Force measurement solutions for testing tools
InterfaceforceLoad cells, Torque transducer and Measuring devices are commonly used for testing and measuring various tools and fasteners used in the testing of products and the actual production of various machines and components. The sensor data obtained when measuring assembly tools and fixtures for fastening nuts, bolts and screws is critical to producing safe and reliable products.
For example, the ability to measure the torque of screws and the force of a screwdriver or wrench is very important when tight tolerances are involved, such as in the design and construction of machines and parts for the automotive, aerospace, and aerospace industries the defence.
As in the machine testing blog, we have described some examples of using interface force and torque solutions to measure the performance of design and assembly tools. Further application notes on these and other examples can be found on our Industry Solutions page.
Force and torque when fastening screws
An aerospace company was working on a test plan that required torque and pressure measurements on fasteners with different fastening materials. The system required both high and low sampling rates as well as the ability to precisely measure force and torque simultaneously. It should have reliable accuracy and long-term stability. The test plan should allow verification of the required force and torque specifications for fasteners to ensure safety without compromising the installation. Interface suggested an LW or LWCF force ring coupled with a T12 square drive torque transducer. With this solution, the customer was able to adjust the force and torque measurements to the desired values. This was achieved by combining the sensors with the high sampling rate of the SI-USB's data logging and graphing capabilities, capturing real-time force and torque values for testing. The fasteners were tightened to the specified force and torque requirements and installed securely without damaging themselves or the fastening material. The customer was able to effectively and accurately measure the rapid event. Read more about this screw mounting solution here.
Checking screw connections in aircraft
An aircraft manufacturer needed a solution to control torque when tightening screws on its aircraft models. The aim was to avoid damaging the materials or applying too much torque when screwing aircraft components together. Interface proposed a T15 hex drive torque transducer that can be attached to the screwdriver bench and measures and records the torque, speed and angle of the screwdriver. The LWCF load cell is installed and measures the forces acting on the screw to be fastened. The results are sent to the 4-channel USB4-USB interface module, which connects to the customer's PC or laptop, where the data is logged, graphed and displayed. This solution allowed the aircraft manufacturer to calibrate its screwdriver by measuring its torque, rotation speed and angle when fastening materials for its aircraft. They were also able to measure the forces applied to the screw to ensure it wasn't applying too much torque to the components.
Checking the torque of ratchet screwdrivers
A customer wanted to perform regular torque tests on their ratchet torque wrench and record these values for future study. Interface supplied a model TS15 square flange response torque transducer with the INF-USB3 PC interface module for customer use. The customer mounted the TS15 on the workbench via a flange and inserted the torque transducer with ratchet into the TS15. With this product, the customer was able to accurately perform their calibration tests and view the results while logging them on their PC computer.