Why Load Cells Are A Real Force In Engineering
If you have been on a public weighbridge or seen a concrete mixer batching station with the tall silos on a large site, then you will have seen load cells in action. The Load cell is generally referred to as transducer and can be found in very many applications in the Engineering and Processing Industry sectors to measure force (or weight), torque or bending moments in structures.
These days, sensor technology has moved on from single measurements that are recorded manually, to continuous digital monitoring of dynamic forces in real time using industry-standard protocols so that they can be used as part of an integrated process control system.
The technology for the sensors is largely based on resistive strain gauges that are usually set in a diamond pattern, bonded to a metal body that deforms slightly along the axis of the load being measured. The resistance of the strain gauges are measured in a Wheatstone (or Ohm) bridge arrangement. The output signal needs to be conditioned and amplified before being transmitted to the digital display and/or on to the remote control or recording system.
Let us now canter through the various types of load cells in common use throughout the Engineering Industry. First, let us look at tension force sensors. These can be found typically on cranes and other hoisting equipment where the force is transferred from a cable shackle to a load pin attached firmly to an ‘S’ beam or pancake type force sensor.
This type of sensor typically measures forces on a continuous basis from a few kilograms for small applications to over 1.5 tonnes. The sensor’s output is commonly linked to the craneage’s overload alarm system as well as any necessary load monitoring in the control cabin via a remote digital display. Another well-known application is in the materials testing laboratories where ‘S’ load cells are incorporated into test machines tensioning metal samples to destruction.
Pancake compression load cells are, as the term implies, used to measure compressive loads usually in fixed equipment or structures where their low profile can be easily incorporated into the equipment’s structure. Typical applications include weighbridges, batch process weighing of liquids or granular solids and monitoring bridge loading for long term research.
Beam load cells with their deforming body in a doughnut shape are at the small end of the scale and they have wide use where small scale axial compressive and tensile forces need to be measured. Laboratory environments, testing facilities or small suspended hoppers, where a slim, compact and accurate load cell are typical applications. This load cell can be made more sensitive by incorporating it into a cantilever beam load arrangement.
Torque sensors come in two main forms to measure static torque (commonly defined as less than 360 degrees) as well as dynamic ( or rotary) torque sensors with sizes ranging from very small 0.1 Nm to over 80kNm. The static torque sensors can be found on diverse applications such as torque wrench and tool calibration and aircraft component development. The dynamic torque sensor is widely used for automotive power monitoring and testing, engine test stands, wind turbines and torque measurement on drive shafts.
Andrew Long writes for a series of engineering websites and media about related products and applications. Get information and resources about force sensor devices as well as torque sensors and beam load cell information.
How Power Transmission Technology Has Moved On
At one time, engineering power transmission components brought back memories of high grade steel components being manufactured in machine shops reeking of cutting fluid and lubricating oil. For example, gear grinding to give the gear tooth profile was a time consuming business requiring high workshop skills.
These days a great deal has changed, not only do we have full CNC machining, but now a whole range of new high-performance plastic materials being used for the small and medium sized power transmission sector. The redolent reek may still be there in some specialist machine shops, but the technology has been shaped both by innovation of new technology and the application of ever-increasing cost efficiency measures that the modern world demands for survival.
These are the drivers that have changed the manufacturing landscape. There is now a large range of off-the-shelf components and assemblies that have been engineered around the world to provide all conceivable combinations of air drive or electric motors, spur gear heads, axial gear heads, couplings, shafts and other power transmission components.
Innovation and out-sourcing for specialist products have driven a revolution in highly specialised modular manufacturing much to the benefit of first-line manufacturers of end-user equipment.
Take for example, piston air motors. These little motors with torques up to 80 Nm, are driven by compressed air. With their acetal plastic body construction, they are fast catching on for such diverse applications as switching servo motors for substations as well and as air source control drives for medical machinery and machinery in hazardous spark-free environments.
Typically, they feature a 3 piston radial arrangement and they are available both as standalone with a drive spindle, or with integral planetary, spur or wormwheel gear heads. With high-ratio reduction gearing up to some 300:1, these little motors are highly controllable and they are successfully employed giving precise positioning control both linearly with worm gearing, or rotationally.
