Force measuring gauges (or force gauges) are measuring devices that monitor and display compression, tension or shear force. The important components of a force-measuring gauge are its load sensor, which measures the applied force, and the display unit, which shows the results. Data recording and computer connectivity capabilities are some of the other add-on features that you can look for while buying a force gauge.

You can use force measuring gauges for various applications, such as research and development, quality control and monitoring the production process. Various industries, such as the automotive, packaging, medical and food industries, use force-measuring gauges extensively.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing a force-measuring gauge are:

1. Required force measuring range
2. Accuracy and sensitivity of the force measurement gauge
3. Type of output for the force measurement gauge
4. Sensor technology for the force measuring gauge

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a gauge from reputable force measuring gauge manufacturers

Once you have identified your requirements, check out different industrial force measuring gauges available in the market.

I recommend: Shimpo Instruments, a reliable manufacturer of force, torque and speed evaluation instruments, offers digital and mechanical force gauges. Herman H Sticht offers force gauges suitable for industrial applications such as assembly line operations and quality control. Com-Ten Industries, another manufacturer of force measurement devices, provides a wide range of digital force gauges. You can buy rugged force gauges suitable for industrial assembly line operations at Cooper Instruments & Systems. AMETEK, a leading electronic instrument manufacturer, supplies force-measuring gauges under the brand name Chatillon.

Buy a force-measuring gauge from force measuring gauge distributors

You can compare different force measuring gauges based on their features and prices at distributors and retailers' websites.

I recommend: TRANSCAT supplies force measuring gauges from reliable manufacturers such as Mark-10, Shimpo Instruments and Imada. JLW Instruments, a distributor of metrological equipment, offers force gauges from the leading suppliers of force measuring gauges. You can buy digital force gauges at other distributors such as Albuquerque Industrial and Acme Scale Company.

Buy specialty or customized force measuring gauges

If standard force measurement gauges do not match your requirements, opt for a customized or specialty force measurement gauge.

I recommend: Mark-10, a reputable manufacturer of force and torque measurement devices, offers customized force measuring gauges with capacities ranging from 5 g to 10,000 lb. ELECTROMATIC Equipment offers force measuring gauges for specialty applications such as physical therapy testing and wire terminal pull testing. You can also buy a customized force gauge at Mecmesin, a global manufacturer of force and torque gauges.

Calibrate your force measurement gauge periodically

Consult experts from reputable calibration service providers to ensure accurate functioning of your force measurement gauge.

I recommend: The Calibration Solution provides calibration services for various measuring equipment, including force measuring gauges. You can get your force measuring gauge calibrated by Precision Calibration Services, a company offering repairs and calibration services to the automotive and aerospace industries. Imada, a reputable force measuring gauge manufacturer, offers repairs and calibration services according to the customer’s requirements.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you buy a force measurement gauge, ensure that the manufacturer provides the calibration certificate.