Recent Blog Posts
Dottie LandisMarch 18, 2025BlogJoin the Michigan Scientific team on May 15, 2025, at the annual Holly Oaks ORV Park Industry Day. From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., guests will receive tours of the park’s 200+ acre Off-Road Vehicle Experience, network with industry professionals, and be treated to a complimentary lunch sponsored by Michigan Scientific.  The event will feature an instrumented vehicle demonstrating Michigan Scientific precision equipment for off road testing. This exclusive event is free to attend, and advance registration is required.  Holly Oaks invites attendees to BYOT (bring your own truck) to test the course and its varied terrain with a range of gradients and surfaces (inclines, gullies, hills, and water features) for ground vehicle testing.  Holly Oaks staff will be on hand to schedule your ORV or drone testing. The park can also be reserved for events and testing activities. Learn more about Holly Oaks ORV Park. Holly Oaks ORV Park | 14551 Shields Road | Holly, MI 48442  Test-SystemsDownload [...] Read more...
Ted NachazelOctober 1, 2024BlogMichigan Scientific Corporation (MSC) Wheel Pulse Transducers are distance measuring instruments (DMI) that provide accurate reliable distance measurements for georeferencing and mobile mapping systems.   Compatible with vehicle-based mobile mapping systems (MMS), the Wheel Pulse Transducer mounts directly to the vehicle wheel and integrates with position and orientation (POS) and imaging modules to provide crucial distance data to supplement GPS/GNSS signals. A recent case study illustrates how high-resolution Wheel Pulse Transducer data not only helps to compensate for breaks in GPS signal but can outperform GPS sensor performance/distance tracking accuracy.  Michigan Scientific Wheel Pulse Transducers have proven to be a durable alternative to OEM DMIs for acquiring mobile mapping data in rugged environments. Building on MSCs decades of experience with on-vehicle slip ring technology, the weatherproof Wheel Pulse Transducer is ideal for testing in rainy, snowy, or dirty environments. How do DMIs Work?  Distance measuring instruments or indicators include wheel sensors or odometers that calculate distance traveled based on the number of the vehicle’s wheel rotations. The encoder inside the DMI uses optical technology to generate pulses or output signals representing partial revolutions of the vehicle wheel to determine the precise linear distance traveled.  The DMI is connected to the vehicle’s wheel and the vehicle-mounted mobile mapping system.    MSC Wheel Pulse Transducers provide reliable measurements to aid in mapping innovation. End users can use multi-sensor fusion SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) algorithms to pair the DMI with LiDAR sensor technology, high-resolution cameras, and GPS technology. This allows users to collect precise geospatial data for incredibly detailed mapping and indoor/outdoor 3D modeling. DMI technology simplifies data collection in even the most challenging environments in urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental monitoring applications. Contact Michigan Scientific today to discuss your application! [...] Read more...
Dottie LandisSeptember 30, 2024BlogMichigan Scientific offers high-quality replacement models for customers who have relied on instrumentation-quality slip ring assemblies that have become obsolete or incompatible with new technologies standards. To minimize productivity disruptions, Michigan Scientific provides off-the-shelf slip ring assemblies that facilitate reliable signal transmission in a variety of rotating applications.   Michigan Scientific engineering and technical specialists are committed to providing optimal replacement solutions for each customer’s unique application. Our team will help to locate a slip ring replacement model that:  provides compatibility with your existing systems    meets your process requirements  adapts to changing technologies and standards  supports your business growth and development  Michigan Scientific instrumentation-quality slip rings set the industry standard in durability and efficiency of design, making them a great choice for a range of applications. Both our end of shaft and tubular slip ring models provide a reliable means of transferring measurement signals from rotating electrical transducers to stationary measurement systems.   Michigan Scientific slip rings are manufactured with precious metals that reduce noise and enable using the assemblies for low-level instrumentation signals. Many standard Michigan Scientific End of Shaft Slip Rings operate at high speeds and all models are designed to be compact and rugged to provide accurate test results in even the most adverse conditions.   Michigan Scientific offers unparalleled technical and customer support, providing installation guidance and ongoing maintenance services to support your slip ring assembly. If you are interested in learning more about Michigan Scientific slip ring technology or information on replacement solutions for obsolete SK5, SK6 and SK12 slip rings, contact us today.  [...] Read more...
