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Interface New Product Releases Spring 2023

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

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

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

SSLP STAINLESS STEEL LOW PROFILE UNIVERSAL LOAD CELL

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

Primary SSLP features and benefits:

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

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

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

Primary BX6-BT features and benefits:

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

9840C TEDS READ WRITE INTELLIGENT INDICATOR

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

Primary 9840C Intelligent Indicator features and benefits:

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

LOWPROFILE™ LOAD CELL BASE KITS

Interface’s standard LowProfile Load Cells are offered with bases. The base is a flat surface, guaranteed to provide optimum support for the flexure. Use of the base, or a support surface with its equivalent flatness and stability, is required to ensure the exceptional performance of the LowProfile® Series. Note that the threaded hole in the base is on center, and a plug is permanently installed to seal dirt and moisture out of the space between the bottom hub of the flexure and the flat surface of the base. Read more about the basics of base kits. View: LowProfile™ Load Cell Base Kits

Primary LowProfile Load Cell Base Kits features and benefits:

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

TORQUE COUPLINGS PLUS NEW TECHNICAL GUIDE

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

Primary Torque Couplings options and features:

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

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

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

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

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

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

INF1-POWERLINK SINGLE SENSOR WEIGHT TRANSMITTER AND INDICATOR

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

Primary INF1-POWERLINK Single features and benefits:

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

SPECIAL EVENT ALERT!

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

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT RESOURCES

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

Ruggedized Test and Measurement Solutions Webinar Recap

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Interface’s event, Ruggedized Test and Measurement Solutions, details various transducers, instrumentation and accessories that are designed to withstand environmental stresses and harsh conditions.

The types of testing use case that require ruggedized solutions are material testing, high and low temperature environments, structural and fatigue tests, high cycle count tests, any test for products exposure to moisture or humidity, pressure tests, as well as underwater and in-fluid tests. As noted, this applies to every industry, including maritime, aerospace, food packaging, consumer products, construction, medical devices and automotive.

Interface considers ruggedization as force measurement solutions designed and fabricated for use in extreme environments and applications, ability to operate within accuracy specifications while withstanding one or more environmental stresses or harsh conditions.

During this event, Ken Bishop and Elliot Speidell details the top factors when evaluating test and measurement products used in extreme environments, such as exposure to high or low temperatures, depth of submersion, moisture and water concerts, dust, and other harsh conditions. They present key questions to answer when evaluating your testing requirements, as well as top considerations.

These important evaluation subjects and ruggedized product factors are based on years of experience in collaborating with companies around the world. They define use cases and actual examples of Interface load pins, instrumentation, stainless steel load cells, enclosures and accessories used in all types of harsh and even hazardous environments.

Here is a quick preview of all the topics thoroughly discussed during this event.

  • Environmental Stresses and Harsh Condition Categories
  • Standards and Ratings
  • Structural and Material Options
  • Ruggedized Test and Measurement Devices
  • Sealed Products and Enclosures
  • Extreme Temperatures and Cycling
  • Exposure to Moisture and Submersibles
  • Test & Measurement Applications Using Ruggedized Products

The entire online seminar is now available on-demand. Watch it here.

Top Selling Interface Ruggedized Products

These types of products follow strict certification standards and ratings. During the online seminar, Interface product experts detail the standards and ratings related to intrinsically safe products, sometimes referred to as hazardous location use, as well as solutions designed to meet safety, regulatory or compliance requirements.

The standard ensures that an intrinsically safe device is incapable of triggering combustion or igniting any gasses or vapors. The device is safe to use around dust and gas without risking static electricity or heat discharge from the device igniting the surrounding volatile gasses, powders, and liquids.  Explosion proof applies to a device enclosed in a case that can withstand a gas or vapor explosion.  Should there be an explosion, it will be contained within the enclosure.

Interface offers products with different IP ratings, including IP66, IP67 and IP68 applied to different transducers and instrumentation. Ingress protection (IP) ratings, which grade the resistance of an enclosure against the intrusion of dust or liquids ingress protection (IP) ratings, which grade the resistance of an enclosure against the intrusion of dust or liquids.

