Providing our customer with a practical, reliable solution for internal testing & external engagement
A customer approached us with a requirement to compare the friction force generated by three different pillowcase materials: cotton, silk and a novel material. The goal was not only to validate their internal research, but also to create a system suitable for live customer demonstrations.
Validating material performance and enabling live demonstration
Before coming to us, the customer explored potential solutions, using an AI model. The model had pointed them in our direction due to our range of multi-channel amplifiers, and it suggested to pair this with one of our three axis load cells. While this approach would have delivered usable data, it was not optimal for the specific requirements of this application.
Following a detailed consultation, it became clear that only a single friction force measurement per sample was required. The applied load was already known, meaning compressive measurement was unnecessary. As a result, a three-axis load cell would have introduced unnecessary complexity and cost.
We recommended a more streamlined and cost-effective approach using a single axis load cell, ensuring accurate results without compromising on performance.
The rig design consisted of three material samples, with three small sleds weighted to approximate the weight and force of a human head. The sleds were moved linearly across the sample materials via a rod with the load cell attached to it to measure the friction forces.
Pig skin was chosen as the contact material, due to its ease of availability, cost-effectiveness and close similarity to human skin.
For the load cell we selected the KD80s-100N from ME-Systeme. 100N was chosen as the customer’s expected friction values sat within this range, whilst also providing enough resolution for low friction measurements, alongside other benefits.
The GSV-6T3 CAN/M12 was selected to support simultaneous data from all three load cells, essential for an unbiased comparison between materials. It comes with free software allowing data to be logged, graph each channel, or a large format display for live value viewing. The dual CAN bus and USB outputs allow for a perfect mix of flexibility and ease of use.
A benefit not needed for this application is chaining multiple amplifiers together via the CAN bus for advanced multiple amplifier setups.
Prior to shipment, we preloaded the characteristic values for each load cell into the amplifier, labelled all channels and verified the system using weight. This preparation enabled the customer could deploy the system immediately, will full confidence in measurement accuracy.
The customer was very happy with their system. It successfully produced differentiated friction results for each of the three materials, allowing the customer to validate their research with confidence.
The clear, real-time visual display proved highly effective in live demonstration, presenting only the most relevant data needed at the time and making the results easy to interpret, while engaging customers in a clear and simple to understand manner.
In addition to delivering accurate and repeatable measurements, the simplified system design reduced both cost and complexity, while maintaining high performance. This provided the customer with a practical, reliable solution for both internal testing and external engagement.
Interface Force Measurements Solutions Ltd is a UK-based engineering specialist in force, torque, and pressure measurement systems. As the master distributor and technical centre for Interface load cells across the UK, Ireland, the Middle East, and North Africa, we do far more than simply supply products — we design, build, and support complete measurement solutions tailored to customer applications.
Our newly established UK calibration laboratory represents a major investment in UK capability. It enables us to provide comprehensive in-house calibration, testing, and verification services, to our customers. While ensuring every solution we deliver meets the highest international standards. This facility reinforces our commitment to supporting UK industry with precision, reliability, and fast turnaround times.
Working with world-class partners such as Interface, DDM Sensor Solutions, AMTI Force Measurement Systems, GP:50 Pressure Sensors, and XSENSOR Intelligent Dynamic Sensing, we integrate cutting-edge transducers, sensors, and instrumentation into fully engineered systems.
All our partners share our values of quality, reliability, and customer focus. Whether you need a standard transducer, a custom-designed force measurement system, or complete system calibration and support, Interface Force Measurements provides manufacturer-grade solutions with UK-based technical expertise and service.