Blog

06

Apr 21

When it comes to force transducers, two principles of operation are most frequently used: those based on the use of piezoelectric sensors and those based on the capabilities of strain gauges. Which are the best? It is more appropriate to say that in certain situations and in specific contexts one type of sensor is more appropriate than the other. So let’s get to know them in more detail. This will help you to understand which is the best solution in your case.

The main features of piezoelectric sensors

Piezoelectric sensors, which are used for force transducers, generally consist of two discs with a foil electrode between them. When a certain force is applied to these devices, an electrical charge is immediately generated. This charge is measured by a charge amplifier. In other words, the charge generated is directly proportional to the force that is applied to the transducer, and the amplifier enables the force to be measured.

Force transducers with strain gauge sensors

A strain gauge sensor allows force to be measured in a different way. It always contains an element made of a strong, elastic material on which force is applied. This force clearly causes a slight deformation of the spring element, by which the applied force can be measured. Depending on the size of the spring element, the measuring range of the device can be determined.

Which sensor to choose?

In most cases, force transducers with piezoelectric sensors are the best choice if you are looking for an element that offers high stiffness. Consequently, they are even suitable for those who also want a high resonance frequency. Systems using a strain gauge sensor, on the other hand, have a relatively low resonance frequency.

In general, the choice of piezoelectric sensors is ideal for those who need to measure small forces quickly. Strain gauge operation is the best solution for those who need to measure large forces.

Support from professionals

Even those who have been using force transducers for a long time can benefit from the support of professionals. It is a good idea to get help from the companies that supply and, even better, manufacture these devices. Depending on the machinery, the working environment, the production methods, the specific needs and preferences, the experts can recommend the best sensor for the customer.

They can provide products suitable for even the harshest environments, such as IP68-rated force transducers and/or protective housings. Finally, professionals in the field can offer customised advice and a variety of solutions for those looking for high precision requirements as well as value for money.

Force transducers and sensors from AEP transducers

AEP transducers offers modern and efficient force transducers and sensors with the best metrological characteristics. Our laboratory is always working to ensure accurate, functional, robust and state-of-the-art products. We look forward to offering you customised solutions that are perfect for your working environment.

25

Jan 21

Thanks to various studies and advances in the field of technology, for some time now we have had different types of transducers available. Today we are talking about force, displacement and pressure transducers. What are their characteristics?

A brief introduction to these interesting devices

Before going into detail, it is useful to say that a transducer is a particular device capable of converting a given physical quantity into another. In practice, it receives an input signal and proposes another at the output. Some transducers are also capable of transforming one type of energy into another.

Characteristics of force transducers

Force transducers are sensors that transmit the force itself in a different magnitude or change only some of its characteristics. They are used in various sectors, both in industry and in more common applications. There are basically two types of force transducers: homogeneous force transducers and non-homogeneous force transducers, also called “hybrids”.

Pressure and displacement transducers fall into the category of force sensors. This is because pressure is defined as a force per unit area.

Displacement transducers

Displacement transducers are also called “displacement sensors”. They prove to be instruments which ensure that the results of calculations in certain areas of research and development are correct. All transducers of this type operate on the principle of inductive measurement.

They are easy to use, compact and robust, and offer high levels of accuracy. They also tend to wear out slowly. A displacement sensor can be used for a variety of purposes: from high-precision measurements in the micrometre range to simple monitoring in production.

Pressure transducers

A pressure transducer converts the pressure it receives as input into an analogue electrical signal. This conversion is triggered by the deformation of the strain gauges inside the device. In practice, the applied pressure deforms the strain gauge, which then changes its electrical resistance in proportion to the pressure. Again, these are instruments that, if chosen carefully, operate independently, functionally and accurately, and can last a long time.

What is the ideal transducer? AEP transducers solutions

Choosing the right transducer for your business may not be as simple as it may seem at first glance. That’s why we at AEP transducers stand by our customers and offer comprehensive and personalised support. Thanks to our many years of experience, we guarantee the design and manufacture of quality, tested and certified transducers.

We offer a wide range of force, displacement and pressure transducers. Our solutions are reliable, functional, efficient and durable. With this in mind, we invite you to put us to the test. Contact us as soon as possible for more information and advice tailored to your needs and preferences.

01

Dec 20

Nowadays, the company AEP transducers is known as one of the best in the field of production and sale of transducers, pressure gauges, dynamometers, electronic instrumentation for companies and much more. We are not saying this to boast, but just to tell you something about us.

Our company is located in Modena and operates in a very large factory, which exceeds 3000 square meters. Our staff focuses its attention on the continuous research of innovation and is constantly renewing our range of products, always offering the best to each customer.

