Strain Gauge | Precision Resistive Sensor | Optional Soldering Service

This foil strain gauge is a resistive sensor. It measures deformation or strain. It changes its electrical resistance when the surface it's bonded to stretches or compresses. This simple principle makes this uniaxial strain gauge a basic tool for stress analysis and force measurement. Features and Benefits - Flexible polyimide backing - It conforms easily to flat or curved surfaces. This helps it bond well. - Self-temperature compensation - The design reduces errors from temperature changes. This gives you more accurate data. - 120Ω and 350Ω options - You can pick the best resistance for your circuit's sensitivity and power needs. - Optional pre-soldered leads - This service saves you time. It makes installing the foil strain gauge much easier. Applications - Building a custom foil strain gauge for a load cell or weighing scale. - Monitoring structural integrity in bridges and buildings. - Performing material testing and stress analysis in a research lab. How It Works A strain gauge is a resistive sensor designed to measure strain. This particular product is a foil strain gauge, operating on the principle of resistance sensing. When a material is subjected to external forces, it deforms, causing a change in its physical dimensions. The strain gauge, bonded to the surface of this material, deforms along with it. This deformation alters the electrical resistance of the gauge in a predictable way. By accurately measuring this change in resistance, the amount of strain applied to the material can be determined. Measuring the Output The output from this resistive strain sensor is a change in electrical resistance. This change is typically small and requires a sensitive measurement circuit, such as a Wheatstone bridge, to accurately detect. The bridge circuit converts the resistance change into a measurable voltage signal. The magnitude of this voltage signal is directly proportional to the strain experienced by the foil strain gauge. For precise readings, temperature compensation may also be employed, as resistance can also be affected by temperature fluctuations. Common Applications Strain gauges, as resistance sensors, are widely used in various applications where the measurement of deformation or force is critical. They are a fundamental component in the construction of load cells, which measure weight and force. They are also integral to pressure sensors, converting pressure into a measurable electrical signal. Beyond these, they are employed in structural health monitoring of buildings and bridges, and for stress analysis in mechanical components and machinery, providing vital data on material behaviour under load. How They Work Strain gauges, including this foil strain gauge, function on the principle that the electrical resistance of a conductor changes when it is stretched or compressed. When mechanical strain is applied to the material the gauge is bonded to, the gauge itself undergoes deformation. This deformation alters the length and cross-sectional area of the resistive element within the gauge. These changes, in turn, directly influence the electrical resistance of the element. The larger the strain, the greater the change in resistance. Measuring the Signal To measure the signal from a resistive strain sensor, a dedicated measurement system is required. The most common method involves connecting the strain gauge into a Wheatstone bridge circuit. This circuit is highly sensitive to small changes in resistance. As the foil strain gauge experiences strain, its resistance changes, unbalancing the bridge and producing a measurable voltage output. This voltage is then amplified and processed to provide a quantitative value of the applied strain. A soldering service is available for precise connection.