Force Measuring OptionExlar GSX and I Series ActuatorsGSX SeriesLinear Actuator• Measuring of compressiveloads with optional bi-directional load measurement• Integrated strain gauge loadcell• 10 VDC external excitation• 2 mV/V sensitivity• +/- 1% linearity• +/- 0.5% repeatability• Hysteresis, 1% nominal• 250 Hz frequency response• Factory calibrated• Compatible with standardgauge monitors and PLCstrain gauge input cards• Requires external excitation• Totally enclosed within theactuator’s sealed housing, andconnectorized for ease of use Force MeasuringActuatorsExlar offers select models ofits GSX and I Series actuatorswith integral force measuringcapability. This option is avail-able in the GSX30, 40, 50 &60 models and the I30 and 40models.In both product lines a load cellis embedded within the actua-tor allowing it to directly mea-sure the force being applied bythe actuator’s output rod. Thestrain gauge load sensor usedto measure applied force ismounted inside the actuator’scase, protecting it from exter-nal damage and guaranteeingaccurate and consistent forcedata.A separate connector is sup-plied for connecting the internalload cell to an external strainconditioner/amplifi er required toexcite the strain gauge sen-sor. Alternatively, Exlar canoffer strain gauge conditionersto provide a high level outputsignal, either 0-10V or 4-20mA.Alternatively, any one of nu-merous conditioners/amplifi ersavailable can be used for thispurpose.FeaturesApplications• Fastening and Joining• Riveting• Bag Sealing• Thermoforming• Welding• Fillers• Formers• Clamping• Molding• Precision Grinders• Precision Pressing• Interference Detection• Die Cutters• Injection Molding• Tube Bending• Stamping• Test Stand Lifts• Tension Control• Wire Winding• Parts Clamping• Dispensers• Circuit Board Testing• Blood ProcessingStrain Gauge AmplifierI SeriesLinear ActuatorAchievingPreciseMeasurementFrequently industrial applica-tions involving linear actuationrequire the precise measure-ment of the load being appliedby the actuator. Historicallythese have been accomplishedby placing a load cell betweenthe actuator and the connec-tion to the workpiece.This approach provides sev-eral challenges. Load cellsneed to be sized, selected andordered. Mechanical linkagesand mountings need to bedesigned, built and assembled.Precise alignment must bemaintained to prevent bendingmoments which can severelydegrade the accuracy of anyload measurement systeminvolving load cells.Provisions for securing thewires to the load cell needto be designed particularly ifthe load cell is moving in theprocess of applying the force.Moving wires are extremelyprone to failure and consid-eration must be given to theamount of fl exing. Lastly, a2the actuator. Over-load capac-ity of a minimum of 2x rating is provided to reduce the possibility of inadvertent load damage due on occasions when higher than planned high peak forces are applied.Confi gurationThe standard confi gurations of-fer measurement of compressive loads. Optional confi gurations are available to offer bi-direction-al measurement of force.Load cell amplifi ers commonly used with load cells contain power, excitation, and signal conditioning. These modules will amplify the output signal from milli-volts to useable levels of0-10V or 4-20mA. These devices are available as stand-alone devices made for mount-ing in an electrical panel, incor-porated into panel meters with digital displays, or integral to a PLC or other control device. Exlar’s force measuring actuator assemblies are factory calibrated and certifi ed providing you the information needed to quickly and simply set up your measur-ing system.strain gauge signal conditioner must be selected, ordered, in-stalled and calibrated.What seems on the front end to be a simple implementation ofa force measuring system fre-quently turns into a project requir-ing expertise from both electrical and mechanical personnel. It is also common to see such projects extend beyond the target comple-tion date as system components are redesigned or reordered. Exlar’s embedded force measur-ing option eliminates much ofthe effort and the risk associated with measuring the applied force produced by the actuator. This system will deliver specifi ed per-formance and allow you to meet target dates as all design work is fi eld-proven and factory-tested by Exlar.Flexing cables are not neces-sary. The actuator body typically does not move as it applies force. The force signal cable can be run alongside the actuator’s central and power cables. And, the force sensor carries the same IP rating of the actuator since it is located inside the actuator’s case. Typically the load cell’s rating ismatched to full load capacity of3*This is the frequency response of a “locked rotor” load cell actuator.Frequency response of the load cell/actuator system will depend on total system inertia and the motor and drive ampli fi er powering the system.*Tension optionalForce Measuring GSX & I Series ActuatorsGSX Actuator with Compression Force Measurement, Optional Bi-directional MeasurementLoad CellGSX Actuator with Clevis Mount andCompression Only Force MeasurementLoad CellI Series Actuator with Compression Force MeasurementLoad Cell*Reduced from standard actuator rodStrain Gauge Ampli fi ersAll Exlar precision load mea-suring designs are incremental in nature. By this it is intended that force measurements always be conducted as the change in the signal output between the start of each load producing motion and its completion. The force measur-ing option is not intended to be used as an absolute measure-ment of force being applied.Exlar can provide strain gauge ampli fi ers that offer a conve-nient method for accurately and reliably measuring the resistance change per cycle of the strain gauge load cell embedded in either a GSX or I Series actuator.These units convert the small mV changes in load cell output to a 0-10 volt or 4-20 mA sig-nal which is proportional to the load or tension being applied by the actuator. These ampli-fi ers can be DIN rail or panel mountable, with or without displays.Typical Features • DIN rail panel • 24 Volt power• +/- Volt or 0/4-20 mA output • Simple gain & offset adjust- ments• Auto calibration • Simple fi ltering options • With or without displayStrain Gauge Function • The strain gauge acts as a resistor in one leg of a Wheat-stone bridge• The strain gauge ampli fi er ap-plies voltage across the bridge at A-A (excitation voltage), causing current to fl ow through the bridge • The resistance of the strain gauge changes as a function of the force being applied• The output voltage across B-B changes as a function of the force being applied to the load cell.Model GSX40 Actuator with Load Cell Serial No 6090825TypeCompression Load Cell Calibration Factor2.1809 mV/V Full Scale Calibration Full Scale Load 20,000 Pounds Excitation Voltage +/-10V Linearity <1%Max Load4000 PoundsSee Operation Manual for wiring and operation instructionsExample Calibration and Load Informationinput voltage (+/- 10 Vdc usually)ABB AOutput Voltage (V)Typical System Wiring DiagramLoad CellTypical Strain Gauge Ampli fi erExlar Corporation1470 Lake Drive West Chanhassen, MN 55317 Tel: 952-368-3434Fax: 952-368-4877。