Application 312: Valve Torque Testing

Application Summary
Reaction torque sensors are often used as auditing and monitoring tools. This application utilises the TFF Series to measure the reaction torque required by an electric valve actuator/motor to operate a ball, plug, or butterfly valve.

Products in Use
FUTEK’s Reaction Torque Flange-to-Flange Sensor (TFF Series) paired with instrumentation (IAA Series analogue amplifiers, USB Solutions, and the IHH500 handheld display). View Product Details

How it Works
1.  In this application, a Reaction Torque Sensor is mounted between the electric valve actuator and valve housing.
2.  The valve stem passes freely through and does not make contact with the Reaction Torque Sensor.
3.  The TFF Series Reaction Torque Sensor measures the torsion/torque moments required by the valve actuator to operate the valve.
4.  The TFF Series measurements are then outputted to a digital display (IHH500), streamed to a PC using FUTEK’s USB solutions, or amplified with IAA series for using with PLCs and data acquisition devices.
5.  In addition, data can be viewed in real time and logged by operators using FUTEK’s SENSIT™ Test and Measurement Software.

If you like further information on any of the Futek  products used in this application and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact FUTEK directly on +949 465 0900

TFF SERIES

Reaction Torque Flange-to-Flange Sensor

IAA SERIES

Analogue Amplifiers

USB SERIES

External High Resolution/Speed USB

DEWESoft X2 SP6 Software Release

DEWESoft X2 SP6 is the latest and most powerful data acquisition software from DEWESoft. 

All DEWESoft X users can upgrade it for free. The new version features many exciting improvements which perfectly uses all available hardware resources and therefore can ONLY be used with DEWESoft hardware. You can download Dewesoft X2 SP6 from this link.

What has been enhanced in SP6:

• added notification window
• added save dialog when something is changed in analyse
• added option to change X and Y axes on Campbell plot
• added option to copy CAN messages from bus to bus and from one setup to another
• added option to change Rx/Tx CAN messages
• added custom keyboard shortcuts
• improved Sirius-CD and Sirius-HS watchdog timer
• added option to copy-paste multiple cells from single column inside grids
• added option to define maximum number of samples shown on GPS map (advanced settings)
• added DCOM events evOnEnterAnalysisMode, evOnEnterMeasureMode
• implemented function generator colours the frequency red if it is set too high
• implemented SIRIUS-HS-LV+ module with vertical counter
• implemented DSI-ACC-0.16Hz
• implemented SIRIUS-HS-HVv2 module
• implemented Krypton-LV_1
• implemented Sirius EtherCAT HD modules
• implemented industrial motherboard SIRIUS-CDI (firmware version 7.2.11.150)
• implemented DS-VGPS-HSCv2
• implemented SIRIUS-ACCv2 and SIRIUS-ACCv2+ modules
• implemented new STGMv3w and STGMv3w+ fronts
• math reference from Dewesoft data file
• LowPass filter values 10/30Hz are now allowed even a HighPass filter is supported by hardware. User has to take not set a useless combination of 10Hz for both HP- and LP-Filter.
• Several BUG fixes

To learn more about DEWESoft X2 please visit the DEWESoft X2 product web page.

If you like further information on the DEWESoft Data Acquisition Systems or Software and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact Dewesoft directly on +43 31 32 2252 or sales@dewesoft.com

NASA Tests new technology on F-1 Engine and records results using Pacific Instruments Data Acquisition Systems & Software

The gas generator to an F-1 engine was test-fired at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Although the engine was originally built to power the Saturn V rockets during America's missions to the moon, the test article had new parts created using additive manufacturing, or 3-D printing, to test the viability of the technology for building new engine designs.  

The successful recording of the tests was done by the Pacific Instruments 6000 Series and its PI660 Software.  Engineers will be able to refer to this data and enable them to determine the suitability of the new test article products used.

If you like further information on any of Pacific Instruments products and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  For outside this area, contact Pacific Instruments directly on +1 925 827 9010  or salesrequest@pacificinstruments.com

The FUTEK team is happy to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the August 6th, 2016 NASA Curiosity Mars Rover landing. FUTEK’s team worked closely with NASA engineers to design two custom cryogenic space/flight qualified sensors for the Curiosity Mars rover.

