1. What is a multi-axis sensor?
A multi-axis sensor is one that has up to 6 galvanic insulated measurement bridges. Forces are measured in three directions orientated 90 ° to each other. In each direction it is possible to measure the bending moments as well.
2. How many output signals do I get from a multi – axis sensor?
Multi-axis sensors can measure in up to three axes. In each direction a force and a bending moment measurement can be performed so that six output channels is the maximum can occur with a multi axis sensor. With HBK you are able to configure your sensor in accordance to your measurement task- everything between two and six channels is available.
3. What types of output can be expected?
The sensors are working with strain gauges, connected to a Wheatstone bridge. Therefore, the output is a mV/V signal and the Wheatstone bridges need to be supplied with a supply voltage. You can use any amplifier for strain gauge bridges such as the PMX or QuantumX models form HBK.
MOUNTING AND INSTALLATION
4. What choices are available in terms of size and capacity?
There a quite compact sensors on the market designed for applications with little measurement values. Example: The MCS10-002 offers force capacities of 2 kN in z- direction and just 500 N in X- and Y-direction. Height is not more than 45 mm, diameter just 68 mm. You can find those sensors in wind channels applications or haptic tests. On the other side of the spectrum there are multi axis sensors in the Meganewton range available as customized sensors.
5. How are multi-axis sensors mounted?
HBK is working with flanges on both sides of the sensor. There is a centering aid and a positioning pin so that it is quite easy to amount the MCS transducers in a correct position.
It is important to follow the manual, the hardness of the parts in contact with the sensor hast to be suitable- and the torque applied to the screws must be in accordance with the manual
APPLYING MULTI-AXIS SENSORS
6. Which applications measure forces in more than one axis?
If the direction of the force is clear- example: press forces – than a uniaxial force sensors fulfils the requirement. IN case of the you need to know the forces in different direction – example wind channel tests where you need to know the up force and the force caused by the headwind – a multi axis sensor comes in place. Also if you do not know from which direction the maximum of force is coming- a multi – axis sensor will help.
7. When should you use a multi-axis sensor instead of multiple single-axis sensors?
You can use single sensors for ach direction. This is mechanical wise more complex and more expensive but also more precise.
8. Which medical applications require multi-axis sensors?
Medical robotics makes extensive use of multi-axis sensors. These sensors help advance medical robotics in surgical procedures, medical training, and rehabilitation. There are many mechanical test that require a multi – axis sensor, such as helmet tests for verification. Also the assembly of aircrafts is controlled by force measurement of multi-axis sensors
CROSSTALK, HYSTERESIS, NONLINEARITY
9. What is crosstalk in multi-axis sensors?
When a load is applied in only one direction and an output appears on the other axes, this is referred to as crosstalk between channels. Crosstalk levels are included in the technical specifications for multi‑axis sensors and are given as a percentage of the channel output. HBK optimized the cross talk to a minimum by careful mechanical
10. How is nonlinearity defined for multiaxis sensors?
Nonlinearity is the maximum deviation of the calibration curve from a straight line drawn between the no-load and full scale, expressed as a percentage of full scale and measured with an increasing load.
11. What is multi-axis sensor hysteresis?
Hysteresis is the maximum difference between the transducer output readings for the same applied load. One reading is taken while increasing the load from zero, and the other while decreasing the load from the rated output. Hysteresis is usually measured at half the rated output
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