Manual vs. Motorized Test Stands

At Mark-10, we offer a range of force and torque measurement test stands to suit a variety of applications, including manual and motorized options.

Our manual test stands allow users to reduce variability inherent in hand testing by properly aligning a force gauge and grips or fixtures.  Manual test stands are an ideal option for budget-minded applications that require a bit more consistency than hand operated tension or compression force measurements.

For the most consistency between tests, a motorized test stand’s programmable speed is an ideal solution. Such stands can also be fitted with an internal scale for displacement measurement, be controlled by a PC, and perform a number of automated functions, thereby increasing testing efficiency and throughput. Our motorized stands can perform a wide range of compression and tension test applications. When fitted with an appropriate force gauge, output of force vs. time or force vs. distance via USB is possible.

Manual and motorized test stands are available in several force ranges up to 1,500 lbF (6.7 kN). We supply an extensive selection of grips and fixtures, serving the medical device, automotive, packaging, and many other industries. To learn more about each of our manual and motorized test stands use our test stand comparison chart to find the one that works best for your applications.

Mark-10 Debuts The 1,500 lbF / 6.7 kN ESM1500 Motorized Test Stand

We’re excited to announce the introduction of our newest product, the ESM1500 motorized test stand. This single-column force tester is ideal for numerous tension and compression measurement requirements up to 1,500 lbF / 6.7 kN in laboratory and production environments. Unique FollowMe force-based positioning allows the user to manually position the crosshead by simply pulling and pushing on the load cell.

The ESM1500 boasts generous travel, clearance, and depth dimensions, accommodating a wide range of applications such as break testing, loadholding, tensile testing, compression testing, and more.

The test stand is customizable; controller functions are offered individually through our “build-your-own” configuration platform. Users can order any combination of functions, and any functions not ordered originally can be activated in the field.

Standard features include:

·         Compatible with indicators and load cells, as well as force gauges

·         Adjustable, removal controller with intuitive menu navigation

·         Password protection of test parameters

·         Stepper motor-driven, producing smooth and quiet operation with no speed variation under load

·         USB output of force vs. time or force vs. distance

·         Compact footprint, suitable for crowded workbenches

·         Ergonomic design, with smart, clean cable management

·         Most electronics are housed in an integrated removable enclosure, easily removed and transported

To see a full list of specifications, features, and additional functions, visit our website.

Nordic Ultratune Case Study: Measuring Flex Force

Nordic Ultratune, a cross-country ski dealer and service center located in Winthrop, WA, has been using the Mark-10 Model ES30 manual test stand and the Model MG200 force gauge to offer customers specialized tuning and configuration services. By using the force measurement products, Ultratune is able to conduct a flex analysis, which measures camber length and height with pressure applied approximately at the ball of the foot. The results can help Nordic Ultratune identify the characteristics of the skis and how well they are matched. Additionally, the test can apply pressure at approximately the mid-foot to help determine the best type of wax: power, warm hardwax, or klister.

The force measurement products also help Nordic Ultratune conduct a skate ski flex analysis which measures camber length and height with pressure again applied 8 cm behind the balance point that approximates pressure at the ball of the foot. The results allow the company to see the flex characteristics of the skis, how well they are matched, and can be used to characterize a pair of skis a customer already owns if they wish to match with another pair. It can also help identify skis that are too soft or too stiff.

To find out more about our force measurement devices or to read more case studies, visit our website.

Engineering Students Get a Boost in Support of NASA HUNCH Experiment Series

Under normal conditions, determining the mass of an object is a simple affair; you place the object on a scale and it tells you the mass. But in a zero gravity environment like outer space, things get a little complicated. To make the process easier, engineering students at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School (RVTHS) in Franklin, MA have been taking part in the High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program to find a solution. The program gets students involved in the creation of hardware designed to meet the unique needs of those working at the International Space Station.

To help the students meet their objective, Mark-10 Corporation donated two Series 7 digital force gauges for use in their innovative measurement system. The system involved the two force gauges being mounted to a spinning platform. An object of known mass was attached to one of the gauges, while an unknown mass was attached to the other. By calculating the ratio of the two centripetal force measurements, the students could determine the unknown mass. The system is aptly named the “Zero Gravity Scale.”

With their scale prototype complete, the students took it aboard the NASA Zero Gravity Plane in Houston, Texas for a realistic simulation. Now, they are looking into the next phases of research, creating a smaller design for use on the International Space Station.

To further support these NASA HUNCH student endeavors, Mark-10 donated two miniature Series R04 force sensors. These instruments offer tension and compression measurements in tight environments, which is important in this field of work. We take pride in being able to help budding engineers create devices that will advance aerospace exploration.

To see the research put to work, watch a video of the Tri-County RVTHS students testing their Zero Gravity Scale (in zero gravity!) on YouTube.

United States Healthcare Reform and What it Means for Medical Startups

Healthcare reform and the Affordable Care Act have been major buzzwords in the media for some time now. People are getting more familiar with the new system as time passes, but one facet in particular hasn’t gotten as much attention – the impacts of the Affordable Care Act on health startups.