The two cryogenic load cells took three years of collaboration to develop prior to Curiosity’s launch, and FUTEK is proud to say that they are still performing within their original specifications. The sensors are responsible for monitoring the force of the drill bit located on Curiosity’s arm as well as monitoring the maneuvers of the robot’s drilling arm.

The many discoveries made by Curiosity continue to impress and astound FUTEK’s team and the world, and it will be exciting to see what the future has in store for the Mars Rover. The mission is currently exploring the lower slopes inside of the Gale Crater in hopes of gathering new vital information about the environmental conditions on Mars.

Metromatics are honoured to be Futek's Sales & Distribution partner in Australia & New Zealand - if you would like further information on any of Futek's products, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact FUTEK directly on +1 949 465 0900

X-ES now offer Intel® Xeon® D Single Board Computers with up to 16 Xeon®-Class Cores and Native Extended Temperature Support

Extreme Engineering Solutions (X-ES)  have recently announced that their Intel® Xeon® D-1500 family processor-based single board computers now support up to 16 Xeon®-class cores in a single, power-efficient, System-on-Chip (SoC) package with native extended temperature support on four, eight, and twelve core-count SKUs.

Integrated on X-ES VPX single board computers, these high-performance, low-power processors are optimised for a variety of applications and infrastructure, including routers, network appliances, and battlefield communications.

Intel® Xeon® D processors enable communication service providers to extend network functions virtualisation (NFV) further than had been possible previously and pairing with X-ES’s embedded single board computer technology allows for expanded networking capabilities, accelerated computing, unparalleled processing and the ability to operate in even greater extremes than before with Native Extended Temperature Support.

Intel® has apparently designed these processors to operate between -40°C to 85°C, reducing the need for X-ES engineers to perform independent temperature screening, which expedites product availability.

X-ES embedded single board computers with Intel® Xeon® D processors are designed and built to address the unique environmental and security challenges inherent in military and aerospace applications.

X-ES can integrate any of their Intel® Xeon® D processor-based 3U VPX or 6U VPX single board computers into a reliable, long-term, embedded solution. You can choose from the X-ES 3U VPX XPedite7670, XPedite7672, XPedite7674, or XPedite7676 or alternatively, the robustly featured 6U VPX XCalibur4640 or XCalibur4643.

Several SBCs in the X-ES Intel® Xeon® D processor line integrate SecureCOTS™ technology with a Microsemi SmartFusion®2 security SoC or Xilinx Kintex® UltraScale™ FPGA module for hosting custom functions to protect data from being modified or observed which is an ideal solution when stringent security capabilities are required.

For further information on any of the X-ES Single Board Computer Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au 

Outside this area, please contact X-ES directly on +1 608 833 1155 or sales@xes-inc.com

Dytran Instruments have recently released model 3133D, an ultra miniature hermetically sealed IEPE triaxial accelerometers.

Dytran Instruments have recently released model 3133D, an ultra miniature hermetically sealed IEPE triaxial accelerometers.

As today’s electronic devices continue to decrease in size yet require more development testing than ever before. Series 3133D is characterised by its miniature size(6 mm L X 6mm W X 5.82mm H) which allows it to be mounted in spaces that are inaccessible to other types of triaxial accelerometers.  It features a hermetically sealed titanium case to aid in moisture resistance and weighs only 0.8 grams. The Dytran Series 3133D is offered with a sensitivity that ranges from 0.25mV/g to 10mV/g and utilises adhesive mounting capabilities.  It features a permanently attached 3 ft. long coaxial cable with a 4-pin connector and is designed to mate with several models of extension cables for connection to IEPE power sources.

In each of the three orthogonal axes, the instruments generate an electrostatic charge mode signal by stressing a "planar shear" type of self generating crystal element. This series has very low mass and high crystal stiffness which allows the accelerometers to have a resonant frequency greater than 27 kHz. As a result, it can be used to measure high frequency vibrations with very little error. A TEDS version of this series is also available for customers who need plug and play identification.   

