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How Load Cells Can Go Bad

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Load cells are electronic devices that measure the force applied to them. Interface products are made to last, in fact we have many load cells that are in-market and being used for high-accuracy testing that were manufactured decades ago. Why do they last? Quality of design, material construction, build process, calibration, and regular maintenance prolong the life of a load cell.

Like any electronic device, load cells can go bad for a few reasons. It is also important to know that load cells can be repaired. Outside of complete destructive testing, the following issues are most common for how load cell can go bad.

Overloading: Load cells have a maximum capacity, and if they are subjected to a force beyond that limit, they can get damaged. Overloading can cause the load cell to deform or break, resulting in inaccurate readings or complete failure. Preventative options are to use overload protected load cells.

Mechanical and physical damage: Load cells are sensitive devices and can be damaged by impact, vibration, or shock. Mechanical damage can cause the load cell to deform or lose its calibration, resulting in inaccurate readings. Physical damage to devices is often because the load cells are dropped or mishandled during use.

Moisture: Load cells are often used in damp or wet environments, and prolonged exposure to moisture can cause corrosion or damage to the internal circuitry. Environmental exposure to moisture can also cause electrical shorts or create a conductive path between the components, resulting in inaccurate readings or complete failure. Review submersible options if testing in these environments is common.

Temperature: Load cells can be sensitive to temperature changes, and extreme temperatures can cause damage to the internal components. Thermal expansion or contraction can cause mechanical stress, resulting in deformation or damage to the load cell. Interface offers high-temperature and low-temperature load cells options.

Electrical noise: Load cells are susceptible to electrical noise, which can cause interference in the signals and result in inaccurate readings. Electrical noise can be caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI), radio-frequency interference (RFI), or other sources of electrical interference.

Aging: Not all load cells are made the same way. Interface load cells are designed to outlast any testing use for long-periods, we are talking millions of cycles. However, some load cells can wear out over time due to repeated use, exposure to the environment, or other factors. Aging can cause a decrease in sensitivity, accuracy, or stability, resulting in inaccurate readings or complete failure. All load cells need good health checks to stay working at optimal performance.

To avoid load cell failures, it is important to use them within their rated capacity, protect them from mechanical damage, and provide adequate protection from moisture, temperature, and electrical noise. Regular maintenance and calibration services, preferably every year, can also help ensure accurate and reliable performance over time.

What is the best way to determine if a load cell is bad or not working?

There are several ways to determine if a load cell is bad or not working. Here is a reminder of five quick checks:

#1 Visual Inspection: Start by visually inspecting the load cell for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, deformations, or loose connections. Check for any corrosion or signs of moisture, as well as any visible wear and tear.

#2 Zero Balance Testing: A zero balance test is a quick and straightforward way to check if a load cell is functioning properly. With no weight applied, the load cell should read zero. If it does not, there may be an issue with the load cell or its connections.

#3 Load Testing: Load testing involves applying a known weight to the load cell and checking the reading. If the load cell is accurate, the reading should match the known weight. If there is a significant discrepancy, the load cell may be faulty.

#4 Bridge Resistance Tests: Load cells are typically constructed with a Wheatstone bridge circuit, which can be assessed for proper resistance values. If there is a significant deviation from the expected resistance values, there may be an issue with the load cell or its connections.

#5 Temperature Tests: Load cells can be sensitive to temperature changes, and extreme temperatures can cause damage to the internal components. Evaluating the load cell at different temperatures can help to identify any issues with temperature sensitivity.

Interface provides complete evaluations of any product we manufacture, to determine if the load cell is working properly. To request services, go here.

How does calibration help load cells from going bad?

Calibration is the process of adjusting a load cell to ensure its accuracy and reliability in measuring weight or force. Regular calibration is essential for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of load cells. Interface recommends annual calibration services as a preventative measure and for good maintenance of your force measurement devices.

