12 Strain Sensor Manufacturers in 2023
This section provides an overview for strain sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 12 strain sensor manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
What Is a Strain Sensor?
A strain sensor is a device that converts the strain of a material into an electrical signal and measures it. When a material is pulled or compressed from the outside, it expands or contracts in response to the force. The amount of change in the original length of the material is called "strain."
Strain is created when force, pressure, or heat are applied from the outside. From the amount of strain, the external stress value can be calculated. For this reason, strain sensors are used to measure stress values for the purpose of ensuring the safety of buildings and industrial equipment.
Uses of Strain Sensors
Strain sensors are used to check the strength and safety of products, such as transportation equipment for automobiles, trains, and airplanes, as well as buildings and other structures. When measuring the strain of such large buildings and machines, the device is bonded to the surface of the measuring object. They are capable of extremely accurate and fast-response measurements, and can be used for both static and dynamic strain measurements.
Sensors that apply strain sensors include acceleration sensors, load cells, pressure sensors, displacement sensors, and torque sensors.
Principle of Strain Sensors
Strain sensors perform measurement by converting the strain on the sample surface into an electrical signal. Since the resistance of the entire electrical circuit changes according to the strain of the sample, strain can be quantified by measuring the resistance of the sensor.
One example of a strain sensor in one of its common forms is the electrical resistive strain sensor. This device has a photo-etched resistive element on the surface of an electrical insulator. The sensor is bonded to the surface of the sample using a special adhesive, and the electrical resistance of the sample when it is strained by an external force is converted to a voltage using a Wheatstone bridge circuit. A voltage is applied to the input side of the bridge, and the output side measures the voltage that includes the effect of the external strain.
Strain sensor resistive elements include metal, foil, and semiconductors. Base materials include paper gauges, polyester gauges, and epoxy gauges. They are classified by shape, such as uniaxial or multiaxial gauges. The material and shape are selected according to the object to be measured.
How to Apply Strain Sensors
Strain sensors (strain gauges) are often thought to be easy to use simply by attaching them to the test object with adhesives. However, errors in measurement values may occur depending on the selection of strain sensors, surface treatment of the test object, adhesive position, and adhesive method of strain sensors. There are many confirmation procedures to perform accurate measurement using strain sensors, but here are some key points regarding the above-mentioned procedures.
- How to Select a Strain Sensor
In addition to selecting the type of strain sensor and gauge length according to the measurement object, it is also important to match the linear expansion coefficient of the strain sensor with that of the object to be measured to ensure accurate measurement.
- Surface Treatment of the Test Object
In order to perform accurate measurement, it is necessary to remove rust, paint, etc., from the test object. In addition, the surface of the test object is prepared with sandpaper, etc., and the surface to which the strain sensor is to be bonded is degreased.
- Strain Sensor Bonding Position and Method
The measurement position of the test object is accurately measured and marked crosswise. Then, apply the specified adhesive to the back side of the strain sensor, align the markings on the measurement target with the center mark on the strain sensor, and crimp the strain sensor. Even if instant adhesive is used, it is important to allow sufficient drying time for accurate measurement.
Accuracy of Strain Sensors
Measurement with strain sensors (strain gauges) is made by converting the change in the resistance of the strain sensor into an electrical signal. Measurement errors are always caused by several factors, including errors in resistance values, errors specific to the strain sensor circuit, and resistance of lead wires extending from the strain sensor. In addition, the temperature and humidity of the test environment can also cause measurement errors.
However, some of these errors can be automatically corrected by using a specific strain sensor and data logger combination. Simply put, specific strain sensors are identified by special logic software within the data logger to compensate for the measured values.
List of 12 Strain Sensor Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Canada
- Switzerland
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Transducer Techniques, LLC
Strain Sensors
Company Overview
Transducer Techniques was established in 1979 and is headquartered in Temecula, California. Transducer Techniques designs and manufactures a complete line of load cells, torque sensors, special purpose transducers and related instrumentation that are often used in industries such as process control and factory automation as well as other fields of science and industry. Transducer Techniques product segments include load cells such as button and beam load cells, torque sensors such as reaction and rotary torque sensors, instrumentation with load cell displays and signal condition, accessories, and software.
-
-
-
-
-
Win Source Electronic Technology Ltd.
Strain Sensors
Company Overview
WIN SOURCE is a customer-focused online store serving a wide variety of markets industries ranging from consumer to automotive to medical, industrial, and aerospace. WS specializes on size and speed, offering a catalog of over 1 million SKUS that can be shipped within 24 hours around the world. Offerings include an extensive array of semiconductor components, audio products, cable assemblies, racks, and battery products. WIN SOURCE is AS9120B, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certified and is a member of the anti-counterfeiting organization, ERAI.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Mod-Tronic Instruments Limited
Strain Sensors
Company Overview
MOD-TRONIC Instruments Limited was established in 1972 in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. MTis a distributor of industrial sensors, transducers, heaters, controls, and instrumentation, primarily made in the USA as well as Japan, Switzerland, and Germany. MT’s customers are primarily in the aerospace, building automation, manufacturing, medical, military, oil and gas, and water treatment industries but also serves individuals. MT offers an above industry standard 5-year warranty and technical support on every product sold.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Althen Sensors & Controls
Strain Sensors & Strain Gauges
-
-
Strain Sensor Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
- Smartec Inc: 1996 (27 years ago)
- Phase IV Engineering: 1992 (31 years ago)
- HITEC Sensor Developments: 1971 (52 years ago)
Company with a History
- Althen Sensors & Controls: 1947 (76 years ago)
- Baumer: 1952 (71 years ago)
- HITEC Sensor Developments: 1971 (52 years ago)
Related Products
Search from All Categories
This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country, please select the appropriate version of Metoree for your country in the drop-down menu.