Michigan Scientific Corporation’s (MSC) Load Cells can be used in a wide variety of applications. From high loads with heavy equipment, to precise, small load changes in delicate applications, MSC Load Cells are the ideal measurement tool for a large range of load capacities. MSC has decades of experience designing and manufacturing single and multi axis load cells used for these applications. It is crucial to have accurate and precise force and moment measurements in the medical and pharmaceutical industry, where health and physical care depends on it. Careful consideration must be taken of the load paths through the transducer and the strain gauge elements in order to minimize sensitivity to off-axis loading, known as “crosstalk.” In addition to careful construction, MSC Load Cells all come with NIST traceable calibration certifications and calibration support throughout the life of the transducer.
Precision Tension Measurements
Accurate weight measurements are crucial for patient care and rehabilitation. Laboratory equipment, such as dialysis machines, experience small changes in load that must be accurately detected. This is also important when measuring fluid or saline in an IV bag. To do this, a load cell can be placed with the IV bag hanging underneath. The MSC Load Cell measures the tension force applied by the weight of the IV bag. On a larger scale, load cells can be used for measurement verification of patient lifts. Not only is it critical to accurately measure patient load, but load cells can also be used to optimize the design of the these lifts. In the same manner as measuring fluids in an IV bag, a load cell can be used to measure tension forces on patient lifts by placing the lift under a load cell and measuring the vertical Fz forces. They can monitor the weight capacities, as well as the strength and endurance of the cables within the lift as it repeatedly maneuvers patients.
Multi Axis Compression Measurements
Load cells can also be used to accurately measure robotic and prosthetic forces and moments. When developing foot and leg prosthetic implants, load cells provide precise measurements for reactions between the body and the prosthetic component, or the prosthetic component itself and the ground. Additionally, when developing hand or arm prosthesis, engineers must consider the grip strength of the appendage. Load cells provide a safe and accurate way to measure the reaction forces during development. Measuring grip forces is also an essential part of calibrating laparoscopic tools. It is important for doctors to be able to confidentially use these tools while managing delicate tissue, so that no unnecessary forces are imparted on the patient.
Michigan Scientific’s wide variety of load cell capacities are ideal for the important, life-saving measurements in the medical and pharmaceutical industry. From small, accurate measurements while calibrating laparoscopic tools, to large scale patient lifts, MSC load cells are optimized for every application. To begin discussing your load cell application, contact a Michigan Scientific representative today.