Force sensors

What advantages do our force
sensors provide?

When you choose force sensors from Althen, you benefit from various advantages.

• Our force sensors are precise:
  The force transducers provide very accurate measurement data and detect even the smallest forces. The measuring range is between 0.5 N and 10,000 kN.
• Our force transducers are high-performance:
  The force sensors from Althen compensate for unwanted influences such as temperature fluctuations.
• Our force transducers are versatile:
  Square, round, cylindrical: Althen's force sensors can be variably transferred to many geometric shapes.
• Our force sensors are customised:
  Thanks to our own development and manufacturing department, we customise all products from our wide range for you. Benefit from manufacturer-independent advice and customisation: At Althen, we can draw on over 45 years of experience. With our extensive expertise, we modify force sensors according to your specifications and also take on complex measuring tasks for you. See for yourself - take a look at our range of products and services!

Possible areas of application for
force sensors

• Test bench technology
• Research and development
• Drive and conveyor technology
• Production measurement technology
• Process monitoring and quality assurance

Modules of the measuring chain

An external Amplifier allows you to adapt the Force Sensor or Load Cell to your requirements. The Amplifier converts the measuring signal of the strain gauges into an industry-standard voltage or current signal. In addition, you can use it to connect several sensors in parallel or to balance a static zero point.

Strain Gauge Amplifiers are available in three standard versions:

• for DIN rail mounting;
• for wall mounting (also as IP housing);
• and for a larger number of measurement channels also as a 19 "rack module.

We can also provide you with:

• various assembly aids;
• the complete wiring;
• different signal visualizations and tools for measuring data acquisition.

Discover force sensors from Althen

We offer you an extensive range of force sensors. The strain gauge structure can be installed in a variety of forms - depending on the force range and application requirements. An exemplary selection:

• Ring-shaped force gauges
• Flat profile force transducers
• Multi-axis force sensors
• Special force transducers Special force transducers (automotive)

Force sensors are advanced devices that detect and measure the magnitude and direction of force applied to them. These sensors come in various types, including load cells, strain gauges, piezoelectric sensors, and more, each tailored to specific requirements. Force sensors can convert a force into an electrical signal. Their operation relies on measuring strain in a precision metal structure using foil strain gauges bonded to the surface of the metal. The structure can be built in a wide variety of forms depending on the force range and the application requirements. Our Load Cells range from 1 mN up to 10 Mega Newton.

Individual force sensor solutions - perfectly tailored to your needs

We offer a wide range of force sensors. The strain gauge structure can be installed in a variety of shapes, depending on the force range and application requirements. There are, for example, annular or cylindrical force gauges, one-component and multi-component force sensors or special force transducers. Our sensors cover nominal forces from 10 N to 10 MN. The larger the nominal force, the larger load cells are needed. The nominal force refers to the maximum load of a sensor.Thanks to our own development and manufacturing department, there are almost no limits. Upon request, we also combine different measuring channels for you - for example with other physical parameters such as pressure or displacement measurement. We integrate limit contacts and alarm devices for you or build our sensors into housings and control cabinets.

Force transducers for every application: what sets us apart

We have the perfect force sensor for every application. We are happy to support you in your product selection. At Althen, we draw on more than 45 years of experience to offer you the optimum solution, customised to your requirements. This also includes customised force transducers as a complete package. The advantage for you is that we are not tied to one manufacturer and can advise you independently. On request, we can customise the measuring system exactly to your needs. Do you have any questions? We are glad to help you!

How does a force sensor work?

Force sensors consist of a spring body made of metal, for example a steel cylinder. When a force acts on this spring body, its surface deforms elastically. Its task is to convert the forces to be measured into strains as often as possible in a repeatable manner. The actual sensor element is the strain gauges, which are attached to the spring body. The strain gauges record the mechanical deformation and convert it into an electrical output signal. As a rule, four strain gauges are installed - two expand when a force is applied, the other two are compressed. The four strain gauges are connected via a Wheatstone bridge circuit, which is supplied with an electrical voltage. If the resistances of the strain gauges differ, the output signal changes. This allows the applied force to be determined precisely.

What are the advantages of force sensors with strain gauges?

The strain gauge measuring principle impresses with various properties:

• Accurate results thanks to precise calibration
• Compensation of unwanted influences through the Wheatstone bridge circuit
• Can be used under unfavourable environmental conditions
• Strain gauge sensors operate drift-free - this guarantees a long service life
• Simple reproduction of the spring bodies

How we find the right force sensor
for your application

When selecting a force sensor for a technical application, a number of criteria must be taken into account to ensure that the requirements of the application are met and that the most accurate and reliable measurement results are achieved. To do this, it is first important to understand the application in order to determine, for example, the required accuracy or the number of interfaces for the force sensor.

The following criteria, among others, must be determined during the selection process:

• Measuring range:
  The force sensor should have a sufficiently large measuring range for the force to be measured.
• Accuracy:
  To ensure precise measurement results, the accuracy of the force sensor is an important factor.
• Resolution:
  The resolution of the sensor determines the smallest measurable change in force.
• Temperature range:
  Where is the force sensor used? In order to provide reliable measurement results - regardless of the ambient conditions - the force sensor should have a stable operating temperature range.
• Calibration:
  A calibrated force sensor is crucial for accurate measurements.
• Type of force measurement:
  Depending on the application, different types of force sensors may be required, e.g. tension or compression sensors.
  See also: Force sensors for weighing applications
• Dimensions and mounting options:
  What does the overall system of the application look like? The physical properties of the force sensor, such as size, shape and mounting options, play a role in possible integration into an existing system or machine.
• Interfaces:
  Depending on the application, force sensors with analogue or digital outputs may be required.
• Price-performance ratio:
  The price-performance ratio of the force sensor should also be considered.