  • IP65 – Dust-tight, protected against water jets
  • IP66 – Dust-tight, protected against powerful water jets
  • IP67 – Dust-tight, protected against the effects of temporary submersion in water
  • IP68 – Dust-tight, protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water

What is the difference between IP66 and IP68? IP68 enclosures also provide dust-tight performance against solids. However, they are also rated for significantly better defense against water ingress than an IP66 enclosure. An IP68 enclosure can withstand submersion for over 30-minutes at up to a specified water depth.

Interface also has a range of instrumentation products that are NEMA, and IP rated based on the enclosure and housing designs.  These include:

Interface offers standard and customized solutions. Contact our application engineers to discuss your options and how to ensure you have the right product to match the conditions of our test and measurement environment.

Ruggedized Test and Measurement Solutions Webinar

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Interface force measurement engineers and solution experts host an online discussion focused on products used to withstand one or more conditions related to temperature, cycling, moisture, environmental stresses. Learn about Interface’s stainless steel load cells, environmentally sealed options, submersible test and measurement products, enclosures, wireless capabilities, load pins, intrinsically safe products. We detail solutions used for all types of applications used in industries that include medical device, aerospace and defense, industrial automation, infrastructure, maritime and general test & measurement. We discuss sensors models, capabilities, features and FAQs. We dive into use cases, tips, measurement know-how and OEM products.

Read more

Stainless Steel Load Cells 101

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Different materials are used in designing and building force sensing products based on the environmental conditions. The choice of materials is important when considering specifications, test and measurement environment, and use case. One of the best metals for keeping environmental factors away from the electronics of a load cell is stainless steel.

The three main metals used in making load cells and other force sensing products is aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. The output signal performance for stainless steel load cells is in the middle of steel and aluminum standards.

The main benefit of stainless steel is the fact it is the best material to use in a corrosive environment because of the metal’s environmental resistance properties. The downside to stainless steel is that it is a bit more difficult to machine; however, it does only require a simple heat treatment process. It is also the most expensive metal of the three and has the highest hysteresis.

Why choose stainless steel over the more cost-effective steel and aluminum options, especially when it is not the strongest or provide the best signal output? Interface recommends stainless steel when the user needs to collect data from a load cell in a hazardous environment or under harsh conditions.

Interface offers stainless steel sensors as part of our hermetically sealed ruggedized load cell product lines. We make stainless steel load cells of all sizes and capacities, including stainless steel miniature load cells, load washers, and customized load pins. Using stainless steel not only keeps users safe, but it also allows for high-quality, accuracy and reliability in extreme environments.

These specialized load cells and force measurement solutions are designed and manufactured so that our products are safe for use in hazardous gas and dust environments when installed per applicable installation instructions. These components play an integral role in the safety of those working in dangerous environments in particular industries like oil and gas, mining, aerospace, automotive and more.

Some of our stainless-steel load cell options include:

To help keep individuals and workplaces safe, manufacturers create tools and equipment that are protected from the elements in these environments and will not expose electronics to hazardous environments. Interface’s contribution to this is our ruggedized load cells, many of which are made with stainless steel materials due to its strength in these harsh environments. We also carry a specialized line of intrinsically safe products.

There are hundreds of thousands of engineers and manufacturers that design solutions for or work in hazardous environments. Whether its operating inside of facilities with large machines with intricate moving parts, working hundreds of feet in the air repairing a bridge, or deep within a mine shaft, these professionals put themselves in danger every day by the nature of their work. The solutions they use to measure force must provide the type of specifications that are suited for these types of conditions.

To learn more about these products, join the conversation Ruggedized Solutions for Test & Measurement, where we discuss:

  • Defining Ruggedized
  • Environmental Stresses and Harsh Condition Categories
  • Standards and Ratings
  • Structural and Material Options
  • Ruggedized Test and Measurement Devices
  • Sealed Products and Enclosures
  • Extreme Temperatures and Cycling
  • Exposure to Moisture and Submersibles
  • Test and Measurement Applications Using Ruggedized Products
  • Do’s + Don’ts
  • FAQs

This is a live event that takes place Tuesday, November 15, 2022. To register or get a copy of the recorded event, go here.