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Ted NachazelAugust 10, 2023NewsCustom Multi-Axis Load Cells: Solutions for Your Measurement Needs Michigan Scientific Corporation (MSC) designs and manufactures custom load cells to meet unique force and torque measurement needs. MSC employs some of the world’s most experienced and creative engineers and physicists in the field of the design of Multi-Axis Load Cells. With our extensive expertise and innovative approach, we are confident we can deliver a solution that will work for your application.  MSC Standard Multi-Axis Load Cells and Adaptation Michigan Scientific has been designing and manufacturing Multi-Axis Load Cells for over 30 years. We currently manufacture 17 different standard models of Six Axis Load Cells and 14 standard Three Axis Load Cell models. Many of these standard Multi-Axis Load Cells are kept in stock for quick delivery times. When you bring a measurement application to MSC, our engineers will review your application with you to determine whether a standard Multi-Axis Load Cell can be used. If a standard load cell solution is possible, MSC will recommend which load cell model and some mounting concepts that will meet your project requirements. In addition to the load cell, MSC can quote the entire system design and provide all necessary mounting adapters.  Meeting Unique Requirements with Custom Solutions For some applications, a standard solution is not the best choice or even possible, so a custom load cell should be considered. When a project requires a custom solution, MSC engineers will work with the customer to define their requirements including, the number of measurement axes, load capacity, size limitations, accuracy, and quantity of load cells. Design concepts will then be proposed based on the information provided. MSC can design load cells compatible with clean, medical industry standards to highly corrosive industrial environments, with IP67 protection being attainable for many applications. MSC has provided both standard and custom load cells for many industries including automotive, military, heavy equipment, agricultural, aircraft, industrial, energy generation, and ship development.  Michigan Scientific will design and manufacture custom load cells for any quantity. Six Axis Calibration Capabilities MSC has one of the world’s largest Six Axis Load Cell calibration stands, capable of calibrating load cells up to 667 kN force and 203 kN ∙ m moment. If higher calibration loads are required, larger calibration fixturing can be built. Our calibrations are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Working with Michigan Scientific MSC will provide a free consultation to determine a system price and a basic design proposal.  After receipt of the PO or contract from a customer, the proposed design will be modified through direct consultation with the customer until a final design is approved.  To set up a load cell consultation, please fill out the Contact Us page. [...] Read more...
Ted NachazelApril 11, 2022Custom Strain Gauge Transducers Michigan Scientific specializes in designing and creating custom strain gauge transducers. Our engineers have expertise in gauging a wide variety of stock components. We develop and fabricate vehicle component strain gauge transducers that measure vehicle suspension forces, powertrain torques, steering component forces, engine and motor loads, and braking torques on vehicles in the field. Michigan Scientific is able to help customers obtain accurate data on the forces experienced by a part, while maintaining its strength and other characteristics as much as possible. Michigan Scientific engineers and technicians have completed applications across several industries. We specialize in custom applications.  Shaft Torque Transducer When applying strain gauges to a shaft, the goal is to obtain accurate data on the forces experienced by the shaft, while changing its strength and other characteristics as little as possible. The shaft then acts as a transducer itself. The strain gauged shaft, now a transducer, can be used in the same way as a standard shaft to measure the forces that occur in normal usage. Half Shaft Strain Gauging We strain gauge OEM half shafts to measure torque. The signals are amplified using our wheel instrumentation package (WIP) before they are transmitted by our ERT slip ring assembly. The ERT can provide speed and angular measurement signals too. The model PS-DC Remote Amplifier Control Unit controls the WIP and supplies power to the ERT. Driveshaft Strain Gauging Driveshafts can be gauged for torque and thrust. Michigan Scientific has developed a compensation bridge to reduce cross-talk from torque into the thrust bridge. After the shaft has been gauged, the data can be transferred from the shaft via telemetry or slip ring.  