In order for manufacturers to be competitive, they need to set high-quality standards and their products must go through a series of tests to verify that such standards are met, before the product is put on the market. But what role does the force gauge play in quality control?
Before we answer this question, let’s go into some detail about the force gauge itself.
What is a force gauge?
A force gauge is a measuring instrument designed to register and display the value of the force applied to certain element. There are different types of force gauges and they are normally classified as analog or digital or are based on the type of force they are capable of measuring. The types of force usually measured by a force gauge include push or compression force, pull or traction force, and torque force.
Analog force gauges
Analog force gauges, also called mechanical force gauges, generally operate with a load cell or spring to covert the magnitude of the force being measured into a calibrated force value that is displayed by a needle on a graduated dial indicator.
Our SAMA Tools analog force gauge is a fine example of a versatile instrument in this category.
Digital force gauges
Digital force gauges use a load cell or gauge strain that converts the value of the force applied, into an electrical signal that can be quantified, calibrated, and digitized directly onto the display.
While analog force gauges are very durable and versatile, nowadays digital force gauges are commonplace, since they provide a series of added advantages. Some of the most common advantages are:
- The ability to sample, record, and store data of the measured values over time.
- To provide measurements of the total average, as well as peak force values.
- To rapidly measure changing force values such as those measured during an impact test.
You can see some of the digital force gauges that are available to get a better idea.
Why measuring force?
The measurement of the force applied to a piece allows one to identify the value of the force that causes the piece to break altogether or the breaking down of the material. Therefore, force gauges are essential when performing tensile strength tests, compression tests, leak tests and any other test used to evaluate a dynamic stress cycle of a piece or material.
From the description above, it is clear that force gauges are useful for many applications in various industries but are especially useful in quality control. To answer the question we asked at the beginning, here are the most common applications of force gauges for quality control.
Applications of a force gauge for quality control
As mentioned above, force gauges are commonly used for traction or tensile testing, compression and torque testing. These tests are useful for determining the:
- Peel force for sealing bags.
- Pull force for crimping wires.
- Compression force of springs.
- Ergonomics of products such as door handles, computer keyboards, bottle caps, and any other items that require the application of force by human hands.
- Checking the opening or closing force of gates, doors or windows.
- Testing the bonding strength of adhesives.
- Testing strength and load capacity of different elements for safety purposes.
- Verifying and calibrating torque wrenches.
- Verifying the fatigue and stress resistance of the material.
As you can see, force gauges can be applied in many situations and will help determine whether the product or the element being tested complies with the quality and safety standards. Therefore, any quality control department should have a force gauge on hand.
Force gauge calibration
The correct calibration of the force gauge is essential in ensuring accurate measurements.
If you’re wondering how often a force gauge should be calibrated, you can read all about it in our other article here.
S.A.M.A. Italia provides calibration services on force gauges and other measuring instruments of all brands.
Below, you can also read an array of positive feedback left by our loyal customers worldwide.
Ask us for a quote for the calibration of your measuring instruments now and we’ll get back to you A.S.A.P. (fast service is one of our many strengths).
In conclusion
While using a force gauge is generally very simple and intuitive, it’s important to have the right tools and skills in order to successfully meet the specific requirements of your application.
S.A.M.A. Italia offers a wide variety of force gauges to meet your every need. Regardless of the industry or type of test you need to perform, you’ll find the right force gauge for you.
Our mission is to help customers achieve the required quality standards.
How do we do it? Thanks to our experience, we are able to analyze your specific needs and requirements and offer advice on the right measuring tools, which can make the difference.
Read the feedback from our many satisfied customers, here. We’d be thrilled for you to become one of them.
Therefore, if you need help identifying the most suitable measuring instruments for your specific needs or if you need your tools calibrated (even instruments of other brands), don’t hesitate to contact our technical department.
You can reach us at 0584/392342 – 0584/392453 or write us at sales@samatools.it.
