Load cell and transducer calibration
Accredited calibration of strain gage load cells and transducers, 1 to 6 axes: Michigan Scientific wheel force transducers, wheel torque transducers and load cells, and those of nearly any other manufacturer.
In brief
Calibration is performed at Michigan Scientific, in laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, with reference equipment traceable to NIST. Recommended interval: after the first year of use, then at least every two years. The calibration also reveals damage from use.
- 1 to 6 axes
- Strain gage load cells and transducers, nearly any manufacturer
- 1 to 2 weeks
- Typical turnaround at Michigan Scientific, shipping not included
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017
- Accredited calibration, traceable to NIST
Which transducers we calibrate
| Wheel force transducers | LW series, on their six components: three forces and three moments. |
|---|---|
| Wheel torque transducers | TW series, clockwise and counterclockwise. |
| Load cells | Single-axis, three-axis and six-axis. |
| Other manufacturers | Strain gage load cells and transducers from nearly any manufacturer, from 1 to 6 axes. |
When to send a transducer
After the first year of use, then every two years at the latest. Your quality system may require a shorter interval.
Sooner after an impact or an overload, to check that the transducer is still within specification.
The calibration machines
Multi-axis transducers are calibrated on the TCAT (Transducer Calibration and Test machine), designed and patented by Michigan Scientific. Linear actuators apply the loads and reaction links measure them. The machine applies and records three forces and three moments simultaneously.
The TCAT40 is built for heavy-duty wheel force transducers. Fully automated, it stands over 2 m tall and weighs about 18,000 kg.
| TCAT | Six axes. Up to 44 kN on each force and 9.5 kN·m on each moment. |
|---|---|
| TCAT40 | Six axes, fully automated. Up to 178 kN on X and Z, 250 kN on Y, and 54 kN·m on each moment. |
| Hydraulic machine | Forces and moments up to 100,000 lb (445 kN), for the largest capacities. |
| Torque machine | Single-axis torque, clockwise and counterclockwise, against reference torque transducers. |
| Screw press | Tension and compression forces. |
Calibrated with its own electronics
A wheel force transducer is calibrated with its electronics, as it is used on the vehicle. Always ship them together.
Accreditation and traceability
| ISO/IEC 17025:2017 | Accreditation for mass, force and weighing devices and mechanical calibration. Both Michigan Scientific sites hold it: Milford and Charlevoix. |
|---|---|
| ISO 9001:2015 | Quality management system of the Charlevoix site, for the design, manufacture and calibration of wheel force transducers, wheel torque transducers and load cells. Certified by Perry Johnson Registrars, valid until 8 October 2027. |
| NIST | All reference measurement equipment is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. |
What you get back
| Calibration certificate | One per transducer, issued under the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. |
|---|---|
| Calibration matrix | For six-component transducers, the new matrix for that serial number, to load into its electronics. |
| Condition | If the calibration reveals damage, we inform you before the transducer is returned. |
How to send a transducer
- 01
Tell us what you are sending
Manufacturer, model, serial number and date of the last calibration. We reply with a quotation and a return date.
- 02
Ship the transducer with its electronics
Ship to Michigan Scientific Europe, 47 avenue de l’Europe, 92400 Courbevoie, France. We send you the packing instructions.
- 03
Calibration at Michigan Scientific
Typically 1 to 2 weeks. Allow longer for a model calibrated for the first time, when a fixture has to be made.
- 04
Return
The transducer comes back with its certificate and, for six-component models, its new matrix.