Calibration helps to ensure that a load cell provides accurate and consistent readings. Over time, load cells can drift from their initial calibration due to environmental factors, wear and tear, and other factors. Regular calibration ensures that any deviations from the standard are detected and corrected, preventing inaccurate readings that can lead to errors in weighing and other measurements.

Load cells that are not calibrated regularly may experience premature wear and tear due to repeated use, leading to damage or failure. Calibration helps to identify any issues early on and prevent further damage, extending the lifespan of the load cell and saving on replacement costs.

Many industries and applications have strict standards and regulations for measuring weight and force. Regular calibration helps to ensure that load cells meet these standards and regulations.

Regular calibration can help load cells from going bad in multiple ways. It can help to prevent inaccurate readings, extend the lifespan of load cells, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with standards and regulations. Accurate measurements are critical, and calibration helps to ensure that load cells is working properly. Request a repair or calibration service online.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Load Cell 101 and What You Need to Know

Load Cell Sensitivity 101

Can Load Cells Be Repaired?

Services & Repair

Mechanical Installation Load Cell Troubleshooting 101

How Do Load Cells Work?

Regular Calibration Service Maintains Load Cell Accuracy

Faces of Interface Featuring Sean Malone

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In today’s Faces of Interface, we talked with Sean Malone who is responsible for calibrating and repairing our customer’s force measurement equipment. As our esteemed warranty coordinator, his important role requires extensive knowledge of force measurement technologies. This is because not only do we support the products we make, we also calibrate and repair force measurement products from a wide variety of other manufacturers.

Throughout his life, Sean has always had a propensity for working with his hands. Hi family owned a locksmith business, so he grew up to become very mechanically proficient. In fact, Sean worked for the 35-year family-run business for 25 years before the family decided to sell it. Sean also went to school at ITT Tech during that time and received his associates in computer networking and science.

After leaving the locksmith business, Sean investigated a new role where he could continue to work with his hands every day. This desire led him to Interface. He began his career at Interface as a repair technician in our production facility, then he moved on to become a calibration finalist, and the manager of the service department before settling into his current role as warranty coordinator.

His journey through Interface’s service department gave him a great deal of knowledge about the business and the ins and outs of a load cell. This allows him to perform his current role to the highest degree and aptitude. He’s also a great resource for questions and support for our team members and global network. His position today includes being a single point contact for service customers, performing root cause analysis, fixing load cells, calibrating them, and ensuring items sent in for services get back to the customer in premium working order.

Sean says that he’s caught his professional stride at Interface and really enjoys the fact that he is learning something new every day. He also remarked that the people he comes to work with make the job and the company that much more enjoyable. We’re glad to have you here too Sean, as you represent the best in ForceLeaders.

In his free time, you won’t find Sean anywhere else but at the golf course. Being an Arizona native, he has grown up with a passion for the U.S. golf capitol of the world and all it has to offer for an avid golfer. His skills in the sport also extend to a little bit of frisbee golf from time to time. All things golf, all the time. That’s the way Sean winds down.

We’re incredibly honored to have Sean on the team and his work is critical to keeping our customers products operating at the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, today and for many years to come.

To learn more about the outstanding team at Interface, check in to our blog each month for our Faces of Interface series.

Faces of Interface Featuring Kasilyn Halawith

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Kasilyn (Kasi) Halawith is Interface’s repair service manager, which handles our product calibration and repair services. In our feature of Faces of Interface, we learned that Kasi is a jack of all trades and has excelled across a variety of industries before finding a home at Interface. To begin, Kasi is a rare Arizona native who grew up in Moon Valley, a small town in North Phoenix. She was raised here and continues to raise her two daughters in the Valley.

Kasi’s career can be summed up by saying there really isn’t anything she can’t do. Throughout her life she has held positions in the automotive industry, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and more. The one thing that has remained consistent is that she has always excelled in customer facing roles because she understands how to work with people to get them exactly what they need.

Some of Kasi’s professional experience includes 11 years at Midway Chevrolet, where she worked as the body shop coordinator. Seven years at Sapphire Catering, where she was head server and led efforts to cater to MLB Spring Training attendees. This job was actually nearly a year-round gig because of how much time professional baseball players spend in sunny Arizona in the offseason. Additionally, Kasi also spent time as the office manager at Roadrunner Pharmacy.

