Force Gauge Test Fixture

SolidWorks Rendering

This fixture was designed and built to determine the rotational resistance of a theta motion stage. This stage is a new part that will be added to the company’s machine, so this fixture will be used to test multiple new design iterations after I provided measurements on a baseline stage.

Project Summary and Design Steps:

  • Iteratively designed fixture elements including the base plate and force gauge housing on SolidWorks

  • Used DFA principles to create an assembly that could mesh with a desired motor, specific force gauge, and separate test bench where the part was mounted

  • Chose an appropriate linear actuator as the best way to repeatability move the force gauge to the correct measuring point

  • Made a technical drawing so the base plate could be manufactured and 3D printed the force gauge housing

  • Assembled the test fixture and secured it to a breadboard with the test bench

  • Developed a motor code to enable the actuator to move the right amount of steps to take a force reading of the part through its whole range of motion

Assembled Test Fixture

Troubleshooting and Results:

  • Had to create a stopper to ensure that the base of the part being tested did not move when pushed by the force gauge

  • Also added an extender to the design to enable the fixture to take compression instead of tension readings

  • Made the fixture fully functional

  • Ran a set of preliminary tests on a baseline part to provide a reference average force for future tests

Fixture in Motion

Motor Code