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Basic Principle of Force Measurement SOLUTIONS BY FORCE SOLUTIONS BY INDUSTRY

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Basic Principle of Force Measurement

Force

In physics, force (power) is an action that "deforms an object" or "changes the velocity of an object", and is a physical quantity that expresses the magnitude of that action, defined as mass (m) x acceleration (a) = force (F). As shown in the video pages of each test on this website, there are several types of force, such as tension, compression, shear, bending, and friction, and the magnitude of these forces is expressed in units of "N (Newton)".In our daily lives, forces are generated everywhere. Force is generated not only in lifting and pulling things, but also in the act of chewing food and turning doorknobs, as you may be very familiar with. There is also a well-known force that is at work not only when we are moving, but also when we are at rest. That is gravity. Gravity, caused by the earth's gravitational pull and rotation, allows us to move on the earth in contact with the ground.The acceleration of gravity on the earth varies from place to place, but the internationally agreed standard value is g = 9.80665 m/s2. For example, the magnitude of the force on an object of 1 kg mass at rest is calculated to be 1 (kg) x 9.8 (m/s2) = 9.8 (N), which is about 9.8 N.

Torque

Torque is "the magnitude of force, torsional moment (turning or twisting force) that acts on an object when it rotates". Torque is the result of force multiplied by distance, and is defined as force (F) x distance (L) = torque (N), and the unit of torque is expressed in "N-m (Newton meter)".The greater the distance to the point of force action, the greater the torque will be for the same amount of force (F). This is the same as the "The Principle of Leverage". For example, when turning a door handle to open a door, the longer the handle, the easier it is to open the door. If the same torque is required, a longer distance (L) from the point of action will result in a smaller force (F).We perform actions that generate torque on a daily basis, such as opening the lid of a plastic bottle or turning the dial of a car air conditioner. Therefore, on site of product development and quality control of companies, measurement of torque values is commonly used as one indicator to check the usability and safety of products.Click here for torque gauges >

Measurement Act

According to the Measurement Act that came into effect on November 1, 1993, Force, Moment of Force, Pressure, and Stress cannot be used for transactions or certifications other than those based on the SI unit system (International System of Units) in Table 1 as legal measurement units.Under the current Measurement Law, the use of newton (N)" as a unit of force is mandatory in Japan. Measuring instruments with a scale other than the legal measurement units for expressing the conditions shown in Table 1 must not be sold or displayed for sale in Japan for the purpose of use in Japan.This explains why IMADA sells products with legal unit scales to Japan.Table 1 Excerpt from "Measurement Units pertaining to SI Units" (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)Quantity of state ofphysical phenomenaSymbolMeasurement UnitForceNNewtonMoment of forceN・mNewton meterPressurePa, N/m2, barPascal, Newton per square meter, and BarStressPa, N/m2Pascal, Newton per square meterViscosityPa・s, N・s/m2Pascal second, Newton second per square meter*The conversion with conventional units of force is 1 kgf = 9.80665 N.

How to Measure Force?

Force measurement is to express the force (force = load) generated by contact using a measuring equipment. Since there are several types of forces depending on the direction of the applied force and other factors, measurement is performed in a manner corresponding to each type.As described in the "Force (Power)" section, force is generated in various situations in our daily lives, so force values are measured as one of the indicators to check the usability, safety, and taste of products and items that we come in contact with in our daily lives. For example, if the force value of the packaging material used to break a bag of pastries is too high, it requires a lot of force to break it, making it inconvenient to eat, while if it is too low, it can be easily broken, increasing the risk of damage during transportation. Also, the bread itself can be measured by measuring the force value when it is pressed, and the texture, such as "fluffy" or "chunky", can be seen in the numerical values.A force gauge is a typical measuring device for such force measurement. A force gauge is a tool to quantify and express the generated force in an appropriate unit. By using force gauges together with attachments or stands that are appropriate for the force to be measured, various forces such as mechanical strength due to breakage or deformation of materials, sensation of hardness or softness, operating force and functionality of switches and brakes, etc. can be measured as data. While using such measuring equipment, force measurement is widely used mainly in quality control, research and development, training, and other situations.Click here for force gauges >>

Description of Calibration

Calibration refers to the process of determining the relationship between the value indicated by a measuring equipment and its true value, and correcting the scale.Just as a clock is checked for correctness using a time signal (standard time), measuring instruments must be periodically checked (calibrated) using standards and standard samples specified by national standards. Measuring equipment will always differ from ideal values depending on the environment in which they are used, how they are used, and how often they are measured. IMADA recommends periodic calibration of measuring instruments to maintain the accuracy of your measuring equipment and to ensure reliable measurements.

