User's Guide

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Binsfeld Engineering Inc. | 231-334-4383 www.binsfeld.com 869610-9_A2 Pg. 44
Appendix C: Strain Gage Installation
View BEI’s online Strain Gage Installation Training videos at
www.binsfeld.com/torquetrak/torquetrak-revolution/training-videos.html
(Also refer to instruction bulletin B-127-12 provided with GAK-2-200
Strain Gage Application Kit from Vishay Measurements Group, Inc.,
Raleigh, NC, 919-365-3800, www.measurementsgroup.com.)
PREPARING THE SURFACE
1. A 3-inch square area will be used for gaging. Scrape off any paint
or other coatings and inspect shaft for oil residue. If necessary,
use a degreasing solution or isopropyl alcohol to remove.
2. Rough sand the gaging area with 220 grit paper. Finish the
sanding procedure by wetting the gaging area with M-Prep
Conditioner A and the wetted surface with 400 grit paper
provided. Rinse by squirting with M-Prep Conditioner A. Wipe the
area dry with tissue taking care to wipe in only one direction.
Each time you wipe use a clean area of the tissue to eliminate
contamination.
3. Rinse shaft this time by squirting with M-Prep Neutralizer 5A.
Wipe the gaging area dry with a clean tissue, wiping in only one
direction and using clean area of tissue with each wipe. Do not
allow any solution to dry on the surface as this may leave a
contaminating film which can reduce bonding. Surface is now
prepared for bonding.
MARKING THE SHAFT FOR GAGE ALIGNMENT
4. The gage needs to be perpendicular to the shaft axis. In general,
this can be accomplished by eye since misalignment of less than
4 degrees will not generate significant errors. For higher
precision, we recommend two methods for marking the shaft:
a. Use a machinist square and permanent marker or scribe for
perpendicular and parallel lines; or
b. Cut a strip of graph paper greater than the circumference of
the shaft. Tape it to the shaft while lining up the edges. Mark
desired gage position with a scribe or permanent marker.