FIFO – Foil In Foil Out Supporting 1/4 Bridge 5KΩ Sensor. Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2026-09-19 | FIFO – Foil In Foil Out Supporting 1/4 Bridge 5KΩ Sensor.
What Makes a Strain Gage Load Cell So Accurate? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-08-14 | Let’s talk compensation — the often-overlooked foundation of precision. Strain gage load cells aren’t just clever mechanical designs. Their real-world accuracy comes from carefully engineered compensation techniques that minimize error and deliver reliable performance, even under tough conditions. Here’s how it works: 🔹 Temperature CompensationThermal expansion affects both the gaged element and leadwires. Matched strain gages and temperature-sensitive resistors are used to actively cancel out these shifts, keeping output stable across the operating range. 🔹 Zero Balance CompensationNo load should mean no signal — but imperfections can introduce offsets. Zero balance correction ensures the load cell starts from a true electrical zero. 🔹 Creep CompensationMaterials under sustained load can deform over time. Proper matching of the strain gage creep characteristics and the spring element are crucial to achieving optimal performance. 🔹 Non-Linearity CompensationWhile strain gage sensors are nearly perfectly linear, mechanical and material non-linearities, along with nonlinear Wheatstone Bridge configurations can skew readings. Digital or novel resistor-based compensation corrects the response curve so that output voltage remains proportional to applied force. 🔹 Hysteresis CompensationLoading vs. unloading paths aren’t always identical. Hysteresis compensation ensures the same value is returned, regardless of load direction. 🔹 Environmental CompensationLoad cells face real-world challenges like humidity, EMI, and vibration. Protective coatings, mechanical damping, and shielding mitigate these effects and ensure stable operation. 🔹 Bridge Balance & Cross-Talk CompensationA perfectly balanced Wheatstone bridge reduces off-axis sensitivity. By tuning each leg of the bridge, designers minimize cross-talk from side loads or torque. 📊 Precision is a process — and compensation is the key.Every reliable reading you get is the result of countless micro-adjustments behind the scenes.Next time you see a strain gage load cell in action, remember: It’s not just the sensor. It’s the art and science of compensation that brings the signal into focus.
Can you eliminate the wire routing errors in a strain gage load cell? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-07-08 | Eliminating wiring errors in strain gage load cells can be tricky, especially when trying to maintain equal-length wiring – a solution that's often impractical. Furthermore, the use of adjustment resistors enables precise control and improves accuracy by addressing zero TC, span TC, and bridge balance errors, but adds to the complexity of the wiring. The move from intricate hand-wiring to automated wire bonding using flex circuits is revolutionizing the industry. This shift not only streamlines high-volume production, but also enhances consistency and reliability, paving the way for exciting new innovations. To further simplify, the integration of strain gages containing effective modulus compensation (EMC) dramatically boosts accuracy for load cells operating in fluctuating temperatures without extra resistors. What’s even more exciting? This same sensor technology has the potential to solve a wide range of measurement challenges, including those where the Wheatstone bridge is distributed, with extra distance between the strain gage arms. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect application for a strain gage shear beam load cell? Yes. Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-07-08 | Many modern farm scales, even on our small North Carolina farms, use strain gage load cells for accurate, legal-for-trade weighing. NTEP Certification ensures these scales meet strict accuracy standards, protecting both buyers and sellers. Strain gage load cells also drive real improvements in farming: • Precise Yield Monitoring: Track crop production accurately• Optimized Feed Management: Minimize waste, improve nutrition• Efficient Fertilizer Application: Apply the right amount every time• Inventory Control: Monitor silos and storage levels precisely• Machine Calibration: Improve efficiency and reduce downtime• Data-Driven Decisions: Use real measurements to guide farm operations Strain gage load cells help farms work smarter, waste less, and grow more.
Is it necessary to occasionally clean your load cell? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-07-08 | Apparently, YES ✔️ and NO ❌.
Lessons in Soldering—and Life—from Our Veterans Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-07-08 | What does a 1 Megohm potentiometer have to do with military service? More than you might think. At VPG, veterans like Lamar bring more than technical know-how, they bring resilience, adaptability, and precision, qualities forged through service and refined through hands-on experience. Whether it's fine-tuning a solder joint in the field or adjusting to high-stress situations, veterans know how to stay focused, stay flexible, and get the job done right. These are the same skills that make them invaluable in field service, R&D, and customer support roles. From troubleshooting circuitry to leading under pressure, their contributions help drive our innovation—and keep our standards high. Thank you to all veterans for your service and your continued impact.
