A KitchenAid stand mixer’s shaft was instrumented with strain gauges to measure shaft load, stress, and torque.
Custom Strain Gauge Measures KitchenAid Mixer Shaft Load
KitchenAid mixers are popular for their versatility and consistency, and one critical component is the shaft. This component is responsible for transferring power from the motor to the cutting blades and is subject to a wide range of loads and stresses during operation.
Case Study: KitchenAid Stand Mixer Shaft Strain Measurements
Recently, a customer contacted Integrated Test & Measurement (ITM) to develop a custom solution to measure the loads on the shaft of their KitchenAid stand mixer.
The ITM team began by conducting a thorough assessment of the stand mixer and identified the key locations on the shaft where loads were likely to be highest. They designed a custom transducer that included multiple strain gauges and an amplifier to accurately measure the loads at these points. They also developed a custom mounting system to ensure that the transducer was securely attached to the shaft and that the measurements were accurate.
Once the transducer was installed, the ITM team performed initial testing to ensure that it was accurately measuring the loads on the shaft. They also provided training to the customer’s maintenance team on how to install and maintain the transducer.
With the transducer in place, the customer was able to monitor the loads on the shaft of the stand mixer in real-time. This allowed them to detect any issues with the shaft, such as excessive wear or misalignment, before they led to costly downtime. The ITM team also provided ongoing support, to assist the customer in interpreting the data and troubleshoot any issues that arose.
The use of strain gauge technology and the data acquisition expertise of ITM engineers allowed the customer to gain a better understanding of their KitchenAid stand mixer and identify potential issues before they led to downtime. By monitoring the loads on the shaft, the customer was able to make adjustments to improve performance and extend the life of the equipment.
ITM’s expertise in developing custom solutions to monitor and optimize the performance of precision equipment is evident in this project. By working closely with customers, ITM engineers can develop solutions that meet their unique needs and provide ongoing support to ensure that they achieve optimal results.
In conclusion, monitoring the loads on the shaft of a kitchen appliance like a stand mixer is critical to ensuring the safety and longevity of the equipment. ITM’s work with the KitchenAid stand mixer is a great example of how they can work with customers to develop custom solutions to monitor and optimize the performance of precision equipment. The use of strain gauge technology and their data acquisition expertise allowed the customer to gain a better understanding of their stand mixer and identify potential issues before they led to downtime.
Why turn to ITM for Strain Gauge expertise?
Integrated Test & Measurement (ITM) is a leader in the field of designing and manufacturing strain gauge-based transducer technology for various industries. Over the years, the company has gained extensive experience in using this technology to perform measurements on a wide range of equipment, from wind turbines to aircraft engines.
Strain gauges are a type of sensor that measure the amount of strain, or deformation, that occurs in a structure when it is subjected to a load. The deformation is then converted into an electrical signal that can be analyzed to provide valuable information about the behavior of the structure.
ITM has successfully used strain gauge technology to perform a variety of tests, including strain testing, force measurement, torque measurement, and pressure measurement. These tests can help to identify issues such as stress concentrations, overloading, and fatigue in a wide range of components and systems.
ITM has also developed advanced software and data acquisition systems that allow for efficient and comprehensive data collection and analysis. This technology enables the company to provide clients with detailed reports and recommendations based on the results of their testing.
Our team of experts specialize in precision engineering, performance optimization, data loggers, strain gage, electrical resistance, metallic foil, DAQ systems, type of strain gauge, pressure transducers, strain measured, wheatstone bridge and much more.
Contact us to learn more about this project or to connect with our team on your own strain gauge, data acquisition or engineering challenges.