Why choose AEP transducers? The reasons are not lacking

We have come a long way to offer our customers solid guarantees and, to date, there are many reasons to choose us. Below we list five of them. If you test us, however, you will discover that we offer many other advantages that should not be underestimated.

1. Competence and professionalism at the service of the customer

Our great experience gained over the years has made AEP transducers a valid resource in the field of design and manufacture of measuring and calibration instruments. Our company has gained many years of experience in the production of certified sensors. Currently, we offer more than 200 consulting services per year on different types of applications. We can guarantee a competent and professional technical assistance, give you exhaustive answers and propose customized solutions.

2. Quality of materials and innovation

Our customers come from all over the world. They rely on the precision and reliability of the devices we offer, but above all on the great quality we use in the production of our products.

The quality of the materials used in our factory is truly remarkable and allows customers to choose our technical solutions for their business. We are also able to provide a great technological innovation with regard to the instruments used for the sensors.

3. Competitive and affordable prices for everyone

Despite the great quality of the products offered by AEP transducers, we still manage to keep prices affordable for everyone and very competitive for the sector we work in. This allows the end customer to count on a decidedly optimal quality-price ratio.

4. Variety of products on offer

Another reason to choose us is this: the variety of products. Our expertise enables us to offer many different types of services, all of them of the highest quality, as well as a wide range of measuring products, equipped with advanced technology.

5. Our production made in Italy

Finally, it is useful to underline that AEP transducers’ products are designed and manufactured entirely in the Modena plant. Our production is made in Italy, which leaves nothing to chance.

AEP transducers is waiting for you

Every year we invest a large part of our turnover in the production of increasingly technological products. Therefore, we have what it takes to optimise and simplify the various business activities. We at AEP transducers are looking forward to offering you customised, state-of-the-art solutions, from strain gauge sensors to electronic instrumentation and application software.

20

Mar 20

For years we have been on the side of various types of industries and at the service of numerous sectors, dealing with the design, production and sale of many high quality components.
These include force transducers. Let’s see what this is all about and what we can guarantee you.

Do you know the force transducer?

For beginners, it is useful to point out that a force transducer is a device that converts a force into an electrical quantity.
In other words, we have an input force that is converted into an electrical signal proportional to the strain generated.

How a force transducer is made and how it works

Force transducers consist of a strain gauge, that is a resistive conductor applied to an insulating support and a spring element.
Usually, a strain gauge sensor consists of four strain gauges connected to a Wheatstone bridge and a spring element made from a mechanical structure.

The mechanical structure can be made with different geometries depending on the type of application, column, ring, membrane, etc…

When the mechanical structure extends, the strain gauges applied to the mechanical body are stretched.

When the mechanical structure contracts, the strain gauges are shortened, resulting in a change in resistance and consequently in the output voltage.

AEP transducers: design and manufacture of quality products

If your company needs the support of high quality force transducers, know that AEP transducers can certainly help you.

We are a team that specializes in the design and manufacture of these and many other products in the field of weight, force, pressure, torque and displacement measurement.

AEP markets force, pressure and displacement transducers, digital pressure gauges, load cells, torque transducers, dynamometers, electronic instrumentation and related application software.
All products manufactured are of the highest quality, reliability and stability over time.

They are certified according to ISO 376 and ASTM E74 standards and are extremely easy to use.

The products to be evaluated

• Star-F is a professional handheld indicator that measures displacement, torque, force, weight, pressure and depression.
  It is equipped with a backlit graphic display and is powered by an internal rechargeable battery with 24 hours autonomy.
  In addition to the internal sensor, it can alternatively manage up to 7 external sensors.

• CLF “Titan line” is a column force transducer able to measure static and dynamic loads in compression.
  Entirely made of stainless steel, and LASER welded, it boasts an excellent mechanical resistance.
  It is extremely stable and perfect for calibration of material testing machines.

• CFLEX is a transducer capable of calibrating the main force and checking the self-alignment of the joints.
  It is also used in compression testing machines on hardened concrete for monitoring force centering.
  It is made of laser welded stainless steel and equipped with 5 independent strain gauge bridges.

• CLB measures static and dynamic loads in traction and compression.
  It is a column component, used for the tare weight of high class material testing machines,
  This transducer is also laser welded and made of stainless steel.

• KAL and microKAL, on the other hand, are very precise force transducers for the tare weight of material testing machines and metrological comparisons between laboratories.

Our 50 years of experience allows us to guarantee all this and much more.
AEP transducers not only designs and manufactures force transducers and components of various kinds, but also provides consulting in the fields of metrology in various industrial sectors.