Universal Calibrating Machines
Morehouse Universal Calibrating Machines (UCM) are an easy to use, cost-effective, hydraulic force calibration system that lasts for generations. UCMs built in the 1950s are still operating today! The UCM can be used to calibrate both tension and compression instruments in accordance with ASTM E74, ISO 376, and other internationally recognized force standards.
The operator can replicate how the force instruments are used in the field by using different setups for tension and compression, and proper adapters recommended by several standards, including ISO 376.
The Universal Calibrating Machine is a superior alternative to expensive automated solutions, which often do not work due to the nature of the instruments being calibrated. An automated machine will not allow the technician to calibrate analog devices or devices without some sort of data communication. These machines often cost 50 % less than the fully automated solutions offered from other manufacturers.
The Morehouse Universal Calibrating Machine operates efficiently with very low operational and maintenance cost. Accessories such as quick change tension members, tension member adapters, alignment bushings, and studs are available to help adapt load cells of many varieties for calibration. Optional hydraulic power control with an auxiliary screw pump is recommended for capacities over 60,000 lbf.
Features include:
Facilitates both compression and tension calibration
Reference standard will only need calibration in compression mode. This reduces the lifetime ownership cost when compared with machines that require the reference standard to be calibrated in tension and compression.
Accommodates different size load cells and crane scales
When used with standards calibrated to ASTM E74 with a Class AA range, ASTM E74 Class A loading ranges can be assigned
When used with standards calibrated to ISO 376 Class 00, the machine is capable of calibrating instruments to Class 0.5
Design assures axial loading
No error from friction loss
Matches the accuracy of the reference standard
Expanded uncertainties of better than 0.02 % of the applied force, when used with several Morehouse Ultra-Precision Load Cells calibrated using deadweight primary standards
Easy to use; training takes less than one hour
Capacities from 100 lbf through 3,000,000 lbf (13.3 MN).
If you are looking for an accurate, easy to use, cost-effective machine, the Universal Calibration Machine will exceed your needs. It can be used to calibrate the following force-proving instruments:
Washer Load Cell, Universal Load Cell, Low Capacity Load Cell, Multi-Axis Load Cells, Miniature Load Cells, Button Load Cell, S-Beam Load Cell, Type Load Cell. Strain Gage Load Cell, General Purpose Load Cell, Load Cell, Force Transducer, Digital Force Gauge, Hand Held Force Gage, Force Gage, Dynamometers, Crane Scales, and more.
Deadweight Calibrating Machines
With accuracies of better than 0.002 % of the applied force, the Morehouse Deadweight Calibrating Machine is the most accurate force standard. It is ideal for those concerned with measurement risk and maintaining a 4:1 Test Uncertainty Ratio (TUR) on the force measuring instruments with a tolerance of 0.05 % or better.
All Morehouse Deadweight Calibrating Machines make full use of the accuracy of deadweights and are true primary standards. This means there are no multipliers (hydraulic or otherwise), levers, or flexures between the weights of the calibrator and the instrument to be calibrated.
Calibration Capability
This machine is capable of calibrating ISO 376 Class 00, ASTM E74 Class AA, AS 2193 Class AA, and other force measuring devices requiring the utmost accuracy. These include load cells, proving rings, crane scales, force gages, dynamometers, and several other force measuring devices.
Morehouse has redesigned our deadweight calibrating machine to be more rigid, have more room between weights, have conical lifters so the weights can be lowered by low-pressure air bladders to eliminate shock loading, and use new designs to ensure the yoke will not twist apart. The new automated control features a programmable controller where a touch screen is used for manual mode. The end-user can set timing and loading sequences, including data capture, so that all data can easily be exported to your current calibration software or the machine's USB communication port can be used to work with LabVIEW and other programs.
Design Highlights:
Clean operation with around 15 PSI air pressure when the airbags are deflated and inflated steadily to eliminate shock load.
Controller is set up for manual touchscreen operation for calibration of instruments without data capture capabilities.
Automation routines are easy to program and timing profiles can be set to ensure compliance with ISO 376, which states in section 7.4.3 "The time interval between two successive loading shall be as uniform as possible, and not reading shall be taken within 30 s of the start of the force change."
The yoke is designed to eliminate twisting and unthreading during operation, which is a common problem with most machines because threads want to unthread over time.
Everything is engineered with at least a 2:1 safety factor. It is impossible to overload a deadweight machine, but the overall design is good for over 1,000,000 full capacity or more loadings.
