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Force Measurement Testing Improves Products and Consumer Safety

Across every industry, force measurement solutions are utilized to improve product performance, safety and quality. Sensor technologies are used every day to test various consumer products’ weight, torsion, tension, compression, fatigue, impact, and materials.

Force measurement testing is used throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept and R&D, through engineering and testing, to manufacturing and distribution, leading to eventual utilization. Interface load cells are commonly integrated into actual consumer products for activation and to measure performance during use.

Interface force measurement solutions are also used in the testing of equipment, machines, and tools used in the production of all types of products and goods. Our products are used in industrial automation robotic arms as well as within lifting equipment deployed to move materials around a facility.

The key to all force measurement testing is accuracy and reliability of data, as well as selecting the right type of force sensor for the specific product being testing.

Types of Product Testing Applications Using Interface Measurement Solutions

  • Weighing Applications: Interface miniature load cells are often for product testing to measure the exact weight of consumer products, such as food, beverages, and electronics. This information is critical R&D, as well on the production line and to meet the exact product specifications. Our load cells help to ensure that the products are not underweight or overweight, and comply with regulations. Read more about Load Cells for Smarter and More Efficient Weighing
  • Material Applications: Interface LowProfile load cells are often found in product testing labs to assess the strength of materials used in consumer products such as plastics, metals, and mixtures of composites. The measurements gathered during the product testing safeguards consumers and confirms the product’s durability. Read Interface Solutions for Material Testing Engineers
  • Force Applications: Interface load cells, torque transducers, and instrumentation are used in complete test systems that examine the usability of products such as exercise equipment, appliances and electronics. The data acquired in shear, tensile and force testing is important to understand if the product meets design specifications, is easy to use and does not require excessive force to work.
  • Safety Applications: One of the most important product use cases for Interface measurement solutions is to test the safety of products such as furniture, toys and automobile features. It is a requirement for every maker of products that are not hazardous and will not cause injury to consumers. Read Interface Solutions for Safety and Regulation Testing and Monitoring

To give you a better idea of how our load cells and instrumentation are utilized in distinct types of product tests, we have included a few application notes below outlining real-world examples of force testing projects.

Bicycle Helmet Safety and Impact Product Testing

A high production bicycle manufacturing facility set up a product testing lab to measure the impact of the safety of their helmets when dropped from different heights onto a flat surface such as an anvil. This test is necessary to ensure consumer safety and that the products are made with the highest quality materials to protect the rider. Interface suggests installing the 1101 Compression-Only Ultra Precision LowProfile® Load Cellat the bottom of an anvil. The bike helmet is then dropped from multiple heights and at multiple angles onto the anvil. The measurements from impact are then recorded and logged throughout the product testing using Interface’s INF-USB3 Universal Serial Bus Single Channel PC Interface Module with supplied software. Every design or material change runs through the same rigorous testing protocols using these high accuracy measurement solutions.  Read CPG Bike Helmet Impact Test

Product Weighing of Consumer Water Bottles

A manufacturer of glass bottled water needs to dispense the exact amount of fluid into each bottle and then weigh the water bottle to ensure it is at the labeled weight on the product packaging. The product testing of the manufacturing equipment is used to minimize waste and to meet the weight requirements to ensure consumer satisfaction. Interface suggests using the MBP Miniature Beam Load Cell and attaching it under a plate or platform where the water bottle is placed on while it is being filled with fluids. The force weight is measured by the MBP Miniature Beam Load Cell and connected to the 9870 High Speed High Performance TEDS Ready Indicator where results are captured, displayed, and logged for quality control. Read CPG Water Bottle Dispensing and Weighing

Product Test Lab Conducts High Volume Tensile Force Testing

A product test lab is constantly requested to conduct a series of tensile force tests on different samples and materials until failure. These materials include plastic, steel, or woven fabric, and are utilized in the design and manufacturing of several consumer products. The lab professionals want to measure tensile strength, yield strength, and yield stress for every submitted product material sample. For the tensile test stand, we recommend using Interface’s 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Load Cell be installed into the test frame. As the tensile test is conducted, force results captured by the load cell and extensometer are synchronized through the SI-USB4 4 Channel USB Interface Module. The results are displayed on the customer’s computer with supplied software. Learn more by reading Material Tensile Testing.

Interface’s high precision force sensor technologies used in robotics have revolutionized the manufacturing of consumer products. With automated assembly lines and robotic arms taking charge, these machines work efficiently to mass-produce consumer goods. Quality control of all the products we provide you for testing is one of the main focuses of Interface, as we want to keep your customers happy and safe.

