The force gauge for quality control (QC) in a company

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 entering the market. But what does the force gauge measure for quality control (QC) in a company?

Before we answer this question, let us go into some detail about the force gauge.

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.

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 analog force gauge is a good 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 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 one of our digital force gauges to get a clearer idea.

Why measuring force?

Measuring the force applied to an element allows one to identify the force value at which the resistance of the element or the material of the element begins to break down. Therefore, force gauges are essential when performing traction resistance tests, compression tests, leak tests or any other test used to evaluate a dynamic stress cycle of an element or material.

From the description above,  it is clear that force gauges are useful for many applications in various industries but are especially useful for the 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 requires 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 in stock.

Force gauge calibration

The correct calibration of the force gauge is essential in maintaining 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 daily calibration services for 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. (speedy service is one of our strengths).

In conclusion

Although using a force gauge is normally very simple and intuitive, it is important to make sure you have the right skills and the right instrument to fulfill your application requirements.

Fortunately, we offer a wide variety of force gauges to meet the needs of all our customers. So, no matter the industry or the test you need to perform, we’ve got you covered.

Our mission is to assist customers in reaching the required quality standards.

How do we do it? Our experience allows us to analyze each context seperately and suggest the most suitable measuring instruments, which can make a difference for your company.

Here you can read the feedback from some of our satisfied customers and we’d be more than happy for you to become one of them.

Therefore, if you need help choosing measuring instruments that guarantee high accuracy and high quality or would like advice on the best instrument for your specific needs; do not hesitate to contact our technical department.

You can reach us at 0584/392342 – 0584/392453 or write us at sales@samatools.it.