Covering or painting force plates

[Alex Bates]

We have two Kistler force plates in our movement lab. They have a reflective metallic finish on them, and so create ghost markers if they are not covered.

Currently we use some anti-slip mats to cover the forceplates. The problem I have is that I'm investigating jumping movements where there is a large shear force, and the mats are slipping.

What do others use to cover force plates? Has anyone painted them?

Many thanks.

[Michael Lawrence]

Re: Covering or painting force plates

We had to paint our force plates when we installed them in our new lab. I just contacted AMTi and they were able to give me the type of paint that needed to be used. Sorry I don't have the paint type logged anywhere. I do remember it was a fairly expensive paint though.

[Florian Ullrich]

Re: Covering or painting force plates

Hi Alex,
there is no problem covering the force plate with a flooring. From the instruction manual: Installation and maintenance of all force plates for Biomechanics
Floor Covering
Usually force plates are covered with the same floor covering as that of the surrounding floor. "..." The easiest way to attach a piece of floor covering is to use double-sided adhesive tape as is used in fixing wall-to-wall carpets. This also allows for easy removal if the force plate has to be taken out again.
This is a popular method. I assume you are using the portable plate type 9286..
If your plate is Kistler type 9281.. or 9287.. you will find four M6 threaded holes near the sensors that can also be used to fix a stiff flooring sheet to the force plate's top plate.

I hope this helps. If you need any more information don't hesitate to contact your local Kistler representative. Choose application "biomechanics" on the Kistler website and select your region in the header.

Best regards, Florian Ullrich
Kistler Instrumente AG, Switzerland

[Nancy Thesing]

Re: Covering or painting force plates

We are using Kistler's portable force plates outdoors for running, and the reflections were a real problem for us as well. We ended up applying skate board grip tape, and it worked great!

Nancy Thesing
NMCSD San Diego

[Tanya C. Garcia]

Re: Covering or painting force plates

We use Kistler force plates for equine/canine gait. I have found that Eco-Tuff Non-Skid, Fine Mesh coating to provide a nice non-slip, rubbery, durable, weather-resistant surface. It is semi-permenant, meaning the aluminum surface of the forceplate needs to be sanded roughly and chemically treated. Once adhered, it is difficult (not impossible) to remove. I used Eco-Tuff Metal Primer to prepare the surface.

Tanya
Veterinary Orthopedic Research Lab
University of California, Davis