Unique features of the 3133D series include its low frequency response and low base strain sensitivity.  Moreover, series 3133D is ideal for shock and vibration testing of small, lightweight specimens such as printed circuit boards, board-mounted components and other miniature products. It is capable of operating in a variety of application environments including Environmental Stress Screening (ESS), HALT/HASS, modal and structural analysis, product response testing and general purpose triaxial vibration testing.

For further information on the Dytran Instrument Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  Outside this area, please contact Dytran directly on +1 818 700 7818 or sales@dytran.com

Next Computing Portable Radius Workstation incorporating Intel Xeon E5 Processors

We recently received notification that our supplier NextComputing is now offering the Radius Mobile Workstation incorporating the Intel^® Xeon^® E5-2600 v4 processor line.

The Radius is optimised for processing-intensive applications in industries such as broadcast, military, big data, medical imaging, and many more. The latest Intel processors enhance its capabilities to power through the most demanding tasks users can throw at it. Whether an animator, cybersecurity specialist, doctor, or OEM solutions provider, Radius enables better performance in any environment.

The Radius is available with a range of Intel Xeon E5 v4 processor line, including the top-of-the-line Intel Xeon E5-2699 v4, which incorporates 2.2GHz speed, a 55MB cache, and 22 physical cores. With Intel Hyper-Threading enabled, users can utilise 44 threads in this portable, engineering-class workstation.

NextComputing are known for their innovative compact mobile systems that offer features and performance beyond the most powerful notebook computers. The Radius exemplifies the company’s solutions for streamlined powerful portability. It utilises workstation-class processing, multiple PCI Express slots for full-size cards, and an array of storage options including the latest high-capacity Solid State Drives to eliminate complex compute bottlenecks for professional software application users.

Click on the picture to find out more about the state-of-the-art features of the NextComputing Radius Portable Workstation.

For further information on the Radius or any of the NextComputing Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

 

Outside this area, please contact NextComputing directly on +1 603 886 3874 or sales@nextcomputing.com

Jim on Engineering: Episode 78 MIL-STD 810 Test Method 511.5 Explosive Atmosphere

Jim Shaw, Crystal Group’s EVP of Engineering explains MIL-STD 810, Test Method 511.5 Explosive Atmosphere.  The standard is comprised of two procedures regarding equipment operating in environments with little ventilation, such as an aircraft for example.  Check out the video to see what Jim does next.

For further information on the Crystal Group Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

Outside this area, please contact Crystal directly on +1 877 279 7863

Futek IAA300 - Differential Strain Gauge Amplifier

Futek Advanced Sensor Technology has just introduced their newest addition to their amplifier family - The IAA300 - Differential Strain Gauge Amplifier is super-fast (up to 50 kHz bandwidth) and is great for motion control systems. 

Some of the IAA 300’s features include 

• Ultra low noise output 
• Field configurable - make adjustments on the fly 
• Easy to adjust dip switches - save time & money 

Check out the video below!

If you like further information on any of the Futek  IAA 300 Differential Strain Gauge Amplifier and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact FUTEK directly on +949 465 0900

Make your labels "Pop" just like Jody's Popcorn

Jody's Popcorn situated in Virginia Beach produce a huge range of different flavoured delicious popcorn.  Since they have installed the Kiaro their whole sale and promotional products from their beachfront store has tripled - as they produce Popcorn Labels that "POP" and Custom Labels for their wholesale customers.  

The thing they love most about the QLS Kiaro is quality of the finished label, the speed in which it prints and they can't get over the time/money that they are saving from not having to outsource anymore.  You can't say no to a Kiaro!  Check out the video to find out more!

If you like further information on the Quicklabel Systems Kiaro and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact Quicklabel directly on +401 828 4000 or sales@quicklabel.com

Introducing Nova Integration Solutions

Nova Integration Solutions (NIS) is an innovative leader in embedded rugged electronic systems for mission critical platforms in harsh environment applications such as Military Shelters, Ground Mobile Vehicles, Aircraft and Maritime Vessels.

