OEM Load Cells, Force Sensors and Torque Sensors

OEM Load CellsSensing Systems produces load cells and torque sensors that are widely used in OEM applications.  Our products are found in vending machines, golf ball dispensers, medical devices, pharmaceutical mixers, tablet presses, appliances, physical therapy equipment, exercise machines and dozen other applications.  We study each application and recommend a course of action based on the lowest cost and long term reliability criteria.  We provide very fast turnaround times during all stages of development from prototype to full production. 

The purpose of incorporating a sensor into a product is to add measuring capabilities to monitor and/or control a process or activity.  To accomplish this objective, Sensing Systems’ methodology includes a comprehensive approach utilizing one of the following options:

  • Incorporating a Standard Sensor
  • Incorporating a Non-standard Sensor
  • Modifying an Existing Part into a Sensor

Incorporating a Standard Sensor:

Using a standard sensor is usually the simplest approach to adding measuring capability to a product and may be the best option.  However, this approach is not necessarily the cheapest or most efficient.  Standard load cells come in fixed geometries and sizes requiring that fixtures or adapters be added to the system to mechanically interface the sensor to the rest of the product.  Sensing Systems will recommend this approach if the costs, reliability and accuracy requirements surpass those offered by the other two options.  In some cases our standard units do not match the project requirements where this approach is preferred.  When this occurs we recommend sensors manufactured by other companies if they fit the application.  One benefit of this approach is that no development program is usually required.

Incorporating a Non-standard Sensor:

In some cases incorporating a non-standard or custom sensor is the superior alternative.  This occurs when the sensor required has a non-standard shape and the accuracy requirements are very specific to the application.  Sensing Systems specializes in designing and manufacturing custom and non-standard sensors see Custom Load Cells and Custom Torque Sensors.  Most OEM applications can be satisfied by performing modifications to standard load cells or torque sensors.  The changes result in a custom product with the same performance specifications and production costs as standard units.


Modifying Existing Parts into Sensors:

This option may potentially yield the lowest production costs and has the main advantage that no additional parts have to be manufactured.  In order to make a sensor out of an existing part, a careful analysis of the part and drawing must be made.  Typically, a sensing element is added to the existing part and the material may be changed to a higher strength alternative.  The resulting part is identical in form and function as the original but now includes measuring capability.  This approach usually requires a development program to ensure that the required performance is obtained from the selected part.  Sensing Systems performs all of required activities from design of the sensing element, to testing and full production.  Development of a new part from design to pre-production runs may be accomplished in as little as two weeks.

OEM Torque Sensors
Configurations

Sensing Systems design and manufacturing capabilities result in sensors that can be incorporated into any shape or configuration.  This is very important for the last two options mentioned above.  The outside geometry of any sensor may be machined to any section or shape required by the application.  Sensing Systems’ approach is to incorporate our standard sensing elements into a shape that fits the customer’s application.  This allows us to deliver non-standard or custom load cells matched to the application within a short period of time.

Capacity & Traceability

Capacities vary from 10 grams to 3,000,000 lbs for load cells requiring NIST traceable calibrations.  For torque sensors, capacities vary from 1 lb.in to 30,000 lb.ft with Traceability.

Turnaround and Delivery

Prototypes for new OEM sensors are typically delivered two weeks from receipt of order.  When needed, three to five day delivery can be met.  A “fast track” project can be completed in one to two weeks from first prototype to full production.  Sensing Systems supports critical applications by working overnight and weekends.

Environment

All load cells and torque sensors may be waterproofed to withstand the rigors of challenging environments including wet, splash or underwater.  These units are designed to operate in a wide temperature range from -452˚F to 450˚F (-269˚C to 230˚C).   Service in chemically active and corrosive environments is also possible.

OEM Force Sensors
Applications

All industries benefit from incorporating sensors into OEM units.  The advent and maturation of plc’s, computer and microprocessor based systems require sensing capabilities in all products where decisions are made based on measurements.  OEM standard and non-standard load cells and torque sensors are used in all industries where process monitoring and control are a primary function. 

OEM sensors find use in the following industries:

  • Bridge/Infrastructure
  • Power Generation
  • Transportation
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Steel
  • Marine
  • Medical
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Physical Therapy / Sports Medicine
  • Automotive
  • Agricultural
  • Food and Beverage
  • Packaging
  • Entertainment
  • Video Games
  • Computer Products

Technical Assistance

Contact our sales and engineering departments to discuss specific applications.  We will recommend the best solution based on your set of unique and specific requirements.  Our design, prototyping and manufacturing capabilities allow us to meet customer’s requirements in the most efficient manner. 

Contact Us now to discuss your application.