Interface’s experienced team are renowned specialists in force, torque and weight measurement manufacturing and technology. Our depth of knowledge and wide range of capabilities create custom solutions of all types, whether special transducers made to your exact specifications or complete customized sensor, instrumentation, and software systems. We collaborate with you to ensure the product specifications you need are designed to match your precise requirements.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Introducing the Interface Consumer Product Testing Case Study

Interface Solutions for Consumer Products

Force Measurement is Reducing Waste and Automating the Consumer Packaging Industry

Applications for Consumer Products and Packaging

Load Cells for Consumer Product Applications

Why Product Design Houses Choose Interface

Testing Labs Choose Interface High Accuracy Products

Interface Solutions for Material Testing Engineers

Load Cells for Smarter and More Efficient Weighing

Interface load cells are a key part of the advancements in weighing technologies. Breakthrough applications utilizing force sensing for weighing are expanding across industries. No matter the use case, weighing and scales must be trustworthy and always provide accurate information, as outlined in Accuracy Matters for Weighing and Scales.

For decades, load cells have been used for a wide range of weighing use cases. Load cells are electromechanical transducers that convert a force into an electrical signal. This electrical signal can then be amplified and processed to determine the weight of the object being weighed.

In testing or standard weighing practices, the load cell is typically mounted in a frame that supports the object being weighed. The load cell is connected to a signal conditioner, which amplifies the electrical signal from the load cell and converts it into a digital signal. The digital signal is then sent to a weighing controller, which calculates the weight of the object and displays it on a display. The weighing controller may also have additional features, such as data logging, remote monitoring, and programmable functions.

Now, Interface high accuracy load cells are found in advanced weighing applications used to define center of gravity for equipment, control inventory through weighing automation, batching, check weighing, process control and sample testing. Learn more about these applications and products in our Weighing Your Options Webinar.

Smart cities use connected force sensing trash receptacles for optimizing schedules of waste removal based on weight to reduce costs and increase efficiencies.  Innovative smart pallet force sensing helps to track products and goods at the dock to reduce expenses and increase productivity using weight as the measurement. Silo weighing for inventory management uses setpoints that are configured to automatically generate purchase orders when product levels fall below a defined weight.

Weighing sensor technologies today are more than a standard measurement device. Interface load cells can measure across a wide range of force, from 0.02 to 2,000k lbf. As the types of applications mature in capabilities, innovation, and complexity, these requirements also help to define the type of sensors that will provide precision measurement.

Our weighing sensors combined with advanced instrumentation use a variety of communication methods, including analog, digital, wireless and cloud based, to allow users to gather data in-facility or remotely. We can customize sensors to meet specifications for weighing use cases, including the design of complete weighing systems.

Advanced weighing applications often require sealed sensors with submersible features, wireless output and communications capabilities, and ease of use to design into products, machines or equipment.

Digital scales with advanced features such as data logging, connectivity options, and programmable functions have become commonplace. From bench scales to platform scales, there is a diverse way for our load cells to be implemented and available to measure diverse types of weighing applications.

Popular Interface Products Used for Weighing Applications

Load cells are an essential part of many weighing applications. They are used to measure the weight of objects in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, food processing, and logistics. Load cells provide accurate and reliable measurements, which is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of products.

WeighingSolutions_InfographicPoster

Learn more in the application note details below.

Veterinary Weighing Scales

A manufacturer wanted two weighing scales for consumers like veterinarians who want to weigh large and small animals. Interface suggested using two different solutions. For the smaller scale, Interface’s SPI Low Capacity Platform Scale Load Cell was perfect for smaller, and lighter animals. As for the larger scale, the INFRD Platform Scale with pre-installed load beams worked best. Both scales included 480 Bidirectional Weight Indicators to display the total weight of the animals being weighed. Using this solution, the veterinarian was able to weigh both large and small pets easily and accurately with both scales.

Silo Grain Weighing and Dispensing

A customer wanted to measure and record the grain being put in and out of their grain dispensing container, as it dispenses content into a carrier truck for transportation. Interface suggested a wireless solution, installing a WTS 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Wireless Load Cells at the legs of the grain dispensing container. The 1200 measured the distribution correlation of the grain as it inputted and outputted from the container. Results were transmitted and displayed using the WTS-BS-1-HA Handheld Display for multiple transmitters, and logged and graphed using the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station. With this solution, the customer was able to log and graph the measurement results of the grain content that the silo dispenses into the grain dispensing container, and when the grain is dispensed into the carrier truck.

Weighing is among the oldest use cases for load cells in the world and Interface has been there nearly every step of the way, growing alongside our customers and developing new innovations to perfect accuracy, reliability and durability. To learn more about our sensor solutions for weighing application, please visit https://www.interfaceforce.com/solutions/weighing-solutions/.

Interface Solutions for Heavy Equipment

Interface has collaborated with heavy equipment design engineers and OEMs for many years by providing sensors to measure weight, torque, and force. Heavy equipment, also known as heavy machinery, is used to describe the heavy-duty machines that are vastly utilized in infrastructure, construction, transportation, maritime, forestry, agriculture, and mining industries.

Force measurement plays a crucial role in the design, testing, and use of heavy equipment and vehicles including excavators, bulldozers, loaders, cranes, lifts, mixers, pavers, and compactors. Many of the considerations in designing heavy machinery are mandated by force limitations and equipment performance testing. Reference our Cranes and Lifting case study for examples.

