Michigan Scientific Corporation, a leading provider of high-accuracy strain gauge-based 6-axis load cells, is proud to announce the commissioning of the TCAT40, the world’s highest capacity fully automated 6-axis load cell calibration system.
Standing more than 2 meters tall and weighing approximately 18,000 kg (40,000 lbs), the TCAT40 represents a major advancement in calibration technology. Developed through more than two years of research and engineering, and backed by an investment exceeding $1 million, the system established a new benchmark for the accurate calibration of high-capacity multi-axis load cells.
Automated Precision at an Unprecedented Scale
The TCAT40 is a fully automated calibration platform designed to deliver fast, accurate, and repeatable results. During a standard calibration, each of the component loads (Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, and Mz) is applied individually while the system simultaneously records all six load cell outputs and all six reacted loads. The platform is also capable of applying complex combinations for forces and moments enabling comprehensive characterization of multi-axis sensors.
The system can calibrate loads of up to:
- 178 kN (40,000 lbf) in the X and Z force directions
- 250 kN (56,000 lbf) in the Y force direction
- 54 kN⋅m (40,000 lb⋅ft) in the X, Y, and Z moment directions
The TCAT40 complements Michigan Scientific’s original TCAT automated calibration system, which provides calibration capabilities of up to:
- 44 kN (10,000 lbf) in all three force directions
- 9.5 kN⋅m (7,000 lb⋅ft) in all three moment directions
Once a load cell is installed, a complete calibration can typically be completed in 15 minutes or less, significantly reducing turnaround times while maintaining expectational measurement quality.
Innovative Measurement Technology
Both the TCAT40 and the original TCAT utilizes Michigan Scientific’s innovative flexure-based reaction load measurement system. This technology directly measures reaction load while minimizing the influence of device-under-test (DUT) deflections, resulting in lower measurement uncertainty and improved calibration accuracy.
By eliminating common sources of error associated with traditional calibration methods, Michigan Scientific is able to provide high reliable calibration data across a wide range of load conditions.
Supporting High-Capacity Wheel Force Transducers
The TCAT40 was developed primarily to enhance the calibration accuracy and throughput of Michigan Scientific’s heavy-duty Wheel Force Transducers, including:
- LW-2T-20K
- LW-2T-30K
- LW-2T-40K
- LW150
In addition to supporting Michigan Scientific’s products, the TCAT40 expands the company’s calibration services for the load cells from other manufacturers. This new capability allows Michigan Scientific to offer ISO/IEC 17025/2017 accredited 6-axis calibrations with industry-leading accuracy and turnaround times. While TCAT40 calibrations are covered under Michigan Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025/2017 accreditation, they have not yet been added to the formal scope of accreditation and are scheduled for review during the next external audit.
Faster Calibration Services for the Industry
With calibration based in the United States and standard turnaround times of two weeks or less*, Michigan Scientific is positioned to provide some of the fastest 6-axis calibration services available. Customers can benefit from accredited calibrations for multi-axis load cells from nearly any manufacturer, backed by Michigan Scientific’s decades of expertise in force and torque measurement technology.
Contact us today to learn more about out calibration services and how the new TCAT40 can support your testing and measurement requirements.
*Turnaround times may be longer for load cells models that have not previously been calibrated by Michigan Scientific and require the development of custom fixturing.