Force Measuring Methods

Direct force measurement necessitates splitting the component or member perpendicular to the load path in order to be able to mount the calibrated force sensor. As this substantially interferes with the existing structure, the mounted force sensor must meet the component's strength and rigidity requirements. The measuring range of the sensor must be wider than the variation in the process force to be measured.  However, this method of mounting has the major advantage that, irrespective of its point of application, the force acting can always be measured accurately and with good linearity.

Application: 1-component and multicomponent force measurement in the laboratory, measurement of small forces, wherever measurement of absolute force is required.

Preferred sensors: Calibrated 1-component and multicomponent force sensors

If very large forces have to be measured or the component cannot be split, the force shunt method of measurement must be used. The sensor is mounted in a suitable position along the component's load path and firmly clamped to the structure. It then measures only part of the process force to be determined. This component is smaller or larger depending on the mounting configuration. The advantage of this method of mounting is that it involves relatively little interference with the existing structure. Only one sensor with a smaller measuring range is still needed. Once the sensor has been mounted, in-situ force calibration is required to determine the sensitivity of the measurement setup.

Application: Only permitted for measurement of forces with fixed point of application, for example for monitoring press processes.

Preferred sensors: 1-component force sensors and strain sensors.