Blog

10

Feb 21

Our company has been producing accurate, functional and quality strain gauge sensors for many years. Therefore, over the years we have analysed numerous solutions and followed the progress of technology step by step. With this in mind, we would like to share some of our knowledge with you today by telling you about the difference between electrical and optical strain gauge sensors.

Let’s start with the basics: what is a strain gauge sensor?

In order to optimally evaluate and measure mechanical forces, numerous calculations need to be made. Fortunately, nowadays we can rely on various technologies and, more specifically, on the functionality of different strain gauge sensors. Strain gauges allow force to be measured by means of an element made of a strong elastic material inside the sensor.

The force is applied to this element. Of course, this causes a slight deformation of the spring element, through which the applied force can be measured. Depending on the size of the spring element, the measuring range of the device in question can be determined.

Electrical strain gauges

Electrical strain gauges are based on one of the most proven technologies in the industry. They ensure the acquisition of correct values by measuring the change in electrical resistance in a given component. For these reasons, they are excellent for experimental stress analysis or for manufacturing transducers.

In addition, electrical strain gauge sensors are very popular because they can measure mechanical strain by means of films integrated in a load cell or force transducer. In order to acquire a positive or negative strain, a change in the electrical resistance of the strain gauge in question is required.

This type of product is available in a number of different models, which offer various measurements, such as linear strain measurement in a single axial plane.

Optical strain gauge sensors

Optical strain gauges use the properties of light and an optical fibre to measure mechanical strain. They consist of silicon optical fibres, coated with robust polymers, and Bragg fibre. This combination improves the performance of strain gauge sensors.

The Bragg fibre is placed in the core of the optical fibre: these two components allow light to pass through the grooves and be reflected back through the bandgaps. Variations of the periods of the Bragg fibre are normally given by mechanical deformations, which cause variations of the light.

Finally, there is an interrogator connected to the optical fibre, which can scatter laser light of various wavelengths and analyse the reflected light via the optical sensor. The optical sensor measures the various mechanical deformations.

Which strain gauge sensors are suitable for your company?

If you have doubts about which product to implement in your daily work, we suggest you evaluate the solutions of AEP transducers. We offer modern and efficient strain gauge sensors with the best metrological characteristics. We are available to answer your questions and to guarantee accurate, functional and customized products.

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.

19

Oct 20

Ours is a company that designs, designs and sells technologically advanced products. Nowadays, our presence on the market has been consolidated, in particular in the design, production and sale of strain gauge sensors, electronic instrumentation and application software. Starting from this assumption, today we are talking about the production processes of AEP transducers.

The quality and main characteristics of our production

In order to continue to have an increasingly important position on the international market, our company has decided to devote a good part of its investments to an increasingly advanced type of automation. Therefore, our production cycles are innovative, fast, intelligent and functional. This allows us to always guarantee an excellent quality-price ratio to all our customers.

The production processes of AEP transducers are accompanied by careful control of raw materials. This is a fundamental process during the production phase of our products, which usually takes place through some metallographic analysis of the steels used.

The technology that accompanies our production step by step

During the production phase, our company uses heat treatments. These treatments are carried out with ovens equipped with really advanced technologies, which allow us to confirm our products with decidedly optimal characteristics.

AEP transducers’ production processes also require the company’s technicians to apply strain gauges to the sensors in production every day. This enables AEP to guarantee the highest levels of performance and therefore high quality devices. Subsequently, the sensors in production are hermetically sealed through the use of highly technological and computerised systems. These take care of welding the various components using a laser that works continuously and pulsed. This operation makes it possible to offer products with great stability and durability.

Other details concerning the production processes of AEP transducers

Our production activities require the sensor to be identified by a number printed in series with laser marking. This allows the sensor to be tracked during each stage of the production process.

Our sensors are individually calibrated with samples loaded twice as much as they usually are, so that both mechanical and electrical resistance can be effectively assessed. In the end, the sensors produced by AEP transducers are compensated using an automatic climate chamber. The electronic circuits are assembled using automatic machines and then tested one by one.

Our production is at the service of various operating sectors

As you have noticed, during AEP transducers’ production processes, nothing is left to chance. By the way, this is just a summary of what we do in our laboratory. We are well aware that production is the fundamental part of a company’s life. Therefore, we do everything we can to make it perfect in every respect. This allows us to respond skilfully to the needs of all those involved in electronic weighing and dosing. Our products are suitable in the field of automation; in research, calibration and testing laboratories; and in the hydraulic, oil-hydraulic, automotive and other industries.