NIS incorporates a wide variety of computing platforms including VME/VME64X, cPCI, VPX, VXS, PC104, COM Express and other small form factor computing platforms.  Their product range includes Rack mount Enclosures, Rugged Printers, ATR Enclosures, Rugged & ATR Chassis and COTS Embedded Systems.

If you like further information on any of the Nova Integration Solutions Products and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact NIS directly on +407 556 3934 or info@novaintegration.com

CAT + FISH Game - illustrating the strength & power of Dewesoft Data Acquisition Systems

DEWESoft's KRYPTON DAQ modules are engineered precisely to withstand all conditions and operate flawlessly in cold places, hot places, dust, mud, water and snow. 

Features include: 

• shock proof
• vibration proof, 
• milled out of a full block of aluminium filled with rubber = water-proof
• IP67 Rated
• operate -40⁰C - +85⁰ C 
• small enough to be close to data source
• or daisy chained

KRYPTON modules are connected to your computer via industrial standard Ethernet connection (EtherCAT® protocol) which provides 100 Mbit data link for hundreds of channels with more than 10 kHz data rate per channel and perfect synchronisation between devices.

When KRYPTON modules are connected to computer via standard Ethernet connection devices are automatically detected without a need to set up any IP address configuration. Once connected simply enjoy full power of Dewesoft X Software which is included with every KRYPTON module.

If you like further information on the Dewesoft Krypton DAQ Modules and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact Dewesoft directly on +43 31 32 2252 or sales@dewesoft.com

Sensor Selection Guide

Sometimes you just need assistance in quickly finding the right sensor to do the right job and with so many out on the market it is hard to differentiate what is what.  

Well Dytran Instruments have developed their new Sensor Selector Guide making it a lot easier to determine what to use - as it is sorted by application.



Dytran's sensors are used for innovative product development, testing and validation with a wide variety of sensors for engineering development, test lab dynamics, reliability end of line testing, machinery validation based maintenance and flight testing. 

Dytran's Sensors are Piezo Electric and variable DC-MEMS based technology - products such as Piezoelectric Accelerometers, DC-MEMS Accelerometers, Mounting Brackets for Accelerometers, Piezoelectric pressure sensors, Piezoelectric Force Sensors, Impulse Hammers & Cable Accessories.

Should you require any further information on Dytran's Complete range in Australia or New Zealand, please do not hesitate to contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

Application 158: Bag Sealer Verification using Subminiature button Load Cells

Application Summary

For sterilized and other sealed pouches and packaging, leaks and partially broken seals are not always apparent. To mitigate seal failure and ensure seal integrity, verification of the heat sealing force is critical, as over/under applied sealing force can cause premature failure of the seal. This application utilises a pair of LLB130 load cells to monitor the force applied to pouch during the pouch sealing process.

Products in Use

FUTEK’s Subminiature Button Load Cell (LLB Series) paired with the IAA series analogue amplifier for feedback into a PLC. View Product Details

How it Works

1. In this application, a pair of Subminiature Button Load Cells is placed so the force exerted on the heater bars by the packaging can be measured.
2. As the pouch moves through the heater bars for sealing, the bars are forced outward, resulting in the load cell buttons measuring the applied force.
3. Utilising two load cells ensures that the heater bars are spread apart evenly and functioning correctly mechanically.
4. The resulting load cell output is then amplified by the IAA series analogue amplifiers for input into the PLC allowing for fault monitoring and pouch seal verification.

For more information on the Futek products used in this application and you reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact FUTEK directly on info@futek.com or +1 949  465 0900

Measuring Extreme Forces on a Snow Trike

KRYPTON instruments from Dewesoft again proved that they are perfect units for tests where size and ruggedness matter. This time it was not just cold, but also fast and extremely bumpy.

WHY?

DEWESoft® helped local startup company called Hillstrike to test their Kickstarter product - a snow-trike that brings the entire experience of pure downhill biking to the snow. The purpose of this tests was to make sure that their trike is not just easy to ride but also engineered to withstand extreme forces that occur during the ride on the bike frame.  Check out the video below to see how they did it!

