NPL has the capability to design and manufacture bespoke deadweight force standard machines, over a wide range of force capacities.

This capability is demonstrated by the number of successful projects that have been completed within the last decade. NPL scientists work in a large range of metrology applications, and have designed 2.5 kN, 20 kN, and 120 kN deadweight force machines, which now form part of the UK’s national force standards.

Design and Manufacture

NPL has a specialist, fully equipped design office and engineering workshop with craftsmen and technicians skilled in mechanical engineering. Facilities include milling, turning, EDM die sinking, wire eroding, grinding, and metal lapping. NPL manufactured its own 2.5 kN, 20 kN, and 120 kN machines.

NPL also installed and commissioned a force standards calibration laboratory for an overseas national measurement institute. This included 5 kN and 60 kN deadweight force standard machines, and 600 kN and 3 MN hydraulic amplification force standard machines linked to the 60 kN deadweight machine.

Why use NPL?

NPL is a world-renowned organisation having a dedicated area specialising in force measurement, maintaining and disseminating the UK’s national standards. NPL has staff with decades of experience in developing and improving the facilities required to disseminate force standards to industry at the highest level.

NPL’s machines are of the highest accuracy and NPL has been involved in the design and manufacture of a number of force machines for its own use, for the UK’s National Measurement Office, and for an overseas national measurement institute.

In summary, the benefits of using NPL for the development of force machines include:

Professional staff with years of expertise in all areas of force measurement

Direct traceability to the UK’s standards for mass, length, and time

Knowledge of the application of precision engineering principles on a large scale

Well-equipped design office and engineering workshop

Years of experience in the design and manufacture of deadweight force standard machines

Excellent international reputation in the force measurement area