These experiences taught Kasi the value of patience in customer relationships, as well as the need to always keep communication open to ensure customer needs are always met. It also taught her to be proactive whenever possible to create the best environment possible for customers. She is a strong advocate in creating positive customer experiences.

About three years ago, Kasi was ready to take on the next challenge in her career and learned about Interface through a friend. Interface needed someone to assist our Repair Service Manager at the time and Kasi was the perfect fit for the role.

Kasi quickly moved into the manager role and has excelled at serving Interface repair customers. Her role today involves responding to dozens of important customer emails every morning, processing new orders, return material authorizations, and preparing quotes for customers. She is also in constant communication with customers nationally and our global network to help answer questions and keep customers updated on orders.

She really enjoys the role because she gets to work with a very diverse group of individuals and projects. She’s also very close with her team and the greater Interface staff mentioning that it is a great environment to work. Her team consists of 12 people, a mix of technicians and administrators who facilitate all repair service requests.

When Kasi isn’t being a rockstar repair service manager, her time is devoted to her family. As mentioned, Kasi has two daughters, one of which is at GCU pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurial Studies. Her other daughter is 18 years old and special needs, Kasi is a devoted advocate of hers. One of Kasi’s favorite hobbies is helping out with her girls after school programs. This includes a lot of crafting, developing t-shirts and mugs for spirit line as president of the Booster Club. Finally, Kasi has three adorable chihuahuas.

Kasi is an integral member of our team, and we are excited to share her story. If you are interested in learning more about our incredible team members at Interface, tune into our IQ Blog every month for a new Faces of Interface ForceLeaders feature.

Interface Calibration 101

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Calibration of force and torque sensors is critical to receiving accurate data from measurement testing.  Calibration is the comparison of the instruments output against the known standard of measurement. For a load cell, it is the comparison of the load cell output against the standard test loads.

The calibration ensures the sensor is performing accurately and set for ideal output based on the capacity and configuration of the design. A standard calibration tests repeatability and linearity, which are both used to determine the accuracy. Calibration tests are run to identify any potential measurement errors caused by zero offset, non-linearity, hysteresis, non-repeatability, and shifts from zero.

The team of calibration experts at Interface are specifically trained to provide this specialized service as part of our quality and lab standard requirements of operations. Interface is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and A2LA Accredited for Torque and Force Calibration in accordance with the recognized International Standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

Interface certifies all our load cells with accredited calibration before releasing the product for shipment. Certificate information includes tabulated measurement variables data, zero balance, computed nonlinearity and hysteresis, and traceability statements. We are often recognized as the most complete calibration certification in the industry

In a recent customer survey, we found that one of the most important roles that Interface force measurement solutions play is for our calibration services. This is due to the accuracy, reliability, and dependability over long periods of time of the load cells we manufacture and service.

Why Calibrate?

Calibration is important based on many different factors, including continued performance, safety, and compliance with ISO or industry specific standards. Interface’s standard recommended calibration interval is to recalibrate every 12 months. The frequency of calibrations should be determined by the following use case factors that may affect measurement accuracy:

  • Measurement quality and allowable tolerance range
  • Level of stress to which the equipment is subjected
  • Stability of past calibrations
  • Required measuring accuracy
  • Quality assurance requirements

Interface Calibration Services

Interface provides calibration and repair services on load cells and torque transducers, including devices made by other sensor manufacturers. In fact, Interface performs more than 100,000 calibrations every year. This includes new products as well as devices sent to Interface for recalibration and repair. Repairs include a complete evaluation of the device prior to repair and calibration upon completion.