In addition to opportunities for new health insurance companies, medical technology startups are also benefitting in this new healthcare landscape. A recent article in MedCity News provided a run-down of benefits for medtech startups in the age of healthcare reform.

Because hospitals now have more incentive to keep patients healthier and decrease readmissions, the need for wearable and remote monitoring tools is expected to rise sharply. These advanced medical monitoring devices will allow doctors to read vitals and track metrics without patients needing to leave home.

New telemedicine innovations are also expected to see increasing demand, as doctors leverage technology to keep tabs on patients, rather than scheduling in-office visits for regular updates. As discussed in the article, this can be especially useful for those who live far away from their primary care physicians and aren’t in need of urgent care.

Mark-10 manufactures force and torque measuring gauges, test stands, grips, software, and accessories for a wide range of applications within the medical device, pharmaceutical, and other industries. Consider Mark-10 for syringe force testing, needle sharpness testing, wire terminal testing, cap torque testing, and much more. For more information about our products and their diverse uses, feel free to browse our product applications gallery.

Engineered Better - More Than Just A Slogan

In designing our all new Plug & Test^TM family of digital force/torque indicators and remote sensors, we did more than just redesign our BGI indicator. The BGI was an industry innovation when it took the market by storm almost two decades ago, and continues to serve many industries and applications today. It introduced the concept of "plug and play" interchangeable external sensors. The idea caught on quickly, and others attempted to replicate it. The BGI and its imitators used a simple DB-9, DB-15, or other type of common connection between sensor and indicator. A simple upgrade of the electronics and display could have sufficed, but our engineers again thought outside the box.

Firstly, why should the customer be forced to purchase a full-featured, sophisticated indicator with a sensor, when all they need is basic functionality, such as peak capture? If they don't need to calculate the average load over time, save data memory, use external trigger mode, or a number of other advanced functions, why should they have to pay for it? Enter our Models 5i and 3i indicators - the 5i for those seeking the most advanced solution, and the 3i for those with more modest requirements. They are priced according to their abilities - $895 for the 5i, and $545 for the 3i - the force measurement industry's lowest cost indicator. Our range of force and torque sensors covers up to 10,000 lbF (50 kN) of force and 5,000 lbFin (550 Nm) of torque, and any sensor is compatible with either indicator.

Secondly, although that DB-15 plastic connector did work just fine in the past, we wanted to introduce something that would once again set the industry standard. Enter the Plug & Test^TM connector - a machined aluminum connector shaped to match the contour of the indicator itself, then sandblasted, nickel plated for a satiny finish. The connector locks into the housing of either the 5i or 3i indicator with an authoritative "click". Spring-loaded dual buttons on the housing indicator release the connector for easy removal.

These are but two more examples of Mark-10's continuous focus on engineering. We always strive to develop solutions that satisfy customers' requirements in an elegant and attractive package. In the case of Plug & Test^TM, we think you'll agree!

A Valuable Lesson in Efficiency

On a recent trip to London, I rented a car and experienced a valuable lesson in efficiency and environmental friendliness. A few years ago, city leaders decided that a toll should be levied on drivers who enter the city center as a way to alleviate gridlocked traffic, air pollution, and of course to raise additional revenue. Dubbed a “Congestion Pricing" scheme, any vehicle entering a designated area must pay a daily toll. The toll is paid online, and can be purchased for a single day, or in multiple day blocks. A sophisticated network of cameras placed around the perimeter records all vehicles entering the zone, and then compares license plates numbers with a comprehensive database of vehicle registration data. If your toll was not paid, the city will know, and failure to pay the toll that same day or soon after results in a hefty fine.

Although I had to part with a considerable chunk of change, the London experience triggered a slight smile, because I was so awed by the efficiency of it. It brought to mind the ancient system of toll collecting we have in many places back home. Like my fellow New Yorkers, I have grown accustomed to gridlocked traffic approaching toll booths around highways, bridges, and tunnels. Even for those of us with a wireless payment device like EZPass, traffic is still heavy. Besides the time delay factor, many other negative consequences surround toll booths. Noxious fumes from idling 18 wheelers prompt me to close the window and blast re-circulated air conditioning. And, I inevitably notice the swanky office building of the local transportation agency, typically a modernist wonder of architecture that would make Frank Lloyd Wright proud, replete with sweeping expanses of tinted glass, grand entrances, and landscaping suitable for a botanical garden. Finally, I am on my way, braving through a potholed, rusted bridge or tunnel, ostensibly because the transportation agency is perpetually cash strapped.

How many billions of dollars are wasted through this scheme? Think of all the lost time opportunities for delivery trucks, salespeople, professionals, and countless others. Think of all the money funneled into redundant transportation agencies. And think of the environmental damage produced from idling traffic. In a time when our government’s deficit is growing at a startling rate and massive federal stimulus packages increase federal spending even further, wouldn’t it make more sense to consider cost reductions in areas that are wasteful, inefficient, and harmful to the environment all at the same time?

Our government would be wise to borrow some ideas from across the Pond.