Strain gauges are used whenever the deformation or movement of a loaded part needs to be measured. Thin-film-based sensors made of spring steel are a robust alternative to the common foil strain gauges attached with glue. They can be Laser welded to the substrate.
Such sensors achieve a particularly high sensitivity because the deformation is concentrated in a weakened central zone of about 1 × 1 mm, on which the strain gauge elements are placed. Since a Wheatstone full bridge fits on a very small surface, which is thermally coupled to the underlying metal part, the measured signal is insensitive to temperature fluctuations. In contrast to glued-on strain gauges, creeping layers, which can impair long-term stability, are avoided. The welded-on sensors thus represent a measurement solution suitable for industrial use, such as in the automotive industry and in metal processing.
The measuring arrangement and the dimensions of the sensors can be adapted to the respective application from as little as 100 pieces. Shear forces or multi-dimensional forces can also be measured. The smallest specimens are only 5 × 5 mm in size. One disadvantage is the additional Laser welding step; however, this is offered as a service by the supplier Senstech.
Senstech AG, Allmendstr. 9, 8320 Fehraltorf, Switzerland
Phone: +41 44 955 04 55, senstech@senstech.ch, www.senstech.ch