🎯 Hitting the Bulls-Eye Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-07-08 | 🎯 Hitting the Bull's-Eye: Accuracy Isn’t Just About One Good Throw Imagine playing darts with your friends. You land a bullseye on the first shot—great! But can you do it again? And again? One throw doesn’t prove skill. It takes consistency to know if your aim is true. The same goes for strain measurements. When the future is uncertain and forces are unpredictable, the precision of a flexible sensor isn’t enough; you need reliable, repeatable data under impact. That’s where Micro-Measurements Advanced Sensors come in. With frequency responses in the hundreds of kilohertz, our strain gages are purpose-built for capturing high-speed events like impact, vibration, and transient loads. Whether you're testing crash structures, sports equipment, or embedded sensing in high-velocity systems, staying on target means using sensors you can trust. 🎯 Stay accurate. Stay consistent. Stay on target—with Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (VPG)
Are Scissor Lifts Safe? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-07-08 | Absolutely—when they're equipped with the right sensing technology. While they may look like simple platforms on wheels, scissor lifts are engineered for stability. Their low center of gravity and crisscross lifting mechanism ensure weight is evenly distributed, even at full extension. But stability isn't just structural—it’s also smart. Modern scissor lifts rely on strain gage-based force sensors to keep operators safe at height. These sensors are often mounted on the rear axle assembly to detect the reaction force between the wheels and the ground. By continuously monitoring these forces, the system can detect unsafe load conditions before they become dangerous. 📈 Why it matters:With variable boom angles, extended platforms, and shifting payloads, a reliable overload monitoring system isn’t optional—it’s essential. 🛠️ Strain gage sensors help transform aerial work platforms from “just a lift” into precision-engineered safety systems.
Strain Gage Construction: Why the Right Choice Matters Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-07-08 | Strain gage selection might seem like a checkbox task. Until it's not. Choosing the right gage isn't just about picking one that "fits." It's about: ✔️ Matching the right grid and backing materials to your environment✔️ Ensuring accurate and repeatable strain data✔️ Making installation easier and more reliable Gage selection is strategy, not guesswork.The materials, geometry, and even the packaging of a strain gage affect everything from thermal response to installation time to measurement accuracy. Because understanding how a gage is constructed is step one in becoming a better stress analyst.
What is so special about carbon fiber? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-07-08 | Lightweight and durable materials like carbon fiber are essential for humanoid robots 🤖, where efficiency and mobility are critical. The design of lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber structures requires knowledge and skills. The same can be said for applying strain gage sensors to this material. Strain gage sensors, like any technology, just require a little intuition ideally through a recognized training workshop. Strain gage sensors are ubiquitous, with applications in every aspect of our modern lifestyle, so it’s well worth taking time to gain familiarity with this simultaneously cutting-edge yet mature technology.
Soldering is easy to do with just a little training Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-07-08 | Strain gage installation isn’t just about steady hands—it’s about learning from every misstep. The most reliable way to master strain gage installation (or soldering a sensor lead) is to try, fail, learn, and try again. Here’s a real-world example:📸 This photo shows a solder joint gone wrong. The tall peak? Likely due to insufficient flux and a slow iron lift. Worse yet, the exposed grid is vulnerable to solder splash—something that could destroy an otherwise perfect installation. These aren’t just small cosmetic flaws. They're the kinds of issues that can compromise your data or damage a sensor permanently. That’s why Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (VPG) takes training seriously. Our programs don’t just teach theory—they focus on hands-on technique, critical thinking, and troubleshooting real-life challenges. Because in experimental mechanics, precision isn’t optional. It's earned.Soldering is easy to do with just a little training - our workshops cover this in detail!
Sensing is what separates a humanoid robot from a humanoid statue. Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-23 | In advanced robotics, strain gage–based force and torque sensors are foundational. These sensors give humanoid robots the ability to feel, balance, and adapt to enable safe, fluid interaction with the world around them. At the heart of many systems are force/torque sensors, often built using foil strain gages in a full Wheatstone bridge configuration. These enable high-resolution detection of load vectors applied at the robot’s joints, limbs, or fingertips that allow for: 🔹 Backdrivability and compliance in robotic limbs🔹 Tactile feedback during object manipulation🔹 Force-limited operation for human-robot collaboration🔹 Real-time collision detection and adaptive path planning To operate in dynamic environments, these sensors must be compact, low-noise, and robust against temperature drift, electromagnetic interference, and mechanical crosstalk. That’s where miniaturized data acquisition (DAQ) systems come in — often built directly into or near the sensor node to reduce latency and wiring strain. Our engineering team works closely with OEMs and integrators to tailor force and torque sensing packages that meet the exacting requirements of humanoid robotics — whether it's improving grip feedback in assistive exoskeletons or reducing residual forces in rehabilitation bots. Humanoid robots are evolving fast. But without the ability to sense force precisely — and to react to it in milliseconds — there's no safe, responsive movement. That’s why strain gage–based sensors aren’t just useful… they’re mission-critical.
