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Powering Up Precision Machine Building and Automation Webinar

Interface’s new webinar explores the world of load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, wireless technologies, and instrumentation used in machine building and automation. Get engineering tips on the latest advancements in sensor technology, including miniaturization, wireless integration, and the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Join us to explore building smarter, more responsive machines.

Exploring Capabilities of New Products Webinar Recap

Interface’s latest ForceLeaders webinar, Exploring Capabilities of New Measurement Products, provides an overview of 20 new products with details on specifications, features, and sample applications. The recorded event introduces several new measurement products across various categories, including load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, instrumentation, accessories, and systems.

Brian Peters, VP of Global Sales at Interface, and Ken Bishop, Senior Director of Custom Solutions, detailed the various product categories and provided essential testing tips to consider for each product. They highlighted capabilities, different use cases, and applications for each product.

Interface’s expanding catalog has over 40,000 SKUs across load cells, torque, instrumentation, calibration systems, and accessories. New products are continuously added, driven by customer needs and industry trends like digitalization, complete systems, multi-axis sensors, submersibles, and wireless connectivity. The following is a recap of some of the products detailed during this comprehensive review.

New Load Cell Models

Ken introduced several new load cell models like the stainless steel ITCA series, which are available with IP67 protection and have capacities ranging from 1 to 150 metric tons (MT) (2.2K to 330.6K lbf). Typical applications are structural testing, jack load and cable tension monitoring, material test machine feedback, and press load monitoring. The ICPA compression model ranges from 2 to 1000 MT (4.4K to 2204K lbf) in a smaller package with optional dome caps and mounting bases. The IO link-enabled 1200 LowProfile Load Cell models for optimizing machine integration and process controls are ideal for the growing digital network environments. Additional products detailed in this section include the A4200 and A4600 WeighCheck™ Load Cells, the new SSLP Stainless Steel Low Profile Universal Load Cell, and our pillow block load cells PBLC1 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load CellPBLC2 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell and PBLC3 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell.

Additions to ATEX Load Cell Line

Two new ATEX-approved load cells are reviewed during the event, including a rod-end style 3450 series and a 3411 Intrinsically Safe Compression-Only LowProfile® Load Cell with an internally amplified 4-20 mA output, loop-powered. Appropriate hazardous environment classifications must be reviewed carefully for proper installation.

New Torque Transducers

During the webinar, Brian introduced the lower-cost T18 rotary torque sensor. This valuable transducer is contactless and suits various test stands without needing separate encoders. It’s a great sensor for testing anything that spins. The TSCF C-Face Flange Torque Transducer wired and non-rotating model allows torque and pass-through mounting on standard C-face motor frames for conveyors, pumps, and other systems. It is available in capacities from 288.5 lbf-in to 885 lbf-in (10 Nm to 100 Nm).

Multi-Axis Sensors

New multi-axis sensors, like the 2-axis AT-104, are valuable for combined reaction torque and axial force cable testing. Customers use this for low-range combined force and torque testing, off-axis friction characterization, and articulating component testing. The AT-105 is available in capacities from 100/2, 250/5, & 500/5 N/Nm (22.5/17.7, 56.2/44.3, & 112.4/44.3 lbf/lbf-in). It measures torque, speed, and force for bearing tests. A new 3-axis load cell, the 3AR Series Round 3-Axis Load Cells, has a high Z-axis capacity that matches the BX8 data logger well. The 6-axis 6ADF series incorporates a DIN mounting flange for robot arm integration.

Load Pins, Shackles and Tension Links

Interface’s expanded line of load pins, shackles, and tension links offers a range of standard and custom solutions with integrated wireless options. The new ILMP Standard Stainless Steel Load Load Pin is a great standard load pin, available from 1.1K lbf (500 kgs) to 3,307K lbf (1500 MT). They work well for lifting, rigging, and inline tension applications. Load pins can be fully customized to fit unique mounting requirements with options for redundant bridges or special connectors.

New Instrumentation

A range of new instrumentation is covered, like the multi-channel 9325 indicator with 2400 Hz sampling, software, and TEDS support. The battery-powered 4850 replaces a previous model for outdoor weighing applications. The multi-function JB1100 junction box sums 4 load cell channels and options for CAN bus, Bluetooth, and analog outputs. The compact IF500 Load Cell Simulator generates precision load cell simulation signals for field use. And the 9840C TEDS Read/Write Intelligent Indicator has coefficients for use with up to 20 load cells. Additional instrumentation highlighted during the technical seminar include the BSC1-HD Single Channel PC Interface Module with Analog Output, the BSC4D-BT Portable 4-channel Bluetooth Data Logger, and the various models of INF4 Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator and INF1 Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator.