Top Five Heavy Equipment Use Cases for Force Measurement

  1. Performance Valuation: Force measurement is used to evaluate the performance of heavy equipment. It allows engineers and designers to assess the forces and loads experienced by different components, such as hydraulic systems, structural elements, and moving parts. Measuring forces with high accuracy ensures that the equipment is built to operate within safe and efficient limits.
  2. Safety Confidence: Heavy equipment operates in demanding and challenging environments where safety is fundamental. Force measurement solutions from Interface help to identify potential safety risks by monitoring the forces exerted on various components in both testing and actual real-time use. Load cells and other sensor technologies enable engineers to design equipment with appropriate safety factors, ensuring that it can withstand the expected forces without failure or compromising operator safety.
  3. Design Optimization: Force measurement assists engineers to enhance the design of heavy equipment. By accurately measuring forces and loads during operation, and will identify areas of high stress or potential weak points. This information is valuable in refining the design, selecting appropriate materials, and implementing structural modifications to improve durability, efficiency, and overall performance.
  4. Regulatory Standards and Compliance: Heavy equipment is subject to strict industry standards and regulations, globally, nationally, and locally that specify performance and safety requirements. Force measurement is used for measuring and monitoring compliance. By accurately measuring and documenting forces, engineers can demonstrate that the equipment meets the specified criteria, aiding in regulatory approvals and certifications.
  5. Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Periodically measuring forces to monitor the condition of critical components and identify any abnormal or excessive forces is useful for identifying issues or wear. This information is critical for preventive maintenance, identifying the root causes of problems, and extending the equipment’s lifespan.

In the construction industry, heavy equipment is extensively used for retail, commercial and civic construction projects. Interface supplies load cells, tension links, load shackles, load pins and other measurement solutions for testing and monitoring.

Excavators are equipped with a hydraulic arm and a bucket, allowing them to dig, excavate, and move enormous amounts of earth, debris, or materials. Sensors are used in design, performance monitoring and maintenance of this type of machinery.

Loaders are powerful machines used for loading materials onto trucks, stockpiling, and general material handling. Overloading is the most common failure. Testing loads for these machines used in construction sites, quarries, and mining operations ensures safety and compliance.

Bulldozers need to be evaluated for earthmoving and grading projects. Rigorous force measurement evaluations help to validate power and maneuverability.

Cranes extensively utilize sensors, including load pins and tension links. During crane lifting capacity tests, force sensors are used to verify if a design for the crane can handle the loads it is required to lift and carry while in movement. This can be done with a variety of different force sensors. Interface tension link sensors are a smart choice as it can be used inbetween the crane hook and the load to provide a more accurate reading on the force. This example of force testing is critical to not only moving the required load, but also in verifying that the crane is safe to operate around workers below. If the crane lift capacity cannot be verified, individuals below the crane are at risk of massive loads dropping from great heights.

Lifts depend on sensors. In the shipping and transportation industry, heavy equipment must have carrying capacities verified or the machines and vehicles may break down or lose control due to excessive loading. In addition, operators need to be cognizant of their load limits and current use in cases. This verification is done using load cells in the testing of the vehicle, but load cells are also used at truck stops with weigh stations. Interface load cells can provide fully accurate data at extremely high weight. In addition, the engines on these trucks need to be able to move the vehicle while under large loads. For this challenge, torque transducers can be used to evaluate and refine an engine’s capability to move vehicles at required loads.

Interface sensors are used in the test and monitoring of maritime heavy equipment, both onshore and near-shore. Cranes and forklifts used in moving cargo plus maritime equipment used for securing lines often use sensor technologies. We also supply measurement devices used for heavy equipment that is submersible. This includes engine testing, mooring and fishing lines, boat hoists and more. Interface offers a complete lineup of sealed sensors that excel while submerged, allowing maritime users to test equipment in real time.

Included below, we have outlined a few heavy machinery testing examples in which Interface products were used:

Gantry Crane Weighing

Gantry cranes are used for several mobile and lifting applications within industrial or construction environments. A weighing system is needed to see if the gantry crane can manage lifting heavy containers or loads, preventing crane failure or accidents. Interface’s WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pins can be installed into the corners of the lifting mechanism of the gantry crane, where heavy loaded containers are lifted and moved. The force results are then wireless transmitted to both the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display for Single Transmitters, or directly to the customer’s PC with the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station. Using this solution, a customer can monitor the loads lifted from their gantry crane with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System and determine whether their gantry crane was able to manage lifting heavy loads.

Overall, force measurement provides valuable insights into the performance, safety, and reliability of heavy equipment, enabling designers, manufacturers, and operators to make informed decisions and ensure efficient and safe operation.