In addition, here are some other benefits for choosing Interface as your calibration services partner:

  • ISO 17025 Accredited
  • Scheduled Repairs for Ongoing Inventory Management
  • Custom Calibration Services
  • RMA Tracking and Permanent Archive of Test Data
  • NMI Certified Gold and Platinum Standard Reference Load Cells
  • Interface Gold Standard Calibration Software Used for Data Collection and Analysis
  • Full-Service Machine Shop for any Mechanical Requirements

Calibration Services Process

The Interface calibration team consists of a team of professionals dedicated to an optimized calibration and repair process for timely management of our customer’s requests. We begin the calibration service process with our technical services group who manage the request and RMA process, in addition to evaluation and troubleshooting.

We evaluate all products at our headquarters with our team of experts. The sensor goes through a thorough inspection process to identify any necessary repairs and to ensure device is in working condition in preparation of a calibration. This includes an electrical test. Based on the extensive evaluation, if the device is found to be unrepairable, there is no charge. We also will work to find a replacement unit. All work beyond the evaluation is sent to the customer for approval.

The final step in our calibration services process is the actual calibration. Our calibration team is considered the most experienced in the industry due to the sheer volume of work product they calibrate every day.  Interface also is heavily invested in conducting all our calibrations with the most advanced equipment, including our proprietary Gold Standard® and Platinum Standard® systems. These machines ensure that the transducers are calibrated to the most accurate ability possible before returning to the customer.

Even the most high-end manufactured load cells and finely tuned components endure accuracy degradation over continued use. To ensure your sensors are always ready for peak performance, check out our calibration services request form. We also provide a full range of calibration grade products for metrology and testing labs. You can also give us a call at 480-948-5555 to discuss your specific calibration needs.

 

Interface Promotes Key Leaders to Expand Services, New Markets and Innovations

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Interface, the world’s trusted leader in technology, design, and manufacturing of force measurement solutions, announced this month key leadership changes within the organization. Ian James was promoted to chief operating officer (COO), Brian Peters was promoted to vice president of Global Sales, and the role of Mark Weathers, vice president of Interface’s Mini and 1923 Wireless products, is now leading advanced manufacturing and OEM solutions. These executive promotions are key steps to drive Interface’s sustained growth across multiple product lines, as well as its expansion into new markets and industries.

“Ian, Brian and Mark represent our breadth of leadership within our organization,” said Greg Adams, CEO, Interface. “In alignment with our entire Interface team, they are instrumental in growing our position as the leader in premium, accurate, and reliable force measurement solutions. Our company is fueled by our dedicated employees and I am honored to be part of their continuous efforts and commitment to provide the high-quality products and an exceptional customer experience for all of those we serve.”

Despite disruptions caused by the global pandemic in 2020, Interface continued to find new ways to help customers across multiple industries. The company launched one of its most innovative load cell products to date in ConvexBT, and expanded manufacturing and global sales of its international G Series SI-based load cell product line. Interface also expanded its automation and high volume, engineered-to-order production capabilities, and added manufacturing representatives GenTek and Hill and Company to improve in-market sales support in the U.S.

Ian James is a seasoned senior executive with a background in manufacturing and systems. After spending the early part of his career in the UK military, he held a series of senior roles in GE before founding two successful startups. He has worked with Interface since late 2017, most recently as vice president of sales. In his new role as COO, James sees his primary challenge and opportunity as leading the transformation of operations to a new and robust manufacturing model that will help the company serve its customers with world class products supported by an unbeatable customer experience.

Brian Peters served as a successful regional sales manager before his promotion to vice president of Global Sales. Peters is now responsible for the worldwide sales network for Interface, including U.S. manufacturing representatives and international distributors. Stepping into his new role, Peters looks forward to bringing over a decade of direct experience to steer Interface’s continued efforts of industry leading customer support and targeted market growth in the test and measurement, industrial applications, and OEM markets.

“As we navigate the current dynamic landscape, it’s critical that we remain agile to stay in front of changing market demands and customer requirements,” said Peters. “Our diversification across a wide range of industries has provided us both stability through the pandemic and wide-reaching insight as markets are recovering. Interface has already experienced ramping growth in early 2021, and our ability to outpace and out service our competition will be vital to Interface maintaining the gold standard expectations set by our customers and the force measurement industry as a whole.”

