In addition to measuring the gravimetric force of weight, Hardy's systems can measure non-gravimetric forces in a wide variety of applications like controlling tension, determining the breaking point or hardness of a material, force testing, and overload warning. Weight can be used to measure mechanical forces in any direction.
Hardy controllers are used with load points (load cells and mounting hardware)/platform scales to measure force. Using the correct load point/platform scale and mounting it so that it is only subjected to the force under test is crucial to a good force measurement system. Force measurement systems depend on proper placement of the force sensing load point and advanced technology to deliver stable readings. Hardy's WAVERSAVER® provides accurate force measurement readings by ignoring mechanical vibrations.
The electronic portion of the force measurement system is dictated by the requirements for viewing and recording data and for taking action upon reaching exception forces. Relays based on peak forces can sound an alarm or halt a process. Displays alert operators to alarm conditions. Host computers and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) can receive the force measurement information for higher levels of calculation.
Pulling power cables between towers with a helicopter, across the ocean floor or fiber optics through a conduit or pipe all have certain tension requirements. Hardy weight controllers and load points are used to monitor the pulling tension to avoid breaking or sagging. In web tension applications, many rolling press operations monitor or control tension to yield consistent product and to avoid costly shutdowns due to breakage.
Hardy controllers and load points/platform scales are used to measure tensile and yield strength of materials during destructive testing. Breaking force applications test a product or material's quality by recording the highest value measured before breakage occurs (peak hold). For example, the quality of a charcoal briquette is measured by the amount of force it will withstand before breaking. Chain testing determines tensile strength by measuring the force required to break a single link.
Material hardness testing is done to reject weak product or classify it for other users. For example, the firmness of cooked food products is measured with Hardy's controller and load points/platform scales to assess the crushing force.
Force in any direction can be tested or measured with Hardy controllers and load points/platform scales. The following are examples of force testing applications. A force measurement system records the thrust from a jet engine under test. The resistance of a cargo release latch on a C17 aircraft is tested with a portable force measurement system. An automotive clutch pressure plate manufacturer inspects the spring response before shipping. The quality of home insulation panels is controlled by constant and even gluing pressure. The crimping force for electrical connectors on an automotive cabling assembly is monitored and controlled to prevent weak crimps. The density and percent solids of a stream of waste is measured by the force on a chain.
Hardy's knowledgeable Sales Application Engineers can help you define a system that will yield the most accurate force measurement system. For more information, call your local representative or call us toll-free at (800) 821-5831.
Hardy "Leads the Weigh" in process weighing with Hardy Process Toolbox, including WAVERSAVER®, C2®, Second Generation Calibration, and the Secure Memory Module. WAVERSAVER® ignores plant vibration for a quick and accurate weight reading, C2®, Second Generation Calibration allows you to calibrate electronically without test weights, and the Secure Memory Module stores critical data including calibration to keep it safe from corruption.
