Force Measurement

Equipment
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.

Calibration Made Easy
Calibrating force measurement systems is no longer an issue with Hardy`s C2, Second Generation Calibration. The C2 system consists of Hardy C2 certified load points, weight controllers, junction boxes and cabling to make calibration easier than ever before.

Each C2 certified load point contains digital information detailing its unique performance characteristics. The C2 system uses these characteristics to electronically calibrate the scale. When power is applied, the weight controller automatically searches for C2 certified load points and saves the data to memory. A reference point is entered by the operator and the scale is fully calibrated. The reference point can be anywhere from zero to the scale`s capacity.

Data Security
Each Hardy weight controller includes a Secure Memory Module which automatically stores and protects critical data including calibration, setup and operating parameters. If the instrument ever needs replacement, the Secure Memory Module can be transferred to another weight controller and all critical data is restored, making your force measurement system operational within minutes.

Instrumentation and Controls
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 wound 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.

Tension
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 Instruments 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.

Breaking Force
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
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 Testing
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 controller 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.

Overload Warning
Force measurement is used for safety reasons to prevent overload. For example: Hardy`s instruments and load points can monitor the force of a crane or hoist lifting a cargo container from a ship`s hull to detect when the container doesn`t clear the opening or monitor the force of a scraper being pulled up the walls of a dam to prevent motor failure and cable breakage. Testing for overload can save damage, dollars, time and even lives.

Defining Your System
Hardy`s knowledgeable Manufacturer`s Representatives, Sales Managers and Application Engineers can help you define a system which will yield the most accurate force measurement system.

Hardy "Leads the Weigh" in process weighing with 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.

Below is a list of process weighing instrumentation that is available from Hardy:

• Weight Controller
• Rate Controllers
• Filling/Dispensing
• Weight indicators
• PLC Weigh Scale Modules
• Junction Boxes
• Platform Scales
• Transmitters
• Load Points (load cells & mounting hardware)

Both in-house and on-site product training classes are available for these products.