Mark Weathers has extended his leadership role in Interface’s focus on automation and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) business solutions. His expanded role is a result of his continued achievements as vice president of Interface’s Mini and 1923 Wireless production groups, where he has been able to cut lead times for some of Interface’s higher volume products by 50% or more. This title change reflects the company’s new strategic priorities of growing its higher-volume custom OEM business, and the closely related improvement of its technology and manufacturing processes to improve cost and performance.

“The VP of Advanced Manufacturing and OEM products is an extension of my former role as VP of Mini and 1923, which are largely OEM products. My role will be to prepare us to be more competitive by innovating in both product and process, resulting in cost positions that allow us to move into higher volume OEM applications,” said Mark Weathers, vice president of advanced manufacturing and OEM products.

NEWS ARTICLE: Interface Promotes Three, Expanding Roles for Innovations, Services and New Markets

PRESS RELEASE: Force Measurement Solutions Leader Interface Announces Executive Promotions Supporting its Continued Growth and Expansion

Faces of Interface Featuring Michael Cobb

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Michael Cobb has always been a technologist and engineer at heart from his earliest memories. He was exposed to electronics technology at a young age through his father, who worked as an Electrician and owned a small television repair business. Michael was always around while his father tinkered with TV components, which sparked his interest in discovering how things worked.

At age 9, Michael was fortunate to have access to a computer system located at the medical facility where his mother was a nurse. To keep him out of trouble, Michael’s mother would give him technology magazines to read, some of which contained code for computer programs and challenge games that he could enter. Soon Michael began creating his own programs, and at age 11 produced a small program that the office staff began to use for some of their recordkeeping.  As payment, the medical office staff bought Michael a computer kit from one of the magazines. It was the first, but not last computer he built.

Michael attended high school in the 80s where he continued working with computer programming and technology. At a time when experience with computers was hard to find, Michael founded a small lawnmower and computer repair business while still in high school. These interests led Michael to the Devry Institute of Technology, where he would go on to receive an Associates Degree in electronics.

Michael’s first job allowed him to apply his background in technology while working for a small office products company where he became the lead computer technician and began working heavily with computer networking. During this time, Michael joined a group of individuals who were developing some of the very first speech recognition software for use in a digital office dictation system. This technology and the speech recognition algorithms helped to lay the groundwork for the advanced speech-recognition services we have today like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa.

Later, Michael was hired by Circuit City Services division as the company’s very first computer technician.  Michael’s technical knowledge and experience allowed him to quickly become a leader within the company where, as National Technical Advisor, he was able to participate in the creation of service and repair programs that were implemented nationwide. After leaving Circuit City and traveling the country for a time with his wife, Michael enrolled at Ohio State University to study Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. During his time, Michael went to work at a small load cell and pressure transducer manufacturing company called SensorWerks. Over the course of several years, Michael learned a great deal about sensor technology, machining, robotics, welding and many other skills involved in the manufacture and calibration of force measurement devices.

In 2016, Michael joined Interface as an Application Engineer, and eventually found his way into the Services Department.  Michael was later promoted to Director of Services, the position he holds today, to oversee Interface’s outstanding Services Calibration Team. In this role, Michael has introduced a number of innovative methods involving process improvement, increased visibility of the calibration process, and a software application that he created himself to allow better communication, customer asset management, and proves visibility. His streamlined methods have significantly sped up Interface’s Calibration and Repair Services, retaining Interface’s signature accuracy and quality, while also putting the recalibrated products back into the hands of customers faster.

In 2019, Michael Cobb created Interface’s Tiered Calibration Services Program to expedite services and provide customer-centric solutions that match the exact requirements of our valued clients.

Michael has been able to accomplish improved efficiency in calibration services because of his leadership style. He leads by example and is always willing to work directly on the factory floor with his team. He sets the example for teamwork.  Michael also insists on an environment of mutual respect and equality among his employees in order to create a culture of openness and humility, with a “Find a Way to Say Yes” approach to customer requests and new services opportunities. This approach has allowed Cobb to bring out the best in those he leads, as well as gain their respect while adding value to the Interface brand.

