Editorial Technical Reference

Force/Torque Sensor

This page explains how Force/Torque Sensor is classified within Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A transducer that converts mechanical force and torque into measurable electrical signals.

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Force/Torque Sensor

Definition
The Force/Torque Sensor is a component used in machinery and equipment manufacturing to measure both linear forces and rotational torques applied to it. It provides real-time feedback for closed-loop control, quality assurance, and safety monitoring in automated processes. The sensor typically uses strain gauges or piezoelectric elements that deform under applied load, causing changes in electrical resistance or charge. These changes are converted into proportional voltage signals via Wheatstone bridge circuits or charge amplifiers. The sensor is available in various rated capacities: force from 0.5 to 1000 kN and torque from 5 to 5000 N·m. Accuracy class ranges from 0.1 to 0.5% FS per ISO 7500-1. Nonlinearity is ±0.05 to ±0.2% FS, hysteresis ±0.05 to ±0.1% FS, repeatability ±0.02 to ±0.05% FS, and creep (30 min) ±0.03 to ±0.1% FS. Excitation voltage is typically 5–12 V DC, with output signal 1–2 mV/V and bridge resistance 350–700 Ω. Operating temperature range is -10 to 60°C, with temperature effect on zero ±0.005 to ±0.02% FS/°C. Ingress protection is IP54 to IP67 per IEC 60529. Materials include stainless steel (e.g., 17-4PH per ASTM A693), aluminum alloy, strain gauge foil, and piezoelectric crystals. Selection should consider maximum expected force and torque, accuracy requirements, environmental conditions, and material compatibility. Verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
The sensor operates on the principle of strain measurement. Strain gauges are bonded to a deformable element, typically made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy. When force or torque is applied, the element deforms, causing the strain gauges to change electrical resistance. These gauges are arranged in a Wheatstone bridge circuit to convert resistance changes into a voltage signal proportional to the applied load. Alternatively, piezoelectric crystals generate an electrical charge when mechanically stressed, which is then amplified by a charge amplifier. The output signal is typically 1–2 mV/V of excitation voltage. The sensor must be properly mounted and calibrated to ensure accurate measurements.
Common Materials
Stainless steel, Aluminum alloy, Strain gauge foil, Piezoelectric crystals
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Rated Capacity (Force)0.5–1000 kNSelect based on maximum expected force
Rated Capacity (Torque)5–5000 N·mSelect based on maximum expected torque
Accuracy Class0.1–0.5 % FSLower value indicates higher accuracyISO 7500-1
Nonlinearity±0.05–±0.2 % FSDeviation from ideal straight line
Hysteresis±0.05–±0.1 % FSDifference between loading and unloading
Repeatability±0.02–±0.05 % FSConsistency of output under same conditions
Creep (30 min)±0.03–±0.1 % FSOutput change under constant load
Excitation Voltage5–12 V DCTypical bridge excitation
Output Signal1–2 mV/VRated output at full scale
Bridge Resistance350–700 ΩInput/output impedance
Operating Temperature Range-10–60 °CCompensated range may be narrower
Temperature Effect on Zero±0.005–±0.02 % FS/°CZero drift per degree Celsius
Ingress ProtectionIP54–IP67Higher rating for harsh environmentsIEC 60529
Material17-4PHStainless steel for corrosion resistanceASTM A693

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Elastic Element Part
    Deforms predictably under applied force/torque to transfer strain to sensing elements
    Material: Stainless steel
  • Strain Gauges Part
    Convert mechanical strain into electrical resistance changes
    Material: Constantan foil
  • Signal Conditioning Circuit
    Amplifies and processes weak sensor signals for accurate measurement
    Material: PCB with electronic components
  • Protective Housing
    Shields sensitive components from environmental contaminants and mechanical damage
    Material: Aluminum alloy
  • Piezoelectric Crystals Optional
    Put out a charge directly under load on the piezo build, in place of the strain-gauge bridge.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: 0 to 100 bar (depending on housing rating)
other spec: Overload capacity: 150% of rated force/torque, IP67/IP69K protection available
temperature: -40°C to +85°C (operational), -55°C to +125°C (storage)
Media Compatibility
✓ Stainless steel housings for industrial fluids ✓ Aluminum housings for cleanroom applications ✓ Ceramic-coated sensors for corrosive environments
Unsuitable: High-frequency vibration environments (>2kHz) without specialized damping
Sizing Data Required
  • Maximum expected force/torque (N or Nm)
  • Required measurement resolution (% of full scale)
  • Mounting interface constraints (flange type, bolt pattern, shaft diameter)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Signal Drift or Inaccuracy
Cause: Strain gauge degradation due to overloading, thermal cycling, or moisture ingress compromising electrical integrity.
Mechanical Fatigue or Fracture
Cause: Cyclic loading beyond design limits, misalignment, or shock loads leading to stress concentration in sensing elements or mounting points.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Erratic or unstable readings during calibration checks, indicating potential internal damage or electrical issues.
  • Unusual audible clicks, creaks, or grinding noises during operation, suggesting mechanical wear or structural compromise.
Engineering Tips
  • Implement regular calibration schedules aligned with operational cycles and environmental exposure, using traceable standards to detect early drift.
  • Ensure proper mounting alignment and use torque-limiting devices to prevent overload, while monitoring for shock/vibration with condition-based maintenance.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 376:2011 - Calibration of force-proving instruments used for the verification of uniaxial testing machines ASTM E74-18 - Standard Practice of Calibration of Force-Measuring Instruments for Verifying the Force Indication of Testing Machines CE marking per EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC for safety and electromagnetic compatibility

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Non-linearity: +/-0.03% of full scale
  • Hysteresis: +/-0.02% of full scale
Quality Inspection
  • Calibration verification against traceable standards (deadweight or master sensor)
  • Environmental testing (temperature compensation verification, humidity resistance)

Manufacturers of Force/Torque Sensor

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between force and torque measurement?

Force measurement quantifies linear push or pull, typically in newtons or kilonewtons. Torque measurement quantifies rotational force, typically in newton-meters. The sensor can measure both depending on its design and mounting.

How do I select the right rated capacity?

Select based on the maximum expected force or torque in your application, ensuring it does not exceed the sensor's rated capacity. Operating near the rated capacity may reduce accuracy and lifespan. Consult the manufacturer for guidance.

What does accuracy class mean?

Accuracy class indicates the maximum permissible error as a percentage of full scale (FS), per ISO 7500-1. A lower value means higher accuracy. For example, 0.1% FS means the error is within 0.1% of the full-scale reading.

How should I verify the sensor's performance?

Verify model-specific specifications, including rated capacity, accuracy, and environmental ratings, with the legal manufacturer or supplier. Calibration should be performed using traceable standards to ensure accuracy.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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