Force Gauge Overview & How to Use

Force gauges, also known as "push-pull gauge" or "push-pull scale" are measuring equipment that measures the load (force) acting on a sample. They can measure tension, compression, bending, shear, as well as peel, adhesion, and friction. They are popular in manufacturing and play critical role in quality control and R&D, such as evaluation of mechanical properties of materials (strength, hardness, toughness, or durability), verification of safety and operability of parts and products, and compliance with industry standards.

Force gauges support our daily lives, such as automobiles, home appliances, food and packaging, medical equipment, stationery, and furniture.

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List of all force gauges >

Two main types exist: 1) mechanical force gauges that display measurement results on a scale and 2)digital force gauges that display results in numbers.

1)Mechanicals force gauges feature the ease of storage and management. They are power-source free, durable and easy to use, but are not suitable for impact and rupture tests in which force values change rapidly.

2)Digitals force gauges, on the other hand, feature the ability to manage data by connecting to a PC, and to analyze data by graphing results. They are equipped with both convenient and measurement enhancement functions such as pass/fail test, and continuous peak mode. With a variety of output functions such as serial communication and analog output, they can be connected to and interface with printers and other external devices. The input/output functions can be used for durability test or others in conjunction with displacement measurement, and numerous applications.

Besides types, expected force value and accuracy are important. Selecting a force gauge with a larger force range than the expected force value will prevent damage. Higher accuracy leads to more accurate data management, but requires more maintenance. Check the purpose of measurement and the level of control is recommendable.

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*Functions of digital force gauges vary depending on the model. Check the specifications on the product page for details.

Regarding the use of the force gauge, you apply force to the measuring axis (male thread) at the tip of the force gauge, which converts the force into numerical values. When actually measuring, attach the appropriate attachment (fixture) to the measuring axis according to the force you want to measure.
The force gauge can be used simply by hand for easy measurements, or it can be mounted on a test stand to be used as a simple force testing machine. For detailed instructions, please refer to the information below.

Holding a force gauge by hand and directly pushing or pulling a sample is inexpensive and easy way for force measurement.

Standard models are designed to fit easily in the hand for stable measurement. Optional handles enhance stability. The tilt-sensing alarm functions available on certain models ensures uniform posture conditions and improve repeatability.

*Functions of force gauges vary depending on the model. Check the specifications on the product page for details.

Also check the below video for handheld measurement.

Samples vary in shape or size. Attachments are products that are attached to a force gauge to push or grip a sample. To apply appropriate force, it is important to select an attachment that matches the measurement method and sample shape.

The measurement shaft, the tip of a force gauge, is external thread, and the mounting part of an attachment is internal thread, so it can be attached and detached by turning it around. Replacing attachments is such easy, which helps realizing measurement of various samples.

IMADA offers various attachments. Contact us to help select the appropriate one for your sample shapes or materials.

*Functions and specifications of attachments and force gauges vary depending on the model. Check the specifications on the product page for details.

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List of all attachments

Check the below video for attaching attachments.

By mounting a force gauge to a test stand, the direction and the speed of measurement can be uniformed for highly repeatable measurement. High capacity measurement, which is hard to measure by hand, can be operated easily and safely.

By connecting a force gauge and a motorized test stand via a cable and interlocking them, you can minimize a failure of a force gauge such as overloading, conduct durability tests for a specific time, frequency, or force, and perform compression and rupture tests by detecting contact or rupture points.

*Functions of test stands vary depending on the model. Check the specifications on the product page for details.

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List of all test stands

Check the below video for measurement by mounting a force gauge to a test stand.

Graphing the measured data enables you to check the force transition. The graph visualizes the slope up to the peak and the detection of abnormal force values i.e., foreign matter being caught, which leads to more detailed confirmation of differences in physical properties and quality. The overlap comparison and the magnification function (available in some models) are useful for evaluation, and allow for easy comparison and verification with the previous data.

Besides data saving, various outputs are provided, including printing, PDF, and CSV, which help you to create reports.

The software can be chosen by your needs. Ranging from the acquisition of 2000 data per sec for the creation of precise graphs, the graph creation together with displacement data, to the multi graphing version.

*Functions of software vary depending on the model. Check the specifications on the product page for details.

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List of all software

Check the below video for the force graph drawing.

By connecting a linear scale unit to a digital force gauge with a displacement display function, input/output of displacement becomes possible. It can be used for evaluation of the materials characteristics and quality control, where explained by force alone is not enough, such as the evaluation of repulsive force in response to the amount of pushing or force value at a specific position.

Two types exist: 1)an optional that can be built into a test stand, and 2)a versatile that can be attached to robots or other external systems. Force-displacement graphs can be added by using software.

*Check the specifications on the product page for details of applicable torque stand option and linear scale unit.

Click here to see Force-Displacement Measurement Unit.
Force-Displacement Measurement Unit＞

Check the below video for how to connect to linear scale unit.

Digital force gauges feature unique functions.

The Continuous peak mode and the calibration date notification function improve workability and instrument management. The comparator function with upper and lower limit settings simplifies pass/fail judgement, and can be interlocked with external devices to realize warning lights and control by force values using external outputs.

The mark point function records the force values at the contact points of switches and other devices and displays them on a software graph.

Next Series digital force gauges can be upgraded online and download additional functions, i.e., setting and display functions for peel measurement or other various functions.

We assist your effective use of the products via videos or consultation of any subjects. Contact us.

*Functions of force gauges vary depending on the model. Check the specifications on the product page for details.

Click here to see the complete lineup of digital force gauges
List of all digital force gauges >