Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the questions JLW Instruments receives most frequently.
Material Testing Questions
Can JLW help me configure a testing system for my application?
Yes, JLW can give you personalized recommendations based on your application. Our product specialists can help you compare options, understand capabilities, select appropriate fixtures and attachments, and ensure you purchase the right equipment for your needs.
What is a universal testing machine?
Universal testing machines (UTMs) are versatile tools used to measure tension, compression, flexure, peel, puncture and more for materials including metals, plastics, composites, textiles and rubber. UTMs are used by R&D and quality control professionals, manufacturers and researchers across industries to ensure materials are sound and will perform as expected under real-world conditions.
How do I select the right test stand?
JLW sells several motorized and manual test stands. Both types of testers can be configured – with grips, fixtures and other accessories – to measure peel, push, compression, spring, torque and more. Compared to hand testing, both types of stands generate data that is more precise, accurate and repeatable.
The “right” test stand will depend on your application and budget. Motorized test stands are more sophisticated than their manual counterparts and are, therefore, more expensive. If you need help selecting the right test stand for your needs, contact us to speak with an expert.
How do I select the right tensile dynamometer?
Tensile dynamometers, also known as crane scale dynamometers, can be used in load testing and weighing applications. JLW sells both mechanical and digital dynamometers and can help you choose the right tool for your application.
Does JLW sell the software I’ll need to use my product?
Yes, JLW sells software packages and licenses for Mark-10, Chatillon, Hoggan Scientific and Lloyd Instruments products.
Strength Assessment & Physiotherapy Questions
What are digital biofeedback devices?
Digital biofeedback devices generate quantitative data and are used by physical therapists, athletic trainers and others to drive improved health and performance outcomes. Instead of being forced to rely on analog instruments and methods like manual muscle testing (MMT), these revolutionary tools empower professionals to take a data-driven approach to their work. As a result, those who use digital biofeedback devices report higher patient/client engagement, better outcomes, and significant returns on investment.
For more information, read our blogs:
Which industries use digital biofeedback devices?
Digital biofeedback tools are used by a number of professionals who need to measure human strength, force, speed, range of motion and more. Users include physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, researchers, and educators.
Is it better to buy or lease biofeedback equipment?
The decision to buy or lease biofeedback equipment will depend on your needs and budget. That said, for the majority of physical therapists and athletic trainers, owning equipment is a better, more flexible, and more cost-effective option that can help build the equity of a practice and offer potential tax benefits.
For more information, read our blog, 5 Reasons to Buy – Not Lease – Biofeedback Equipment
What are the benefits of using digital biofeedback devices?
Some of the primary benefits of using digital biofeedback devices include:
- Precise, quantitative data that helps you make better-informed care and training decisions
- More efficient testing, reporting, and data sharing, which allows you to spend more time with patients/clients and less time crunching numbers
- Increased patient/client engagement, resulting in improved health and performance outcomes and higher revenues for your practice
What is KINVENT?
KINVENT is a leading biofeedback device manufacturer whose devices – which include force plates, hand, handheld, pneumatic and traction dynamometers, a goniometer, EMG sensor, hybrid IMU and UWB sensor, and the KINVENT Physio App – have revolutionized the way physical therapists deliver care to patients and strength and conditioning coaches train athletes.
KINVENT devices are used in over 80 countries and are trusted by professional athletic organizations, including the NFL, MLB, NBA and MLS, and hospitals and universities, including Mayo Clinic, Brooks Rehabilitation, Stanford, Princeton and Texas A&M. JLW is an authorized KINVENT distributor and calibration partner.
For more information, read our KINVENT case studies:
How does the KINVENT Physio App work?
All KINVENT devices are connected via Bluetooth to the KINVENT Physio App. Data generated by the devices is sent to the app in real time, which gives physical therapists and trainers – and their patients and athletes – instant insight into their performance and progress over time. Within the app, users can generate and share reports with members of a patient’s or client’s care or training team.
What are common digital force plate applications/tests?
In physical therapy, digital force plates can be used to rehabilitate:
- Upper body injuries (including shoulder, UCL, rotator cuff and labrum): using athletic shoulder (ASH) tests
- ACL injuries: using countermovement jump (CMJ) tests
- Strokes, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative conditions and diseases: using center of pressure (COP), center of gravity (COG), balance and gait tests
In athletic training and conditioning, digital force plates can be used to conduct a wide range of tests, including:
- Squat jumps
- Drop jumps
- Countermovement jumps
- Rebound jumps
- Land-and-hold jumps
- Mid-thigh pulls
- Single-leg balance tests
- Double-leg balance tests
- McCall hamstring tests
- Isometric and squat holds
- Single-leg squat hold
How do I select the right force plates?