This hands-on approach to work and leadership persists in Cobb’s free time. He loves to work on various machines, cars and anything else with wires and components he can tinker with and improve. He is also passing along the same traits he learned from his father to his 11-year old daughter, who is now getting into programming like her dad. The family tree is strong in the area of technical brilliance!

 

Introducing Interface Tiered Calibration Services Program

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Interface understands our customers have thousands of applications for more than 16,000 Interface force measurement products. We also know many customers have specific needs for calibration and repair services.

How do we know? We are the preferred provider for calibration services in the market, performing more than 100,000 in-house calibrations every year for thousands of customers. Interface even calibrates load cells manufactured by others.

Choosing Interface for calibration and repair ensures that industry certified experts perform the work, guarantee and certify the calibration service, and provide a detailed report with a warranty on all our work. Basically, we design it, build it and service it. It is the true meaning of one-stop-shop.

We are now taking it to the next level. Today, we are introducing the new Interface Tiered Calibration Services Program. 

Our Tiered Calibration Services Program is designed with the customer in mind. It allows customers to pick and choose their exact calibration requirements, fast and easy. This means that if a customer needs a basic service, a fully-customized service solution, or anything in between, Interface is capable to fulfill and exceed expectations.

“We are excited to announce that we have found additional ways to extend our services through tailored programs that are designed to meet the exact needs of our valued customers.” Michael Cobb, Director, Interface Service

Quality matters—and we excel at this. However, we know what matters just as much as quality to our customers is the speed of services. Speed isn’t just shipping, it’s the actual time from leaving the customer’s location to returning a fully calibrated or repaired product to them. To meet the “local” needs for expedited services, while offering the highest quality and largest range of service options, our new Tiered Calibration Services Program provides in-house turnaround times ranging from 7-10 days, and as fast as 24-hours for urgent requests. We can even build a program tailored the exact requirements of the customer.

The Interface Tiered Calibration Services Program is now available for all our customers, providing four distinct service tiers: Standard, Gold, Platinum, and Custom.

Standard Calibration Service

  • Expert Calibration Services Performed at In-House at Interface Headquarters
  • Accredited and ISO 376 and ISO 17025 Certified Calibration
  • Detailed Performance Evaluation
  • Easy Online RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) Creation with Interface’s IPerform Service software
  • IPerform Service Data Archive
  • Real-Time Tracking Online through IPerform Service for All Requests
  • Interface Guarantee and Warranty
  • 7-10 Business Day In-House Calibration Time

Gold Calibration Service

  • Everything Standard PLUS priority service turnaround and free return 2-day shipping
  • Maximum of 5 Business Days In-House Calibration Time
  • IPerform Service Software for RMA, Archive plus Asset Management
  • Return Shipping in Interface Specialized Packaging for Safety and Storage
  • Free 2-Day Express Return Shipping for Non-Freight Weights (US Only)

Platinum Calibration Service

  • Everything Standard and Gold PLUS expedited​ ‘front of the line’ service for fastest turnaround and free 2-day shipping in both directions
  • Maximum 3 Business Days In-House Calibration Time, Able to Request 24-Hour Rush Turnaround
  • IPerform Services RMA, Asset Management, Data History, Scheduling, and Tracking
  • Return Shipping in Interface Specialized Packaging for Safety and Storage
  • Free 2-Day Express Bi-Directional Shipping for Non-Freight Weights (US Only)
  • Concierge Pick-Up and Delivery Options for Non-Freight Weights

Custom Calibration Services

  • All Standard, Gold and Platinum Services PLUS 
  • Managed Inventory
  • Expedited Repair
  • Automated Service Requests
  • IPerform Software
  • Maintenance Programs
  • Discounts

Note, all turnaround times are calculated by time in-house at Interface headquarters.

