Force Sensor Suppliers

A force sensor responds to an applied force and converts that response into a measurable quantity. Most force sensors are made out of force-sensing resistors, sensing film and electrodes which measure tensile and pressure forces, as well as elastic deformations.

Force sensors can detect forces of just a few grams right through to 100,000 kilograms and more.

A few typical applications are:

• Musical instruments
• Bathroom scales
• Cars to detect occupied seats
• All kinds of medical instruments and appliances
• All kinds of process control applications in manufacturing

The force can be with you in three primary sensing forms: load cells, strain gauge load cells and force-sensing resistors.

Load cells. As a rule, load cells measure compressive forces otherwise known as weight. Load cells call on a wide variety of technology to do this and come in many forms.

• Pneumatic load cells
• Inductive load cells
• Capacitive load cells
• Hydraulic load cells
• Piezoelectric crystal load cells
• Strain gauge load cells are generally used in robotics research and be either single-axis or multi-axis.
• Magnetostrictive load cells
   

Force sensing resistors are used to tell:

• When a set threshold has been exceeded
• An applied force’s rate of change
• An applied force’s relative change
• Any contact or touch

What force needs to be measured?

• Do you need to measure the weight of components and end products in a production line?
• Is force measurement required in some other industrial application?
• Do you need force sensors to measure axle load in trucks or the load in trailers?
• What about other types of vehicles and transportation? Force sensors can assist with the smoother, safer operation of trains.
• Bridges and cranes anyone? Again, force sensors can play a large part in safety and efficiency.
   

These are just a few examples of where force sensors can be a driving force and a measured approach to higher performance. And with the wide range of force technology options available, most commercial and industrial needs can be met. However, do remember that a force sensor performing well in one application might perform badly in a situation that seems quite similar. So it pays to do your homework and be very specific about requirements and expectations.

Force sensors with superior specs will cost more. A basic load cell can cost as little as $230. A more technical strain gauge sensor might cost more like $4000. So weigh it up with your own balance of budget versus minimum required output.

A well maintained force sensor is, essentially, an invisible force sensor because it will just go about its business quietly and without fanfare. However, a faulty force sensor can throw your business balance right off kilter, compromising quality, safety and customer loyalty.

So what are the main problems to look out for?

• Incorrect mounting can cause a sensor to give inaccurate readings.
• Condensation causes calibration problems, particularly problematic for factories in the food and beverage industries.
• Electromagnetic interference and hotspots from surrounding circuit boards cause force sensors to malfunction.
• Cybersecurity breaches cause force sensors to malfunction.

Force sensors are integral to the efficient operation of anything from production lines to railway lines. If they get out of kilter, bad things can happen without warning.

Here are a few tips to keep force sensors working as they should.

• Regularly check system alignments and recalibrate if necessary.
• Clean sensors carefully to remove all debris and oil.
• Regularly check for deterioration and corrosion.
• Replace force sensors if the frequency of realignments becomes excessive.