Strain transducers, also called strain sensors, strain gauges or extensometers, are a special type of force sensor and are versatile, being suitable for both static and dynamic measurements. Strain transducers are used to measure deformations that have occurred due to forces acting on an existing body. The strain sensor is quick to install due to the simple screw-on design and can achieve high accuracies, despite the indirect measurement. After mounting and adjustment, the strain is transferred by a frictional connection from the solid element to the strain transducer or strain gauge. Since the transducer is screwed onto the component during use, after adjustment the unit has the characteristics of a force transducer. WIKA offer strain gauges with the following output signals: mV/V, 4 … 20 mA, CANopen, CAN SAE J1939.
The use of strain transducers is particularly suitable for existing systems. In an existing silo or tank, the retrofitting of bending or shear beams for force measurement can be very costly. The strain transducer, on the other hand, is quickly integrated into the application and is a cost-effective alternative. WIKA strain gauges have a high shock and vibration resistance as well as a good long-term stability. Read more about the applications of strain transducers / extensometers in our blog post “Practical applications of strain transducers”.
Possible areas of application:
The strain transducer, strain sensor or extensometer can be used from a strain or compression from 0 … 200 µε up to a max. of 0 … 1,000 µε. The extensometer achieves an overall accuracy of 2 % of the full scale value. For the measurement, the force transducer is fixed to the component using bolts in the area where the corresponding strain occurs.
What defines the case ingress protection in accordance with DIN EN 60529?
The case ingress protection in accordance with DIN EN 60529 indicates to what extent the force transducer is protected against moisture and dust and also the penetration of foreign bodies.
What is a relative reversibility error (hysteresis)?
A relative reversibility error is the difference between the output signals of an increasing and decreasing series at the same force, F, relative to the output signal less the zero signal with increasing force, in the installed condition.