Humanoid Robot 🤖 Position Sensor - Elegant Engineering in Motion. Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-23 | Sometimes the most impressive engineering isn’t flashy — it’s simple, precise, and quietly brilliant. Take the internal design of a foil strain gage-based displacement sensor as used in humanoid robotics.At its heart? A beautifully minimal concept:A spring-loaded plunger deflects two cantilever beams. Each beam carries precision strain gages.The result? A signal directly proportional to displacement. That’s it.No magic. Just clever mechanics and rock-solid physics. What makes it exceptional is how well it performs:✔️ Fully active 350-ohm strain-gage bridge✔️ Infinite resolution✔️ Excellent linearity✔️ Outstanding repeatability✔️ Compatible with most standard strain-gage instrumentation✔️ Full-scale travels from 5 mm to 100 mm✔️ Requires less than 4N of actuation force It’s the kind of design I admire most — clever and practical to manufacture.Smart enough for the lab. Robust enough for the factory floor. Built to last. Engineering that doesn’t overcomplicate — it just works.
How Does a Strain Gage Load Cell Work? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-23 | At the heart of most high-precision force measurement systems is the strain gage-based transducer, which is a mechanical component that converts force into an electrical signal. When force is applied to the load cell, it causes minute deformations in its structure. Strain gages, bonded to specific regions of the load cell, detect these deformations as changes in electrical resistance. These resistance changes are typically measured using a Wheatstone bridge circuit, producing a voltage (or sometimes current) output proportional to the applied force. This output can be analog or digitized, depending on the design. Load cells come in various types to suit different applications:🔹 Tension Load Cells measure pulling forces (forces that try to stretch or separate).🔹 Compression Load Cells measure pushing forces (forces that compress or squeeze).🔹 Shear Load Cells detect forces that are applied off-axis, creating internal sliding.Each type is engineered with a specific geometry and sensing orientation to match its application, providing the ability to weigh nearly anything from micrograms to megatons!
Can you measure the age of an instrument built using point-to-point (PTP) wiring? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-23 | Searching through some cabinets containing older instrumentation, you encounter an piece of equipment that appears to be very old. This instrument could be decades old, but how can you know for sure? Closer inspection reveals that the instrument is constructed using point-to-point (PTP) wiring; is it a sign of the age of the instrument, or was it built this way for some other reason?Measuring the age of instruments starts with a basic manufacturing fact: Resistors Date Code (DC) is created every year.
The Cost of Doing It Right vs. The Cost of Doing It Twice Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-23 | Strain Gages: The Cost of Doing It Right vs. The Cost of Doing It Twice A properly installed strain gage delivers reliable data – but let’s be honest, getting there takes effort and expertise. A poorly installed gage is just as expensive to install, but instead of good data, you get bad measurements, costly rework, and wasted time. Before running a test, it is a good idea to always: ✅ Visually inspect each installation✅ Check insulation resistance to ground✅ Verify zero stability and zero return Taking shortcuts in installation guarantees one thing: unreliable data. In some cases, pre-cabled gages can reduce some of the intricate work, but for those challenging installations, the skill and knowledge of the installer are the difference between precision and frustration. At the end of the day, a quality strain gage isn’t finished until it’s properly bonded, aligned, soldered, secured, cleaned, and coated. That’s the difference between a sensor and a measurement tool you can trust. Would love to hear your thoughts—what’s the worst (or best) strain gage installation you’ve seen?
Smart stretcher with a smart sensor. Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-23 | We see more embedded force sensors in medical devices that improve patient care and comfort.Increased accuracy and reliability of sensors and resistors are leading to the development of the next generation of medical devices.Quicker diagnosis, improved treatments, and better patient care in the hospital or at your home.
