Trends in the testing and measurement industry 2022

Interface continues to experience significant growth in demand and fulfillment of our precision measurement products and services. Despite the ongoing procurement challenges and the overall health and economic situation, we have remained focused on serving our customers with innovative solutions, facilitating requests for specific design and production requirements, and expeditiously meeting delivery schedules in line with our customers' requirements.

As the entire T&M industry has grown, so has the demand from engineers and manufacturers across industries for proven solutions for their test and measurement equipment, expanded capabilities of sensor technologies, and new ways to optimize products with precise, real-time measurements.

Looking ahead to 2022, we are also investing in new and existing trends and exploring how these will shape the overall market next year and beyond. To prepare our customers for this, you will find our forecasts for the new year as well as the current trends in force measurement here. Below, our experts provide insight into how Interface is prepared for these trends as we continue to satisfy our customers at the highest levels. Here's Interface's take on market trends and predictions for 2022 and beyond.

Big data continues to dominate product design and testing
Over the past few years, we've shared our thoughts on the Industry 4.0 revolution and how Interface customers are demanding more data from their T&M tools to deliver accurate accuracy and comprehensive performance data from the earliest stages of product design. Not only will this continue, but it will also expand rapidly. In the world of force measurement, Interface has responded by offering our customers new innovations in multi-axis sensors that provide more force data on more axes. Interface offers a wide selection multi-axis sensors including 2, 3 and 6 axis sensors. We expect the demand for multi-axis sensors to continue to increase as our product range expands to meet the requirements.

In addition, Interface is seeing more and more requests from manufacturers and product designers to incorporate sensors and measurement functions into their products. To enable continuous improvements and advances in intelligent manufacturing and product design, sensors are used to provide real-time feedback on machines, components, devices and consumer products. These sensors are often integrated or built into the OEM product to predict condition in each use case and notify users when repair or adjustment is required to ensure safety, user satisfaction and controlled maintenance. In manufacturing, this capability significantly reduces equipment downtime. To meet this demand, Interface is investing in more automation capabilities within our own manufacturing facilities to produce high volume sensor solutions for OEM customers. This market is growing rapidly and Interface is working hard to meet the needs of our customers who require our products in large quantities.

New advances in strain gauges
Another trend that Interface is actively investing in is new strain gauge technologies and manufacturing techniques to better serve the high production and OEM markets. Interface uses its own strain gauges for all the products we manufacture. When OEMs order products in bulk and need sensors that meet their exact needs without breaking their budget, Interface is ready to meet the demand. One of the ways force sensor manufacturers can meet the cost needs of OEMs is through innovation in strain gauges, the heart of every measurement device. Interface employs a team of resources to design and build custom strain gauges when a unique solution is part of the design requirements. Interface has expanded its specialization and expertise in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and metallurgy to meet this specific trend and need. We are currently conducting critical research and development to find new ways to develop these components and are working directly with our customers to meet their data needs. Check out this post about strain gauges.

Growing demand for wireless solutions
Another trend that continues to gain momentum is the growing need for wireless Measurement solutions. Wireless systems help manufacturers simplify the integration process and create a cleaner and safer test environment with far less cabling. Wireless communication also plays an important role in modern manufacturing and intelligent products. By connecting systems wirelessly, users can monitor testing and check the health of a system in OEM applications from a central point. This also applies to components used in the field, underwater or at remote locations for assembly and testing.

These wireless systems also help significantly improve accuracy. Wireless technology has reached a point where we can get more accurate readings when converting an analog signal to a digital one. This is particularly important in highly complex and regulated industries such as aerospace, energy or medical technology. Wireless solutions will continue to grow, and Interface will continue to develop new total wireless system solutions across our various product lines.

Faster, more efficient calibration services
One of the most critical aspects of working in the manufacturing and technology industries is meeting our customers' needs in a highly timely manner. Innovation, progress and testing requirements leave no one unaffected, and our customers are no exception. This also requires regular maintenance and servicing of our devices. Interface recommends annual calibration to ensure that your force and torque measurement products are functioning as intended. We know they need our products and services quickly. As part of our commitment to our customers, Interface offers high quality calibration services, which are the key to long-lasting and accurate force sensors. This service has grown rapidly along with the force measurement industry and we are receiving more Recalibration orders than ever. To meet this demand, Interface is investing heavily in staff and technology to further accelerate this process and deliver on our promise of rapid turnaround time for calibration services. Read more about calibration here.

Complete systems
Sometimes an out-of-the-box system meets the exact needs, sometimes it's in the box. Due to growing demand, Interface is constantly expanding its product range to include advanced measuring instruments, accessories, sensors and unique housings for complete systems. Our team of solutions engineers work with our customers to identify specifications and understand the application to develop fully customized solutions, from individual sensors to complete systems. These systems can be used in laboratory test environments or as remote testing solutions. Learn more about our custom solutions team’s capabilities here.

These are just a few of the many trends that will emerge in test and measurement technology through 2022 and beyond. Technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Our customers need more data that is rich and accurate. Our sensors are finding new applications and uses ranging from testing unmanned spacecraft to smart agricultural components.

Rest assured that Interface is eager to embrace these trends and support our customers with important innovations in the new year and beyond. This is what we have been doing since 1968. We see a wealth of opportunities and possibilities in working with our customers to obtain the best products for their projects, programs and OEM products. Whether you need our standard, bespoke or custom solutions, we are here for you and ready for 2022. How can we help you?