Crankshaft Transducer One of the more complex examples of a custom strain gauge transducer is creating a crankshaft transducer. Strain gauges are applied on a standard crankshaft in order to measure engine torque. The wires are routed through the crankshaft to connect to spinning amplifiers and a slip ring or telemetry system mounted on the pulley at the front of the engine. In these applications, multiple channels of strain measurements are collected for analysis. Axial Force Gauging Our custom tie rod end transducers can measure the axial forces acting on the tie rod during steering. Tie rod end transducers can replace the inner or outer tie rod end, based on customer needs. The custom tie rod transducer does not take up any additional space underneath the vehicle and no modification to the vehicle is required. Almost all tie rods can be made into custom tie rod transducers.  Shear Pin Transducer Each application is custom designed to fit your application. The transducers are all machined from transducer-grade stainless steel and have a weatherproof coating. Our shear pin transducer is suitable for in-field data collection in addition to laboratory test setups. The shear pin transducer is easily adaptable to a wide variety of applications, is designed to not change the position of other vehicle components, and requires minimal modification to other parts.   Check out our Common Custom Transducers page for more information on how we instrument parts to be used as transducers. On-Site Strain Gauging     Michigan Scientific is capable of installing strain gauges on-site, at customer locations. Both component and structural applications can be instrumented for measurement and analysis. The customer’s components can be instrumented and data recorded to support a wide range of test and development activities. Components can be recorded during the manufacturing processes or in-service use. Michigan Scientific also has experience instrumenting structural beams for deflection and stress testing. Instrumentation applications range from circuit board instrumentation for monitoring stress, thermal chamber door panel monitored for deformation during manufacturing, and fully instrumented industrial sized drive shafts. In the large drive shaft application, torque, acceleration, and rotational velocity were measured on a 16 inch diameter drive shaft of a large cement plant ball mill. Michigan Scientific also collected and analyzed the data from this project. Michigan Scientific also uses decades of experience to install strain gauges in holes up to six inches deep and with a minimum diameter of 0.5 inches. Data Acquisition and Reporting Michigan Scientific provides on-site and remote data acquisition services for recording instrumented components under test. Additional data processing, analysis, and reporting services are also offered. [...] Read more...
Ted NachazelMarch 15, 2022NewsWheel Force Transducers (WFTs) are used to measure vehicle reaction forces during durability and vehicle dynamics testing. MSC WFTs are known for their durability, accuracy, simple installation, and ease of use. Installed on cars, SUVs, all sizes of trucks, ATVs, agriculture equipment and construction machinery, MSC has a wide range of WFT capacities to fit almost any wheeled vehicle. Wheel Force Transducer Michigan Scientific Corporation WFTs output three forces, three moments, two accelerations, wheel speed, and wheel position signals to provide complete spindle load data with extreme accuracy. All WFTs include both CAN and Analog signal outputs. Every system combines a high strength, lightweight transducer with weatherproofed protective coatings to function in a variety of driving conditions. Product engineers determine appropriate WFT rental models for any application providing availability, pricing, and customized adapter options. Rental systems can be shipped immediately if Michigan Scientific has already manufactured the hub and rim adapter. CAD models of the WFT adapter layout guidelines and design review are provided at no additional charge. Rental periods can be as short as two weeks, for customers who only need short term use.  System Components Michigan Scientific WFT rental systems include the WFT and the built in amplifier in either the Slip Ring or Telemetry system. The Stator Angle Corrector adjusts the real-time rotational angle signal from the wheel. The adjusted rotational angle signal is used in the coordinate transformation to prevent any error while the wheels are steered during dynamic testing. The WFT User Interface Electronics (CT2) provides high level CAN, Ethernet, and analog outputs. The CT2 accepts either analog or digital signals from the WFT. In addition, CT2 can also accept built in WFT accelerometer signals. All the signals together can be transmitted to the data acquisition system or computer through the digital outputs. The CAN signal cable is included, as well as the cabling for analog signal outputs. All the required cabling and fasteners are included to ensure easy setup. Adapters can be made available as needed. All systems are shopped in rugged packaging or shipping containers. Support Comprehensive support is available through phone, email, or on-site instruction. Michigan Scientific will provide on-site training and support at no charge if the facility is within 50 miles of Michigan Scientific. If the distance is greater, a travel fee would be charged.   [...] Read more...