What do Galileo, humanoid robots, and traffic lights all have in common? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-23 | What do Galileo, humanoid robots, and traffic lights all have in common?Hint: it’s not just a love for standing out. They all rely, directly or indirectly, on the humble cantilever beam. From bridges and buildings to robot arms and wearable tech, cantilever structures are everywhere. They're elegant in their simplicity: fixed at one end, free at the other, and built to bear loads that push, pull, and twist. Whether it’s a traffic signal reaching over a road or a robotic arm gently grasping an object, the principle is the same. Even Galileo took a crack at it. In 1638, he sketched one of the earliest analyses of a cantilever beam, using nothing more than observation, intuition, and a big rock tied to the end. His drawing was beautiful. His math? Not quite there yet. It would take nearly 200 years and minds like Bernoulli and Euler to fully understand the mechanics. Fast forward to today:We're still studying cantilever beams—but now with strain gages bonded along their length, capturing the tiniest deflections and stresses. In humanoid robotics, we use miniature cantilevered structures as compliant joints or tactile sensors, enabling lifelike responses to real-world forces. They're key to building robots that interact with humans and environments in safe, adaptive ways. So yes—Galileo, strain gages, and humanoids are all connected. One curious beam.Four centuries of innovation.And we’re still just getting started.
Is it possible to build your own data acquisition system? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-23 | Is it possible to build your own data acquisition system?Technically, yes. Practically, it’s a lot more complicated than it sounds; especially when it comes to measuring strain gages. Precision strain measurements demand more than just an A/D converter and some wiring. You need ultra-low noise amplification, stable excitation sources, precise bridge completion, and filtering that won’t compromise the signal. Temperature compensation, leadwire effects, and proper shielding all become critical factors. And that’s before you even start thinking about calibration, linearity, and long-term drift. That’s why so many professionals trust Micro-Measurements Instruments. These systems are purpose-built for strain gage applications, with the signal conditioning, stability, and accuracy already engineered in. It’s not just about collecting data—it’s about trusting the data you collect.
Alpha Beam transducer Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-23 | Glass half full? Glass half empty? We measure it either way. Our Alpha Beam transducer goes for a swim… and keeps right on measuring. Engineered for environments where accuracy meets adversity, the Alpha Beam is a differential bending beam transducer that’s as tough as it is precise. Designed for low-capacity force measurement (from 25 to 500 N), it offers bidirectional sensing in a compact, rugged form factor. ✅ IP67-rated sealing for immersion and moisture protection✅ OIML-certified accuracy✅ Constructed using precision strain gages At the core is a sealed, strain-gaged metal element that is protected by a bellows that shrugs off water, solvents, and the unexpected splash. Whether in medical equipment, industrial automation, or lab test rigs, the Alpha Beam delivers dependable, drift-free results where others might short out. So go ahead. Dunk it, drench it, put it to the test. This beam's not just measuring force. It’s proving a point.
Technical Resources for Your Next Project. Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-23 | Now Live: The Official Micro-Measurements LinkedIn PageOur Micro-Measurements Division, known for decades as the leader in strain gage technology, is excited to announce our new online platform dedicated to advancing strain gage technology!Follow us on LinkedIn for in-depth technical content, application-focused insights, and the latest product developments from Micro-Measurements.Here’s what you can expect:🔹Applied Solutions: From high-reliability aerospace to biomechanics and advanced materials testing, see how strain gages are enabling real-world innovation.🔹Engineering Expertise: Learn directly from our technical team. We’ll share guidance on sensor selection, installation best practices, and system integration.🔹Product Highlights: Stay informed about new sensor designs, temperature compensation strategies, and modular signal conditioning systems.🔹Tools & Techniques: Discover reference materials, videos, and calculators that make your measurement work faster, easier, and more reliable.Whether you're building a state-of-the-art load cell, instrumenting composite structures, or evaluating strain behavior under dynamic conditions – we’re here to help!Let’s advance the art and science of strain measurement, together.🔗 Follow Micro-Measurements today.
Rectangular Rosettes Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-23 | Measure with confidence. Analyze with precision. Understand with clarity. When your structure is complex, your measurements shouldn't be. Engineers across aerospace, automotive, medical, and manufacturing trust the VPG ecosystem to capture the full mechanical picture: 🟦 Micro-Measurements Rectangular RosettesUnlock principal strains and directions in multi-axial stress fields. Engineered for accuracy where it matters most. Available in gage lengths as small as 0.015” for even the steepest strain gradients. 📊 Micro-Measurements Strain Gage InstrumentationPurpose-built for precise data acquisition. High resolution, low noise, and rock-solid stability—optimized for strain gages. 📐 VPG Displacement SensorsCapture minute deflections and movement in real time. Rugged, precise, and ready for the lab or the field. 🧲 VPG Force SensorsFrom miniature load cells to heavy-duty transducers—measure tension, compression, shear, or torque with confidence. 🧠 StrainSmart® SoftwareThe glue that brings it all together. Real-time acquisition, rosette transformation, visualization, and reporting—all in a single platform. Whether you're testing a carbon fiber wing, an orthopedic implant, or a control arm under fatigue—VPG delivers the tools to measure, monitor, and make smarter decisions.