We have a wide range of solutions for the design and testing challenges of heavy equipment used for lifting, weighing, and measuring force and torque. Contact us for any help you need with heavy equipment solutions.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Infrastructure Projects Rely on Interface

Lifting Solutions

Weighing Solutions Brochure

Heavy Truck Test and Measurement Solutions

Force Measurement Solutions for the Construction Industry

Bridge Construction Wind Monitoring

Solutions to Advance Agriculture Smart Farming and Equipment

Why Machine and Equipment Manufacturers Choose Interface

LIFTING: Lifting Heavy Objects

LIFTING: Crane Block Safety Check

LIFTING: Crane Force Regulation

Testing Lab Essentials Webinar Recap

Interface recently hosted an in-depth discussion about one of our favorite topics, testing labs. Our focus in this technical webinar centered on test lab devices, instrumentation, industry testing lab challenges and considerations, along with best practices. We also took a deep dive into different testing lab applications and how to modernize your test lab.

Force measurement experts Elliot Speidell and Jeff Boyd delivered an engaging and knowledgeable seminar, Testing Lab Essentials: Today + Tomorrow.  Bringing decades of first-hand experience, they were able to provide product examples, tips, recommendations and lessons learned in working with testing lab professionals across industries, from automotive to medical devices.

Initial discussions in the event covered test lab basics, including types of products should be in every lab that performs testing of force, torque, and weight. The quick summary, force, torque and weight measurement devices including load cells and torque transducers of various models, calibration grade equipment and published standards, test stands, data acquisition systems and safety equipment.

One of the first steps in assessing any lab is the type of measurement equipment on hand to perform various testing requirements. Transducer selection criteria includes mechanical connection and load application, force magnitude and loading condition, cycle count, form factor restrictions, environmental conditions, additional measurements needs, such as multiple axis.

Testing labs often require different types of load cells depending on the type of products being tested and the applications in which the load cells will be used. Here are some common types of load cells used in testing labs:

  • Compression load cells: Used to measure the compressive force applied to an object. They are commonly used in materials testing to measure the strength of materials such as concrete, metals, and plastics.
  • Tension load cells: Used to measure the tensile force applied to an object. They are commonly used in materials testing, such as in tensile strength testing of metals and other materials.
  • Shear load cells: Used to measure the shear force applied to an object. They are commonly used in materials testing, such as in shear strength testing of materials.
  • Multi-axis load cells: These load cells are capable of measuring forces in multiple directions and are commonly used in structural testing applications.
  • Torque transducers: Used to measure torque or twisting forces. They are commonly used in automotive testing, industrial machinery, and other applications where rotational forces are important.
  • Fatigue-rated load cells: These load cells are designed to withstand high-cycle fatigue testing and are commonly used in materials testing and durability testing of products.
  • Low profile load cells: These load cells are designed to fit into tight spaces and have a low profile, making them ideal for use in small-scale applications.
  • High-capacity load cells: These load cells are designed to measure large forces and are commonly used in heavy machinery and structural testing.

Instrumentation is central to any testing lab environment. The three most common types of instrumentation found in test lab includes:

  • Indicators: Indicators are used to convert the input signal to a local displayed value.  Often they will have features like, peak capture, alarms, and analog outputs.
  • Signal Conditioners: Signal conditioners are used to convert (amplify) one type of electrical signal into another. 
  • DAQ: Data acquisition systems are used to collect and analyze data from measurement devices. These systems may include software, hardware, and data processing equipment.

In a series of follow-up InterfaceIQ Blog posts we will detail other topics covered in this information packed discussion, including modernization, load frames and test stands, do and don’t tips, plus frequently asked questions.

Watch the complete webinar here:

Detailing Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cells

A pillow block bearing is usually used to create a rolling system. This bearing type is often used for industrial rolls for textiles, paper, and materials. It is also used on conveyor belts in manufacturing facilities. Other common use cases in various industries include transportation, medical device design, and aerospace.

Interface offers specialized load cells that measure and monitor weight and other forces on pillow block bearings, aptly known as Interface Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cells. The force measurement is performed for this load cell between two supports.

Pillow Block Bearing Load Cell Spans Multiple Industries

Pillow block bearing load cells are important in all industries where accurate load measurement is required during production and use of small and large rollers. Some examples include:

  • Steel industry: Pillow block load cells can be used in roller mills to measure the force required to crush or shape steel.
  • Textile industry: Pillow block load cells can be used in textile machines such as looms and knitting machines to measure the tension on the yarn.
  • Packaging industry: Pillow block load cells can be used in packaging machines to measure the force required to cut or seal packaging materials.

Pillow block load cells are valuable in building and enhancing infrastructure. Our PBLC1 is a great solution for monitoring trains on a track in motion. When our PBLC1 is installed on a track, and the train runs across it, the sensor can provide a signal to a station elsewhere in the world. If any force indicators suggest that there could be a problem with the weight the train is holding or the train itself, the sensor can also trigger an automatic shutdown of the train. These sensors could prevent major damage from train derailments and other train-related incidents by detecting errors before they inflict damage.

These weights are important to measure or monitor as they can tell you if you run out of material on a roll or if a production line conveyor belt is holding too much weight. An example of the feed roller system using our wireless options is below.

