Ready-to-Use Tension and Compression Force Sensor Kits
With a sensor that’s already calibrated and everything you need to relay data, these kits come ready to operate. Use them to measure forces in equipment and send the data directly to a computer or programmable logic controller (PLC) to monitor, document, and trigger actions in machinery. They’re also used as the foundation within custom-built scales and force gauges, and to measure force in crash tests and other quality control processes. These sensors are also known as load cells.
When choosing a sensor, consider whether you’ll be measuring tension, compression, or both. Select sensors with a capacity rating higher than the greatest load you expect them to receive. They’re designed to briefly handle forces 1.5 times their load capacity to protect from overload. Choose between a rectangle, round, or S-shape sensor to best suit your application.
PC connection kits link to a computer, tablet, or LCD display. All include a calibrated force sensor, a data conversion hub, and data-recording software. The conversion hub turns electrical signals from the sensor into usable force measurements. The software plots and analyzes measurements, so you can track high, low, and average values over time. It can also set off connected alarms or notify you when readings fall outside a set range. Export the data to Microsoft Excel and other analytical software such as MATLAB and LabVIEW. Wired PC connection kits come with a 6-ft. hub-to-PC USB cord. PLC/PC connection kits combine the trigger functions of a PLC with the tracking and notification features of computer software. They include a calibrated force sensor, a data conversion hub, data-recording software, and a 6-ft. hub-to-USB cord.
Round sensors have a low profile to fit in tight-clearance spaces. Those with a button are often used to measure weight in packaging machinery and for pressure sensing in medical device prototypes.
PC Connection Kits | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Accuracy | Measuring Increments | Dia. | Ht. | Sensor Material | Temp. Range, °F | Each | |
For Measuring Compression | ||||||||
| 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) | ±0.8 oz. (±23 g) | 0.001 lbs. (0.001 kg) | 1 1/4" | 13/32" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 0000000 |
| 100 lbs. (45 kg) | ±8 oz. (±225 g) | 0.1 lbs. (0.001 kg) | 1 1/4" | 13/32" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 200 lbs. (90 kg) | ±1 lbs. (±450 g) | 1 lbs. (0.01 kg) | 1 1/4" | 13/32" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 000000 |
Round sensors have a low profile to fit in tight-clearance spaces.
PC Connection Kits | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Accuracy | Measuring Increments | Load Connection Thread Size | Dia. | Ht. | Sensor Material | Temp. Range, °F | Each | |
For Measuring Compression | |||||||||
| 50 lbs. (22 kg) | ±1.2 oz. (±33 g) | 0.1 lbs. (0.01 kg) | 1/2"-20 | 3 1/4" | 1 3/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 0000000 |
| 100 lbs. (45 kg) | ±2.4 oz. (±68 g) | 0.01 lbs. (0.001 kg) | 1/2"-20 | 3 1/4" | 1 3/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 250 lbs. (113 kg) | ±6 oz. (±170 g) | 0.01 lbs. (0.1 kg) | 1/2"-20 | 3 1/4" | 1 3/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 500 lbs. (225 kg) | ±12 oz. (±338 g) | 0.01 lbs. (0.1 kg) | 1/2"-20 | 3 1/4" | 1 3/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 1,000 lbs. (450 kg) | ±2.5 lbs. (±1.13 kg) | 0.1 lbs. (0.01 kg) | 1/2"-20 | 3 1/4" | 1 3/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 2,500 lbs. (1,130 kg) | ±25 lbs. (±11.3 kg) | 1 lbs. (1 kg) | 1/2"-20 | 3 1/4" | 1 3/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 000000 |
Round sensors have a low profile to fit in tight-clearance spaces.
PLC/PC Connection Kits | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Accuracy | Measuring Increments | Load Connection Thread Size | Dia. | Ht. | Sensor Material | Temp. Range, °F | Each | |
For Measuring Tension and Compression | |||||||||
| 50 lbs. (22 kg) | ±1.2 oz. (±33 g) | 0.1 lbs. (0.01 kg) | 1/2"-20 | 3 1/4" | 2 3/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 000000000 |
| 250 lbs. (113 kg) | ±6 oz. (±170 g) | 0.01 lbs. (0.1 kg) | 1/2"-20 | 3 1/4" | 2 3/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 1,000 lbs. (450 kg) | ±2.5 lbs. (±1.13 kg) | 0.1 lbs. (0.01 kg) | 1/2"-20 | 3 1/4" | 2 3/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 00000000 |
| 2,500 lbs. (1,130 kg) | ±25 lbs. (±11.3 kg) | 1 lbs. (1 kg) | 1/2"-20 | 3 1/4" | 2 3/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 00000000 |
Round sensors have a low profile to fit in tight-clearance spaces. Those with a threaded stud screw into equipment.
Load Connection | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cap. | Accuracy | Measuring Increments | Thread Size | Stud Lg. | Dia. | Ht. | Sensor Material | Temp. Range, °F | Each | |
PC Connection Kits | ||||||||||
For Measuring Compression | ||||||||||
| 50 lbs. (22 kg) | ±4 oz. (±110 g) | 0.1 lbs. (0.01 kg) | 10-32 | 1/2" | 1 1/4" | 13/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 0000000 |
PLC/PC Connection Kits | ||||||||||
For Measuring Tension | ||||||||||
| 50 lbs. (22 kg) | ±4 oz. (±110 g) | 0.1 lbs. (0.01 kg) | 10-32 | 1/2" | 1 1/4" | 13/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 00000000 |
Round sensors have a low profile to fit in tight-clearance spaces. Those with a dual-sided threaded stud can monitor push-pull forces. For example, they might be used to test the durability of products that repeatedly fold and unfold.
Load Connection | PC Connection Kits | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Accuracy | Measuring Increments | Thread Size | Stud Lg. | Dia. | Ht. | Sensor Material | Temp. Range, °F | Each | |
For Measuring Tension and Compression | ||||||||||
| 100 lbs. (45 kg) | ±8 oz. (±225 g) | 0.1 lbs. (0.001 kg) | 1/4"-28 | 1/2" | 1 1/4" | 1 13/16" | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 70° to 85° | 00000000 | 000000000 |