RS 200 Cutter Replacement including new torque limiting jig Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-05-21 | The RS-200 Residual Stress Milling Guide is a critical tool for accurately measuring residual stresses using the widely recognized hole-drilling strain gauge method, as outlined in ASTM Standard E837. This practical and precise technique is essential for engineers and professionals involved in stress analysis, helping to ensure accuracy and reliability in their measurements.micro-measurements.com/rs-200-milling-guide#:~:text=RS%2D200%20Residual%20Stress%20Milling,outlined%20in%20ASTM%20Standard%20E837.
How do you trust a carabiner with your life? 🧗♀️ Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-04-25 | It starts with strain measurement — not just assumptions or simulations, but real, measured data.Carabiners used in climbing, rescue, and industrial applications are typically rated to 22 kN or higher, in compliance with standards like EN 12275, EN 362, or UIAA 121. But rating labels don’t tell the whole story. Engineers need to know how and where the structure deforms under load — especially near critical features like the gate, hinge, and spine.By instrumenting a carabiner with precision strain gages, we can measure localized strains during tensile testing or simulated use. This allows us to:🔹 Identify stress concentrations🔹 Validate FEA models🔹 Refine geometry for strength-to-weight optimization🔹 Confirm safety factors beyond minimum rating requirements (often 2x or more)It’s a small sensor, but it delivers big insight. In safety-critical gear, there's no substitute for measured performance.
Compact. Configurable. Connected. Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-04-09 | When space is tight and performance matters, miniature strain gages with custom flex circuits with integrated electronics offer a powerful path forward for strain measurement.These all-in-one solutions combine strain gages with embedded components such as A/D converters, amplifiers, counters, and digital interfaces (Bluetooth, USB, etc.) directly on the flex substrate. Need instrument connectors for clean integration into your DAQ system? No problem. Want to streamline cabling and eliminate bulky wiring harnesses? Done. The result:✔️ Reduced system complexity✔️ Higher signal integrity✔️ Faster deployment✔️ Seamless path toward IoT-enabled strain sensing Whether you're embedding sensors into structural components, developing next-generation wearables, or advancing automated testing, every design is fully customizable. You can tailor the architecture precisely to meet the needs of your application.
Is Smart Concrete the Foundation of the Future? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-04-09 | The integration of smart technologies into concrete structures is revolutionizing the construction industry. By embedding sensors into concrete, we gain real-time data on structural health, stress, and environmental impacts – offering a proactive approach to monitoring and maintenance. This isn’t just innovation; it’s a step toward creating safer, more resilient infrastructure. Consider this: all structures degrade over time. Corrosion, vibration, ground settlement, extreme weather, and even design or construction errors can lead to failure. Smart concrete, however, provides "concrete evidence" of stress – detecting issues early and enabling interventions before they become catastrophic. With this technology, the future of construction isn’t just about building – it’s about building smarter. 🏗️✨ What’s your take on smart concrete? Is it the key to a more sustainable, safe, and resilient infrastructure? Let’s discuss!
