What Is a Force Gauge?
A force gauge is a device that measures the load or tension acting on an object.
There are two types of a force gauge: the analog force gauge that does not require a power supply, and the digital force gauge that can accurately read the scale. Digital type force gauges can be connected to a PC to measure while storing data.
A digital force gauge can be held in a hand and pulled or pushed against an object to be measured, or it can be mounted on a stand for a force gauge to take a measurement.
Usage of Force Gauges
Force gauges are used in a wide range of applications including industrial machinery, mixed phase containers, food, clothing, pharmaceuticals, and sporting goods industries.
They are used to assure the quality of products and to investigate the physical properties of objects to be measured.
Depending on the intended use, the rated capacity, the corresponding physical quantity, and the durability period should be considered when selecting force gauges.
Here are some examples of force gauges applications:
- Measurement of tensile strength in clothing buttons
- Measurement of elasticity of bread and sponge cakes
- Measurement of the pinching force of medical tweezers
Principles of Force Gauges
The principles of operation of force gauges are explained for the three types: analog type, digital type, and when a stand is used.
1. Analog Type Force Gauges
Analog type force gauges consist of a spring for measurement and a rack for hooking to an object to be measured or a tool for pushing against it. The force acting on the object is measured by the displacement of the spring and output by the meter. Analog force gauges are characterized by the fact that it does not require a power supply.
2. Digital Force Gauges
Digital force gauges consist of a load cell for measurement and a tool to attach to the measuring object. Force is detected by measuring the change in electrical resistance of the load cell displaced by the force of the measurement target. Some digital models are characterized by the ability to save data to a PC.
3. Force Gauges When Using a Stand
By using a stand to which force gauges can be attached, accurate elasticity and stress at break can be measured. Some models of stands are capable of a reciprocating test, and fatigue strength can also be measured.