Accessories and System Offerings

Interface provides diverse accessories like bases, couplings and enclosures tailored to load cells and torque sensors. We also offer integrated systems that include sensors, data acquisition, software, displays and reporting for wireless devices, multi-axis sensors, torque testing, simulation, instrumentation calibration, and other applications. You can see the options covered in our Data AQ Pack Brochure. Customization services can modify standard products or build complete OEM solutions to customer requirements. Consider customized system development services from Interface for fully integrated deployments. It saves time and money.

The webinar concluded with a checklist of starter questions for planning testing projects covering the goals, measurements, cycles, environments, data usage, installation, connections, storage, and reporting requirements.

  • What are you measuring?
  • What are the number of cycles required in your test plan?
  • What is the environment for your project?
  • How will you use the measurement data?
  • What are the requirements for mounting and installation?
  • How will you be connecting your devices to instrumentation?
  • Where are you storing your data?
  • Will you need software to analyze your results?

Research Interface’s catalog of load cells, torque sensors, instrumentation, and accessories for models potentially fitting my application requirements. Be sure to consult Interface application engineers on recommendations for complete measurement solutions optimized for your specific use cases.

WATCH THE WEBINAR

Exploring New Measurement Products Webinar

The Interface Exploring Capabilities of New Measurement Products Webinar details new products, including sensors, instrumentation, and accessories. Our experts will cover dozens of new additions to the extensive 40,000-plus product catalog of force measurement solutions. Interface engineers highlight product features, capacities, use cases, and technical tips in the fast-paced new technical online seminar.

Engineered Solutions for Lifting Webinar

Interface’s technical webinar Engineered Solutions for Lifting details measurement devices used in lifting equipment, machines, and vehicles to improve operations and safety. Interface load cells and instrumentation are used to operate cranes, hoist heavy objects, and measure forces in infrastructure projects. Interface experts answer how load cells are used in safety monitoring for lifting equipment. Learn about Interface sensor products suited for integration into existing equipment and test and measurement projects.

Demystifying Specifications Webinar

Interface’s technical force measurement webinar Demystifying Specifications details descriptions, terms, values and parameters found in product datasheets for load cells, torque transducers, instrumentation and specialty products. Learn from our experts what specifications need critical review, recommendations based on product categories, and the insider point of view on what is most important in terms of specifications for different use cases and tests.

Unlocking the Power of DAQ Webinar Recap

Interface hosted a technical seminar on the topic of data acquisition systems. With the demands for more data and faster processing with requirements to connect multiple devices in testing environments, there is an increasing need for high accuracy DAQ systems. Keith Skidmore and Dave Reardon detail the basics of DAQ, trends, products, software options and answer to questions in the webinar, Unlocking the Power of DAQ.

To start, a data acquisition (DAQ) system consists of hardware and software components designed to collect, process, and analyze data from various sources and convert it into digital format for further analysis and storage.

Components of DAQ Systems

  • Input:  Sensors (Ex: Force, Torque), Digital Signals (Ex: DIO, Counters), Timing Signals (Ex: IRIG, GPS) and Serial Streams (Ex: RS-232, RS-422)
  • Signal Conditioning Circuitry: Excitation, Amplifier, Voltage Offsets, and Filters
  • Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC)
  • Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC)
  • Hardware and Software for processing, analyzing, display and recording
  • Output Signal: prior to ADC, after DAC, or even after processing

Analog data acquisition systems acquire and process analog signals. Analog signals can include sensors that measure load, force, torque, strain, temperature, pressure, voltage, current, and many other physical or electrical qualities.  Digital data acquisition systems acquire and process digital signals. Digital signals can include on and off states, counters, serial streams, text data, video, GPS signals, and other advanced options.

 Key Considerations for DAQ Systems

  • Features
    • Supported range of inputs mV/V, VDC, mA, partial bridge, encoder, pulse, frequency
    • Included software and related functionality
  • Form factor
    • Bench top, rack mount, portable, ruggedized and others
  • Sample rate
  • Connectivity
  • Power supply
  • Channel count and cost per channel

Interface DAQ Products

Interface offers a range of solutions for DAQ systems. The top products for DAQ include:

During the webinar, Keith and Dave detail a series of product groups for the Interface Data AQ Packs.

Data AQ Pack Brochure

Watch the webinar and learn more about product options, software, applications and best practice tips.

Why Mechanical Engineers Choose Interface Solutions

Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in the design, development, and maintenance of mechanical systems that are integral to modern society and industries. They apply tenets of physics, materials science, and engineering to design, test and analyze, fabricate, and maintain mechanical systems in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, and manufacturing.

Frequently, mechanical engineers use Interface force measurement devices to gather data, analyze performance, and ensure the safety and reliability of mechanical systems. Force measurement technologies help them to quantify the magnitude and direction of forces acting on objects or structures.