sensors in preventive medicine. Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-04-09 | Do you believe sensors will play a key part in preventive medicine going forward? Preventive medicine plays a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes by proactively identifying and addressing potential health issues before they escalate. The focus is shifting towards making medical services accessible to individuals worldwide, eliminating the need to transport patients to healthcare facilities. VPG Sensors present a valuable opportunity to detect health issues in their early stages, facilitating prompt interventions and potentially revolutionizing disease management strategies. Their capability to monitor treatment progress could significantly impact healthcare practices. In addition to in-situ human body applications, the foil strain gage sensor is the main sensing element for medical devices and equipment. A few examples are: The Human Body in Research: 🔹 Impact forces, fluid pressures, movement, weight and body balance.🔹 Non-invasive medical imaging and diagnostic tools.🔹 Sight, touch.🔹 Cardiovascular system, heart.🔹 Locomotor system, Biophysical. Weighing and Force Measurement Applications: 🔹 Bending and axial loads in medical systems under different operating conditions, robotic surgical equipment🔹 Body lift systems and medical scales, patient bed weighing, pharmaceutical scales.🔹 Motion rehabilitation machines.🔹 Infusion pumps.🔹 Blood pressure and heart rate monitoring equipment🔹 Prosthetics feedback control systems.🔹 Mammography.🔹 IV bag weighing.🔹 Infant Incubator
Sister Bar Strain Gages Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-04-09 | Foil strain gages are the gold standard for precision. They detect the smallest strain changes with high sensitivity, making them ideal for laboratory testing and structural monitoring. When the environment gets harsher and the distances get longer, vibrating wire strain gauges are useful. Their frequency-based output minimizes signal degradation over long cable runs, making them useful for deep concrete structures, tunnels, and massive bridges. However, temperature fluctuations can introduce significant errors. Bending, physical impacts, and improper installation can also lead to unreliable readings—especially in corrosive environments or deep underground. They’re built for long-term monitoring but require careful handling. Then there’s the sister bar strain gauge, designed specifically for reinforced concrete. Embedded inside, it tracks strain in bored piles, diaphragm walls, slabs, and footings, revealing how a structure distributes stress over time. Some sister bar gauges use vibrating wire technology, while others rely on foil strain gauge elements, making the choice application specific. And there are also rebar vibrating wire gauges, built for direct embedding in reinforcing bars? Foil strain gauges can also be used directly on rebar for highly precise measurements. They do require significant protective coating techniques to withstand moisture, alkaline concrete environments, and physical damage. So, when it comes to strain measurement, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Need high-resolution data? Go with foil strain gauges. Monitoring massive concrete structures with long cable runs? Vibrating wire is your answer. Tracking stress inside reinforced concrete? Sister bars or rebar vibrating wire gauges are the way to go.
Is there a formula for choosing the perfect ping pong paddle 🏓—or improving your serve? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2025-01-08 | In the world of sports science, performance can be measured and improved in fascinating ways!We were curious how the paddle responds, so we installed some strain gage sensors on the handle and tried it out!In addition to strain magnitude, we were also interested in the resonant frequency of the new paddle. We measured the time difference (ΔT) of 0.00153 seconds over 10 cycles, or ~654 Hz, which agreed with our calculations. Precision like this shows how we can measure subtle performance improvements in sports.Whether it's choosing equipment or refining technique, science can take your game to the next level!
How does a strain gage-based displacement sensor work? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-11-27 | It's easy to have strain measurement without the expense of LVDT instrumentation -- just use your P3 Strain Indicator, D4 Data Acquisition Condition, or StrainSmart Data Acquisition System with our Linear Displacement Sensors or Cable Extension Displacement Sensors connected to your existing strain gage input channels. ✔️
Can you solve the swelling battery 🔋 problem⁉️ Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-11-26 | The main design challenge in Li-ion charge circuits is to find the optimal point between overcharging, which could result in battery failure, and undercharging by more than a certain percentage, which results in reduced capacity and identification of safe end of life. The contribution of VPG is to provide high-precision Foil sensors to allow a quick and accurate evaluation of the battery life and safety. Li-ion battery chargers are, in fact, complex and challenging circuits. They require accurate current and voltage settings and monitoring as well as a constant-current and constant-voltage. If these accuracy requirements are not met, the charger will fail to completely charge the battery and battery life will be reduced, or battery performance will be permanently degraded. Under certain uncontrolled conditions such as extreme current charging or discharging, the cells can be dangerous and may explode or overheat if provisions are not made for their proper use. One of the main concerns with excessive discharge is the possibility that the cells inside the battery might short-circuit; a permanent, irreversible event. Overcharging can also be critical because it can destroy each cell by overheating, also resulting in catastrophic events.
What happens if your drone 🛩 is overweight or out of its CG range? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-11-21 | How much weight can your drone safely carry? This is a critical question for drone operators as exceeding weight limits or operating outside the allowable center of gravity (CG) range can compromise stability, performance, and safety.With advancements in sensor technology, drones are becoming increasingly "intelligent," allowing for precise hovering and nimble navigation around air and ground obstacles. But even with cutting-edge tech, adhering to weight and balance limits remains non-negotiable for optimal performance and safety.Understanding your drone's payload capacity and maintaining proper CG is key to ensuring successful missions and avoiding mishaps.Have you encountered challenges with drone weight or CG? Share your experiences below! 💡
How can a 3D strain gage be used in production load cells? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-11-15 | Customizable Designs: We can tailor strain gages (gauges) with unusual pattern geometries, non-standard lead wire materials or lengths, and special trim dimensions to meet your specific needs.Expert Engineering Support: Our experienced team collaborates with you from start to finish, helping select the ideal backing, foil, gage length, operating temperature range, and more.High-Performance Hybrid Sensors: Lightweight and versatile, our hybrid flex sensors provide accurate measurement of force, pressure, displacement, and acceleration, ideal for high-volume applications.No Adhesive Bonding: Eliminate the need for adhesive bonding with strain gages (gauges) by choosing our hybrid sensors, increasing productivity in assembly processes.
