MDI has a number of torque measurement solutions designed for the heavy construction industry, with applications including: engines, gear boxes, hand tools, mixers, power tools, pumps, saws, tractors, transmissions, valves, winches, and many more.

The measurement of torque is common in a variety of industries and applications, but the best method of achieving a quality measurement that is capable of operation in harsh environments often is not. We believe that the objectives of our clients are specific to their application requirements. Therefore, MDI takes a best solution approach to serving our customer’s needs. This generally necessitates our close involvement in the development of the customer’s torque measurement solution, from definition, to design, to end product.

Technology Fundamentals

The MDI solution evolves from magneto-elastic technology, which has been developed, tested, and applied in a wide variety of industries. This technology offers the non-contact measurement of torque, even in the harshest of environments. The fundamental quality of performance is primarily found in two critical areas - the transfer of torque measurement through the magnetized shaft or collar (which can be applied to a shaft), and the flux gate sensor that measures the change in magnetic field. Therefore, the shaft material and the means of magnetization (applied by MDI) are both critical issues. Details of this process can be found on this website under TECHNOLOGY.

Standard Product Solutions

MDI has a number of standard products that may provide the best solution for your specific application. These solutions are focused on standard industry-specific designs. The standard product solutions will readily affix the pick up and collar into the environmental constraints of the application. To determine if MDI’s standard product solutions are right for your application, please contact MDI sales at 708-867-6777, or click here for our REQUEST A QUOTE FORM.

Customized Product Solutions

For applications where the solution requires application-specific design efforts, customized enclosures, or high volume, a custom design may be the best approach. The following considerations can help determine if a customized product might provide the best solution:

The first issue is to determine if the shaft can be magnetized in such a way that we can get a repeatable and accurate measurement. If this can be done economically, it may be the best overall solution. If, however, we determine that the shaft does not meet the requirements necessary to perform as required, we would develop a collar that would be attached to the shaft. This is accomplished through a fitting and magnetization process that is proprietary to MDI.

The pickup is then selected and tested to assure that the measurement is repeatable and will perform throughout accelerated life tests. The measurement range, sensitivity, and repeatability defined by the client will dictate our solution options. Other issues that have an effect on the definition of the design and the performance of the pickup would include (but would not be limited to): external magnetic field, distance from the point of measurement and control, and total torque requirements.

Next, the electronics are defined that would include the desired output, the display of the measurement and, if data recording is required, a means for information transmission – via cord or wireless.

Finally, the enclosure is defined based on environmental requirements, ergonomic limitations, and performance expectations.

To determine if MDI’s custom product solutions are right for your application, please contact MDI sales at 708-867-6777, or click here for our REQUEST A QUOTE FORM.

Power Tool Applications

Pneumatic and electric power tools are used in the manufacture of most products. In critical applications, monitoring the output torque helps to ensure the consistent assembly of threaded fasteners. The sensors are also used to provide a feedback control signal to shut down the tool at the proper torque. Continuous torque monitoring is achieved with MDI’s non-contact torque sensors designed as an integral part of the output spindle.

Proper torque is measured immediately adjacent to the actual fastener. Automotive, aerospace, off road, agriculture, furniture, and white goods utilize instrumented power tools in their assembly process.

Impulse and impact power tools can now properly measure output spindle torque using MDI non-contact torque transducers. The durable design and high frequency response of MDI torque sensors provides the necessary features to make these difficult measurements. The sensors can be used in a periodic setup mode or in a continuous production line environment.