, along with data acquisition systems. The wide variety of our force measurement solutions designed for testing labs means we play a role in every industry that is making a physical product and the test labs that validates the products performance.

Testing Labs and Types of Testing Using Interface Solutions

General Automotive Test Labs:

  • Component and Sub-Component Level Testing
  • Suspension Testing
  • EV Battery Testing

Automotive Driveline Testing:

  • Engine Performance and Durability Tests
  • Motor Efficiency Testing
  • Power Analyzation (Electric)

Aerospace Testing:

  • Full Scale Structural Static Testing
  • Component Fatigue Test
  • High Precision Thrust Testing
  • Simulators
  • Wind Tunnel Testing

Geotechnical and Civil Testing

  • Concrete or Asphalt Core Testing
  • Soils Testing

General Structural and Component Testing

  • General Push and Pull
  • Design Proofing
  • Life Cycle Fatigue Validation

Medical Device Testing:

  • Prototyping
  • PPAP Validation and FDA Certification
  • Device Lifecycle Testing

Consumer Product Testing Labs:

  • Design Validation
  • Material Testing
  • Fatigue and Failure Tests

Interface recently highlighted testing lab applications in our Test Lab Essentials Webinar. Here you can see the lab use cases and products as they are reviewed by our applications experts.

Each of these testing types requires different force testing equipment, and our experts work directly with testing lab professionals to determine the products or systems they need for single and ongoing test requirements.

As testing technologies becomes increasingly complex, off-the-shelf products may not meet the needs of every Interface customer. We lend engineers expertise in test and measurement to support unique and custom requirements to get the right sensor, instrument, and system in place.

Since our first load cells were designed five decades ago, we have built millions upon millions of load cells and torque transducers used in testing labs around the world. Our products are built to withstand the rigor and requirements needed for high quality and reliable data collection in test and measurement. Our test customers depend on us for proving accuracy, consistency, and reliability in performance.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface and Testing Lab Applications

Testing Lab Essentials Webinar

Engine Dynamometer App Note

Consumer Product Testing Case Study

Interface Solutions for Safety and Regulation Testing and Monitoring

Metrologists and Calibration Technicians 101

Motor Test Stand

GS-SYS04 Gold Standard® Portable E4 Machine Calibration System

Electric Vehicle Structural Battery Testing

Furniture Fatigue Cycle Testing App Note

Regular Calibration Service Maintains Load Cell Accuracy

 

The Rise in Digital Force Measurement Solutions

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In the early days of force measurement instrumentation and use cases, analog was king and, in many cases, still dominates most use cases. The fact that product manufacturers continue to provide analog solutions is steeped in the accuracy and reliability of the format.  Digital is changing this outlook and the rise of solutions that support digital output are on the rise.

Analog and digital signals are utilized for the transmission of information, typically conveyed through electrical signals. In both these technologies, data undergoes a conversion process to transform it into electrical signals. The disparity between analog and digital technologies lies in how information is encoded within the electric pulses. Analog technology translates information into electric pulses with varying amplitudes, while digital technology converts information into a binary format consisting of zeros and ones, with each bit representing two distinct amplitudes.

The primary difference between analog and digital is how the signal is processed. Analog signals when compared to digital signals are continuous and more accurate. Digital measurement solutions have come a long way and are growing in use and popularity due to overall trends towards digital transformation and modernization of testing labs.  Read Instrumentation Analog Versus Digital Outputs for further definition.

As more test and measurement professionals and labs are using digital instrumentation, the quality and accuracy of data output has skyrocketed. Primarily, it is much easier to gather and store digital data. This is often seen through the growth in wireless sensor technologies. Interface Digital Instrumentation continues to expand with new products.

Digital signals are stronger than analog signals, providing a better signal that is free from interference by things like temperature, electromagnetism, and radio signals. The data sampling rate is also much faster. As a result, load cells and other force sensors output signals transmitted to digital instrumentation can read and record hundreds of measurements in seconds.

Another major reason for making the switch to digital output is convenience and capability. Digital instrumentation opens a world of possibilities in terms of wireless data transfer, removing the need for wires and giving engineers more flexibility in terms of where to conduct tests, or monitor applications. It also allows for larger force sensor systems to work together on larger applications in which you need multiple data points on different forces around the object you are measuring.