 

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

Interface Submersible Load Cells

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Interface load cells and force measurement devices are designed for all types of environments. Providing solutions to those working in and serving the maritime industry Interface offers products engineered to provide accurate and reliable measurement data near shore, offshore and underwater.

Interface offers a variety of force measurement products that are designed for harsh environments and submersible use cases, both for single tests as well as designed into components and manufactured goods. Often these products are used for continuous regulatory and safety monitoring applications.

Interface submersible load cells and specialized sensors can transmit data through underwater applications and harsh weather conditions. These load cells can survive through underwater submersions at different capacities, and relay information to surface level or underwater devices. Interface load cells are used to regulate harsh maritime situations such as underwater tension lines, underwater drilling, as well as for storm and tsunami monitoring.

Submersible load cells are available in a range of capacities and configurations, from miniature load cells to load shackles. Interface provides standard submersible products as well as custom solutions that are designed to the exact specification. We also provide instrumentation solutions that can be fully sealed with wireless components. Working with our expert engineers, we can provide waterproof housing of sensors, including for our line of LowProfile Load Cells and Interface Multi-Axis Sensors to be used in harsh environments and underwater.

An example of a submersible product is the Interface WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cell. This is an environmentally sealed tension and compression load cell useful for rugged conditions. The stainless steel construction and small size provide many benefits when using for underwater applications.  This model is available in capacities ranging from 5 to 500 lbf (22 to 2200 N) and utilizes Interface’s proprietary temperature compensated strain gages for precision measurement applications.

Another example of a submersible product is the Interface ISHK-B Load Shackle. It is designed for lifting and weighing in rugged or harsh environments, including submersible applications. The shackle pin is forged from high tensile stainless steel and high tensile carbon steel. Every load shackle is machined to exact specifications. The ISHK-B is internally gaged and the whole instrumented area is sealed to IP67 to protect it in service. The WTSSHK-B is the wireless version.

So, how do we guarantee accurate results even when these products are submerged or splashed? It’s all in the design, similar to the way new iPhones are made to be waterproof, our load cells can be designed to remain water-tight and accurate at a variety of depths. All electronic components are sealed so that data can be recorded and transmitted via waterproof cables or wirelessly.

Below are two examples of real applications that required Interface’s submersible load cell solutions.

Hydrofoil Testing In Wave Tank

Hydrofoil design is a delicate balance between performance and complexity. Finding the right shape without using overly complex angles to achieve the desired amount of lift is crucial when designing a successful hydrofoil. Once an engineer’s concepts are ready for testing, the best force measurement equipment is required to sense the subtle differences between hydrofoil designs. Lift and drag are the most important characteristics of a hydrofoil. The 3A120 3-Axis Force Load Cell is needed to read these forces. The Fz senses lift and the Fx and Fy sense the drag. The 3-Axis Force Load Cell and bridge amplifier are protected in a waterproof housing. The watercraft is placed in a wave tank or current simulator. Using the BSC4D-USB bridge amplifier increases the visibility of the load cells output signals. When using the load cell and bridge amplifier, the engineers can record the real-world lift and drag forces the hydrofoils apply to on the watercraft. This data allows a more in-depth comparison of proposed hydrofoil designs to find the best model for the job. Read more about this solution here.

Mooring Line Tension Testing

Due to the changing weather conditions, mooring cable lines undergo wear and tear. A customer wanted to ensure all mooring lines for ships or vessels are securely loaded at the same tension, so that they do not risk the mooring lines breaking or causing damage. Interface’s WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cells can be attached to each mooring cable while in use. Results are sent to the customers through the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station when connected to the customer’s supplied PC computer/Laptop. Data can also be transmitted to the WTS-BS-1-HA Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters, giving the customer the option to view multiple mooring cable line tensions. Using this solution, the customer was able to verify the tension on multiple mooring cable lines. Thus, resulting in their ship being safely docked and secure. Read more here.

