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Is it possible to obtain a product certificate?
Each sensor is supplied with a production certificate with the parameters measured during quality control. The product certificate can also be ordered from an independent testing laboratory. This certificate is paid additionally and extends the delivery time.
About product complain
The product complain is always handled individually. Please, contact us before you send the product back. In many cases the complaint can be solved after consultation. If the consultation will not be helpful, we will agree on the next steps.
What is a sensor sensitivity and which units are used to measure it?
Sensitivity of strain gauge sensor and load cell is measured in mV/V (millivolt per volt) and it is equal to output voltage of sensor with 1V power supply and nominal load. Standard sensors are made with sensitivity from 1 mV/V to 3 mV/V, the normal/common value is 2 mV/V and 1.5 mV/V. The datasheets include the nominal values. The exact value differs can differ slightly from nominal value. For example, the sensor with nominal sensitivity of 2 mV/V can have exact value of 1.9836 mV/V. The exact value is stated in the protocol supplied together with the sensor.
How to calculate sensor output voltage?
Sensor output voltage depends on three factors:
- sensor sensitivity C(mV/V)
- excitation of sensor Uc(V)
- load force Fx
Output voltage of sensor with nominal range Fn can be calculated with this formula: Us = (C * Uc * Fx) / Fn. Example. Sensor sensitivity is C = 1.9836 mV/V, the range Fn = 5 kN. Sensor is supplied by 10 V DC voltage and loaded with force Fx = 3.5 kN. Output voltage will be: Us = (1.9836 * 10 * 3.5) / 5 = 13.89 mV. If Fn = 0 kN, output voltage is Us = 0 mV. If nominal range Fx = Fn = 5 kN, then Us = 19.836 mV. That means the output voltage depends on load and it is changed linearily in range 0 … 19.836 mV. Note: Sensor zero balance is omitted from calculation.
How to select optimal range of the sensor?
The measured force must never exceed the range specified by the sensor manufacturer, even for a short time. This can permanently damage the sensor. For this reason, we do not recommend useing the entire range of the sensor but keep a reserve. For static loads, we recommend that the force does not exceed 75% and for dynamic loads 50% of the range.
What is the difference between a sensor made of aluminum and stainless steel?
The type of material from which the sensor body is made is chosen according to the range of the sensor. In general, sensors made of aluminum are less suitable for permanent loads because they have a higher creep rate.
What is the difference in the direction of the applied force?
Each force sensor can measure force in the direction of compression and tension. The only limitation is their mechanical design, for example the absence of threads by which the sensor could be pulled. Sensors manufactured by our company are calibrated in one direction of force. This means that the measurement in the opposite direction will be slightly more inaccurate. The calibration direction is specified by the customer when ordering.
What is the accuracy of force sensors?
The accuracy of the sensors is expressed by the accuracy class. Our company manufactures sensors with an accuracy class of 0.5 and 0.2. Example: For a sensor with a range of 1kN and an accuracy class of 0.2, the error is ± 2N.
What is the purpose of a signal conditioner?
The output from the strain gauge force sensor depends on its sensitivity and excitation. It is generally equal to a few millivolts. The signal conditioner amplifies this output voltage to the level of the industry standard (0 … 10V) or converts it to a current output (4 … 20 mA) and also supplies the sensor with a stable voltage. The sensor can work and measure even without a signal conditioner, but this combination is used most often.
