Applications > Automotive

Interface Inc load cells are used in the automotive industry for the testing of different components by the automotive manufacturers test laboratories and suppliers. The following are two examples of how these load cells are used in this industry.

• The gear shift is placed under extreme hydraulic force pushing and pulling in and out, back and forth, testing for wear and strength of the shift arm, housing and lock out assembly. Units are tested until there is a failure. The design of the structure and the gear shift is critical to safe operation of the vehicle.
• Interface load cells are used in testing the breaking forces for the seat belt anchors. This is done by attaching hydraulic cylinders with the load cells. This generates a force that equals the impact of the vehicle in a crash, simulating human body movement. This test determines whether the frame or structure of the vehicle has the strength to hold and not allow the a person to be thrown from the vehicle.

Industries:

• Automotive
• Farm Equipment
• Miscellaneous vehicles

Testing Activities:

• All car/truck body components
• Tractors and equipment
• All stress related testing

Load Cells:

• SM Series, capacities 10-1000lbf
• SSM series, capacities 50-5000lbf
• 1500 Low Profile Series (Best for low moment sensitivity) capacities 50-300lbf
• 1000 Low Profile Series (Best for low moment sensitivity) capacities 250-100,000lbf

Benefits:

Interface load cells are specified by the automotive, trucking and farm equipment manufacturers and their suppliers. The self temperature compensated strain gauges employed provide performance unequalled by other load cell brands. This eliminates the needs for add on compensation elements. The key benefits include:

• Low sensitivity to moments and side loads results from alignment and wear on the Low Profile model
• Low sensitivity to thermal gradients caused by temperature changes in the test areas
• Low creep error, every load cell must meet stringent creep specifications
• Low deflection and high stiffness resulting in high natural frequency
• Low no-linearity and excellent symmetry throughout the rates range in both tension and compression