How to Measure Force?

Force measurement is to express the force (force = load) generated by contact using a measuring device such as a force gauge. Force measurement unit is N, kgf, or lbf (see the details of unit>). 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. See usages example videos>

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.

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Force Gauge Overview

Force gauges, also known as "push-pull gauge" or "push-pull scale" are measuring equipment that measures the load (force) acting on a sample. They can measure tension, compression, bending, shear, as well as peel, adhesion, and friction. They are popular in manufacturing and play critical role in quality control and R&D, such as evaluation of mechanical properties of materials (strength, hardness, toughness, or durability), verification of safety and operability of parts and products, and compliance with industry standards.

Force gauges support our daily lives, such as automobiles, home appliances, food and packaging, medical equipment, stationery, and furniture. See usage examples in each industiry >

See the complete lineup of force gauges: List of all force gauges >

Load Cell Overview

Load Cells, also known as "Load Transducers" or "Load Sensors" are sensor that detects force or torque and converts its magnitude into an electrical signal.

They come in various shapes, such as beam, coin, or S-shape, and can be used for measurement in small spaces or built into specific equipment. There are also particular types with shapes suitable for unique samples such as vehicle handbrakes or footbrakes. Some can be used even in harsh environments such as high/low temperatures, high dust, or exposure to water.

They can be connected to a dedicated amplifier (display unit) to quantify and display the measurement results. Measurement data and pass/fail test value signals can be simply output, allowing for easy management of data, and interlocking of measurement results with equipment.

Although they are rarely seen in everyday, they are used in a variety of production facilities as fundamental. They support our daily lives, i.e., in the form of strength test and operability evaluation of automobile assembly parts and finished car bodies.

See the complete lineup of load cells: List of all load cells >

Test Stand Overview

Test stands are supplementary products for force measurement to move a force gauge either vertically or horizontally.

Combined with a force gauge and attachments, they can be used as simple desktop force tester for more precise measurement. Unlike handheld measurement, they push and pull the force gauge to make the test speed and direction uniform, thus materializing highly repeatable measurement.

It is also useful when you measure large forces or for small displacements.

Switch-operated motorized types and handle/lever-operated manual types are available to suit your needs.

See the complete lineup of test stands: List of all test stands >

Torque Tester Overview

Torque is the torsional moment (turning or twisting force) that acts on an object when it rotates, and the device that measures torque is Torque Tester. Torque testers can be used to measure opening and closing force, turning force, and sliding resistance.

Torque measurement is popular, from the torsional strength of circuit boards, the tightening force of screws, the opening force of PET bottles and jars, and the operating force of rotary switches and keys, as a few examples.

Also commonly used to evaluate the safety and the operability of such parts and products, conform to industry standards. It is one of the most important measuring instruments supporting quality control and research and development.

See the complete lineup: List of all torque gauges (torque testers) >

Torque Test Stand Overview

Torque Test stands are rotating equipment for torque testers. Combined with a torque gage and attachments, it can be used as a simple torque tester to achieve more precise measurements.

Unlike hand-held measurement, they can perform the rotation movement or fix the sample. This reduces shake of manual operation and equalizes the test speed, consequently delivering highly repeatable measurements. Rotating the test object more than 360 degrees or continuous rotating can be easily conducted.

A switch-operated motorized type, a manual type with a knob, or a holder to fix the sensor will meet the various torque measurement needs.

See the complete lineup: List of all torque test stands >

Attachment Overview

An attachment is a jig that is attached to a test stand or a test stand of a force gauge. Since it is the part of the attachment that actually contacts the sample to be measured, the attachment is a very important element in force measurement.

A force gauge can be used to measure compression force by attaching an attachment for compression test, and can measure tension force by replacing it with an attachment for tension test. In other words, a force gauge can read a force value, but the type of force to be measured is determined by the attachment, not the force gauge.

Even for a single compression test, there are various types of compression tests, such as a pressure test in which a force is applied to the entire test sample, or a puncture test in which a force is applied locally.

In order for a force gauge to properly measure your desired force, you need an attachment that is suitable for the purpose. It would not be an exaggeration that "the right attachment" is the most important factor in force measurement. Therefore, IMADA has continued to develop attachments to meet the measurement needs of our customers, and the number of types of attachments has been continuously increasing. We have reached the point where we offer over 230 types attachments as regular items.

with custom-made attachments, we manufacturer more than 300 types of attachments annually. The possibilities for force measurement is infinite, and the world of attachments is endlessly wide and deep, although it may seem small and inconsiderable.

See the complete lineup of attachments: List of all attachments>