This is often done in engineering or physics contexts where precise control and stability are required, such as the design of force measurement applications.
Moment compensation is often used to prevent unwanted movements or deformations in systems, to ensure precision and accuracy in measurements, or to maintain stability and control during operation.
Broad range of applications
Load cells that are moment compensated can be used in a broader range of applications, including those with complex or dynamic loads. It improves accuracy, stability, durability, and versatility. Load cell moment compensation is becoming increasingly important in applications such as robotics and automation, where requirements for high levels of precision and accuracy are vital.
Most load cells are sensitive to orientation and loading concentricity. When external forces or moments are introduced, measurement errors are more common and reduce the accuracy of the readings.
Interface moment-compensated load cells improve accuracy by compensating for the impact of external forces and moments on the measurement, allowing for more precise and reliable measurements. Environmental exposure, seismic vibrations, or impact forces may cause these external forces.
External factors that can affect the measurement accuracy of load cells
- Off-axis loading results when the load is applied away from the centre of the load cell. It creates a moment that can cause measurement errors.
- Temperature changes can cause thermal expansion or contraction of the load cell, leading to measurement errors.
- Vibrations from nearby equipment or processes can cause the load cell to vibrate, leading to measurement errors.
- Changes in the orientation or position of the load cell can cause gravitational forces or other external forces to act on the load cell, affecting the measurement.
- When a load cell is subject to torque, such as twisting or bending forces, it can cause measurement errors.
- Air currents or wind can create external forces on the load cell, affecting the measurement.
Higher accuracy
A load cell that is moment compensated can minimise or eliminate these errors, resulting in higher accuracy. Load cells with moment compensation can be more sensitive to slight changes in the load, as they can compensate for any external forces or moments that might affect the measurement.
The Interface LowProfile™ Load Cell has the intrinsic capability of cancelling moment loads because of its radial design.
The radial flexure beams are precision machined to balance the on-axis loading.
The gauges are precisely placed so that strains due to on-axis loads are additive, and strains due to moment loads tend to cancel under actual moment loading.
Eight strain gauges instead of four
Interface uses eight strain gauges, as opposed to the four used by many manufacturers, which helps to minimise further error from the loads not being perfectly aligned. The strain gauges are arranged in a way that allows the load cell to measure the force applied to it in multiple directions, and the electronics can then use this information to calculate the impact of external forces and moments on the measurement.
Slight discrepancies between gauge outputs are carefully measured, and each load cell is adjusted to reduce extraneous load sensitivity further to meet exact specifications.
LowProfile load cells are moment compensated
Every product we ship must pass moment compensation specifications and performance requirements. Every LowProfile Load Cell is moment compensated to minimise sensitivity to extraneous loads, a differentiator from other load cell manufacturers.
When load cells are moment compensated, they can be used in a broader range of applications, including those with complex or dynamic loads, which might be difficult or impossible to measure accurately using a load cell without moment compensation.
Moment compensation improves the stability of a load cell, particularly in situations where the load is off-centre or subject to torque. This can prevent the load cell from shifting or becoming damaged, leading to more consistent and reliable measurements. It also improves the durability of a load cell, as it can help protect it from the impact of external forces or moments that might cause damage or wear over time.
