Multi-axis sensors + DAQ systems go hand in hand

20 December 2023
Interface Force

Multi-axis load cells have significant advantages and provide valuable benefits in testing labs. The top reason to use multi-axis sensors is to get more measurement data.

Multi-axis sensors + DAQ systems go hand in hand

A data acquisition (DAQ) system consists of hardware and software components designed to collect, process, and analyse data from various sources and convert it into digital format for further analysis and storage.

Multi-axis sensors track performance and reliability better than traditional sensors, with more measurements in more directions. DAQ systems can take full advantage of the increases in measurement for better testing and analysis.

When pairing multi-axis sensors with data acquisition systems, the digitised sensor output allows for remote monitoring, increased analytics, easy access, and advanced data collection.

Watch how Interface's 6-Axis Sensor and our BX8 DAQ System are used to measure and capture critical data from the movements of a robotic hand.

The data provided when using a 2, 3, or 6-axis load cell is used in various applications, including robotics, space projects, virtual reality, motion tracking, navigation systems, and innovative consumer products.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="1000"]Interface Force 3-Axis Sensor, DAQ and BlueDAQ Software Interface 3-Asis Sensor, DAQ and BlueDAQ Software[/caption]

Advantages of Interface's Multi-Axis Sensors

Multi-axis load cells enable test engineers and product designers to simultaneously capture forces in multiple directions. This capability is particularly beneficial when dealing with complex and multidirectional forces common in real-world applications. Engineers can design more robust and optimised solutions by understanding how forces act on a structure or product.

Engineers and product designers prefer multi-axis load cells for several reasons, including:

  • Comprehensive force measurement and better data analysis
  • Compact size with robust capabilities
  • Increased accuracy and reliability
  • Wide range of applications
  • Efficiency and cost-effectiveness
  • Enhanced testing capabilities
  • Saving space in testing
  • Simplifying set-up

Interface’s 6-axis load cells measure forces simultaneously in three mutually perpendicular axes and three simultaneous torques about those same axes. These multi-axis sensors offer 6 or 12 full bridges, providing mV/V output on 6 or 12 independent channels, depending on the capacity of the load cell

These powerful sensors are ideally suited to industrial and scientific applications, such as aerospace, robotics, automotive, and medical devices. A 36 or 72-term coefficient matrix is included for calculating each axis's load and torque values.

The Interface 6A Series 6-Axis High Capacity Load Cell measures Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, and Mz. The capacities range from force 11.2K to 180K lbf (50K to 800K N) and torque 88.5K to 354K lbf (10K to 40K Nm). It is temperature-compensated, compact, and easy to set up. 6A Series 6-Axis Standard Capacity Load Cells are available in force 11.2K to 22.5K lbf (50 to 100K N) and torque 8.85K to 88.5K lb-in (1 to 10K Nm).

Advantages of Interface's BlueDAQ Data Acquisition System

Advantages of Interface's BlueDAQ Data Acquisition System

The Interface BX8-HD44 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System for Multi-Axis Sensors with Lab Enclosure is easy for inexperienced users but powerful enough for sophisticated test engineers. With the BX8, anyone can be up and measuring in minutes.

Designed specifically for use with mV/V output sensors such as force, torque, and pressure along with PT1000 thermocouples, and ±10V output sensors, the BX8 puts graphing, logging, and display capabilities at a user’s fingertips. The BX8 includes 1/4 and 1/2 bridge completion for seamless integration of strain gages. Eight independent user-configurable 16-bit scalable analog outputs can be connected to external devices.

  • High-speed synchronous sampling
  • Critical for dynamic measurements
  • High resolution and low noise
  • Certain load combinations will have very low output on some channels
  • BlueDAQ software for data viewing and analysis
  • BlueDAQ PRO! with MathScript
  • Multiple BX8 can be synchronised with 12-channel 6-axis sensors and force plates.
  • LabView compatible

The BX8 is ideally suited for 6-axis sensors requiring axis load calculations. The sensor coefficient matrix can be loaded internally into the BX8 via the software interface, and the outputs are actively scaled according to the calculations. All channels are sampled simultaneously and fully synchronised. When purchased with an Interface 6-axis sensor, the system will arrive pre-configured and ready to use.

Multi-axis sensors + DAQ systems - find out more

 
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