Tour de force 🚴♀️ What data do you need? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-11-08 | Strain gauge-based sensors provide high-precision measurements, making them suitable for applications where accurate force (feedback) and torque data are critical, such as delicate manipulation tasks and force control.
The First Drone Delivery of Strain Gage Sensors Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-11-01 | VPG Drone deliveries take flight in a first-of-its-kind trial with a strain gage sensor as the payload.Innovation has been part of the VPG DNA since day one, and we are always looking (up) for new and better ways to deliver sensors to our customers’ doorsteps.
Creating a state-of-the art touch panel Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-10-25 | Introducing an innovative device designed for precise force touch-based control input. This touch panel utilizes a layer of metallic material with a full bridge strain gage sensor at each corner, enabling precise and responsive touch interactions. The flex-circuit and strain gage combination is strategically configured to capture location-based and pressure-based data, providing valuable insights into force and location of the touch on the panel. If, by incorporating flex strain gages and a cutting-edge #AI (artificial intelligence) entity integrated at its core, this device can accurately determine the occurrence of a touch based on pressure points generated by the user through finger, smart pen (stylus), or similar objects. This advanced sensor technology empowers users to interact seamlessly with the device, enhancing the overall UX (user experience). Exciting times lie ahead in the field of touch-based control interfaces!
Time To Learn How to Use Chopsticks. 🤖 Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-10-15 | Get ready to master the art of smart chopsticks! With advances in strain gage sensor technology, haptic systems are evolving to deliver more precise and nuanced feedback. By integrating these sensors, we’re enhancing sensitivity, durability, and overall user experience. The future of haptic tech just got a lot more interesting!
How to test a frisbee (Disc golf)? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-09-27 | Strain gage sensors with added flexis and electronics enable easy integration of force feedback onto absolutely anything and everything! Many types of sports equipment and protective gear have been improved over the years by the benefits of testing using strain gages!
Strain Gage Installation Tutorial. (That rocks!) Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-09-16 | Bi-axial strain gages, often referred to as Poisson strain gages, are 90° tee rosette gages, aligned with the principal strains in uniaxial stress loading. They are also used extensively in column load cells and simple cantilever beam transducer applications.T-rosettes are used where the direction of the principle strains are known. Strains at 90° enable calculation of the stresses at the measurement location, not possible with a single strain gage. Commonly used where tensile or compression material property tests are performed, they enable calculation of Poisson’s ratio as well as Young’s modulus. Using a T-rosette for this apparently simple test allows the user to make transverse sensitivity corrections for maximum accuracy of the test results.In column load cells for example, the Tee Rosette strain gages are utilized to cancel bending strains and for cantilever beam applications, these sensors allow for gaging a single side of the spring element to reduce cost.The tee rosettes minimize the number of gages needed for testing and provide reduced installation time and potential errors.Tee rosettes Strain gages are also used to determine the Poisson’s Ratio for a material in accordance with ASTM standards.They are also used where direct tension measurements, such as a bolt in tension or suspension rod in compression, is desired. A full bridge, produced by using two Tee-rosette strain gages, in this situation minimizes pickup due to bending. Tee rosettes can also be deployed for bending measurements, especially useful on large infrastructure such as wind turbine towers. Adjacent gages on the same backing will see identical temperature and therefore eliminate thermal outputs due to differential temperatures across the structure. Additionally, 45° alignment marks are provided on each T-Rosette gage so it may be accurately applied to a shaft to measure torsion.
Rock under stress! (Poisson’s ratio) Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-09-16 | The Tee Rosette shown in this video is a very versatile strain gage. It is used in stress analysis when the directions of the principal strains are known, and will not change during the course of testing. It is also often used to measure axial forces, either by calculation from the measured strains, or by a direct known-force calibration.
When should a crane hook be replaced? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-09-13 | Following the Goldilocks principle: Too low, below the hook, too high above the hook and just (right) on the hook. Bending stress, tensile stress, wear, plastic deformation, overloading, and excessive thermal stresses are common causes of hook failure. Monitoring these forces can prevent failures and extend the hook's lifespan. Strain gage sensors provide accurate weight and force measurements during crane operation, ensuring safety and longevity.
