Alpha Gear Drives continues to develop a method to integrate torque and force sensors directly into the housings of a wide range of motion control solutions – from precision gear reducers to TPM integrated gear and motor products. The real time measurement of these performance criteria allow for more accurate process control by eliminating the inaccurate and cumbersome method of using motor current and a measured scaling factor to determine output torque. This direct method also eliminates friction or splash losses. Having a way to measure the loading on an axis can help determine any changes to the process being performed. A change in material thickness will result in less or more force in a roll-feed application – this can be measured and accounted for. A change in material density will require a change in torque in bending or forming applications. This sensor technology can also be used to close the torque loop of a control system where the torque actually matters – at the output. Machine life can be accurately measured by determining the loads and forces present at the drive mechanism.