Force gauges

When choosing a force gauge, what factors should I consider?

When choosing a force gauge, there are several key factors to consider in order to find the right one for your needs.

Design: This determines the type of force gauge you need. Is it intended for manual use, or should it be mounted on a frame? Design and accessories must match your specific application.

Measuring range: This refers to the range of forces the force gauge can measure. Make sure it can handle the minimum and maximum loads or forces you plan to measure.

Sampling frequency: This refers to the rate at which the force gauge records data. A higher frequency provides more detailed data, which is crucial for applications requiring precise analysis.

Resolution : Resolution influences the size of measurement increments. Higher resolution enables more precise and detailed measurements.

Accuracy: This specifies the force gauge's margin of error. Understanding the degree of uncertainty is essential for applications where accuracy is paramount.

By carefully evaluating each of these factors, you can decide which model best meets your requirements, ensuring optimum performance and accuracy for your measurements.

What do you need to know about force gauges?

A force gauge is a measuring instrument used in all sectors to measure force or load during a compression or tensile test. Applications include research and development, laboratories, quality, production and the field environment.

Today, there are two types of force gauge: mechanical (or spring-loaded) and digital.

• A digital force gauge is essentially a portable instrument containing a force sensor, electronics, software and display.
• A load cell is a mechanical device used to convert a force into an electrical signal. Through a mechanical device, the force detected deforms a strain gauge..
• The Strain gauge  converts the deformation (stress) into electrical signals. The software and electronics of the strain gage convert the load cell voltage into a force value, which is displayed on the instrument.

Force measurement units are usually newtons or pounds. Maximum force (push or pull) is the most common result in force testing applications. It is used to determine whether a part is good or not. Some examples of force measurements: door latch, spring quality, wire test, resistance, peeling... but more complex tests such as peeling, rubbing and texture can also be performed.

The force gauge is often hand-held, but can also be mounted on a manual or motorized test stand. Test stands offer more accurate readings and better repeatability (avoid alignment problems, provide constant speed...). Whenever possible, always use a test bench for your force instruments.

Our force gauges also offer various communication options (USB, Bluetooth, TTL, RS232...). When choosing your force gauge, take into account all your needs and the features you require. Don't hesitate to call us before choosing your instruments, our sales engineers can help you choose the right force gauge for your working environment.

What are the advantages of using an electronic force gauge?

Electronic force gauges offer several significant practical advantages. The first of these is the presence of a digital display that enables direct and easy reading of the value of the force exerted, making its use immediately more intuitive and less prone to misinterpretation than mechanical models.

What's more, it offers the option of recording measured data and retrieving it later on a computer using specialized software. This greatly simplifies data management for users who require precise monitoring and detailed analysis of their measurements.