Mechanical engineers are active in the research and development of modern technologies and innovations, from small components to large industrial machines. This vital role is typically involved in the selection of materials, manufacturing processes, and quality control to ensure that mechanical systems are safe, dependable, efficient, and cost-effective.

Interface’s quality and accuracy of load cells make them a preferred engineering solution for various use cases. The range of products are used for multiple testing and design applications. The most common products selected by mechanical engineers include:

Engineers use sensors to determine the forces acting on different components or subsystems within a larger system, such as an engine, gearbox, or suspension system, during operation. This information can be used to verify that components are operating within their design limits, identify potential failure points, and optimize performance.

Force measurement devices are used by mechanical engineers in quality control processes to ensure that mechanical systems meet design specifications and performance requirements by performing tests during the manufacturing process, such as checking the tension in bolts, verifying the strength of welds, or measuring the force required for assembly or disassembly of components.

Mechanical engineers use impact force sensors to measure the forces experienced by a vehicle during crash testing, or fatigue testing machines to apply cyclic loads to components or structures to simulate real-world conditions. They participate in the design, development, and optimization of renewable energy systems such as solar power, wind power, hydropower, and geothermal power. Read Interface Solutions for Growing Green Energy.

Mechanical engineers are at the forefront of advancements in robotics and automation, including designing and developing autonomous vehicles, drones, robotic manufacturing systems, and automated processes for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Advancements in materials science is a key role for many mechanical engineers. As well, these types of engineers play a crucial role in advancing the field of biomechanics and developing medical devices.

IoT and smart systems that integrate mechanical components with sensors, actuators, and control systems to create intelligent and connected systems are a result of the work of mechanical engineers. This includes developing smart buildings, smart appliances, smart transportation systems, and other IoT-enabled devices. Read Interface Sensor Technologies Enables IoT Capabilities

Mechanical engineers use force measurement devices to perform tests and experiments to determine the forces experienced by mechanical systems. Load cells help them to quantify the loads on structural components, such as beams, columns, or joints, to understand their performance under different conditions.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Electrical Engineers Choose Interface Sensor Technologies

Interface Celebrates Engineers

Interface Solutions for Production Line Engineers

Interface Solutions for Material Testing Engineers

Quality Engineers Require Accurate Force Measurement Solutions

Why Product Design Engineers Choose Interface

Why Civil Engineers Prefer Interface Products

Use Cases for Load Pins

Performance Structural Loading App Note

Interface OEM Solutions Process

 

 

Faces of Interface Featuring Robert Hawk

In today’s Faces of Interface feature, we spoke with Robert Hawk, director of information technology (IT). He is responsible for keeping Interface’s business operational using all kinds of hardware and software, which is core to our fundamental success.

Robert was our very first IT guru at the company and since joining the company and has helped modernize our systems to keep our operations running smoothly. We sat down with Robert to learn about his background and get some insight on everything he does for Interface, our customers, our partners, and global network.

Robert’s background in the world of information technology started with his time in United States Army. He spent his early years in the service with the Infantry. When looking for new opportunities and challenges for his career, he switched his military specialty to Communications and IT, and he then transitioned to the Wyoming Army National Guard.

During his time with the National Guard, Robert worked as an Admin NCO for the 115th Fires Brigade and the IT Department at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base Medical Center. While doing all this, he also continued his support of the Communications and IT section as a Wyoming Army National Guard soldier serving on weekends. Thank you for your service! He obtained two Master of Science graduate degrees, one in Computer Information Systems and one in Computer Engineering.

Robert’s transition to the private sector was as an outsourced IT consultant, serving customers in Wyoming and then Arizona. It was a demanding role that required long hours and some travel; however, it was a wonderful experience. He decided that he wanted to spend more time with his family, and this is when he found Interface.

Interface hired Rob as our first official IT guy in 2014. In fact, which was the name of the role at the time – IT Guy! In the eight years since Rob joined Interface, he has brought our technology light years forward to meet the demands of a growing and thriving manufacturing technology brand leader. The company’s investments in IT allowed Rob to modernize our infrastructure, systems and vastly improve our digital efficiency internally, and with customers. One example is our transition from Windows 95 to Windows 11. He and his team are now rolling out an entire ERP system that will create huge efficiencies and capabilities for the 54-year-old business.

His role at Interface includes managing a team of nine information technology people who are responsible for ensuring the business and production is running smoothly, all the time for a 24/7 business. He is committed to always staying on the lookout for innovative technologies to help streamline operations, support continuous improvements, and help stay on the forefront of ways to engage with all stakeholders. He is also keen to keeping Interface on the forefront of information security.

One thing that you will certainly learn from Rob is that he loves his work because he enjoys helping Interface in their role of helping our customers achieve remarkable things across a wide variety of applications.

