Kistler's Lorch Production Site Commissions New Calibration Unit for Torque Sensors and Torque Systems

Kistler has commissioned an additional calibration unit for torque sensors on its Lorch production site. Acceptance and accreditation by the DAkkS (formerly DKD) in December 2009 means Kistler's Center of Excellence for Torque Sensors now has two high-precision calibration units approved by this German accreditation body.

The new system for sensors with a torque rating of up to 5 000 N•m is a machine with a sliding weight, automated calibration sequence and automatic disturbance variable compensation. New software now allows automated adjustment and calibration of torque sensors. The very low best measurement capability of 100 ppm is a sound basis for extremely accurate development and calibration of torque sensors. Outside the "Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt" in Brunswick there are only two other calibration units in Germany with similar characteristics and best measurement capabilities for this type of measurement.

As the new unit likewise determines the best measurement capability of the calibrated sensors, in future Kistler can also issue its customers calibration certificates that are more detailed in this respect. These best measurement capabilities (BMCs) relative to the measurement are 1 000 ppm (1 to 5 N•m), 500 ppm (5 to 10 N•m), 200 ppm (10 to 20 N•m) and 100 ppm (20 to 5 000 N•m).

Under DAkkS registration number DKD-K-37701, Kistler's Lorch production facility is listed as an accredited calibration center of the German Calibration Service for the measurand of torque to ISO 17025:2005. In addition to the new calibration system, Kistler has been operating in Lorch a similarly DAkkS-accredited system for torques up to 3 000 N•m since 2004. Kistler also provides test equipment calibration, factory recalibration and DKD class 0,05 (measuring range 20 to 5 000 N•m) calibration. Comprehensive operational testing and wide-ranging documentation round off the complete calibration service.

During calibration, torque sensors are loaded with defined torques and the matching measurements of the sensor recorded. The magnitude of the load is accurately known, as it is measured with reference sensors calibrated by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. This ensures demonstrable traceability of the accuracy of the units that guarantees the measurement results obtained in calibrating torque sensors.

Kistler Group

Kistler’s core competence is the development, production and use of sensors for measuring pressure, force, torque and acceleration. Kistler’s know-how and electronic systems can be used to prepare measuring signals for use in analyzing physical processes, controlling and optimizing industrial processes, improving product quality in manufacturing and improving performance in sports and rehabilitation.

Kistler offers a comprehensive range of sensors and systems for engine development, automotive engineering, plastics and metal processing, installation technology and biomechanics.

A worldwide sales presence in the form of 25 group companies and 30 distributors ensures customer proximity, application support on an individual level and short lead times.

With a staff of about 1 000, the Kistler Group is one of the world’s leading providers of dynamic measuring instrumentation. The Kistler Group achieved turnover of 166 million Swiss Francs in the 2009 financial year.