Interface expert engineers can help you design customizable solutions for all types of applications using our products designed for offshore, underwater, and splash zone locations.

Here are a few more examples of products we provide to the maritime industry.

Additional Resources

Maritime Measurement Solutions for Onshore and Submersible Applications

Deeper Dive into Maritime Solutions from Interface

CASE STUDY: Serving the Maritime Industry

Maritime Brochure

Interface Explores Maritime Applications Near and Offshore

 

Maritime Measurement Solutions for Onshore and Submersible Applications

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Maritime test and measurement applications are some of the most unique because they require specially designed equipment that can handle the often-harsh environments in testing and during ongoing operational use.

The solutions for the maritime industry require technologies that measure force, torque, and weight under extreme and uncommon conditions. Interface provides products that have been used for withstanding the rigorous requirements of monitoring underwater tension lines, seaborne components and material testing, boat and ship engine testing, equipment durability and safety regulation monitoring, lift capacity measurements, energy extraction equipment, and storm and tsunami monitoring.

We have been a long-time supplier of sensor technologies and instrumentation that are applied in building and maintaining boats, yachts, and other water vessels of all sizes. Our force measurement solutions are used for waterborne vessels, maintenance, safety equipment, and offshore products. You can learn more in our maritime case study here.

Interface offers a wide variety of submersible and wireless load cells, DAQ and instrumentation products, and rugged load shackles, load pins and tension links. Maritime manufacturers and field users rely on these quality products as they are designed for test and measurement requirements onshore, near-shore, and completely undersea.

Interface Maritime Capabilities and Solutions:

  • Stainless steel and rugged load cell designs for different temperatures and climates
  • Environmentally sealed products used in harsh environments
  • Wireless telemetry system components
  • Custom solutions based on safety and regulatory specifications
  • OEM engineered products for submersible use cases
  • Bluetooth and Wireless data acquisition and instrumentation for safety monitoring
  • Load pins and load shackles for continuous hoist and lifting applications

Included below are a few examples of applications our products are used for testing, force measurement, performance monitoring, regulatory and equipment maintenance:

  • Weight and tension monitor
  • Motor and engine testing
  • Submersible equipment tests
  • Commercial fishing wire rope testing
  • Hydrofoil testing in wave tank
  • Crane block safety check
  • Mooring tension testing and quick release hooks (QRH)
  • Crane capacity verification and force regulation
  • WTS yacht rigging inspection
  • Defense submergible tests

Interface understands that the maritime industry has high standards and requirements force and torque testing, measurement, and weighing.  Accuracy in testing is absolutely critical. Interface’s quality measurement solutions provide accurate data needed for all types of maritime equipment used to ensure safety and success. Our Interface expert engineers can help you design customizable solutions for all types of applications using our products designed for offshore, underwater, and splash zone locations.

This is just a preview of our capabilities in the maritime industry. To learn more, check out our maritime solutions. We also recently developed a new maritime solutions brochure, which provides in-depth information on our submersible product offerings, as well as other ruggedized products for maritime applications.

Maritime-Brochure

Tension Links 101

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A tension link load cell is commonly used in lifting, both for short and long distances, and weighing applications. This type of load cell sensor generally has capacities ranging from 2.2K lbf to 1.1M lbf (5 to 500 metric tons). All tension links are available in custom versions and large capacities based on the customer’s project requirements.

Interface’s Tension Link series is manufactured from high tensile aluminum and stainless steel. Matched to shackle sizes, the load links have a rugged design for uses in harsh environments on the surface and in water. The tension links are environmentally sealed to IP65, IP66 or IP67. There are higher ratings available upon request.

A major benefit of Interface tension links is the option for custom designs in dimensions, ratings and capacities. The tension links are easy to install and are highly accurate.  They are compact in size and light weight. Another benefit is the options available, which include standard, wireless and self-indicating, giving the operator a variety of application use cases for quick measurement readings.  Self-indicating tension links have a built-inaudible alarm, which can be set by the operator to warn when an applied weight or force is met.