Proximity pulse counters attached to each cylinder head can provide the digital output necessary for electronic control. Low weight and a crisp response at start up courtesy of maximum torque being developed; give these arrangements a real niche for precise control.
I was struck by the enormous range of gears available on the market and this range is growing all the time. A typical supplier’s portfolio contains, for example, spur gears in steel, stainless steel, brass, Acetal and Delrin. The latter two are high performance thermoplastics with a high Young’ Modulus and a high operating temperature range. Acetal with its superior stability has the gear teeth machined with helical or straight-cut profiles.
Also to be found in these supplier portfolios, are a vast range of high performance power transmission components. Again, high-performance thermoplastic and elastomer components are strongly featured. Take for example, precision couplings that can take a high degree of angular and axial misalignment and still efficiently deliver power across the coupling without undue vibration and noise.
Also to be found are universal joints, shafts, worm shafts, clutches that first make prototyping easy during the development phase of a machine as well as for the volume production phase.
Other resources about Piston air motor products and power transmission components can be found on engineeringface as well as our targeted piston air motors blog
Choosing The Right SEO Specialist Company
The whole world of SEO is certainly changing. When I first got involved in 1999 it was a very different story. Back then there were a number of so called gurus who had made millions from affiliate deals and were shouting about their expertise (and themselves) at conference venues around the world. Even SEO competitions for key phrases like ‘Best SEO Company in the world’ were going on. So, the first SEO company to get top positions for this key phrase won – how much of an ego did they have?
These days companies want something very different. All the shouting is over and the major search engines are more interested in user experience than anything else. Sure, this includes a good site structure, as well as design, navigation and other key components, but it what is on the page that counts now. It is all very well rewriting a bit of content to make it sound unique but it must do more than that.
The latest updates by google means that you should now consider a unique angle and even the right tone for your main material. This means a much more personal writing skill and will add your own personality to the pages. This is quite a bit more work, but a general routine of 2-3 pages per week certainly adds up very quickly.
A good SEO expert will now have to do a bit more hand holding in terms of page content, internal and external linking structures and making sure the functionality and social tools are up to scratch. To engage your customers, you need something of value and this includes being creative in your thinking. Any decent SEO expert will help you to do this consistently and it is their job to guide you through the process.
There are so many parts to consider when you look at an SEO campaign but any specialist knows that is has to be done in a methodical way. If not, you’ll lose interest and patience very quickly, as things get muddled up and it will take longer to see results. Make sure that your search engine optimisation expert understands what you want out of the website and what you want to get from potential customers. A standard feedback from is all well and good but are visitors going to use it?
The whole world of external SEO is a major exercise and can be time consuming. Don’t expect results in just a few weeks. This business is long-term and it takes time to establish better, rankings, relationships and ultimately search engine positions for your main keywords and phrases. Just make sure that your specialist is working hard to gain trust and credibility through higher quality channels. Anyone can manipulate results to a certain extent but this is usually from obtaining low quality links on low value sites. This usually yields short-term gains and will not last.
A really good SEO consultant will identify the key pages to concentrate on and will establish a program to move this in the right direction. They should also look at your analytics and webmaster tools packages and be able to see which areas of your site need some work. The main keywords will also show up during this process and this will save you and them valuable time in the future. Work with your SEO contact and make sure they work with you too.
Andrew Long is an SEO expert and consultant living on the Suffolk/Norfolk border in the UK. Take a look at Andrew’s sites at seo suffolk and also norfolk seo services.
Is The Traditional Vintage Tea Party Set To Continue
We’re all stepping back in time and this proves the theory behind the idea of providing vintage china hire and tea party services for celebrations and gatherings of friends, family and loved ones.
I have Just been out for some retail therapy and it has really struck me just how much new china there is in the shops. These products seem to be taking on the vintage china look and they offer a large variety.
All of the large department stores seem to have collections around the older style designs and this includes everything from cake stands, tea pots to cups and saucers. I started to notice this for the first time a year or so ago, but this year it seems to have really taken off in a big way.