To learn more about how Interface’s NEW Calibration Tiered Services Program can help your company, visit /calibration-repair/tiered-calibration-services-program/.  To schedule a calibration or repair from Interface, submit a request here.

Present and Future Interface Calibration Product Family

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Calibration of force measurement tools is integral to accuracy and success in product design and development. As a follow-up to our feature on our expert calibration services, here is a quick introduction to some of our current and future calibration products.

The calibration product family includes five calibration systems that are designed for various needs and force measurement parameters. These systems include:

  • 55K lbf and 110K lbf Automated Calibration System and 2K lbf Automated Calibration System
  • 2K lbf Load Cell Verification System
  • Next Gen High-Resolution Signal Conditioning Board (HRSBSC)
  • 4 Channel 9840-400-1-T Intelligent Indicator

55K lbf and 110K lbf Automated Calibration System and 2K lbf Automated Calibration System

The 55K lbf and 110K lbf Automated Calibration Systems are Interface’s most popular systems because two capacities represent the two most popular capacities requested by customers.

“These systems allow customers to speed up their calibration process because rather than outsourcing calibration, it can all be done in-house.”  Ted Larson, VP of Product Development

The systems are unique in the industry because unlike competitor products, they feature a fully automated system that can measure both tension and compression in a single setup. These systems are designed to satisfy the calibration needs of the test and instrumentation, automotive, aerospace and metrology industries.

The 2K lbf Automated Calibration System, which is on track for release in Q2 of 2019, will offer the same level of accuracy, consistency and excellence as the 55K lbf and110K lbf Systems, but is designed for low-end capacity load cells. This system will serve as a bench top unit and integrate with the same software as the 55K lbf and 110K lbf Systems. It is being designed to serve the medical and automation industries.

The 2K lbf, 55K lbf and 110K lbf Systems will be able to be integrated to work as a dual range system for customers who need to calibrate a wide range of load cells.  Both systems utilize our industry-leading gold and platinum standard load cells, which provide the highest accuracy in the industry.

2K lbf Load Cell Verification System

The 2K lbf Load Cell Verification System is another calibration product that is on track for a Q2 2019 release. This system is being designed as a direct response to OEMs who deal with large volumes of load cells and need a quick, low-cost way of verifying load cells used in equipment. Currently, customers who suspect a calibration issue are often forced to remove load cells from equipment and be sent in to be repaired, recalibrated or to receive a new load cell. This process and the resulting downtime costs money due to lack of production, and there is often no issue present with the load cells.

The 2k lbf Load Cell Verification System can identify a calibration or performance issue, allowing the customer to accurately determine if the load cells need to be replaced or need a tune-up, significantly reducing unnecessary downtime.

Next-Gen High-Resolution Signal Conditioning Board (HRSBSC)

The High-Resolution Signal Conditioning Board, which Interface pioneered more than three decades ago, will be receiving an innovation update to improve performance and capabilities. The HRSBSC is designed for use with Interface Gold Standard Calibration Systems and can be provided in a single or dual channel solution. This product’s primary industries include test and instrumentation and metrology. The development of Interface’s Next-Gen HRSBSC is slated for Q4 of 2019.

4 Channel 9840-400-1-T Intelligent Indicator 

Interface recently introduced a new version of the 4 Channel Model T which features a more modern display with additional channels available. It’s now easier to use and has the same high stability and industry-leading performance as the older version of the 9840. Although the quality is the same, the updated version can be integrated with Interface’s Gold Standard® system and frames, as well as with Windows 10.

The 4 Channel Model T 9840-400-1-T Intelligent Indicator allows single loads with three measurements to directly compare outputs to Interface’s Gold Standard load cell, and all measurements can be captured through Interface’s Gold Standard software. This allows users to compare multiple load cells and gather data on whether the load cells are accurate or uncalibrated. The 4 Channel Model T solution also has the option for high-level input channels.

Stay tuned for updates on current and upcoming additions to our family of innovative calibration products.

Contributor: Ted Larson, VP of Product Development and Marketing, Interface