How To Use A Force Gauge

Introduction

A force gauge is a measuring instrument that measures and displays the force or torque value of a load being exerted on it. A force gauge can be used to test the bond strength, hardness or elasticity of materials, but you need to follow some steps before using it.

Clean The Force Gauge And Load Properly

• Do not use solvents or detergents to clean the force gauge.

• Do not apply pressure to the force gauge while cleaning it with a soft cloth.

• Do not drop the digital force meter or subject it to any other impact that could damage it, as this may cause inaccurate readings in your measurements.

Determine The Test Direction And Lead Wire Length

To set up the digital pull force gauge, you need to determine the test direction and lead wire length. The force should be measured in the direction of the load. You can use either a ball-ended or hook-ended probe for this measurement.

In addition, consider how long your lead wire should be based on the distance from your force gauge to the point where you want to measure forces. For example, if you are testing a small part and it's two feet away from where your force gauge is located, then a 14" (35 cm) lead wire would be adequate for reading low forces accurately without having to move everything around every time something needs measuring.

Position the force gauge correctly

Force gauges are sensitive instruments that can easily be damaged if not handled properly. The most important thing to remember is that the load cell should always be in contact with the test piece and perpendicular to it.

The first step is to position your force gauge on the test piece such that there’s no air gap between them. The second step is to ensure that there’s no air gap between them and make sure they’re perpendicular to each other, so when you squeeze down on a lever or button, it doesn’t slip off because of an imperfect alignment.

Calibrate the Force Gauge

Calibration is very important in order to ensure accuracy, and it is done by attaching a calibration weight to the force gauge. The calibration weight should be used every time you use your force gauge, as well as regularly.

Set The Essential Parameters For Measurement

The first thing you need to do is set the essential parameters for measurement. These are:

• The load range (force applied)

• The display units (kg or N)

• The calibration factor

• The zero force (zero reference value)

and finally, if you have a force gauge with an integrated timer:

• Measurement time

Attach A Load Cell To The Test Piece

The next step is to attach the load cell to the test piece. Make sure that you attach the load cell in a way that will not damage either the force gauge or your test piece.

Power On The Force Gauge And Start Measurement

Once your force gauge is powered on, the LCD screen should display what mode the instrument is in. If your force gauge is not ready for measurement, a prompt will appear telling you so and providing instructions on how to proceed. Make sure that the instrument's load cell is connected and functioning properly by checking that it measures correctly when zeroed.

When measuring with a micro-load cell (0 to 10 grams), make sure that the test piece has enough surface area for contact with the loading plate of each side of the high accuracy force gauge and that there are no gaps between them. This ensures accurate readings from both sides of a standard circular tube or rectangular block with flat sides. If measuring linear loads (1 gram), ensure that any forces exerted are perpendicular onto one end plate at all times throughout measurement to avoid skewing results based off friction between surfaces. For example, if testing an object such as a boat motor bearing shaft connected to its housing via two bolts, make sure your measurement does not include any influence from those bolts' ability slide easily against each other because this would skew results since they're not being directly loaded during testing conditions but could be slightly moving due to friction caused by vibrations etcetera).

Conclusion

Now you know how to use a digital compression force gauge. If you want to learn more about this equipment, then contact us today. We can help you find the right product for your needs and budget!

10 things to know before using a force gauge.

Here are 10 things to know before using a force gauge:

• What is a Force Gauge?

• How To Use A Force Gauge For Compression Testing

• How To Use A Force Gauge For Tension Testing

• How To Use A Force Gauge For Shear Testing

• How To Use A Force Gauge For Peel Testing (tensile test)