PCE Instruments Force / Torque / Hardness Meters
Force Gauges and Torque Testers
Force Gauges measure push/pull (tension/compression) forces and
Torque Testers measure torque forces. Styles range from analog to digital and hand held to test bench.
![force-gauge]()
![cap-torque-tester]()
Force Gauge Torque Tester
Force gauges are suitable for use in numerous industries and applications
- Incoming quality inspection
- Finished goods testing
- R&D
- Wire pull testing
- Wire crimps
- Trigger pull
- Brake pedal
- Aerospace
- Ceramic, springs
- Food ripeness
- Corrugated paper strength
- Blister pack
- Medical component
- Muscle strength
- Ergonomic testing
- Adhesives
- Syringe plunger
- Needle sharpness
- And many more
Torque Tester applications vary from testing of tools like torque wrenches to bottle caps. Cap torque testers are ideal for lab or production use for closure manufacturers, bottlers, and food and beverage companies.
Force Gauge Selection Considerations
- Sample speed sufficient to capture peaks
- Data capture and PC connectivity
- Accuracy
- Max push/pull (tension/compression) load
- Mounting should be considered. It can range from an accessory to a complete bench test fixture setup
How do Force Gauges and Torque Testers work?
A force gauge uses a strain gauge type load cell to make the force measurement. Load cells are also used on electronic scales. They are very reliable and repeatable. Just do not subject them to sudden load shocks. A Torque Tester is similar but additionally has a mechanical arrangement to translate the torque motion to deflection of the strain gauge
Hardness Testers
Hardness Testers measure the ability of an object, such as a metal, to resist deformation. Various test methods and hardness scales have been developed. Rough conversion tables between scales are possible.
Here are popular scales based on indentation hardness of the material
- Rockwell Scale
- Vickers Scale
- Brinell
- Shore
Fruit Hardness Tester is a penetrometer that measures fruit ripeness in order to improve fruit quality, harvest, storage, and product transportation time. Not only those from fruit farms can benefit from it but also those from the fruit science research departments, fruit producers, agricultural colleges and universities. This tester can help provide better judgment to the degree of the fruit's maturity.
Wire Terminal Pull Tester
A Wire Terminal Puller is designed to measure the pull-off force of wire and tube terminations. Manufacturers that make up their own cables in quantity can use a wire terminal tester to prevent problems in the field.
How does a Wire Terminal Tester work?
A fixture holds one the end with the wire terminal or an optional fixture is available for ring terminals. The other end of the wire is connected to a cam assembly. An ergonomic lever allows for easy application of up to 200 lbF (1000 N) of force. Adjustable terminal fixture contains multiple slots for diameters up to AWG 3 (0.25 in [6.3 mm]).
Pull measurements are made at high speed to capture the instantaneous peak measurement. Data logging and PC communications are included for later analysis.