Force Sensors

• In-Line Load Cell: An in-line force sensor is a type of force sensor with male threads that measures forces. This kind of force transducer can be utilized for both tension and compression loading situations. In-line sensors have excellent accuracy and strength, with little mounting clearance required. They're ideal for press usage, and endurance.

• Column Load Cell: Strain Sense has a variety of Canister Load Cells (also known as Column Load Cell) designed for high-capacity compression uses, such as CNC Machine Vise Clamping Force Test. These versions are built to last and can handle loads up to 2,000 pounds.

• Load Button: Unlike other types of force transducers that have multiple surfaces, load buttons only have a single raised surface (or button) where the compressive force is applied. Load buttons are designed for durability and can be used in applications where repeat/constant forces are present.

• S-Beam Load Cell: The S-Beam force sensor is a tension and compression force transducer with female threads that are used for mounting. With other names such as Z-Beam or S-Type load transducers, this device has high accuracy, a thin beam load cell, and compact profile. This makes it an ideal option for in-line processing feedback applications and automated control such as cable tension transducer applications.

• Thru-Hole Load Cell: A thru-hole force transducer, sometimes known as a donut load cell or washer load cell, has a smooth nonthreaded inner diameter and is used to measure compressive loads requiring a rod to go through its centre. This sensor type's most common application is the measurement of bolt loading.

• Pancake Load Cells: Pancake, canister-style, or shear web load cells have a central threaded hole that measures load through tension or compression. These force transducers are used in applications requiring high endurance, fatigue life, capacity, such as load cell for tanks weighing system, shackle pin load cell or press fit force application. They are also highly resistant to off-axis loading.

• Rod-End Load Cell: For mounting, this load transducer type comes with one male and one female thread. The male and female thread combination is ideal for incorporating a force sensor into an existing fixture in applications where you need to modify the arrangement of the components.

We know that it can be tough to decide on the correct load transducer since there is no real industry standard for how to make your choice. Additionally, you may come across some challenges while trying to find one like needing a compatible amplifier or signal conditioner or requiring a custom product which would take more time to ship.

Here is a five-step guide to help choose a force sensor for your application.

Step 1: Understand the application and what you are measuring

While load sensors measure tension and compression loads, pressure sensors focus on measures liquid or gaseous pressures, and torque sensors are for monitoring rotational speed.

Step 2: Figure out the sensor mounting characteristics and its assembly

What type of load are you using? Is it static or dynamic? Also, please define the mounting type. How do you plan on mounting this Force Sensor?

Step 3: Define your minimum and maximum capacity requirements

Be sure to pick the capacity over the maximum operating load, as well as any external or additional loads (sideways loads or off-centre loads) and forces.

Step 4: Define your size and geometry requirements

When choosing a sensor, you should also consider if it is submersible (waterproof), cryogenic, high temperature resistant, multiple, or redundant bridges, and TEDS IEEE1451.4 compliant.

Step 5: Define the type of output your application requires

Outputs of force transducer circuits are in mV/V. If your PLC or DAQ needs analog output, digital load cell output, or serial communication, you need a load cell amplifier or signal conditioner. Be sure to select the right amplifier and calibrate the measurement system (load transducer + signal conditioner) for more compatibility and accuracy throughout the force measurement process.

We know that it can be tough to decide on the correct load transducer since there is no real industry standard for how to make your choice. Additionally, you may come across some challenges while trying to find one like needing a compatible amplifier or signal conditioner or requiring a custom product which would take more time to ship. The Force Matrix Sensor (FMS) measures the three types of forces - longitudinal, lateral, and radial - that happen at the point where the tire meets the road. A regular FMS unit consists of one row of 40 8mm sensors embedded in a base plate. If necessary, more units can be added for bigger tires. The baseplate is installed even with the road surface. As the tire drives over the FMS, tire footprint force is measured and recorded using high-speed data acquisition and a processing unit.

Force sensors work on various principles, but the most common type is the strain gauge force sensor. It consists of a flexible material or metal strip that deforms under applied force. This deformation causes changes in resistance, which are then converted into an electrical signal.

Yes, force sensors can measure both static (stationary) and dynamic (changing) forces. Some force sensors are specifically designed for dynamic force measurements and offer fast response times to capture rapid force changes.