SOLUTIONS BY FORCE

Compression Test

We have a variety of videos demonstrating compression testing, including methods, equipment, fixtures, and data acquisition procedures. Some examples adhere to interntional standards for compression testing. What is Compression Testing? It is a method of measuring the force, where force is applied in the compression direction to the test specimen using instruments like force gauge and sensors. This test is primarily used to confirm the mechanical strength (compressive strength) and mechanical functionality (such as operational comfort) of the specimen, with the unit of measurement in N(newton). Compressive strength indicates how much compressive load the test specimen can withstand. For instance, if the strength of a candy box is too weak, it may lead to candies breaking during transportation and foreign objects entering through the gaps of the crushed box. Compression testing ensures the safety and security of manufactured goods. However, the applications of compression testing go beyond strength confirmation. It is also used to evaluate operational forces, such as pressing buttons on a keyboard, and assess comfort. Comfort, in this context, refers to the ability to move with just the right amount of force. If not optimal, it could negatively impact brand image. Therefore, from a branding perspective, functional evaluation through load measurement, including compression testing, is crucial. For more details on compression testing, please refer to the provided PDF document below. What is a Compression test?.pdf　

Tension Test

Tensile testing is one of the methods for force measurement, where force gauge or sensor is used to apply a tensile force to a test specimen. It is primarily used to determine the mechanical strength (tensile strength) and operational force of the specimen by obtaining numerical values. The unit of measurement is in N(newton). Tensile strength refers to how much tensile force a test specimen can withstand. For example, a typical component used in digital devices is a wire harness. If the crimped terminal of the harness has insufficient strength and easily detaches, it can lead to not only malfunctions but also causes discharges, overheating, and potentially serious accidents. Tensile testing is a means to understand the strength of objects and ensure the safety and reliability of manufactured products. However, the application of tensile testing goes beyond just verifying strength. For instance, it can also be used to evaluate the operating force of caps on packaging containers (those that need to be pulled to open). This evaluation, in turn, helps assess comfortability, which can be defined as the ability to move (or open) with just the right amount of force. If comfortability is compromised, it can negatively impact a brand's image. Therefore, from a branding perspective, evaluations using force measurement, such as tensile testing, are crucial. At IMADA, we mainly handle tensile testing machines for measuring tensile forces up to 5000N. Below, we have provided a video showcasing an example of tensile testing for your reference. What is a tension test?.pdf

Compression-Tension Test

Compression-Tension test, as the name implies, is the test in which forces in the compressive and tension directions are applied during the same test to evaluate their interaction characteristics. Tack test and Extraction/Insertion test are described in detail. : Tack test is one of the evaluation methods for adhesion and stickiness. The probe is pressed against the sample at a pre-set force value, and after a certain period of time, it is pulled away from the sample to measure the force at which the probe is removed from the sample. : Extraction/Insertion test measures the resistance force (exertion/insertion force) when the probe is inserted or extracted. The force you may feel when you insert (or pull out) USB memory or SD card into an electronic device such as PC is an obvious example. The change of resistance is measured by repeatedly inserting and removing the device.

Texture Test

Texture Test analyzes texture, one element of food taste, from various perspectives, and evaluates its characteristics numerically. In addition to measurements based on texture profiles and complying standards, the following measurements can be performed. : In the Hardness/Elasticity aspect, the texture of meat and confectionery is evaluated in terms of repulsive force, and the breakability of samples is evaluated in the three-point bending test. : In the Cutting Resistance aspect, you can view a video showing the force value of cutting noodles and the firmness of boiled noodles, assuming the force required to bite through the food with teeth. : In the Stickiness and Smoothness aspect, the stickiness is measured by the resistance force when the probe is pushed into ketchup or other food and subsequently pulled up.

Torque Test

Torque Test evaluates changes in characteristics by applying a rotating force (torque) in the direction of turning or twisting a sample. Torque testers or handheld torque measuring instruments are used according to the sample. In addition to the torque value, the relationship between the torque value and rotation angle can be analyzed graphically. The following videos show the measurement of turning force, which is necessary to loosen screws coated with anti-looseness material, operating force, which is used to evaluate the moderation (click) of air conditioner knobs, and opening force, which is used to open PET bottle lids by turning them.