Manufacturing Feed Roller System

Feed roller systems are common in production and manufacturing. In this example, a feed roller system needs to monitor the forces of both ends of the rollers to maintain a constant straight feed. This reduces waste and ensures quality in the product use. They would also prefer a wireless system. Interface suggests installing two PBLC Pillow Block Load Cells at both ends of the bottom roller to measure the applied forces. The measurement output is sent to the instrumentation device, our WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module. The data is then transmitted wirelessly to the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station and the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for multiple transmitters, where data can be displayed, graphed, and logged a computer. Learn more about this type of use case in our Feed Roller System Application Note.

In addition to this use case, here are a few other ways Pillow Block Load Cells are used to measure weight and force:

  • Material handling: Pillow block load cells are commonly used in conveyor systems to measure the weight of transported materials.
  • Automotive industry: Pillow block load cells are used in assembly line applications to measure the weight of assembled parts and components.
  • Heavy machinery: Pillow block load cells are used in cranes, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery to measure loads and monitor the equipment’s performance.
  • Manufacturing: Pillow block load cells are used in material testing machines to measure the force required to break or deform materials.
  • Aerospace: Pillow block load cells are used in aerospace applications to measure the weight and balance of aircraft and spacecraft.
  • Medical industry: Pillow block load cells are used in medical equipment such as patient lifts and hospital beds to measure patients’ weight.
  • Food industry: Pillow block load cells are used in food processing and packaging equipment to measure the weight of ingredients and finished products.

Pillow Block Bearing Load Cells Product Overview

This type of force sensor is suitable for measuring forces under pillow block bearings for diameter Ø 20mm (Ø 0.79 in) and for measuring axle weight in test stands for trains and vehicles. Our system is compatible with INA Pillow Block Bearings and is installed underneath the bearing to measure force. There are three model versions, with the options for additional multi-axis measurements for engineers to order products.

PBLC1 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell

PBLC2 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell

PBLC3 Pillow Block Load Bearing Load Cell

Features and benefits of our Pillow Block Load Cell include:

  • Capacities from 5 to 30 kN (1.1K to 6.7K lbf)
  • Compatible with INA pillow block bearings
  • IP65 moisture protection
  • Rugged electro-galvanized surface

In addition, our Pillow Block Load Cell is also available in multi-axis versions, allowing more force data from your test application. This helps measure forces such as the center of gravity, tension across a load-bearing beam, and more. These multi-axis versions come in two and three-axis models. If you want accurate measurements for your pillow block-bearing use cases, contact our specialized application engineers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Manufacturing and Production Solutions

Quality Engineers Require Accurate Force Measurement Solutions

Interface New Product Releases Winter 2023

Infrastructure Industry Relies on Interface Force Measurement

Interface Solutions for Production Line Engineers

Industrial Automation

 

Electrical Engineers Choose Interface Sensor Technologies

Interface is a premier provider of force, torque and weighing solutions to electrical engineers around the world who are responsible for creating new products, solving problems, and improving systems.

Electrical engineers vary in specialization and industry experience with responsibilities for designing and testing electrical systems and components such as power generators, electric motors, lighting systems, and production robots. They use their expertise and knowledge of electrical systems and components to design, develop, assess, and maintain safe and reliable electrical systems. There are many electrical engineers who work on complex systems and who are responsible for troubleshooting and diagnosing problems that may arise.

The electrical engineers whose primary focus is research and development look to create new electrical technologies and advance existing systems. Projects related to renewable energy, smart grids, wireless communication systems, and electric vehicles utilize all types of measurement solutions throughout all phases of their R&D. Accuracy of testing is essential for electrical engineers, to ensure components comply with safety regulations and industry standards.

How does an electrical engineer use sensor technology for testing?

Sensors are a critical tool for electrical engineers in testing and optimizing the performance of electronic devices, systems, and processes. The type of sensor used, and the specific testing application will depend on the needs of the project or product, including the following examples.

  • Structural testing: Sensors are used to measure the structural integrity of materials and components. Load cells convert force or weight into an electrical signal that can be measured and analyzed. For example, Interface’s standard load cells are frequently used to measure the amount of strain or deformation in a material under load, which can help electrical engineers design stronger and more reliable structures. See how Interface’s products were used in an EV battery structural testing project.
  • Process control: Sensor technologies, including load cells and torque transducers are frequently utilized in manufacturing processes to monitor and control various parameters. Electrical use this data gathered through various instrumentation devices to ensure that the manufacturing process is operating within the desired parameters and to optimize the process for efficiency and quality.
  • Environmental testing: Environmental sensors are commonplace for measuring temperature, humidity, pressure, and other environmental factors. Electrical engineers can use this data to test and optimize the performance of electronic devices and systems under various environmental conditions. Read Hazardous Environment Solutions from Interface to learn more.