Why Choose a Digital Solution

  • Lower-cost options
  • Works across existing networks
  • It is scalable without causing interruptions
  • Multiple sensors can be daisy-chained together on a single cable run
  • Built-in error detection
  • Less susceptible to noise

Why Choose an Analog Solution

  • Speed, fast transmission
  • Ease of use
  • Familiarity (standard)
  • Uses less network bandwidth
  • Compatible with DAQs and PLCs

Interface offers a host of digital instrumentation solutions and complete digital systems to easily integrate into your existing test infrastructure.  The Interface Instrumentation Selection Guide is a useful resource to help in the selection of digital equipment.

Basic Criteria for Selecting Digital or Analog

  • Is there an existing network you need to connect to?
  • Are you connecting to an existing DAQ device?
  • What is your budget?
  • How many sensors are you connecting?
  • Do you need to communicate through a bus?

Be sure to tune into the ForceLeaders online event, Unlocking the Power of DAQ Webinar, to learn about data acquisition and digital instrumentation.

Digital Instrumentation Brochure

Hydraulic Press Machines and Load Cells

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A hydraulic press is a machine that uses a hydraulic cylinder to generate a compressive force by applying a fluid, typically oil, to a piston. The hydraulic press works on the principle of Pascal’s Law, which states that when a fluid is subjected to pressure, it transmits that pressure equally in all directions.

Load cells are commonly used in hydraulic presses to measure the force or weight of the load that is being applied to the press. Load cells are essentially transducers that convert a mechanical force into an electrical signal. Load cells play a critical role in ensuring the safety, quality, and efficiency of hydraulic press operations, as they allow operators to monitor and control the force being applied to the workpiece with a high degree of accuracy and precision.

In a hydraulic press, the load cell is typically placed between the ram of the press and the die, where it can measure the force that is being applied to the workpiece as defined in our Press Forming and Load Monitoring use case. The load cell is usually connected to a readout or display that shows the operator the amount of force being applied to the workpiece. This readout may be a simple analog or digital display, depending on the specific hydraulic press and load cell being used in the machine.

Hydraulic presses are widely used in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and consumer goods. They are used for applications such as metal forming, punching, stamping, bending, and assembly. The presses are used to produce consistent and high-quality parts in a cost-effective manner.

Popular load cells for hydraulic presses are Interface’s Rod End Load Cells. In a hydraulic press, a load is applied to a piston or ram using hydraulic pressure, and the force generated by the press is used for various forming, shaping, or compression processes. A rod end load cell is typically installed at the end of the piston or ram, where it can measure the tension or compression force being applied during the pressing operation. The data acquired from the rod end load cell can be used for a variety of purposes, such as monitoring the force applied to the press to ensure that it is within the desired range, controlling the press operation, or capturing data for quality control or process optimization purposes. Rod end load cells provide accurate and reliable force measurement in hydraulic presses.

Interface Rod End Load Cell Models:

Load cells used for hydraulic presses typically have a high accuracy and sensitivity, as even small variations in the applied force can have a significant impact on the quality and consistency of the resulting workpiece. They are also designed to withstand the high forces and pressures that are typically involved in hydraulic press operations. There are numerous applications and use cases for hydraulic press testing, including:

Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing: Hydraulic presses are used extensively in the manufacturing of automotive and aerospace components, where they are used to form and assemble various parts. Testing the press is important to ensure that it can handle the high forces and pressures involved in these applications.

Material Testing: Hydraulic presses are commonly used in material testing applications to test the strength and durability of various materials such as metals, plastics, and composites. The press can apply a controlled and measured amount of force to the material being tested, allowing for accurate and repeatable testing results.

Metal Forming: Hydraulic presses are often used in metal forming applications such as stamping, punching, and bending. It is important to test the press to ensure that it can apply the required force and that the resulting parts meet the necessary specifications. Read more in our Metal Press Cutting Machine application note.

Construction: Hydraulic presses are used in the construction industry for applications such as concrete forming and brick laying. The presses are used to apply a controlled amount of force to the concrete or bricks, ensuring that they are formed to the correct shape and size.

Recycling: Hydraulic presses are used in the recycling industry to compact waste materials such as cardboard, plastic, and metal. The presses are used to create dense bales of these materials that can be more easily transported and recycled.

Rubber and Plastic Molding: Hydraulic presses are also used in rubber and plastic molding applications, where they are used to form complex shapes and designs. Testing the press is necessary to ensure that it can apply the required force and that the resulting parts meet the necessary specifications.