Peel Test

Peel Test is a test to characterize the force or process required to pull off a welded or bonded sample. 45° peel, 90° peel, 180° peel, and T-type peel are frequently used. Peeling force is the force required to peel adhesive tape, heat-sealed packaging film, jelly cup container lids, and so on. Peel force may be measured as a peak value, average value, or quantified together with peel distance (displacement value). In addition to the videos using a peel tester specialized for peel test, we also introduce peel test videos using a versatile vertical test stand and a force gauge with attachments suitable for various types of peel tests and samples. Here is an article comparing 90-degree peel tests and 180-degree peel tests Here is an article describing how to effectively perform peel tests

Friction Test

Friction Test is a test to measure the Coefficient of Friction based on resistance force (friction force) generated when a weight is placed on a sample and pulled or moved between two different types of samples. Usually both kinetic and static Coefficient of Friction are measured. The properties of paper, film, and other materials are often determined by industry standards, and examples of measurements that comply with these standards are also presented. In addition, using a pen and paper as a sample, it is possible to quantify and check the smoothness of the pen, which is one element of the writing comfort of a pen. In this measurement, dedicated software that automatically calculates the coefficients of kinetic and static friction can be used to increase the efficiency and convenience of the measurement.

SOLUTIONS BY INDUSTRY

Automotive / Transportation

Automotive/Transportation industry conducts various force measurement test, i.e., material characteristic, durability of assembly parts, and operability of brake pedals. Tests which complies with standards or ones for EV are also featured.

Aerospace

For safe and comfortable flights, force measurement is routinized for daily inspection and maintenance of plane body and its interior components. In addition, it is widely used for characteristic evaluation of raw materials for planes.

Electronics / Semiconductors

Check and view a list of operability evaluations as solder joint strength test of cable and terminal, peel/friction test of film material, and click feeling of switch. Such extraordinary sizes as micro parts or large LCD panels can be measured by the customized jigs or platforms.

Industry Machinery / Parts

The industry performs many force measurements, such as evaluation of operating force values of production machines in factories, durability of their constituent parts, and characteristic tests of materials. IMADA products are well-known, for they are incorporated into equipment as part of industrial machinery, and are in operation at many production sites.

Energy

With the increasing demand for renewable energy, the number of force measurement cases for related products is increasing. IMADA responds to new needs in the industry with custom-made products such as tensile tests for solar cell ribbons, peeling tests for copper foil of batteries, and strength tests for various metals and plastics.

Packaging / Containers / Paper

Protection evaluation and durability test of packaging and containers to avoid contamination, quality deterioration during transportation and storage of contents, and measurement of openability are popular types. Material texture of paper and plastic can be measured by friction test.

Food / Beverages

Food and Beverage measurements are increasingly popular. Of the important elements composing the deliciousness, the characteristics related to "texture" can be evaluated. The hardness of rice, elasticity of jelly, or smoothness of cream are also popular. The applications also include test, to comply with Universal food or industrial standards.

Textile / Apparel

The tensile strength of fabric materials, the adhesive strength and openability of buttons and fasteners, and the texture of fabrics are among a few popular measurements. In addition, the section includes component strength and torque tests using hard materials such as jewelries as samples.

Construction / Furniture

As the industry covers diversified situations, so does the force measurement. Such examples include closing force evaluation for inspection of fire doors and revolving doors, 3-point bending test of timber using for buildings, tactile test of earthquake-proof mat, and sliding force measurement of drawers.

Cosmetics / FMCG

As cosmetics and FMCG products expand, so does the force measurements. The ease of twisting a lip balm container, the brushing pressure of a toothbrush, the effect of hair care product on combing, the product quality of these cosmetics and daily necessities can be measured. Discover cases of various samples, and containers. Also consult us about other materials or containers.

Medical Equipment

Resistance force for painless injection needles, syringe operation force, catheter insertion feeling, and quality inspection of infusions and tubes are among a few examples of force measurements in the industry. View various cases, that IMADA introduces, to respond growing numbers of domestic and international standards.

Pharmaceutical

Same as medical equipment industry, this industry also has many industrial standards generating steady demand for force measurement including compression testing to evaluate durability of tablets or capsules, tactile testing of adhesive plasters, and stretchability of fabrics. See solution examples to ensure product safety and quality.

Ergonomics / Sporting Goods

Measurement of muscle strength required for sports and prevention of long-term frailty, and research of training are popular fields where force measurements are performed. The quality control of sporting equipment such as the elasticity of balls and cushion materials and the stretchability of fabrics are frequently measured.

Chemicals / Raw Materials

Products in the industry are intermediate goods, and often used as a part of finished goods in other industries. Thus, characteristic evaluations are conducted at each step of production process by force measurement, such as tensile or friction tests. As temperature or other conditions vary, IMADA also provides custom-made products, to respond the unique and specific requirements.

Occupational Training

Force measurement quantifies various forces, and is applied not only in quality control and R&D, but also in occupational training. Such unique cases as the measurement of human reflections in production are included, for specifically beneficial for the development of operation manuals.

Musical Instruments

Force measurements enable quality control of musical instrument operability, including key pressing force, volume switch sliding resistance, as well as the strength of the instrument itself and tensile strength of strings and wires.