Can You Increase Strain Gage Sensitivity Right Out of the Blue (Box)? 🟦 Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-09-10 | The strain gage itself has infinite resolution. The resolution that is possible depends on the instrumentation used and the noise levels. As you can see by the resolution achieved, the Micro-Measurement P3 Strain Indicator and Recorder is an excellent readout for strain gages, load cells, and foil temperature sensors!
Why should you pay attention to wire preparation? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-09-06 | Different strain gage installation conditions and test specifications often necessitate the use of different types or sizes of leadwires. For accurate, reliable strain measurements, it is important to use an appropriate type of leadwire for each installation.
Its now possible to get into the nuts and bolts of torque, in a flexible way #torque #sensor #diy Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-08-30 | Torque loads cause shear strains in the structure to which the torsional loads are being applied. This is a good thing because strain gages can measure these shear strains. That’s actually not a precisely true statement. Bonded electrical resistance strain gages do not respond to pure shear strains. Fortunately, associated with all shear strains are two normal components-tension and compression. Strain gages easily sense these. That’s why it takes two strain gage sensing grids to resolve one shear strain value. For mathematical convenience, these grids are normally oriented at ±45° to the measurement direction (90° between the two grids), allowing the gage, when properly connected to a strain indicator instrument, to directly display strain magnitude. But, the grids could be oriented at any angle relative to one another and the shear strain can still be calculated.
What’s so special about carbon fiber? #engineering #diy #innovation Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-08-29 | New materials, new measurement challenges?There is a conception within engineering that strain gauges are some kind of art practiced by magicians in dark laboratories using alchemy. This seems especially true as soon as plastics and composites are mentioned.Considering how long they’ve both been around there still seems to be a misconception when it comes to bonding. In reality strain gauges are easy to bond to virtually every type of composite; in this case, “virtually” means all that we’ve tried so far! It just requires selection of the correct materials and techniques. strainblog.micro-measurements.com/content/composite-testing-strain-gauges
Too much torque when tightening screws. Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-08-28 | A good old-fashioned screwdriver is a common tool found in any toolbox. Like any tool, it can cause damage if not used properly. Too much torque when tightening screws can lead to damaged screws or structure. Not enough torque can result in screws that will not hold. How can we ensure the appropriate level of force and torque when using a screwdriver? Remember the Goldilocks principle: apply just the right amount of force to get the job done effectively and safely. #ScrewdriverSafety #ToolboxEssentials
How to pick the right soldering iron tip? Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-08-20 | Are you struggling with soldering techniques? Worry no more! Achieving good quality soldering doesn't require years of practice. With the right tools and simple techniques, anyone can become a master of soldering in no time. It's important to be aware and attentive while practicing, but with a few attempts, you'll be able to perfect your skills. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Low cost, simple to implement! Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-08-10 | One of the simplest Poisson full-bridge strain gage configurations enables a single-surface solution to develop a force sensor. This innovation has paved the way for engineering and manufacturing state-of-the-art smart devices, significantly enhancing our quality of life. #Innovation #Engineering #SmartDevices
Its now possible to measure strain, in a concrete way. Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-08-02 | Strain Measurements on Concrete. Concrete is a porous material and generally will have a surface that is too rough to form a very thin and void-free adhesive layer between the strain gage and the concrete. For these reasons, concrete must first be sealed with an epoxy such as M-Bond AE-10. Long gage length strain gage sensors are typically required on the surface of concrete in order to correctly strain-average over the aggregate and mortar mixture. Since concrete is a poor conductor of heat, precabled gages or gages with preattached leadwires are highly recommended.
How to build a Ω-made weighing scale. #stem #technology #weight #engineering Micro-Measurements - a VPG Brand 2024-04-16 | Inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators is a passion of ours at VPG. Supporting educational programs in colleges and universities is a part of our DNA and we are dedicated to providing students around the world with the best strain and force measurement sensor technologies.We believe in empowering students with the tools and mentorship needed to turn their knowledge into skills. That's why we love seeing the excitement on their faces when they achieve success, no matter how big or small. By providing sensors, tools, and mentoring, we can all help shape the future of engineering, one scale project at a time.Asher's project is a great example of how we can support students passionate about science and engineering. Using strain gages, precision Foil resistors, a Sparkfun® Redboard, a SparkFun® Qwiic Scale, and an LCD display, he created a scale for force measurement and weighing. We are proud to play a role in his journey to becoming the best innovator he can be.At VPG, we are committed to investing in the future of STEM and ensuring that the next generation has the resources they need to succeed. Join us in this mission and let's inspire the innovators of tomorrow.#STEMeducation #innovation #forcemeasurement #engineering
