Force gauges measure force applied to objects for maintenance, testing, and finding material failure points. They can be analog or digital and can log data. High force levels can cause material stress and deformation. Force gauges use a spring to measure force and are designed for slow and steady push and pull testing. Calibration may be required periodically.
A force gauge measures the force applied to an object. It can be used in routine maintenance and testing in manufacturing and other settings, or for tasks such as finding the point of failure of a material or testing loaded equipment. Some force gauges are analog, while others work with a digital scale. One advantage of digital scales is the ability to log data during testing by connecting the equipment to a base unit.
High levels of force can cause stresses on the underlying material. This can cause deformation or failure. In materials testing, it can be important to know when deformation overloads the integrity of the material, as this can determine whether it meets standards. On children’s toys, for example, the manufacturer may set a limit to ensure that regular play doesn’t tear the ends and dangling parts. If these parts break under low pressure, they could pose a danger to playing children.
The inside of the force gauge includes a spring that expands and contracts. As it expands, it feeds directly to a dial with a needle that measures force or converts tension to voltage and generates a digital readout. In the construction of the dynamometer, very high quality metal alloys are used, capable of withstanding intense stresses, which allow extremely high values to be measured. Durable and strong materials are also used for the housing and other components to ensure that the device itself does not break during procedures.
This equipment is designed for push and pull testing, where force is applied slowly and steadily to components. A dynamometer cannot be used in impact testing and similar activities where the force may be abrupt. The equipment is not designed to measure rapidly applied forces and can fail. It is also important to ensure that the equipment and components under test are aligned and secure before starting the test. Errors can cause inaccurate readings or damage.
Periodic calibration may be required to keep a gauge in good working order. Over time, springs and other components can stretch and may no longer read as accurately as needed. A technician can test the equipment against other machines to determine if it reads correctly. If not, the spring may need to be replaced or other adjustments within the machine may be required.
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