LINK ELECTRIC & SAFETY CONTROL COMPANY OmniLink II, Operating Manual

Page: 59 / 81

April 27, 2004 Manual Version 1.01
7.4
Section 7.2 Strain Gauge Locations
Section 7.2.1 "C" Frame Machines
Machines with "C" frame configurations, such as OBI and GAP frame presses, should be installed with
one strain gauge mounted to each side frame member and the tonnage monitor module configured for 2
channel operation.
Choices of strain gauge mounting locations are illustrated in Figure 7.2. The preferred mounting
locations are near the middle of the front of the "C" frame. The forces that occur at the front of the
machine frame are tensile forces. The compression forces that occur at the "acceptable" locations at the
rear of the "C" frame can be accompanied by nonlinear buckling (bending) on thin web side frames of
some machines.
Figure 7.2:
“C” Frame Machine
Do not mount strain gauges near the curves at the front of the "C" frame. The curvature of the frame
produces nonlinear strain signals. Also, on presses with increased cross sections near the front of the
frame, avoid mounting sensors next to the change of cross section to avoid nonlinear strain signals. The
center portion of the front face of the "C" frame is an excellent sensing location, but sensors are
susceptible to damage from die setting operations.
Section 7.2.2 Straight Side Machines
Straight side presses should be monitored with one strain gauge on each corner of the frame and the
tonnage monitor module configured for 4 channel operation. On machines with tie rod through hollow
upright (column) construction, strain gauges may be mounted on either the tie rods or the uprights,