Robert is a bit of a workaholic, so part of his free time includes learning, recertifying, and reading up on the newest technologies. He is definitely an IT guy through and through. When he gets some time away, his hobbies include giving back to the military community through charity work with veteran’s organizations. He also loves to ride his motorcycle. Most importantly, he spends time with his three kids aged 21, 19 and 12. In fact, the 19-year-old works for us here at Interface!

Robert is a critical member of Interface’s team, and we could not provide the outstanding technology solutions we do without his work on our digital systems. We thank him for his dedication to his craft and to Interface! What keeps him up at night, keeps us running all day!

 

Quality Engineers Require Accurate Force Measurement Solutions

In engineering and manufacturing, when introducing a product onto the market the requirements and regulations can be immense. Each industry has strict guidelines to ensure safety, durability, quality, and overall customer satisfaction. To meet these requirements, most product and component maker will have experienced quality engineers to help meet the necessary requirements in production.

Quality Engineers work in a variety of industries including automotive, transportation, infrastructure, aerospace and defense, industrial automation, medical and healthcare devices, and consumer product manufacturing. Their role is to monitor, test, and report on the quality. They are also instrumental in strategy, process development, and increasing output. Depending on the position, they are responsible for inspecting and testing raw materials, components, mechanical systems, hardware and software, as well as final products.

The Quality Engineer works with manufacturers, developers, project managers. Commonly, they are aligned with quality assurance and quality control teams to develop processes, test procedures and implement systems that ensure manufactured products and fabrication processes meet quality standards, safety regulations, and satisfy all stakeholders. They are the safeguard for companies that are creating, building and distributing products and materials.

Accuracy of testing and measurement data is fundamental to quality engineers. Critical to quality assurance and control processes, quality engineers rely heavily on all types of Interface high-accuracy load cells, weighing systems, and instrumentation for force measurement quality systems. Manufacturing quality engineers rely on products from Interface to test both products and equipment on a manufacturing line to ensure they perform reliably and meet certain safety standards.

Force measurement systems also make role of a quality engineer easier through the use of accurate data. This is because force measurement often enables automated, real-time monitoring of many processes used in the making of things. Interface precision load cells are used to monitor assembly line machine processes, test and monitor automation equipment like robotics, and weighcheck systems, and ruggedized equipment for quality control onsite and in remote locations.

Included below are a few examples of how force measurement systems are used in quality engineering.

Medical Device Interventional Guidewire Quality Inspection

A medical device manufacturer needs to do quality checks on threaded ends of their interventional guidewire devices. The threaded end of the guidewire contains an extremely small 000-120 thread that needs to be tested with go and no-go gauges in order to see if it will mate with other critical subassemblies. They requested a custom made turnkey test stand that is both inexpensive and flexible for varying lengths and models of guidewires.  Interface suggests a system where the customer can axially load and insert the guidewire through the MRT Miniature Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer, secure it, and use an automated stepper motor on a slide base to test the thread quality. When in use, the MRT measures the torque magnitudes of both no-go and go gauges which indicate quality of the threaded guidewire.

Snack Weighing and Packaging Machine Quality Monitoring

One aspect of quality in the consumer packaged goods space is ensuring equal distributions of individually wrapped snack bags such as chips or candy. When snack manufacturing brand wanted to weigh the amount of their snacks that is automatically dispersed into the bags during the packaging process, Interface offered a solution. We suggested multiple SPI Platform Scale Load Cells, and installed them to the potato multi-head weigher and packaging machine. The SPI Platform Scale Load cells were installed inside of the mount that attaches the head weigher to the packaging machine. Force results from the potato chips were read by the load cells and sent to the ISG Isolated DIN Rail Mount Signal Conditioner, where the customer is able to control the automated production from their command center. The customer was able to determine the weight of the potato chips being distributed into their bags with highly accurate results. They also were able to control the automated production process with the provided instrumentation. They will use this same weighing method for other snacks that need to be packaged utilizing this machine.

Vehicle Crash Test Load Cell Wall Quality Inspection

A facility wanted to do crash tests on their vehicles for quality inspection. There are multiple tests such as structural testing of the vehicle, developmental tests, and regulatory and compliance tests and they needed to measure the force of the vehicle crash tests, on all axes. Interface’ suggested using multiple 3A400 3-Axis Force Load Cells, and attach it to the back of a cement crash wall. When connected to the BX8-HD44 Interface BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System, force result measurements will be recorded and displayed with the customer’s PC or laptop. The customer was able to measure the force of impact for all of their different vehicle crash testing demonstrations.

The applications of force measurements for quality engineers are large, and the necessity of obtaining this data is critical to creating, safe, reliable and high-quality products.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Solutions for Material Testing Engineers

Why Civil Engineers Prefer Interface Products

Why Product Design Engineers Choose Interface

The Five Critical Factors of Load Cell Quality

Our Reputation is Defined by Our Industry-Leading Quality

Interface Solutions for Research and Development