This application note on how to measure rotary shaft thrust in machinery with a load cell is kindly provided, by our friends FUTEK.
Application Summary on Measuring Rotary Shaft Thrust with a Load Cell
In order for turbines, drills, linear and lead screw actuators to survive the distance – testing is required. Firstly, shaft thrust needs to be measured to optimise systems performance. This will maximise the bearing design and life. Ideally, a sensor, such as a donut load cell, that can operate in tension and compression to measure the thrust applied to the shaft.
Products in Use
One LTH350 Donut/Through Hole Load Cell paired with Instrumentation (IHH500, IPM650, USB220, IDC305)
How it Works
- Firstly, a LTH350 Donut/Through Hole Load Cell is freely slid onto the shaft
- Secondly, a pair of thrust bearings and collars secure the donut load cell in place on the shaft.
- Thirdly, a retention bracket is attached to the outer circumference of the sensor, anchoring the sensor to a solid fixture.
- As thrust forces are applied to the shaft. The bearings and collars transmit the load through the sensor for measurement delivering the load to the retention bracket.
- The IHH500 Digital Hand Held Display and the IPM650 Panel Mount Display capture and display the measured load in real time.
- Force data can also be simultaneously captured using the USB220 High-Resolution USB Solution and FUTEK’s SENSIT software on a PC.
For more information, contact us.