Electrical engineers use load cells in a variety of applications, such as measuring the weight of objects, monitoring the force applied to a structure, or controlling the tension in a cable or wire. The choice of load cell will depend on the specific application and the requirements for accuracy, sensitivity, and capacity. Electrical engineers must also consider factors such as environmental conditions, installation requirements, and cost when selecting a load cell.

Electrical engineers work in a wide range of industries and sectors, as their expertise is required in many different areas of technology and engineering. Interface has supplied quality testing devices and components to EEs in every sector, from electronics to construction.

Electrical engineers in the electronics industry use Interface products in designing and developing components such as microchips, sensors, and circuits. Demands for intrinsically safe load cells and instrumentation come from electrical engineers that are responsible for designing, maintaining, and improving power generation and distribution systems, including renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and hydropower.

More than any time in Interface’s 55-year history, electrical engineers who work on a variety of aerospace and defense projects, are using Interface sensor products for designing and testing avionics systems, communication systems, and navigation systems.

We also continue provide electrical engineers who engage in designing and developing the electrical and electronic systems in vehicles, including everything from powertrains and engine management systems to infotainment systems and driver assistance technologies with new and innovative force measurement solutions.

Manufacturing electrical engineers who engage in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes, as well as designing and evaluating the electronic components and systems used in manufacturing equipment are frequently using Interface sensors. This includes the rising demands for sensors in robotics.

Electrical engineers across many different industries depend on Interface, just as all the companies and organizations around the world depend on their expertise. Interface is a proud partner of engineers across all disciplines.

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Interface Celebrates Engineers

Interface Solutions for Production Line Engineers

Quality Engineers Require Accurate Force Measurement Solutions

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Why Civil Engineers Prefer Interface Products

Why Product Design Engineers Choose Interface

Introducing the Interface Consumer Product Testing Case Study

The global consumer products market is a multi-billion dollar industry that thrives on innovation and new product development. There are numerous opportunities to utilize sensor-based technologies to test for safe use and monitor product performance.

Interface is a source of quality precision force sensor technologies used throughout the product lifecycle from concept and R&D, through engineering and testing, to manufacturing and eventually consumption. We supply force measurement solutions for use in equipment, machines, tools, and integration into actual products like our miniature load cells to measure performance and use. We even provide products to accurately measure and monitor hardware used in consumer product distribution. Interface load cells and instrumentation help consumer product designers and fabricators drive usability, adoption, production efficiencies, and ensure safety to satisfy the needs of all types of consumers.

In our latest case study, Interface Delivers for Consumer Products, we highlight specific use cases and products that are used by the consumer products industry. Interface offers multitudes of products, from sensors used to measure weight on the production line of a consumer good to regulating how the consumer can use the product by using embedded load cells into the actual product.

Here are a few examples of how our force sensors are used in the consumer products industry:

  • Keyboards and buttons: Force sensors can be used to measure the force applied to keys on a keyboard or buttons on electronic devices, such as smartphones or game controllers, to ensure that they have a consistent and satisfying feel for the user.
  • Package testing: Force sensors can be used to measure the force applied to packaged consumer goods, such as food and beverage containers, during transportation and handling to ensure that they are not damaged and that their contents are protected.
  • Automotive testing: Force sensors can be used to measure the forces applied to various components of a vehicle during crash testing, such as doors and seat belts, to ensure that they meet safety standards and provide adequate protection for the occupants.
  • Sports equipment: Force sensors can be used to measure the force applied to sports equipment, such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, and baseball bats, to ensure that they meet performance and safety standards.
  • Wearable devices: Force sensors can be used to measure the force applied to wearable devices, such as fitness trackers, to ensure that they are durable and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

Our specialty is building force measurement solutions for the testing and monitoring of parts and total systems, which is vital to manufacturers and designers of consumer packaged goods. Accurate measurement is necessary in design, prototyping and producing final consumer products across all industries for performance and safety. These solutions are ideal for consumer product stand-alone testing rigs, production equipment, as well as embedding into products to increase operability and reliability for end users.

Additional consumer products applications utilizing Interface quality measurement solutions include:

These are just a few examples of how force sensors are used in the consumer products industry to measure the force applied to a variety of products. The use of force sensors is essential for ensuring that consumer products meet safety and performance standards, and for providing consumers with a high-quality user experience.

To better illustrate and address our solutions designed for consumer products across sectors, we have developed a case study outlining the consumer product testing challenges and technology we offer for these customers.
Interface Delivers for Consumer Products Case Study

Interface Solutions for Safety and Regulation Testing and Monitoring

Among the many challenges we help to solve, safety and the stringent requirements for helping to make products safer for all types of users is top of the list. Interface’s solutions are known for quality and accuracy, which are at the forefront of all decisions used for safety and regulation testing. It is one of the top reasons consumer product makers choose Interface force, torque and weighing test and measurement solutions.

Everyone involved in the production and sale of products have a role to play in ensuring product safety and compliance with regulations, from the manufacturer to the retailer of any product. They are all responsible for designing, testing, and producing safe products.

