A UK manufacturer of torque sensors is offering custom designed static/reaction torque transducers on similar lead times to its standard units, with only a small premium on the standard list price.
Applied Measurements Ltd, based in Aldermaston, is able to design and manufacture custom torque sensors to meet any customer requirement, including different flange diameters, unusual sizes of square drive, special sealed versions and shorter, more compact designs.
According to Peter Lewis, Managing Director at Applied Measurements: “Many manufactured products require fatigue testing to ensure that they can operate for a guaranteed minimum period of time. An accelerated life test, for example, may be carried out on a drive shaft to determine the torque limits. The fatigue testing can sometimes be an afterthought. If this is the case, some kind of customised sensor is then required before the torque sensor can be coupled to the test unit. This is what Applied Measurements specialises in.”
Whilst Lewis concedes that there are plenty of companies able and willing to supply static (reaction) torque sensors from their standard range, many do not offer customised designs, let alone on lead times that are similar to standard product.
Applied Measurements manufactures two types of static torque sensor as standard, a square drive mounting type and a flange mounted unit. The DTD-S square drive mounting sensor is designed specifically for measuring direct torque and is ideal for use in the calibration or testing of torque tools (screwdrivers, spanners, etc) in a quality assurance and inspection environments. The sensor is constructed from stainless steel and is protected to IP65. For fast, easy connection, the sensor is supplied with an integral, robust bayonet lock military connector. The DTD-S is available from 10Nm up to 50,000Nm as standard, with custom versions rated to 200,000Nm.
The DTD-F range of flange mounting static torque sensors are also designed to measure direct torque, but are ideally suited to fatigue test applications. Again, the units are finished in stainless steel and are protected to IP65. The sensor is provided with an integral, robust bayonet ‘lemo’ connector for fast, easy connection.
As Lewis continues: “The flange mounting sensors are normally used in applications where there are two mating faces, one driving or applying the torque and the other resisting the torque. For any torque sensor to work, there has to be a reaction or load to generate the resistance to motion and hence torque.”
“While we offer customers a range of standard torque sensors, we also have the ability to design and manufacture custom torque sensors, where the standard unit does not suit the application. It could be the size and shape of the sensor that needs changing, but could also include the need for odd size ranges that fall between the standard increments.”
Lewis says this could include making the sensor longer, shorter, broader, or with different flange diameters and thicknesses. Units with different hole spacing or with an odd size of square drive may be requested. As an alternative to the square drive unit, Applied has also custom designed round shaft units with keyways. By creating a tubular design and applying the gauges internally, it is possible to create high integrity sealed units for wet environments. Other custom torque sensor designs have included two-axis measurement of combined force and torque, pressure-compensated models or complete submersion units.
Applied Measurements has supplied custom static torque sensors to a variety of customers and industry sectors, including aerospace, marine, oil and gas, robotics, machine building and plastic moulding machines.
Applied Measurements’ full range of static torque sensors can be seen here. Alternatively, please call the sales department on 0118 981 7339 or email: info@appmeas.co.uk.