The fact is that afternoon tea china wear is obviously in demand and is everywhere to be seen at the moment. At the same time I have also seen a major decline in the availability of vintage china, especially at our local markets and charity shops. The popularity of purchasing china from charity shops tells me that many young brides are becoming regular vintage china buyers and it seems a highly fashionable wedding trend – and this calls for a vintage style afternoon tea reception.
The english royal wedding in April 2011 seems to have grabbed people’s attention in the UK. The fact that we also have an Olympic games in London for the first time since 1948, may also be bringing out any feelings of patrionage and nostalgia. There certainly seems to be a lot of bunting and Union Jack china around too.
The new china being sold in the towns and cities are very pretty and include well designed and familiar vintage patterns. These items are lovely, but for me it just isn’t the same as using real vintage china for your afternoon tea. There just seems to be a realistic and uncomplicated simplicity to old china that is so difficult to copy in the newer products. Of course, they may take on their own personality in 50 years time.
The thing to remember though is that old china is steeped in history and you really feel the part as you involve yourself in some quaint and special ritual – something that has been passed down from generation to generation. The fact is that if china has lasted someone a life time and has been treasured, loved and used to partake in one of our finest national traditions, it is something of real substance and purpose. It is something that makes us feel very special indeed.
However, saying that it now seems that old stocks of vintage china are now running short and with the revival and current new trends for taking afternoon tea at an all time high, there is now a need for new china. Of course, if you are lucky enough to have a vintage china set that has been passed down to you then do make the most of it and look after it.
The good news is that the buyers of the new china tea sets will have something to pass on to the next generation of afternoon tea lovers and so my wish is that my grand children’s children will one day sit in the garden with their own friends and loved ones and appreciate the little bit of history and nostalgia for themselves.
Take a look at other targeted resources about vintage crockery hire or also about vintage tea party occasions as well as vintage china hireservices, products and associated information.
A Guide To Digital Laboratory Scales
Digital scales are one of the most common pieces of equipment in labs, research settings and educational establishments around the world. They enable operators to take incredibly accurate readings that are reliable and without affecting the sample. Modern digital weighing scales are designed to withstand all sorts of tough conditions, ensuring they can be used in any environment.
Design and construction of digital scales
Digital scales for laboratories are designed and manufactured to the very highest standards. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they remain accurate, consistent and safe no matter what happens. Lab balances can be used with even the most dangerous or unstable chemicals and offer reliability and control across a wide range of variables such as temperature or pressure. This makes them one of the most important and widely-used pieces of equipment and ensures they help, not hinder, all sorts of experiments, trials and research.
The digital displays make readouts easy to take and reduce the likelihood of errors. The digital nature also means the readings can be automatically sent to a computer or recording device. Together, this means high accuracy and ease of use, with no need to worry about writing every measurement down or asking colleagues for a second opinion. Because the weight can be determined incredibly accurately, scientists are able to carry out the most exact experiments.
Choosing the best lab scales
When it comes to purchasing new digital lab scales, there are many things to consider. As well as assessing the cost, take into account factors such as the customer support and servicing offered by the manufacturer or retailer. This could be vital should you have any difficulties.
Take a look at all the features of the lab scales on offer. As well as the level of accuracy, consider the connectivity, such as USB or wireless, and how units of measurement can be changed. The things each piece of kit can do will vary, so consider which ones are most important to the setting and do not worry about having capabilities that will never be required.
It is also important to assess the quality of the construction – look for fine stainless steel with no gaps where dust and debris can get in and affect the measurements. Protective shields and automatic tare functions are also good signs of quality and reliability.
The top-end scales will offer benefits like Bluetooth connectivity and automatic readouts and calibration. This kind of addition will make the kit more expensive, but could be a great boost to the lab.
Using lab scales
Digital lab scales can be used in many types of situation and, on the whole, operating them is straightforward. They are vital in many settings, from medical research to education.
The scales require an electrical connection but should also have a battery backup so that data is not lost in the event of a power failure.
At all times, the scales should be well-maintained and regular checks will ensure they always meet the required accuracy and safety requirements.
Take a look at other targeted resources about analytical balance products or specifically about laboratory scales devices and lab scale and other weighing instruments.