Posts

Torque Measurement Primer Review

/in /by

Choosing the ideal torque transducer for your project can be a daunting task. Fear not. Interface has several torque measurement tools and resources to help you navigate your options and gain confidence in the selection process.

Interface’s advanced technical Torque Measurement Primer is an excellent resource to review and save for reference.  The expert guide takes you step-by-step, from torque transducer basics through complex capacity calculations to fixture and mounting considerations.

This technical reference offers considerable detail and diagrams regarding critical topics that impact the performance and accuracy of torque transducers. Interface engineer and measurement application specialist Keith Skidmore provides extensive information about defining capacity requirements, performance factors and considerations, mechanical configurations, outputs, resolution, mounting, and coupling selection tips.

Understanding Torque Transducers

A torque transducer consists of a metal spring element or flexure like a load cell. Strain gages are applied to the flexure in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. Torque applied to the sensor causes bending or shear strain in the gaged area, generating an output voltage signal proportional to torque.

Two Main Types of Torque Transducers

  • Reaction (static) measures torque without rotating, which is ideal for stationary applications.
  • Rotary (dynamic) rotates as part of the system, suitable for dynamic measurements.

Normally, a reaction-style sensor has a cable attached to it to supply excitation voltage to the strain gage bridge and to output the mV/V signal. The attached cable prevents the spinning of these sensors. Various methods have been used for rotary sensors to get around the issue of the attached cable. Some of those methods include slip rings, rotary transformers, rotating electronics, rotating digital electronics, and wireless telemetry. More basics are available in our Torque Transducers 101 post.

Selecting the Right Transducer Capacity

When choosing a torque transducer, one of the primary considerations is selecting the right capacity. The key is not to overload the sensor. If you choose too large a range, the accuracy and resolution may not be enough for the application. If you choose too small a size, the sensor may be damaged due to overload, which is an expensive mistake. First, determine the amount of torque you want to measure to select the proper size. Use Interface’s Torque Transducer Selection Guide to review capacities and dimensions.

Mechanical Configurations

  • Shaft: Smooth or keyed, offering uniform torque introduction and ease of assembly and disassembly.
  • Flange: Shorter, with centering pilots, commonly used in limited space applications.

Reference the Torque Measurement Primer to Review Factors in the Selection

  • Determine average running torque
  • Understand load service factors (1-4) and drive service factors (1-4)
  • What is the required accuracy
  • What signal resolution do you require: analog and digital

Beyond the basics, take a deeper dive into advanced torque considerations by reviewing the following:

  • Mounting methods (fixed vs. floating)
  • Couplings (single and double flex)
  • Environmental factors (temperature, moisture, dust)
  • Variable-frequency drive applications
  • Maximum RPM rating
  • Bandwidth and sampling rate

Use the Interface Torque Measurement Primer to explore these factors comprehensively with technical references. It is an essential test and measurement resource for making informed torque transducer selections. Whether you are an experienced lab technician or engineer, the details of this primer are advanced and full of resourceful tips.

Torque-Measurement-Primer-2024-Edition-1

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Torque Transducers and Couplings are the Perfect Pairing

Understanding Torque Transducers for Motion Control Systems

New Interface Torque Transducer Selection Guide

Interface Introduces New Torque Coupling Guide

Miniature Torque Transducers 101

Interface Launches Global G Series for International Markets

/in /by

Interface has launched a new international Mini™ Load Cell product line, the Global G Series, under it’s new product brand the Global Standard® Force Measurement.

The new miniature load cells were developed to meet the increasing demand for Interface high-precision, accurate and reliable force measurement solutions designed and manufactured in the International System of Units (SI), commonly known as the metric system.

The G Series debuts with Interface’s most popular Mini™ load cells, enabling international customers to purchase these Global Standard Force Measurement products through the company’s large network of distributors exclusively outside of the United States.

“The Interface brand is well-known worldwide for representing the premium standard for precision force and torque solutions. As demand for our products grew globally, we received many requests for SI-based designs of our load cells. We listened to our customers and are proud to launch our first G Series products that are the most popular miniature load cells used in aerospace and defense, automotive, medical and industrial automation industries worldwide.” ,” Greg Adams, CEO, Interface

Interface is manufacturing the Interface G Series lineup in the Asia-Pacific region, to provide customers with a near market advantage and access to the best force measurement solutions available today. Manufacturing these products near demand shortens the time and cost for customers to receive quality Interface products. Every product in the G Series has passed a rigorous Interface quality and engineering testing and calibration protocol to meet the highest in accuracy and quality standards.

The first release of G Series products available today through our global distributor network include:

  • GLBM Series Load Button Load Cells – The GLBM Series Load Button Load Cells are strain gage-based transducers with temperature compensation and excellent overall performance. This type provides a range of capacities up to 200kN with better than ±0.5% (full scale) non-linearity.
  • GSMTM Series Mini™ S-Beam Load Cell – The GSMTM Series Miniature S-Type Load Cells are a bi-directional aluminum strain gage-based transducer with high performance and built-in temperature compensation. This design provides better than ±0.1% (full scale) non-linearity and includes overload protection in both tension and compression directions.
  • GWMC Series Mini™ Threaded In-Line Load Cells (10kN – 50kN) -The GWMC Series Miniature Threaded In-Line Load Cells are strain gage-based transducers with temperature compensation and excellent overall performance. This type measures tensile and compressive loads up to 50kN with better than ±0.5% non-linearity.
  • GWMC Series Mini™ Threaded In-Line Load Cells (200N – 5000N) – The GWMC Series Miniature Threaded In-Line Load Cells are strain gage-based transducers with temperature compensation and excellent overall performance. This type measures tensile and compressive loads up to 5000N with better than ±0.25% non-linearity.

For more information about Interface Global Standard G Series solutions and to watch for new products for international markets, please visit www.interfaceforceglobal.com. Interface G Series products are not available for purchase in the United States.