Often, customers will integrate the tension links with an Interface Crosby styled load shackle for robust applications that require accurate and reliable force measurement used for lifting, weighing, hoisting or towing apparatus that need sensors for safety and monitoring.

Wireless options are growing in acceptance for all types of uses. Interface provides wireless tension links that are compact and reduce the overall product weight based on the casing used to house the small alkaline batteries, which can be easily accessed by removing the telemetry housing cover while the internal electronics remain completely sealed. The antenna is also internally mounted, protecting it from accidental damage during use and handling, which is ideal for harsh environments.

Watch this discussion to learn more about the wireless features of the Interface Tension Links and Load Shackles.

Interface’s most popular tension links include:

WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell – Designed for lifting applications requiring short or long distances. This product can transmit wirelessly up to 600 meters in distance (clear line of sight) to a handheld display or USB base station. Model WTSTL is available in capacities ranging from 11K lbf to 220K lbf (5 to 100 metric tons). Custom versions and larger capacities are available upon request.

ISITL Self-Indicating Tension Link Load Cell – Manufactured from high tensile aluminum to minimize weight, the ISITL is great for lifting and weighing in rugged or harsh environments.  The self-indication tension link load cell is ideal for mobile use cases.  It is simple to install and is matched to standard shackle sizes. They have a built-in display for applied weight or force in tons, kgs, lbs or kN. Interface can also offer a custom software to meet any specific application requirements for digital display or readouts.

ITL Tension Link Load Cell – This basic tension link can be amplified with 5VDC, 10VDC or 4-20mA Outputs. It can also be made to meet ATEX requirements. Model ITL is available in capacities ranging from 11K lbf to 220K lbf (5 to 100 metric tons). Custom versions and larger capacities can be requested at no additional charge, based on the exact specifications needed by the customer.

To learn more about our wide variety of load pins, load shackles and tension links, please visit www.interfaceforce.com/product-category/load-pins-tension-links-and-load-shackles/.

 

 

Understanding One-Cell Force Measurement Systems

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When it comes to load cells and force measurement systems used to test and validate product designs, the options for different configurations is nearly endless. In fact, Interface has tens of thousands of force measurement products in standard, modified and custom-made configurations.

In our recent post, Considerations for Steel, Stainless Steel and Aluminum Load Cells, we detailed materials used in load cell construction. These considerations are important based on the project specifications for accuracy, quality and reliability in test and measurement.

Similarly, understanding the system configuration is another critically important factor to setting up the correct test for receiving accurate data.  A simple system configuration used for less-complex testing is known as one-cell or single load cell system.  They are popular for performance and durability testing.

How do one-cell systems work and what are the benefits and trade-offs?

One-cell systems are developed by using a tension cell and mounting it through a rod end bearing and clevises. If the cell is properly oriented with the dead end going to the support, the only other major consideration for this system is the elimination or reduction of possible parallel load paths. This type of simple system is attractive to some testing engineers and product designers because it is cost effective and can provide very accurate measurements when using Interface precision load cells.  It is important that the load meets the criteria for the test system.

In this figure, it shows a high-impact one-cell system platform. This one-cell system can withstand the high impact of rough treatment from certain applications such as large drums, LPG tanks and more.

The downside to using a one-cell system is that the center of gravity of the load must be placed directly on the mark for the system to work properly. However, this can be accounted for by positioning the fences as shown in the high-impact one-cell platform diagram, so that the center of gravity is located properly when the application you are measuring is shoved up against fences.

The actual load at the center of gravity for your application will be factored by the lever arm (as shown below):

The one-cell system works simply because the location of the center of gravity is under control. If the force on the primary axis of the load cell bears the same relation to the location of the center of gravity and the load under all conditions, the scaling will be correct. Whether using a one-cell or two-cell system, the system must be designed to retain its integrity.

This has been a brief overview of a one-cell system, which is detailed in Interface’s Load Cell Field Guide.

To learn more about these systems and to determine if your application test can utilize the simplicity and cost savings of a one-cell or two-cell system, contact our systems experts and application engineers.