Transducers promise reliable torque testing

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 12, 2008

Torque measuring systems are available either as a complete torque transducer or as a separate rotor and stator assembly, ideal for high speed test rig and OEM applications.

Datum Electronics series 420 torque transducers offer a reliable noncontact method of measuring rotary torque.

Operate with no direct contact from the rotor to the stator, they are more efficient, cost effective and have improved longevity than previous torque transducer models in the marketplace.

The latest range of torque transducers offers direct USB output of torque logging to make it compatible for PCs and laptops to display and log torque data.

These torque measuring systems are available either as a complete torque transducer or as a separate rotor and stator assembly, ideal for high speed test rig and OEM applications.

They provide a system accuracy of 0.1% of full scale either into a PC or laptop via USB, independent control system or a rack-mounted torque indicator.

All Datum Electronics torque transducers have a strain gauged central element and a set of rotating conditioning electronics, the digital signals from this are digitally transmitted to the nonrotating body or stator of the system.

The Series 420 has three different types of torque transducer, each with their own distinctions in terms of functionality and for use within different environments.

The M420 is the standard rotary torque transducer.

The standard torque transducer has the rotary shaft and a stator built into its static housing.

The housing is mounted on the shaft with bearings.

The M420 series torque transducer is available in four standard sizes to meet the needs within a torque measuring environment.

Torque transducer ratings are 0-100, 0-500, 0-2000 and 0-10,000Nm.

The M420 torque sensor is highly accurate, with a combined error of 0.1% as standard on all M420 torque transducer sizes.

They provide a digital data signal (USB) which can measure torque, speed and power.

They are suitable for use on test rig applications and permanent installations.

The FF420 series are flange torque transducers matching standard DIN flanges within test rigs and drive systems.

The torque transducer element in this case is a flange-flange coupling with the strain gauges and the rotor electronics mounted in the centre section of the coupling.

The signal is transmitted across a digital transmission coupling link to the stator that is mounted around the centre of the coupling.

The rotating element of the torque transducer is not limited by bearings; therefore it can be used at higher speeds, and places no bearing loads on to the shaft.

The stator needs to be mounted in relation to the shaft within an operating envelope of +/-3 to 5mm.

Datum has standardised its range of torque transducers for clear and simple applications and specifications.

Torque transducer ratings are 0-250, 0-500, 0-2000 and 0-10,000Nm.

The FF420 torque transducer is highly accurate with a combined error of 0.1%.

It uses a true noncontact transmission signal.

Another advantage of the FF420 torque transducer is that is tolerable to misalignment, because of the way the torque transducer is engineered.

The standard ranges are compatible with DIN sise flanges.

The RS420 is a Rotor/stator torque transducer with a keyed shaft and a free standing stator.

This type of torque transducer is very similar to the FF420 but has keyed or splined shafts as opposed to flanges.

The torque transducer element in this case is a keyway or splined shaft with the strain gauges and the rotor electronics mounted either on the shaft, or inside the shaft depending on shaft size and feasibility.

The signal is transmitted across an inductive link to the stator that is mounted around the centre of the coupling, with a visible air gap.

This type of torque transducer has no bearings, and there is no secondary load on the test shaft which allows for multiple shaft sizes.

Because the torque transducer has no bearings, it can be used at higher speeds, running much faster and longer than traditional torque transducers containing bearings.

The stator needs to be mounted in relation to the shaft within an operating envelope of +/-3 to 5mm.

Torque transducer ratings are 0-100, 0-500, 0-2000 and 0-10,000Nm.

The RS420 torque transducer is highly accurate with a combined error of 0.1%.

It uses a true noncontact transmission signal.

Another advantage of the RS420 is that is tolerable to misalignment, because of the way the transducer is engineered.