3-axis load cells 101
Interface's 3-axis load cells are valuable sensors for advanced force measurements in test and measurement applications. These multi-axis sensors are designed to simultaneously measure forces along three mutually perpendicular axes: X, Y, and Z.
Interface offers a range of Multi-axis sensors , including several 3-axis load cells with different capacities, dimensions and specifications. 3-axis load cells from Interface, such as the Series 3A, are designed for a wide range of capacities, from 10 N to 500 kN (4,5 lbf to 112 k lbf). A key feature is that each axis provides a unique mV/V output signal, requiring no mathematical manipulation for standard 3-axis force measurements (Fx, Fy, Fz), as each signal directly correlates to a specific measurement direction. This is achieved by combining three single-axis sensors, each with its own Wheatstone bridge, into a single, compact unit. This design also minimizes eccentric loading effects and crosstalk between the axes.
For more complex analyses, some use multi-axis sensors, such as the 3AFM, a compound bending with several complete Wheatstone bridges. In these cases, all bridges respond to applied loads, and the individual axis values are calculated via a calibration coefficient matrix. This often requires mathematical processing, which is usually performed by the associated Measuring devices is taken over.
When selecting a 3-axis load cell, it's critical to consider the system-level loads and geometry, ensuring the selected capacity is suitable for both the measured loads and potential peak or extraneous loads. It's also important to note that relative capacities can vary depending on the direction, so consider the primary sensor type for your main load direction.
Why choose 3-axis sensors?
Multi-axis sensors offer significant advantages in inspection and measurement, including a more complete picture for analysis. Here are the top five reasons to choose a 3-axis sensor for your project:
#No. 1 – Consolidation of measurement signals and saving test space. Instead of multiple single-axis sensors, a compact multi-axis sensor can perform the task.
#2 – Measure unwanted system crosstalk. You can quantify forces or moments that might inadvertently act in directions other than the primary test axis.
#3 – Quantifying reaction loads with multi-axis sensors that can measure reaction loads through a test object on the “non-measuring” side, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of force dynamics.
#4 – More data, more understanding, as multi-axis sensors ultimately provide richer, more comprehensive data leading to deeper insights into force and torque dynamics.
#5 – Faster results without additional mathematical effort when using 3-axis force measurements (Fx, Fy, Fz), as each signal directly correlates to a specific measurement direction.
3-Axis Load Cell Specifications and Models
Interface offers a range of 3-axis load cell models, each with different specifications and tailored to different applications. Applications range from measuring robot balancing to testing aircraft structures. Here are the product lines for Interface 3-axis load cells.
3A Series 3-Axis Load Cells
The Series 3A Measures forces simultaneously in three mutually perpendicular axes (X, Y, and Z) and can apply both tension and compression. Each axis provides a full bridge output and uses independent bridges for Fx, Fy, and Fz, requiring no mathematical manipulation. This series is designed to minimize eccentric loading effects and crosstalk between channels.
- Measurement: Fx, Fy, Fz
- Force range: 10 N to 500 kN (4,5 lbf to 112K lbf)
- Key Features:
- 3 independent bridges for Fx, Fy, Fz
- Compact size
- Low crosstalk
- mV/V output
- Temperature compensated
- IP protection classes (depending on model):
- 3A60A – IP65, 3A120: IP66 – 3A160 – IP67, 3A300: IP67 and 3A400 – IP67
- Typical applications: aerospace, robotics, automotive industry, medical research (orthopedics and biomechanics).
3A40 3-axis load cell
The 3A40 3-axis load cell is a special, compact, and lightweight model of the 3A series, constructed of aluminum alloy. It offers three independent axes (Fx, Fy, Fz) in a small package. Each axis provides a unique mV/V output and requires no mathematical manipulation, and it is designed to minimize eccentric loading effects and crosstalk.
- Measurement: Fx, Fy, Fz
- Force range: 2 N to 50 N (0,45 lbf to 11,2 lbf)
- Available capacities: 2 N, 10 N, 20 N and 50 N
- Key Features:
- 3 independent bridges for Fx, Fy, Fz
- Compact size
- Low crosstalk
- Lightweight aluminum alloy construction
- IP rating: IP65
- Typical applications: Precise force measurement in confined spaces.
3AFM Series 3-Axis Force and Torque Load Cells
The multi-axis series 3AFM It is ideal for testing tasks in quality assurance and materials testing and offers a compact and flat design. It features four independently wired strain gauge springs that enable the calculation of axial force (Fz) and bending moments (Mx and My). Furthermore, its design allows the determination of horizontal forces (Fx and Fy) and bending moments based on the distance of the force application from the sensor surface, with signal processing simplified by a calibration matrix.