Hydraulic presses are used in a wide range of industries and applications where a controlled and precise amount of force is required. They are used to produce high-quality parts and products in a cost-effective manner, while also ensuring safety and efficiency in the production process.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Metal Bending Force

Press Forming and Load Monitoring

Interface Solutions for Material Testing Engineers

Tensile Testing for 3D Materials

Testing Lab Essentials Webinar Recap

OEM: Tablet Forming Machine Optimization

Benefits of Proof Loading Verification

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Proof loading is a critical test that is performed on sensors or load cells to verify their performance and accuracy under extreme conditions. Engineers may need to request proof loading verification to ensure that the sensors or other measuring devices being used in a particular application are accurate, reliable, and safe for use.

Upon request, Interface provides proof loading at the build phase of engineered-to-order load cells, as well as load pins, load shackles and tension links. By simple definition, proof loading is a safe overload rating for a sensor.

Load proofing is a special test that guarantees the sensor performs at maximum capacity before it’s released to the customer. If a manufacturer does proof loading, it will be documented in the sensors specifications that are shipped with the product. It is commonly requested for sensors that are used in lifting applications.

Additionally, quality engineers and testing professionals may request proof loading as part of quality control or compliance requirements. By ensuring that sensors and load cells are tested and validated before use, companies can ensure that they meet regulatory standards and maintain a high level of quality in their products and services.

The Proof Loading Process

By requesting proof loading, sensor users can verify the accuracy and reliability of sensors and load cells and ensure that they are functioning correctly and within their specified limits. Proof loading can also identify any issues or problems with sensors or load cells before they are put into service, allowing for repairs or replacements to be made if necessary.

Proof loading for sensors is a process of subjecting a sensor to a higher-than-normal load or stress to confirm that it can withstand that load or stress without any permanent damage or deviation from its calibration. The purpose of proof loading is to validate the accuracy and reliability of the sensor under extreme conditions, ensuring that it will perform correctly when it is in service.

During proof loading, the sensor is exposed to a controlled overload, typically between 150% to 200% of its maximum rated capacity. The sensor’s response to the load is monitored, and the output is compared to its expected behavior. If the sensor performs within acceptable limits and returns to its pre-loaded state after the load is removed, it is considered to have passed the proof load test.

When should you request proof loading for a load cell?

Proof loading for a load cell should be requested when there is a need to verify its calibration and ensure its accuracy and reliability under extreme conditions. This is particularly important when the load cell is used in safety-critical applications, such as in crane and hoist systems, industrial weighing and process control systems, and structural testing applications.

Proof loading is commonly used for sensors that are used in safety-critical applications, such as load cells used in cranes and hoists, pressure transducers used in oil and gas pipelines, and temperature sensors used in furnace applications. By performing proof loading tests, manufacturers and end-users can have greater confidence in the performance and reliability of their sensors, which can improve overall safety and efficiency.

In general, there are several situations where it is advisable to request proof loading for a load cell:

  • Before critical applications: In safety-critical applications, such as those involving lifting, handling, and transportation of heavy loads, a proof load test should be performed before the load cell is put into service to ensure that it can handle the required load without any issues.
  • After installation: It is recommended to perform a proof load test on the load cell immediately after installation to ensure that it is functioning correctly and within its specified limits.
  • After repair or maintenance: If the load cell has undergone repair or maintenance, a proof load test can be used to verify that it is still performing accurately and within its specifications.
  • After an extended period of non-use: If the load cell has not been used for an extended period, it may be necessary to perform a proof load test to ensure that it is still functioning correctly.

It is important to note that proof loading should only be performed by qualified and trained personnel using the appropriate equipment and procedures. This will ensure that the load cell is not damaged during the testing process and that it continues to perform accurately and reliably after the test is completed.

Proof loading is particularly important in safety-critical applications such as in the construction industry, transportation industry, and other industrial applications where lifting and handling heavy loads are involved. In these applications, the accuracy and reliability of sensors and load cells are crucial, as any inaccuracies or deviations from the expected behavior can result in dangerous and costly accidents.

Overall, proof loading is an essential test that engineers may need to request to ensure the safety and reliability of sensors and load cells in various industrial applications.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

IoT Lifting Heavy Objects

Cranes and Lifting

Recap of Use Cases for Load Pins Webinar

Tension Links 101

Aircraft Lifting Equipment App Note