Force Sensor Applications

Force Sensors are part of our product portfolio and one of our more popular categories.

Force sensors are used throughout many different industries and have a wide range of applications. The development in technology has enabled force sensors to become extremely accurate even if they are very small in size.

All of the force sensors we offer are high quality and high performance, browse our website for the full range.

What is a Force Sensor?

A force sensor is another term used for a load cell or weight sensor. They are used to measure compression, force, strain and load. Many have internal strain gauges bonded to the metal structure which react to even the smallest compression causing a change in resistance and giving feedback on these results.

Force sensors come in various shapes and sizes and measure different capacities.

Force Sensor Applications

Scales – one of the most common uses for force sensors is scales. There are many different types of scales; counting scales, bench scales, hopper scales, platform scales, truck scales, belt scales – the list goes on. Force sensors are used to give reliable results when weighing various matter.

On-board weighing – onboard weighing is involved in weighing the contents of a heavy goods or industrial vehicle whilst they are “onboard” the vehicle. This ensures the vehicles carry loads of maximum capacity, not too little which causes inefficiency and not over capacity which would be unsafe.

Commercial Applications – some applications using force sensors you may have come into contact with; the scales at the self-service check out at a supermarket will include a force sensor to weigh the scanned shopping. Scales to weigh luggage at the airport is another force sensor application you may have come across.

Medical Applications – force sensors are used within the medical industry. They are used for fluid monitoring applications, dialysis machines, endoscopic surgery, physical therapy equipment, orthopaedics and MRI devices. Force sensors for medical applications will require medical approvals.

OEM – load cells are used for OEM applications in both high and low force environments

Aerospace Applications – force sensors are used within aerospace for applications including; force feedback, flap detection, autopilot functions and within the flight data recorder.

Types of Force Sensors

As mentioned above, force sensors are available in different shapes, sizes and types. Some of the types we can offer here at Variohm are;

• Single point
• Compression
• Shear beam
• Bending beam
• Dual shear beam
• Pancake
• Miniature
• Onboard

Force Sensors from Variohm

Our range of force sensors come from our trusted suppliers. Some of the features of our force sensors are;

• OIML approvals
• Accuracy rating
• ATEX Approvals
• Wide weighing range
• Highly accurate
• Stainless steel, aluminium or alloy steel
• Various IP ratings from IP64 to IP69K – check individual datasheets

 All of our available force sensors can be viewed on our website – if you require further information please contact us.