Force transducers and load cells are found in presses, test rigs, weighing and dosing systems and machines that monitor forces. We calibrate them in tension up to 500 kN and in compression up to 4,000 kN, on their own or together with the indicator, on our tensile and compression test benches at our Elspeet facility.
We calibrate all brands. If you are unsure whether your transducer will fit in our benches, send us the dimensions or the type number; we will then check in advance which adapters are needed.
A force transducer produces a small electrical signal, usually in mV/V. Only the amplifier or indicator turns this into a force. You can choose:
If you replace a cable or amplifier after the calibration, or change the settings, the result for the complete measuring chain no longer automatically applies.
The outcome of a force calibration depends strongly on the way the transducer is mounted. A transducer that is loaded at an angle is subjected to lateral forces or bending moments that affect the result. We therefore use suitable loading pads, adapters and articulated couplings, so that the force is introduced purely along the measuring axis.
Before the measurement series we preload the transducer a few times up to the maximum force. This stabilises the transducer and removes any settling in the mounting. The measuring steps then follow, increasing and then decreasing, so that the hysteresis also becomes visible. For transducers used in both directions, we measure tension and compression separately.
A certificate for a force transducer contains more than a list of numbers. The key terms:
State in your request which measuring points are important to you. If your press always operates around 60 kN, for example, we will include that point in the measurement series.
Select the direction and the measuring range of your transducer. The range is the maximum force you want to have calibrated.
Price on request · state make, type and requirements (display, number of steps, class) in the remarks of your request.
Yes, if the load cell can be supplied separately and fits in a force calibration bench. If you want the complete weighing system checked, a calibration of the scale with weights is usually the better choice.
The transducer itself usually cannot, but the indicator or amplifier often can. If you send in the measuring chain, we can adjust the sensitivity after consulting you. The certificate then shows the results before and after adjustment.
For a check, 3 steps are often sufficient, for example 20, 60 and 100 per cent of the range. For an extensive calibration or an ISO 376 calibration we measure 8 or more steps, so that the behaviour across the full range becomes visible.
Have it recalibrated before using it again. An overload can cause a permanent zero shift or a change in sensitivity that is not visible from the outside.
Send us the type number or a drawing in advance. We can often solve it with an adapter or loading pad. If it really does not fit, you will hear from us before you send anything.
Book your calibration online via the customer portal or request a quote. We collect your force measuring instruments and calibrate them on our tensile and compression benches in Elspeet.