Case Study: Monitoring Machining Center Loads 

Integrated Test & Measurement (ITM) specializes in the design and manufacture of custom sensors and measurement systems and recently helped a customer who operates the Cincinnati Milacron machining center. 

The goal was to develop a custom strain gauge transducer to measure the operating loads on the client’s machining center table and to detect any issues before they led to costly downtime. 

Our team began by conducting a thorough assessment of the machining center and identifying the key locations on the bed where loads were likely to be highest. They then designed a custom transducer that included multiple strain gauges and an amplifier to accurately measure the loads at these points. We also developed a custom mounting system to ensure that the transducer was securely attached to the bed and that the measurements were accurate. 

Once the custom transducer was installed, we performed initial testing to ensure that it was accurately measuring the loads on the bed. We 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 table of the machining center in real-time. This allowed them to detect any issues, such as excessive wear or misalignment, before suffering costly downtime. 

The ITM team also provided ongoing support to assist the customer in interpreting the data and troubleshoot any issues that arose. With the ability to monitor the loads on the bed, the customer was able to better understand the behavior of the machining center and make adjustments to improve performance and extend the life of the equipment. 

This project highlights the importance of custom solutions in the manufacturing industry. ITM engineers can work with customers to develop custom solutions to monitor and optimize the performance of precision equipment. 

The use of strain gauge technology and the data acquisition expertise of ITM engineers, allows customers to gain a better understanding of the equipment and to identify potential issues before they lead to downtime. 

With the custom strain gauge transducer installed, the customer had a more complete understanding of the performance of their machining center. The real-time monitoring of the loads on the table allowed for the detection of issues before they led to costly downtime. 

The customer was able to identify issues such as excessive wear or misalignment and make adjustments to improve the performance of the equipment. This not only increased productivity but also extended the life of the equipment. 

ITM’s expertise in sensor design and data acquisition allowed for the successful implementation of a custom solution that met the specific needs of the customer. Our engineers provided a thorough assessment of the machining center and identified the key locations for monitoring. 

We designed a custom transducer with multiple strain gauges to accurately measure the loads and developed a custom mounting system to ensure accuracy. 

This project serves as an excellent example of how custom solutions can be developed to optimize the performance of precision manufacturing equipment. The use of strain gauge technology and the expertise of ITM engineers allowed the customer to gain a more complete understanding of their equipment’s behavior and identify potential issues. This project ultimately resulted in increased productivity and extended the life of the equipment, making it a valuable investment. 

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. 

One of the key advantages of strain gauge technology is its ability to provide accurate and reliable data in real-time. This allows engineers and technicians to quickly identify potential problems and take corrective action before they result in costly downtime or equipment failure. 

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. 

Overall, ITM’s experience with strain gauge based transducer technology has allowed the company to provide valuable insights and solutions for a wide range of industries, helping to improve the performance, safety, and reliability of various types of equipment. 

Our experts specialize in data loggers, custom designs, electrical resistance, managing unplanned downtime, daq systems, preventing lost revenue to boost bottom line, strain gauge measurement 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.