Vacuum Compatible
Sensors
Application Summary
Testing and producing products in a vacuum or space simulation
environment requires equipment that can operate without contaminating
the chamber and interfering with results. This requires low outgassing
solutions that generate vapor emissions within strictly controlled
parameters. For load and force testing and control, a vacuum
compatible/low outgassing sensor is necessary for use in the
vacuum environment.
Products in Use
Vacuum Compatible/Low Outgassing LSB200
Miniature S-Beam Jr. Load Cell paired with Instrumentation (USB220,
IPM650 Panel Mount Display, IHH500 Handheld Display or IAA Series
Strain Gauge Analog Amplifier).
Load Cell - Vacuum Compatible Sensors
How it Works
In a vacuum environment, outgassing occurs within a material
when trapped gasses or material elements boil off or sublimate
as pressure falls below normal atmospheric pressures.
In an ideal case these gasses are removed by the chamber as it
maintains the vacuum environment. However, the gasses will more
often than not react with the vacuum chamber walls and any hardware
inside the vacuum chamber.
This causes staining and/or corrosion to the material in the
chamber. These stains can occlude camera lenses and CCD elements,
affect sensor readings, and damage components, often invalidating
any measurements taken in the chamber.
Therefore, it is critical that all components minimize outgassing
to protect the integrity of the vacuum environment.
For FUTEK’s low outgassing sensors, materials such as Teflon
cabling and wiring and specialized elements are used to minimize
outgassing.
In this application, a Vacuum Compatible/Low Outgassing LSB200
Miniature S Beam Load Cell is used to measure applied application
force over time of two materials being bonded in a vacuum environment.
The LSB200 is placed inline with clamp holding the two materials
together, measuring the force applied.
The LSB200 cable is routed to the outer wall of the chamber into
a bulkhead that helps maintain the vacuum environment and allows
the signal to safely exit the chamber.
The signal is then amplified via an IAA series Analog Amplifier
to be sent to a DAQ, displayed by an IPM650 Panel Mount Display,
IHH500 Handheld Display, or logged using USB220 USB Output Module
on a PC running SENSIT.
About
FUTEK:
FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. is a U.S. Manufacturer
of load cells, torque sensors, pressure sensors, multi-axis sensors
and related instruments and software. Located in Southern California,
FUTEK has built a reputation as a quality provider of test and
measurement tools. As the Sensor Solution Source, FUTEK supplies
test and measurement products to many industries, especially
medical, robotic, and aerospace.
March 2019
