Miniature piezoelectric indirect force sensor minimises machine tool damage

The new measuring pin from Kistler with its exceptionally small diameter of 8 mm and weight of only 34 g, is ideal for protecting a wide range of structures from overload damage. Fitting into an 8mm hole in the structure, the new piezoelectric strain sensor can be easily installed in any position to monitor the forces in a structure to warn of impending failure due to overload conditions. The small size and weight allows retro-fitting to existing installations without introducing measurement error

Sensitive to transverse forces, the new sensor is a cylindrical pin designed to be mounted in an 8 mm borehole of any depth and orientation to allow the measuring element to be placed precisely at the point where the greatest strain occurs. The integrated clamping system preloads the sensor in the borehole enabling the measurement of both tensile and compressive forces in the machine structure.

The new Type 9240A measuring pin has been designed to provide the best possible solution for monitoring forces acting on the structure of a machine to provide reliable and precise, real time data for overload protection of the machine and tooling.

For continuous monitoring applications, the force measuring pin may be used in combination with the Kistler maXYmos monitoring system to signal when pre-set limit values of force are exceeded to ensure the safety and reliability of both machines and tools. Where needed, the maXYmos system can provide a signal to automatically shut down an operation when tool failure is likely.