Force Gauges is a measuring instrument used to quantify the magnitude of the force applied to an object during the process. It has a working principle of measuring the pressure in stress increments and other dependent human factors. Force gauges measure force by loading tension or compression force on the tip of the gauge. Some of its application industries include research and development, laboratory, quality and production. A digital force gauge is a common force gauge known as a push-pull gauge or tension or compression force gauge.
Mechanical force gauge – It is a simple handheld measuring device equipped with a dedicated test stand. This force measuring device uses a spring to convert the magnitude of force into a calibrated force value. This value is displayed by needle position against a graduated dial indicator. The mechanical force gauge is durable, easy to use, portable and mechanical.
Digital force gauge - It uses a load cell that converts the magnitude of applied force to an electrical signal that can be calibrated and digitized on the display screen. The gauge requires battery power to operate the device and have the ability to sample, record and store the data.
Size/Capacity – It represents the maximum value of force that the unit is capable of measuring.
Graduation – It is the number of lines that is visible on the measurement scale of the device. More the lines, more is the granularity of the measurement.
Resolution – It is the degree of fineness in terms of measurement that relates to capacity and graduation.
Accuracy - It is a measure of the degree that deviates the measured value from the actual magnitude of the measured force. Accuracy is signified as a +/- percentage of the full-scale value of the gauge.
Display Type – It is a form of dial indicator with a needle. The digital models' come in various forms like LCD, LED, high-resolution colour display, etc.
Language support – It is the feature of the digital model that supports display in multiple languages.
Battery Life – The estimated number of hours the device can operate before the battery completely drains off and requires battery recharge.
Typical Applications of Force Gauges:
Sports – In boxing, the boxers use the force gauge to measure muscle strength and punching power.
Material strength measurement – It measures the strength of material to check if it can bear the stress during transportation. E.g. Water bottles are passed through a compression test to determine the power of the bottle during transport. It is done to avoid bottle breakage or leakage problems.
Safety – Usually, the designers or engineers test the load capacity of fasteners to secure objects like handrails and bannisters. It helps in improving the safety of the operation.