Force measurement by WIKA
The topic of force measurement covers the reliable and exact measurement of tension and compression forces using different technologies. Through the integration of tecsis, a recognised global measurement technology manufacturer, WIKA offers the world's largest in-house developed and manufactured force measurement product portfolio – from force transducers with strain gauges, through hydraulic measurement to force measurement with thin-film technology, in all geometrical forms, in rated load sizes from 0.5 N to over 10,000 kN.
Why is force measurement so important in industry?
For monitoring processes and operations, for controlling or transporting loads, force is measured in many applications, such as port logistics, cranes, machine building or geotechnical engineering. The focus is primarily on the protection of people and machinery, as well as ensuring system stability and reliability of production. Furthermore, force measurement also contributes to optimising manufacturing conditions, improving product quality and material savings and quality assurance.
How does force measurement work?
Force measurement is used to measure the force, weight forces or torques acting between two bodies. Weight forces are measured as tension forces or compression forces. In the case of tension force, the measuring device is pulled with the force to be determined and in the case of compression force, the measuring device is compressed with the force to be determined. Force is generally measured with force measuring instruments - more precisely, force gauges, force sensors or force transducers.
What force measuring instruments are there in force measurement?
The product portfolio in the field of force measurement includes tension and compression force transducers, ring force transducers, shear and bending beams, shackle load cells, load pins, tension links, wire rope force and strain transducers, load cells and hydraulic force transducers, as well as electronics and systems. In the article on the subject of you can learn more about the force measurement technologies used at WIKA - strain gauges, hydraulic measurement and thin-film technology.
What are the WIKA quality standards in force measurement?
As with all other measured variables, you can rely on WIKA's proven quality when it comes to force measurement. WIKA offers different technologies and numerous measuring ranges. The entire manufacturing process is certified. We also offer products with different approvals:
- Product-oriented processes evaluated by DQS and certified to ISO 9001:2008
- Force sensors with CANopen and CANopen safety protocol for safety-relevant measuring requirements
- Force sensors that are compatible with safety integrity level (SIL) and performance level (PL) and have the following approvals for use in hazardous areas: ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA, UL, OIML
- We work strictly in accordance with the specifications of DIN EN ISO 13849-1 and 2006/42/EC (machinery directive) and fulfil up to PL e
- International audits and attestations
In force measurement, our high demands on quality benefit our customers, with whom we often work in close development partnerships. In particular, they value the experience and competence of our development engineers and technicians, who analyse intensively the conditions and processes on-site and incorporate them into customer-specific requirements. The results are customised solutions. Trust the leading manufacturer in force measurement. Decide on a partner with know-how and experience.
WIKA & tecsis: Force measurement technology manufactured in-house
Through the integration of the world-renowned measurement technology manufacturer, tecsis, the WIKA portfolio is expanded with the measurand of force. tecsis represents innovative solutions of the highest quality in measurement and sensor technology. The force sensors are manufactured in locations on three continents: economically, to consistently high quality and with reliable service along the entire value creation and delivery chain.
- At the main facility in Offenbach, Germany, the focus is on thin-film technology (welded in) and hydraulic force transducers.
- Our experts for (bonded) strain gauges are based in the USA. They primarily realise special solutions for high-quality individual production.
- In China, the focus in force measurement is also on strain gauges, though mainly for special solutions in series production.
When it comes to force sensors, you can rely on WIKA – a privately owned company that thinks and acts in the long term.
How is a hysteresis determined?
To determine the hysteresis, the load cycle up to the nominal force must be recorded. The maximum hysteresis, vmax, and the force measuring range used must be specified.