Manufacturers have the primary responsibility for ensuring that products are safe and compliant with regulations. Governments have the authority to establish safety standards and regulations for products and to enforce these standards through inspections, fines, and recalls. Independent testing labs are used to conduct safety and compliance testing. These labs provide impartial and objective test results. Retailers also have a responsibility to ensure that the products they sell are safe and compliant with regulations. By working together, they can help to promote public trust in products and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

In engineering, the safety and regulation testing of products is crucial for ensuring that products are safe for use and meet industry standards. This type of testing helps to identify potential hazards and design flaws that could harm consumers or cause damage to property. It also ensures that products comply with regulations and standards set by governing bodies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This helps to protect consumers, promote public trust in products, and reduce the risk of liability for manufacturers. By performing safety and regulation testing, engineers can help to ensure that products are reliable, effective, and trustworthy.

Safety and regulation testing helps manufacturers in several ways:

  1. Liability reduction: By ensuring that products meet safety standards and regulations, manufacturers can reduce their risk of liability in the event of accidents or injuries caused by their products.
  2. Consumer trust: Consumers are more likely to trust and purchase products that have been tested and found to be safe and compliant with regulations.
  3. Marketability: Products that meet safety and regulation standards are more likely to be accepted in the market and sold to a wider range of customers.
  4. Brand reputation: A company’s reputation is closely tied to the safety and quality of its products. By demonstrating a commitment to safety and compliance, manufacturers can enhance their brand reputation and build consumer trust.
  5. Cost savings: Investing in safety and regulation testing can help manufacturers identify and correct design flaws before products are mass-produced, reducing the cost of recalls and liability claims.

We work with manufacturers of heavy machinery, vehicles, consumer goods, medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and even aircraft and rocket ship builders. All these industry experts know that precision test and measurement solutions are essential for eliminating the serious threat to humans when their inventions and products are not thoroughly tested and monitored properly.

Testing is the first step in the process of ensuring safety. Interface load cells and torque transducers are used to test a wide variety of parameters related to force. For instance, Interface provides solutions for projects involving the testing of cranes and ensuring that these massive machines are able to lift the weight that the particular product’s specifications allow. This ensures safety for the user and those on the ground by putting the machine through rigorous testing using load cells to measure the cranes maximum limits with various loading conditions. Watch a quick demonstration video of crane safety test solutions from Interface.

In addition, force measurement can be used to measure small and precise forces during the testing phase. One such example is the use of load cell load buttons to measure the clamping force of a vascular clamp used in surgery. This force needs to be tightly tuned in regulation with stringent medical requirements. Forces too small or large could have serious repercussions for the patient. This is a simple test that makes a dramatic difference in which the clamp force is applied to these miniature load cells and the force signal is sent to the tester.

One specific requirement that Interface has a great deal of experience in supplying solutions is for torque testing on lug nuts, bolts and other assembly equipment. While tightening these parts may seem like a simple process, industries like automotive and aerospace have strict requirements for the exact tightness and tolerance for bolts. We provide torque testing system devices that evaluate these parameters accurately to meet those regulations. Any misstep in tightening can lead to severe failure that puts the user at significant risk, not to mention pedestrians when it comes to the automotive industry.

The next use of force measurement in the realm of safety is by using sensors for real time monitoring. Load cells and torque transducers can be designed into a product to allow for monitoring of the product in use, telling the user when it needs to be repaired. They can help by notifying the user if a vehicle or machine is holding weight above its capacity, or if there is potential failure of a machine or product.

For instance, machines on a production line can be monitored and irregular data can show that it needs to be brought down briefly for repairs. Having machines with issues that are not noticed do not only affect efficiency, but it can also pose a threat to nearby workers. Additionally, monitoring something like a crane is also a way to ensure it is not overloaded.

These applications provide notable examples of how force measurement can guarantee meeting safety requirements and regulations, as well as monitoring for safe conditions in real time. To provide a visual example, we have developed several applications notes, a few of which we have included below.

Regulatory Medical Device Stent And Catheter Testing

A customer needed to apply known forces to stents and catheters to ensure they pass all necessary strength and flexibility testing. Interface suggested an MBP Overload Protected Beam Miniature Load Cell be placed behind the guide wire for the stent or catheter. The motor will spin the linear drive and push the load cell and guide the wire through the testing maze. The MBP Overload Protected Beam Miniature Load Cell is connected to the DIG-USB PC Interface Module. All forces are measured and stored on a computer. Using this solution, the customer was able to perform required testing and logged, followed by being able to review results and take actions as needed. Get more information about this testing in our Stent and Catheter Testing App Note.

Equipment Safety with Bolt Tension Monitoring

A customer wanted to monitor the tension of the bolts that are used on their industrial large metal pipes. Interface suggested installing multiple LWCF Clamping Force Load Cells, each connected to WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules. The load cells were installed under the tightened bolts on the pipes and measured the compression forces from the bolts. The real-time results were transmitted wirelessly from the WTS-AM-1E’s to the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station when connected to the customer’s PC. Real-time results from the LWCF’s were displayed using provided Log100 Software. Interface’s load cell monitoring system successfully monitored the compression forces of the bolts in real time.