Three KRYPTON 3xSTG modules were mounted on a trike to measure bike frame loads. The entire system was powered by a DS-BP2i battery pack. KRYPTON modules acquired signals from half-bridge configured strain gauges. Bending and axial loads were recorded to aid the design optimisation of the chassis in order to reduce its weight and ensure safe use for the customer.

If you would like further information on the Dewesoft Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact Dewesoft directly on +43 31 32 2252 or sales@dewesoft.com

Easy integration of Ethernet I/O Modules into Allen-Bradley PLC or Siemen's PLC

Acromag's BusWorks® XT Series and 900EN Series Ethernet I/O modules use Ethernet/IP and Profinet protocols for uncomplicated communication with programmable logic controller (PLC) systems. Get a broad mix of I/O in highly distributed remote zones, without worrying about ambient temperatures (-40 to 70°C) or hazardous locations (UL/cUL Class 1 Div 2).

Easily integrate these compact 16-channel modules with your current PLC, even with top brands such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens.

1. Application Note: Communication with Allen-Bradley CompactLogix Devices

2. Application Note: Communication with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Devices

3. Application Note: Communication with Siemens STEP7 Devices

For further information on the Acromag BusWorks XT Series or 900EN Series I/O in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

If outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on +1 248 295 0880 or sales@acromag.com

Futek Application 314: Hinge Testing

Application Summary

Torque hinges, friction hinges, and position hinges are all synonyms for a type of hinge that allows two parts to rotate about one another when a load is applied. The hinge then returns to its original position when that load is removed due to its high torsional stiffness. Because of this property, they are used in everything, from cabinetry and car glove boxes to laptops and monitor stands. This wide range of uses requires that these hinges survive and very often exceed the lifetime of the product. To ensure this, fatigue and cycle testing must be performed to verify the hinge lifespan when integrated into the product.

Products in Use

FUTEK’s TFF400 Reaction Torque sensor paired with Instrumentation (USB220, IAA Amplifier). For more in-depth analysis of hinge performance, a TRS605 Rotary Torque Sensor with a built-in encoder paired with a USB520 can be used. View Product Details

 How it Works

1. The TFF400 torque sensor is mounted in line with the motor driving the automated cycling system.
2. Although the TFF400 is a reaction torque sensor, if the overall rotation is less than 360 degrees, you avoid the risk of the cable winding around the sensor.
3. The TFF400 is then mounted to the hub of a wheel. The rotation of the wheel will allow the hinge that is to be tested to open and close.
4. The TFF400 will then record the amount of torque needed to open and close the hinge.
5. If the motor is set in brake mode, the torque sensor will be able to measure the torque spring resistance and torsional stiffness.
6. A TFF400 paired with a USB220 can output the results of testing to a PC for data capture and analysis.
7. Additionally, a TRS605 paired with USB520 will allow for the logging of rotary angle data, enabling a study of torque versus hinge angle.

For more information on the Futek products used in this application and you reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact FUTEK directly on info@futek.com or +1 949  465 0900

Jim on Engineering: Episode 77 Introducing the RE1312 Rugged Embedded Computer

Jim on Engineering, Episode 77: Jim Shaw, Crystal Group’s EVP of Engineering introduces the RE1312 Rugged Embedded Computer that features a carbon fibre chassis.  

The unit is designed for workstation capability in situations where weight is a concern such as in a transit case or in airborne applications.

For further information on the Crystal Group Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

Outside this area, please contact Crystal directly on +1 877 279 7863

Jim on Engineering: Episode 76 Introducing the RE1401 Rugged NUC

Jim on Engineering, Episode 76: Jim Shaw, Crystal Group’s EVP of Engineering introduces the extremely small form factor RE1401 Rugged NUC (Next Unit Computing) designed for space constrained applications in defence and industrial environments. Jim explains the features of the rugged NUC by showcasing a fully functioning prototype. 

For further information on the Crystal Group Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au


Outside this area, please contact Crystal directly on +1 877 279 7863