Package Drop Test - Application 162

Application Summary

Drop testing packaging is a novel way of testing the viability of various packaging processes to ensure that packaged products arrive at their destination safely. To accomplish this, a system is designed to drop packages from varying heights onto a platform that rests upon load cells placed beneath the platform. The load cells output the force of the impact of the packaging. In addition, by making the platform removable, different platforms can be constructed to test different drops, such as dropping down stairs.

Products in Use

FUTEK’s Pancake Load Cells (LCF Series) coupled with USB530 High Speed, USB Data Acquisition Kit. View Product Details

How it Works

1. Four LCF series pancake load cells are mount on the four corners of the drop test machine base. The test platform is then bolted over the four load cells.
2. When a package is dropped, the load cells in each corner measure and send load data to the USB530 data acquisition unit.
3. The data collected is displayed, logged, and graphed via SENSIT on a PC.
4. By changing out the test platform, different drop scenarios can be simulated and recorded for study and compliance with testing standards such as ASTM D5276 and ISTA 1a, 2a, and 3a.

If you like further information on any of the Futek's Applications 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

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

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

Futek's LCM300 Miniature threaded load cell: Small, Smart and now RoHS Compliant

Our valued partner FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology has announced the release of the LCM300, a miniature in-line threaded load cell with a capacity range from 22kg to 453Kg.  

This product is now RoHS Compliant, has robust construction in 17-4 Stainless Steel with male threads and 3 metre long 28 AWG 4 Conductor Shielded PVC Cable.  It has an exceptionally miniature design with a tiny height of 3 cm tall and diameter of 2.54 cm.

The Futek LCM300 is a tension and compression load cell and offers high accuracy and stiffness.  It has nonlinearity of +/-0.5% and deflection of 0.001”nominal making it ideal for Endurance, Press or Inline Applications.

Product Highlights:

• Weight: 56 Grams
• Miniature Design
• Resistance to High Extraneous Loads
• Low Deflection
• 17-4 Stainless Steel Construction
• Both Tension & Compression
• Utilises Metal Foil Strain Gauge Technology

To find out more about the LCM300, contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au and we will be happy to provide you with more information.

If you are not from Australia or New Zealand, please contact Futek directly on +1 949 465 0900 or info@futek.com

Sub miniature load cells accuracy

Miniature Load Buttons or Load Cells are traditionally not known for their high accuracy.  However, FUTEK engineers have dispelled this concept by improving the accuracy of this type of product to a Non Linearity of ±0.5% and Deflection of 0.002” nominal.  

Thereby, announcing the FUTEK LLB130, an accurate sub miniature light weight load button load cell.  It has a capacity range from 1000g to 22.6 kg (50 lb), made from a robust 17-4 PH Stainless Steel, it is RoHS Compliant and only weighs 8.5g with a 3.30mm profile height. It is ideal for Press or Inline compression applications.

LLB130 Highlights include

• Fully Internally Temperature Compensated (NO external conditioning circuitry)
• Low Weight
• Low Deflection
• 17-4 Stainless Steel Construction
• Sub miniature size
• Compression
• Uses Metal Foil Strain Gauge Technology
• Also Available with TEDS/IEEE1451.4 Option

Metromatics    I   07 3868 4255   I   sales@metromatics.com.au   I 

Explore What's Possible with FUTEK'S New Application Booklet

FUTEK has put together a PDF Collection of their best and most interesting applications using FUTEK Load Cells, Torque, Pressure and Multi-Axis Sensors.  

So next time, you need to quickly look up how to integrate FUTEK Technology into your most challenging applications reach for this reference guide and give Metromatics a call to supply all your FUTEK Sensor requirements.

Metromatics  I  07 3868 4255  I sales@metromatics.com.au  I www.metromatics.com.au