- Measurement: Fz, Mx, My (and can derive Fx, Fy based on the force transmission distance)
- Force/torque range:
- Force: 20 N to 5000 N (4,5 lbf to 1124 lbf)
- Torque: 0,2 Nm to 100 Nm (0,001 lbf-in to 0,57 lbf-in)
- Key Features:
- Compact and flat design (12-14 mm thick)
- Four independently wired strain gauge springs
- Simple calibration matrix for signal processing
- Options with 70 or 100 mm diameter
- stainless steel or aluminum alloy
- IP rating: IP66
- Models: 3AFM70, 3AFM110
- Typical applications: inspection tasks, quality assurance, material testing.
3AR Series Round 3-Axis Load Cells
The Series 3AR Suitable for a wide range of industrial and scientific applications, it enables simultaneous measurements in three independent axes. These load cells are designed to provide consistent capacity across all three axes and can be customized for varying capacities, higher temperatures, or OEM/private label requirements.
- Measurement: Fx, Fy, Fz
- Force range: 5 kN to 1000 kN (1.1K lbf to 224K lbf)
- Key Features:
- 3 independent bridges for Fx, Fy, Fz
- Compact size
- Low crosstalk
- Temperature compensated
- Optional extensions:
- BSC4A amplifier for scaled analog outputs for all 3 channels simultaneously
- BSC4D PC interface module for logging, graphing and displaying data for all 3 channels simultaneously
- Typical applications: aerospace, robotics, automotive, medical research (orthopedics and biomechanics), 6-axis force/torque platforms (consisting of 4x 3AR sensors).
5200XYZ 3-axis force-moment load cell
The LowProfile load cell 5200XYZ Multi-Axis Sensor was specifically developed for applications where moment loads must be measured in addition to axial loads. This capability is critical for determining the center of gravity or detecting misalignment. The low-profile design ensures very high shear and moment stiffness.
- Measurement: Thrust force (axial force) and moment perpendicular to the thrust axis
- Force/torque range:
- Force: 4,45 kN to 222 kN (1 k lbf to 50 k lbf)
- Torque: 45,2 Nm to 2,26K Nm (400 lbf-in to 20K lbf-in)
- Key Features:
- Simultaneous measurement of thrust and right-angle moment
- The push axle works exactly according to the specifications of the 1200 model
- Very high shear stiffness
- Very high moment stiffness due to the low-profile design
- Models: 5210, 5220
- Typical applications: Center of gravity (CoG) determination, misalignment detection, and applications requiring simultaneous force and moment measurement.
Applications for 3-axis load cells
Interface's 3-axis load cells are extremely versatile and are used in a wide range of industrial and scientific applications:
- Aerospace for testing components for aircraft and spacecraft.
- Robotics to ensure safe operation and precise force control in robotic systems and collaborative robots (cobots). More.
- Automotive industry for measuring forces in vehicle components, crash testing and performance evaluation.
- Medical research for critical applications in orthopedics and biomechanical studies, such as analyzing joint forces or prosthetic performance.
- Manufacturing and automation for measuring forces during assembly, cutting or punching processes. More.
- Testing of lifting equipment to check the safe operation and load-bearing capacity of lifting platforms and other lifting machines. More.
- Friction tests are used to accurately measure frictional forces in materials and components. Read more about it.
- Product testing in virtual reality to evaluate user interaction and forces during use.
- Motion tracking and navigation systems for providing critical force feedback for advanced systems.
3-axis sensor systems
Interface offers complete solutions for 3-axis load cell systemsFor example, by combining advanced 3-axis Series 3A load cells and the 4-channel BSC4 instrumentation. The multi-axis Series 3A sensor captures X, Y, and Z forces with minimal crosstalk. At the same time, the BSC4D offers USB connectivity and data logging capabilities via BlueDAQ software, allowing users to instantly graph and analyze results on a computer. The BSC4A amplifier provides ±10V and 4-20mA outputs for connection to PLCs or data acquisition systems, while the BSC4D PC interface module includes Interface's BlueDAQ software for recording, graphing, and displaying data. Learn more about the operation and components of this system by viewing the 3A series of 3-axis load cells, the BSC4D multi-channel digital PC interface sensor and Interface's data acquisition system. These systems enable real-time monitoring and recording of force data, providing valuable insights for design, testing, and quality assurance.
Interface's 3-axis load cells are a compact, efficient, and highly accurate solution for measuring complex force dynamics, providing a more comprehensive overview than single-axis sensors. Explore our standard, high-precision 3-axis load cell options to gain deeper insights into your force and torque dynamics, in Interface Multi-Axis Sensor Selection Guide.
Do you have a specific application in mind for which you'd like to consider using a 3-axis load cell, or would you like to learn more about the specifications of a particular model? Contact us to learn more about your options. Check out the multi-axis product line in our Product brochure for multi-axis sensors .