The force plate market is crowded with options designed to suit a variety of needs. The “right” plates for you will depend on the focus of your practice, the needs of your patients and clients, your budget, and your preference for owning or leasing biofeedback equipment.
For information about how to select the right force plates for your needs, read our guides:
How do I select the right dynamometer?
A number of dynamometers – including hand dynamometers, handheld dynamometers, pneumatic dynamometers and traction dynamometers – can be used to measure grip strength, muscle strength, muscle force and more. The “right” dynamometer for your practice will depend on your area of focus, applications, client or patient profile and budget.
For information about how to select the right force plates for your needs, read our guides:
Does JLW sell products for job task analysis?
Yes, JLW sells ergonomics kits that can be used for job design, strength assessments and ergonomic research. Applications include:
- Loading and unloading boxes
- Handling luggage and cargo
- Operating heavy machinery
- Pushing carts
General Questions
Does JLW offer calibration services?
Yes, JLW has a calibration lab that offers on-site and in-house services. We make significant, continual investments in calibration equipment and technician training to maintain rapid turnaround times, while providing the highest quality calibration services.
Is JLW’s calibration lab accredited to ISO 17025?
Yes, JLW’s calibration lab is A2LA ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ASNI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 accredited (certificate #1753.01).
Which products can JLW calibrate?
JLW calibrates a range of instruments, including:
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Motorized test stands and material testing machines
Force instruments: digital force gauges, mechanical force gauges, load cells, ergonomic gauges and crane scale/tensile dynamometers - Pressure instruments: pressure gauges, vacuum gauges, pneumatic gauges and pneumatic transducers
- Torque instruments: indicating torque tools and torque watches, rotary torque transducers, reaction torque transducers, torque screwdrivers, dial torque wenches, flat beam torque wenches
- Hand dynamometers and pinch gauges
- Balances and scales
- Deadweight testers
- Cable tie application tools
If our team does not have the capabilities to calibrate your instrument, we can recommend a calibration partner who can.
How often does my measuring instrument need to be calibrated?
Instruments used to measure force, tension, compression, torque, weight, strength and pressure require routine calibration to produce accurate, reliable readings and perform as expected. How frequently you calibrate your device will vary depending on the device itself, how it’s used, and the environment it’s used in. Please refer to your instrument’s user manual or contact our team for more information about your specific device.
To request calibration for your device, please fill out this form.
Can JLW repair my product?
Yes, JLW has a well-stocked repair department and can fix many instruments, including some discontinued products. Because we sell most of the instruments we service and have close relationships with manufacturers, we possess a high degree of knowledge and can easily solve common – and uncommon – problems with devices.
If your instrument is unrepairable, we offer a trade-in discount that can be used toward a replacement product.
To request repair for your device, please fill out this form.
What is JLW’s repair warranty?
JLW offers a 90-day calibration and repair warranty.
What is the turnaround time on calibration and repair?
JLW offers rapid turnaround times for calibration and repair services – though exact times vary by instrument and service. If our proposed timeline doesn’t meet your needs, we can work to accommodate your deadline.
What’s the difference between NIST and ISO calibration certificates?
NIST and ISO calibration certificates both confirm that a measuring instrument meets predefined standards that govern quality and accuracy. NIST is governed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and ISO is governed by the International Organization for Standardization.
NIST’s scope is narrower than ISO’s: NIST only sets standards for the tools used to calibrate the device, whereas ISO outlines standards for the lab, technicians, and their processes in addition to calibration tools.
The product I use was discontinued. Can JLW help me find a replacement?
Yes, JLW can help you find a replacement for your discontinued instrument and offers a trade-in discount.
Please review our page that outlines recommended replacements for widely used products that are now obsolete. If your device isn’t listed on the page, contact us to discuss your options.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Shipping times vary. In-stock products are dispatched within one to two business days and can be shipped via:
- USPS Ground (free on domestic orders over $200)
- USPS Ground Advantage
- USPS Priority Mail
- UPS Ground Saver
- UPS Ground
- UPS Next Day Air Saver
- UPS Next Day Air
- UPS Next Day Air Early
- USPS Priority Mail Express
If you need to receive your order urgently, please call us at (312) 666-0595. For more information, please review our shipping policy.
Where does JLW ship?
JLW ships nationally and internationally. Customers ordering from outside the United States are responsible for covering all fees imposed during or after shipping (tariffs, taxes, etc.).
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping charges vary by delivery location and are calculated and displayed at checkout. We offer free ground shipping on orders over $200 within the United States.