How to Survive a Stressful Date with a Sensor

Every choice in life is like that first date.  First impressions can set the stage for three very different results: excellent bonding, crack propagation or full delamination.

We all want to find that special strain sensor for our transducer. However, in order to find them, we must start from ground zero (insulation resistance) and ask for that first date (selecting an Advanced Sensor) . This can be a scary concept for some, but it is not as hard as it seems. Hopefully with these simple tips, you will master the art of foil strain sensor dating, stressing exactly the right chords.

In order to have success, it always helps to have a wing man!  Feel free to use one of our strain/stress experts at the following location: www.straintalks.com.

How to Choose the Perfect Match in 8 Steps or Less – Ask These Questions!

• What substrate material will be used?

• What temperature range is required?

• How much area is available for the strain gage? Be sure to ask about size requirements for the grid as well as the backing matrix.

• What layout is needed?  Geometry is quite important.  Not only grid orientation but the relationship between the sensing grids and solder pads can greatly influence assembly labor.

• What is the preferred resistance, and what strain level do you expect?

• What type of strain field is expected?  Bending, tension / compression, shear, torsion?  If bending, is it simple bending or reverse bending?

• Convenience versus output?  A single matrix full bridge gage eliminates intra-bridge wiring but the maximum performance may be sacrificed.

• Catalog or custom?  The correct solution may be a custom gage! Designed to fit the transducer, optimize the output and minimize installation labor, and improve reliability, custom gages often make sense when you’re planning for future.

Important: If at first you do not succeed with your strain sensor, try again! After trying a few different options, you are bound to find someone who is the perfect strain measurement match!

Warning: A date with an advanced sensor is a chance to get to know someone (usually a transducer) and to build a long-term and reliable force measurement relationship, not just to find out how much money they cost.