Public Safety Bridge Seismic Force Monitoring Solution

A customer wanted to monitor seismic activity that occurs to a bridge by using force sensors and then continuously monitor bridge forces before, during, and after earthquakes occur. The customer also preferred a wireless solution so they would not need to run long cables on the bridge. Using Interface’s LP Load Pin custom made to fit their needs, alongside the Interface WTS Wireless Telemetry System, continuous force monitoring was able to take place without long cables, allowing the customer to monitor continuous loads, log information to the cloud, and review information. Read Bridge Seismic Force Monitoring Solution App Note for more information.

If you are looking for accurate and dependable solutions to assist with testing and monitoring for safety and regulatory requirements, contact us.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Crane Block Safety Animated Application Note

Load Cells for Consumer Product Applications

Interface Solutions for Production Line Engineers

CPG Bike Frame Fatigue Testing

MARITIME Crane Block Safety Check

Crane Safety Requires Precision Measurements Ship to Shore

Entertainment Venue Force Measurement and Monitoring Solutions

 

Entertainment Venue Force Measurement and Monitoring Solutions

There is a great deal of critical sensor technology used to design, build, and monitor venue infrastructure and the public before and during events. Venues management, architects, product makers and engineers take inordinate steps to protect people from bodily harm, risks, and hazard-related threats. This also includes the detailed real-time monitoring for venue infrastructure, staging, equipment such as speakers and monitors, and special apparatus used for entertainment, whether it be musical, theatrical or sports related.

Interface provides torque and force measurement solutions to the global entertainment and amusement industry used in entertainment venues around the world. To ensure attendee safety of any event, force measurement sensors are ideal for monitoring of large pieces of equipment and infrastructure. This is especially critical for outdoor venues where the elements, such as wind and rain, can pose serious safety hazards.

From the monitoring of backstage rigging devices to heavy lifting equipment for sets and lighting, Interface offers a broad range of measurement and weighing solutions. Our products are used for staging, displays, filming and drone equipment, as well as theme park machines and robotics, as detailed in our Entertainment Solutions Overview.

In addition to real time monitoring, the tried and true use for force measurement sensors is in testing during the development and design stages. The entertainment industry is experimenting with a wide variety of new and engaging experiences for the audience, a lot of which involves massive infrastructure or robotics and animatronics. During live entertainment, you never want to put something as technical and complex as a mobile stage or robotic personality out in front of people without thorough testing. Interface sensors have been used to test these types of applications. Accuracy of our products ensures the manufacturers receives the data they need to confirm and produce designs used for and by various forms of entertainment.

We have recently put together a wide variety of applications notes outlining these exact types of entertainment industry applications used in venues to demonstrate how Interface products help to meet compliance requirements, improve safety, and mitigate risks for patrons, crews, entertainers, athletes, and staff while providing an entertaining experience.

Outdoor Festival Venue Wind Monitoring

An outdoor festival was occurring in a large outdoor venue for multiple days. Outdoor stages pose a risk towards high wind speeds, which need to be monitored in case a storm passes through. This is to ensure safety for all personnel on site of the festival to avoid any accidents. Interface suggested installing the WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module on the outdoor stage. Wind speed results were wirelessly transmitted to the customer’s PC through WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Station with USB Interface in Industrial Enclosure. It can also be transmitted to the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters Data can be displayed, logged, and graphed with supplied Log100 software. Interface’s WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module combined with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System was perfect to monitor the wind speed during the outdoor festival. Read more here.

Venue LED Screens

A customer constructing a huge venue wanted to weigh their very large LED screens. They also wanted to measure the force of the structure that is supporting the screens, to ensure stability and structural integrity. Interface suggested their LW General Purpose Load Washer Load Cells be assembled within rods that are part of the support structure. The LED screen hung off the structure, which connects to the rods. The compression forces applied to the rod were measured by the LW’s installed in between. The load washers were paired with WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, where the force results are wirelessly transmitted to both the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters and the WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Stations with included Log100 software. Interface’s wireless load washer system successfully weighed the forces of the large LED screen for the customer’s new venue.

Venue Animatronics

Animatronics are used throughout entertainment industry. From amusement and theme parks to movie sets, animatronics need to be accurately calibrated when they move, therefore the torque of the limbs must be tested. Interface’s MRTP Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer were connected to the servo motors in the limbs of the animatronics that make it move. The customer monitoring the animatronics viewed torque results on their PC when the transducers are connected to the BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition with Industrial Enclosure. Using this solution, the customer was able to record the force results of his metal bending machine with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System.

This is just a sample of the entertainment industry applications Interface force sensors can serve. We’re also heavily involved in provide standard and customized solutions used in testing and monitoring drones, touch screen calibration, equipment and infrastructure testing, and more.