Three-Axis Strain Gauge | BF350-3CA Foil | 45° for Weighing Sensors

This three-axis foil strain gauge measures strain from several directions at one point. It's a type of rosette strain gauge. Its grids are set at 0°, 45°, and 90°. You need this setup when you don't know the direction of the main stress in your component. Features and Benefits - Rosette grid configuration - It lets you calculate both the amount and the angle of maximum strain. - Multiple resistance models - Choose from 120Ω, 350Ω, or 1kΩ (BF1K-3CA). This lets you match your data acquisition hardware. - Fine foil pattern - It gives repeatable measurements. This helps you build an accurate weighing sensor or transducer. - Flexible backing material - You can apply it to complex or curved parts. This allows for thorough material testing. Applications - Designing a multi-axis load cell sensor for industrial scales. - Analyzing complex stress on automotive or aerospace components. - Creating a custom strain gauge transducer, like a pressure sensor. How It Works A strain gauge is a sensor that measures strain. This Three-Axis Strain Gauge, with its 45° angle, operates on the principle of resistance sensing. When a material is subjected to external forces, it deforms, causing a change in its electrical resistance. This particular foil gauge is designed to detect these subtle changes across three axes. The internal resistance of the gauge changes proportionally to the deformation, allowing for the quantification of strain. This makes it a fundamental component in various measurement systems where precise deformation data is required. Measuring the Output The output from this strain gauge is a change in electrical resistance. This specific product is available with resistance values of 120 Ohm, 350 Ohm, or 1000 Ohm. To measure this output, the gauge is typically integrated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit. As the material under test experiences strain, the resistance of the gauge changes, unbalancing the bridge. This imbalance generates a small voltage signal which can then be amplified and processed. The magnitude of this voltage directly correlates to the amount of strain experienced by the material. Common Applications Strain gauges, such as this Three-Axis Strain Gauge, are widely used in applications requiring precise measurement of mechanical deformation. Given its 45° angle, it is particularly suited for scenarios where strain needs to be monitored in multiple directions simultaneously. Common uses include: - Weighing sensors, where accurate load measurement is critical. - Structural health monitoring in buildings and bridges. - Material testing in laboratories to determine stress-strain properties. - Force and torque transducers in industrial machinery. How They Work Strain gauges work by converting mechanical deformation into a measurable electrical signal. When the foil of the gauge is stretched or compressed, its electrical resistance changes. This change is due to alterations in the length and cross-sectional area of the conductive material within the gauge. The Three-Axis Strain Gauge is designed to capture these changes across three distinct axes, providing a comprehensive view of the strain distribution. This resistance sensor theory is fundamental to how strain gauges operate, enabling them to provide data on material stress and deformation. Measuring the Signal Measuring the signal from this strain gauge involves detecting the change in its electrical resistance. The product offers resistance options of 120 Ohm, 350 Ohm, and 1000 Ohm. This change in resistance is typically very small and requires sensitive instrumentation. A common method is to incorporate the gauge into a Wheatstone bridge circuit, which converts the resistance change into a voltage output. This voltage signal is then usually amplified and digitised for further analysis. The accuracy of the strain measurement depends heavily on the precision of this signal conditioning and measurement process.