Force Measurement

Force measurement instruments quantify mechanical forces including tension, compression, torque, and shear in static and dynamic applications. Load cells, force gauges, accelerometers, and dynamometers convert physical force into electrical signals that can be recorded, displayed, and analyzed. These instruments are fundamental to structural testing, material characterization, product validation, and process control across a wide range of industries.

Accelerometers, such as those from Endevco, measure vibration and dynamic force in demanding environments including aerospace, automotive NVH testing, and industrial machinery monitoring. Precision force instruments like the Mitutoyo Litematic series measure insertion force, spring force, and micro-load applications where gentle contact and sub-gram resolution are required.

Typical Applications

Structural load testing and fatigue analysis in aerospace and civil engineering
Vibration and shock measurement in automotive NVH and component durability testing
Spring force, insertion force, and tactile switch testing in electronics manufacturing
Material tensile and compressive strength characterization in R&D laboratories
Industrial process monitoring and overload protection in manufacturing machinery
Medical device force testing for implants, surgical tools, and rehabilitation equipment

Popular Brands

Endevco (part of Meggitt) produces high-reliability piezoelectric accelerometers widely used in aerospace and defense. Mitutoyo offers the Litematic series for ultra-low-force contact measurement. Other key suppliers include Kistler for dynamic force and pressure measurement, HBK (Hottinger Brüel & Kjær) for load cells and data acquisition, and Dillon for industrial force gauges.