Each level of the machine has room to allow each weight to clear and for deflection of the unit being calibrated. The weights will not touch the top or bottom supports when they are hanging. Other machines may not have an adequate gap or spacing, which results in a weight resting and the proper force is not applied.
The loading surfaces are designed to minimize bending and accept various sized force measuring instruments
All weights are designed with corrosive resistant material or Stainless steel, depending on the budget. The weights are designed to be stable over a decade of use to 0.2 ppm.
Tension and compression loading is easy with a ball seat in the yoke frame and quick change tension adapters.
Designed to calibrate load cells with a tight tolerance of 0.005 % or better. It is the only standard capable of assigned ASTM Class AA verified range of forces and the preferred machine for ISO 376 Class 00 calibrations.
Weights
All weights are adjusted to better than 0.002 %, of their nominal value and are calibrated and certified either directly traceable to SI units through an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab or directly by the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Product Data Sheets
Deadweight Calibrating Machine PG-5101
Portable Calibrating Machines
With the Morehouse Portable Calibrating Machine, you can benefit from a laboratory-grade force calibration system in the field. Quick-change tension adapters, quick-adjust calibration height, and quick setup will save you valuable time in the field. The Portable Calibrating Machine provides precision force measurements for a large variety of configurations.
The Morehouse Portable Calibrating Machine (PCM), designed with field calibration requirements in mind, provides all the necessary force calibration tools in a portable package. This calibrator gives you accurate and stable force measurements in a robust and low-maintenance design.
The system is equipped with several time-saving features that enable a quality force calibration where portability and time are of critical importance. With continuous support from Morehouse, you can expand the capabilities of this system to accommodate a wider range of force sensors such as shear web load cells, S-type load cells, force gauges, button load cells, beam load cells, etc.
Features include:
Capacities up to 2,000 lbf
Two configurations available; the PCM-2MD-2 provides an extra 8 inches in height
Tension and compression calibrations in one setup
Fine adjustment of the calibration load
Lowering the risk of overloading small force measurement
Capable of calibrating handheld force gauges using Morehouse Handheld Force Gauge Adapters
Eliminates the need for carrying and stacking weights for calibrating force instruments
Quick-Change Tension Member system to use a variety of tension adapters
Quick calibration height adjustment
Quick reference standard change capabilities
Capable of controlling force application as low as 0.005 lbf based on the resolution of the reference standard used
Low-maintenance, manual operation system
Benchtop Calibrating Machine
The Morehouse Benchtop Calibrating Machine is a laboratory-grade force calibration system that can sit on any table or desk that can support 150 lbs (75 kgs). Quick-Change Tension adapters, quick-adjust calibration height, and quick setup will save you valuable time during setups. This system provides a fine control that enables the calibration of load cells, crane scales, dynamometers, hand-held force gauges, and other force equipment while controlling the force to as little as 0.05 lbf throughout the range.
Mechanical Tensiometer Calibrator
The Mechanical Tensiometer Calibrator (PCM-2MD-T1) is an easy-to-use solution for problems associated with calibrating force instruments and cable tension meters (tensiometers) up to 2,000 lbf capacity. This machine provides the user with fine and stable control on the applied force and offers a large working area which long enough to test tensiometers on standard cables lengths of 5 ft.
The system is equipped with several time-saving features that enable a quality force calibration on a wide range of force sensors such as shear web load cells, S-type load cells, force gauges, button load cells, beam load cells, etc.
Features include:
2,000 lbf capacity
Compression and tension calibration modes
Clear shatter resistance safety shield to protect the operator in case the cable or adapters fail during calibration
Calibration of cable tension meters on cables up to 5 ft long
Fine control over calibration forces
Eliminates the need to carry and stack weights for calibrating force instruments
Includes clevises for calibration cable tension meters
Includes compression load pad and ball seat adapter for calibration of compression-only instruments
Lowers the risk of overloading small force measurement
Quick adjustment of the calibration space opening for switching setups
Optional kits of variable adapters for calibrating dynamometers, crane scales, tension load cells, button load cells, etc.
Capable of controlling force application as low as 0.005 lbf based on the resolution of the reference standard used
Low maintenance mechanical system with manual operation
Two additional models are available for 3 ft and shorter cables. PCM-2MD-T2 is a shorter version of the 2k machine and PCM-1MD-T2 which is a 1K capacity model that can accommodate up to a 3 ft cable.