Beyond the Strain Gauge Archives

How Does an Optical Strain Gauge Work?

Date: January 16, 2020
By: clange
Categories: Beyond the Strain Gauge

Understand the working principle of optical strain gauge technology and explore its advantages and disadvantages in load applications

Measuring Forces in the Force Shunt

Date: January 31, 2019
By: Joe Flanagan
Categories: Beyond the Strain Gauge

This article explains how to measure forces diverted from the desired force direction (a "force shunt"), to derive accurate force data. This is important when other methods of compensating for force shunts are impractical.

The Piezoelectric Effect and Its Applications

Date: March 5, 2019
By: Joe Flanagan
Categories: Beyond the Strain Gauge

Learn what the piezoelectric effect is, which materials create it, their fabrication, and their use in piezoelectric nanomaterials (PN), energy harvesting devices, sensors, and actuators.

title art for the article comparing strain gauges to piezoelectric sensors

Strain Gauges vs. Piezoelectric Sensors

Date: January 31, 2019
By: Joe Flanagan
Categories: Beyond the Strain Gauge

This article explains how strain gauge properties differ from piezoelectric sensors and how these properties make each well-suited for different applications.

a drawing of a terminal block with 7 screw head connections

An Overview of Terminal Blocks

Date: May 21, 2024
By: Maria Pontones
Categories: Beyond the Strain Gauge, Connectivity

Terminal blocks complete circuits between two bare wire ends. Aside from safety, terminal blocks have distinct advantages when building circuits, including organization and ease of maintenance. Learn the different types here.

a drawing of four load cell types in grid view: upper left is s-type, upper right is single point, lower left is load pin on a shackle, and lower right is a canister. superimposed in the middle of the image is a green checkmark surrounded by a green circle.

How Can I Tell If a Load Cell Is a Quality One?

Date: May 31, 2024
By: Maria Pontones
Categories: Beyond the Strain Gauge, Measurement Optimization

Not all load cells are created equal. What sets the most accurate, reliable and long-lasting apart? This article answers this question to help you find the best quality load cell.