Although force sensors and transducers are technically distinct, the two phrases are most frequently used interchangeably. Force sensors come in various sizes and can measure forces ranging from a few hundred grams to hundreds of tons.

Types of Force Sensors

Capacitive Sensors

The analog capacitive sensor performs the same basic duties as regular capacitive sensors, but depending on its use, it has several benefits. There are several advantages when comparing analog capacitive and conventional capacitive proximity sensors. First, they perform well in various contexts, including proximity sensing, concentration variation, product thickness monitoring, and material selection.

Inductive Force Sensors

The position of conductive objects is measured using an inductive sensor. Due to an inductive force sensor’s overall robustness and ability to deliver steady signals even in hostile situations, they are typically utilized in severe environments. In addition, they operate on a contactless principle, which extends their lifespan and increases their dependability.

Inductive sensors are suited to pulling and pushing applications and high dynamic positioning activities within several sectors and situations. They are frequently used in applications involving safety or in situations where great reliability is crucial. Their ideal settings frequently include moisture, water, condensation, high temperatures, and foreign material like dirt, grease, sand, or grit.

Piezoelectric Force Sensors

The quartz crystals in this sensor produce an electric charge proportionate to the applied force when force is applied. This output is gathered on the electrodes positioned in the gap between the crystals and is either sent directly to a charge amplifier outside the sensor or changed into a low-impedance voltage signal there.

For dynamic force applications, piezoelectric force sensors are advised. They are not utilized in static applications as load cells. Sensors with specialized capabilities may be necessary to measure dynamic oscillating forces and impactor high-speed compression/tension under various circumstances. PCB quartz force sensors are known for their quick response times, dependability, stiffness comparable to solid steel, wide dynamic ranges, and capability to measure quasi-static forces.

Piezoresistive Force Sensors

Force sensors that use piezoresistive strain gauges are among the most popular. They employ a material's altered electrical resistance when stretched to gauge force. These sensors' simplicity and robustness make them suited for various applications. The fundamental idea behind a piezoresistive force sensor is to employ a strain gauge made of conductive material that changes its electrical resistance when stretched. A diaphragm that detects a change in resistance when the sensor element is bent can be used to attach the strain gauge. An output signal is produced by converting the variation in resistance.

A conductor's resistance might fluctuate as a result of three different factors. Stretching increases resistance since a conductor's resistance is proportionate to its length. The conductor's cross-sectional area decreases as it is stretched, increasing resistance simultaneously. Lastly, stretching some materials causes their inherent resistance to rising.

Applications of Force Sensors

• Onboard weighing is the process of weighing a heavy commercial or industrial truck's cargo while still within the vehicle. Because of this, vehicles are constantly carrying the maximum amount of weight—neither too little, which would be unsafe nor too much, which would be inefficient.
• A force sensor may be integrated into the scales to weigh the items scanned at the grocery store's self-service checkout.
• Force sensors are used in a variety of ways in the raillway industry. The weights of the passengers, the cargo, or the tractive forces on the drawbar are calculated. All information acquired will be made available to ensure a secure and safe operation inside the prescribed bounds. Along with being used on the railway, force sensors are also used in the track system area.
• Force sensors are used to test objects to determine how much force is applied to them—for instance, the impact of an accident on a motorcycle helmet.
• One of the most common uses for force sensors is in scales. There are many different scales, including bench scales, hopper scales, platform scales, truck scales, belt scales, and more. Force sensors are utilized to get precise results while weighing various materials.
• Many force sensors are used in automobiles. For instance, the presence of force sensors near trailer couplings enables the determination of static data about dynamic driving behavior on the road and the knowledge of the trailer's weight. As a result, the vehicle's control technology may react more quickly and effectively to help a driver.

Choosing the Correct Force Sensor Supplier

To ensure you have the most productive outcome when purchasing force sensors from a force sensor supplier, it is important to compare several companies using our directory of force sensor suppliers. Each force sensor supplier has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to directly communicate with the supplier for more information or request a quote. Review each force sensor business website using our patented website previewer to quickly learn what each company specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple force sensor companies with the same form.