Tag Archive for: tech talk

Comparing Shear Versus Compaction Force Measurement
Interface load cells are used in shear and compaction force measurement. Understanding the differences between shear and compaction is determinative, as it directly impacts applications, sensor choices, and output data for testing analysis. Learn about shear force versuse compaction, also known as compressive, measurement, applications and load cell types. This understanding aids in making informed test and measurement decisions in material science, mechanical engineering, and industrial automation.

Side Load Sensitivity 101
Interface 101 highlights the side force effect, side load sensitivity, and eccentric load sensitivity. Side load sensitivity is how a load cell's output is influenced by a side force. It reveals the load cell's sensitivity to forces applied off its intended axis. A side force effect in compression testing with load cells refers to a force applied perpendicular to the intended axial compression force. This can happen due to misalignment between the load cell under test and the testing machine's loading plates.

What is Proof Testing and Why Does it Matter?
Interface load cells and data acquisition systems are used for proof testing, which determines the strength and integrity of a test subject by applying a controlled, measured load to it. What is proof testing? Learn the steps of proof testing for stress, fatigue, and materials. It is frequently used by industries such as construction, natural resources, infrastructure, heavy machinery, and manufacturing to verify the strong point and durability of objects and structures.

Why Is Load Cell Zero Balance Important to Accuracy?
Several factors go into the accuracy and consistent performance of a load cell. These factors include non-linearity, hysteresis, repeatability,…

What is Static Error Band Output?
Interface Tech Talk answers the question of what is static error band output. SEB is a band encompassing all points on the ascending and descending curves centered on the best-fit straight line. It is expressed in units of %FS. SEB Output at capacity is based on the best fit straight line. Learn how to calculate SEB, the benefits, and an engineering perspective on why SEB output is preferred over terminal output.

How Does Tensile Testing Work?
Interface supplies load cells for tensile testing. Tensile testing is fundamental in test and measurement. Load cells are commonly used in tension testing to measure and record the force or load applied to a specimen during the test. Tensile testing is used by researchers, testing labs, and engineers across industries including infrastructure, medical, manufacturing, aerospace, consumer goods, automotive, energy, and construction to measure stress, strain, elacity, fatigue and failure.

Are Load Cells Used in Vacuum Environments?
Interface provides load cells thare can be used in a vacuum environment. However, not all load cells are created equal or suited for this specialized use case. Vacuum testing labs are used by a variety of industries, including aerospace, medical, and defense. These labs are common for material process testing and used in R&D. Vacuum testing helps to identify potential problems with products and materials before they are used in a vacuum environment. Using quality load cells that are manufactured by force measurement experts in sensor technologies and experienced in working with vacuum testing labs and experts is an important consideration.

What are IO-Link Load Cells
IO-Link can be used with load cells in industrial applications to enable enhanced monitoring, control, and diagnostics. Interface now offers customization of our most popular load cells with IO-Link capabilities. IO-Link is designed to connect and communicate between sensors, actuators, and other industrial devices with a higher-level control system. It operates over a standard three-wire connection, typically using unshielded industrial cables, and supports point-to-point communication.

What is Moment Compensation?
Every Interface LowProfile™ load cell is moment compensated to minimize sensitivity to extraneous loads. Moment compensated load cells are designed to counteract the external forces or moments by using a configuration of strain gages and electronics that can detect and compensate for these forces. The strain gages are arranged in a way that allows the load cell to measure the force applied to it in multiple directions, and the electronics can then use this information to calculate the impact of external forces and moments on the measurement.