thrust bearing force transducer?

[jjvande]

does anyone know if there is such a thing as a compression force transducer with a built in thrust bearing/s? This particular project involves a rotating assembly that is preloaded axially. I need a way to allow the assembly to rotate and have the force transducer stay put so cables dont get tangled, yet still measure the axial compression force. picture the end stock on a lathe that can measure the preload it is applying to the work.

the other solution i see is to get seprate parts ( bearings/transducer) and make them somehow fit together with some sort of fixturing.

Thanks

 

[Goahead]

You might check with

http://www.mts.com/

manufacturers of transducers for different applications

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[unclesyd]

Here is how thrust and also temperature are measured on thrust bearings.

Go to the following website.
Go down to “Equalizing Thrust Bearings” brochure and check around page 45

http://www.kingsbury.com/on-line_catalogs.shtml

 

[sunthorn]

I had to do something very simular to this. In a process that we do We need to compress and item under rotation with known load for manufacturing (2000-3000lbs)

I used a load cell from omega (LC203-5k. One end is threaded into the base of the machine, the other is threaded in to a metal disk. This inserts into a turned SS rod that has been bored to accept raceways for two (2)roller thrust bearings at the other end and about 4" from the end. A second disk is made with a shaft that is threaded. This is then assembled into the housing with the bearings and and tighten so it freely spins. The whole assymbly is 8 inches long including the length of the load cell.

Basicly I made a custom live center with a load cell as its attacment point to the machine. It works great at speeds we drive it at (100rpm) and rotational axis in the vertical plane.

Hope this description helps.