Measurements Group Strain Gauges

Micro-Measurements Catalogue 500

General Purpose Gauges

• The bondable foil strain gauges manufactured by our Micro-Measurements Division are available with thousands of possible combinations of grid alloys, pattern designs, gauge lengths, backing materials, resistances, and optional features. (See Gauge Designation System for details.) General-purpose gauges are available in the following patterns:

• Uniaxial Gauge with a single grid for measuring strain in the grid direction.

• Biaxial Rosettes Gauge with two perpendicular grids used to determine principal strains when their directions are known.

• Three-Element Rosettes Gauge with three independent grids in three directions for ascertaining the principal strains and their directions.

• Shear Patterns Gauge having two chevron grids that are used in half-bridge circuits for direct indication of shear strains. 

Transducer-Class® Gauges

• Transducer-Class strain gauges are a select group of gauge patterns designed specifically for transducer applications. The main objective is optimum gauge performance at lower cost in high-volume production quantities.

• Exclusive features of Transducer-Class gauges include: 

• Optimum backing thickness tolerance This is particularly important to minimize creep variations between gauge installations.

• Uniform backing trim dimensions Matrix dimensions listed in this bulletin have a tolerance of ±0.005 in (±0.13 mm) on any edge (measured from grid centerlines). On many transducer designs this will allow the gauge matrix to be used for gauge alignment. Gauge placement for bonding can be fixtured more easily for reduced assembly time.

• Multiple creep compensation choices for most gauge patterns A close inspection of the gauge pattern will reveal a small letter on the gauge matrix next to the grid. This letter is the creep compensation code. Different creep compensations of the same pattern can be easily identified after removing gauges from the package.

• Special pattern refinement for improved gauge-to-gauge reproducibility Creep variation due to operating temperature changes is reduced.
  Transducer-Class gauges and bondable resistors are available in a wide variety of backing/alloy constructions. (See Gauge Designation System for details). The Vishay Measurements Group's Transducer Applications Department can assist you in choosing the series most suitable for your specific requirements. 

Special-Purpose Sensors

• Micro-Measurements also offers a variety of products designed to meet special needs and perform special functions in experimental stress analysis. These include: 
  Bondable Temperature Sensors With nickel-foil grids, these sensors are used for general-purpose temperature measurements over the range of -320 to +500° F (-195 to +260° C).

• Crack Detection Gauges Convenient, economical method of detecting cracks or crack growth.

• Crack Propagation Gauges Multiple conducting grids on a single backing accurately indicate the rate of crack propagation.

• Weldable Gauges Strain gauges and temperature sensors bonded to a metal carrier for spot welding to a test structure when adhesive cannot be used or minimum installation time is required.

• Residual Stress Rosettes for the practical, widely used hole-drilling method of residual stress determination.

• Shear Modulus Gauges Special gauges for accurately determining the shear modulus of composite materials with standard Iosipescu and Compact test specimens.

• Embedment Strain Gauges Special strain sensors for embedding in concrete. 

• Complete details of all Micro-Measurements Special Sensors are included in Catalogue 500. Contact the Vishay Measurements Group office or regional sales representative serving your area to obtain a copy. 

Installation Accessories

• The full potential for accurate strain measurements can be realized only when strain gauges are properly installed. All Micro-Measurements installation accessories have been designed or selected specifically to help ensure successful installation of Micro-Measurements strain gauges and special sensors. They include accessories for:

• Surface Preparation Degreasers, conditioners, neutralizers, abrasives

• Gauge Handling Tapes, clamps, tools

• Adhesives Cyanoacrylates, epoxies

• Leadwire Attachment Solders, wires, cables

• Protective Coatings Polyurethanes, rubbers, acrylics, wax 

• The complete line of Micro-Measurements installation accessories and related equipment is described in Catalogue A-110, M-LINE Strain Gauge Accessories. Printed copies are available upon request by contacting the Vishay Measurements Group office or regional sales representative serving your area.

• Additionally, a group of M-LINE accessories have also been specifically selected for use in building strain-gauge-based transducers. 

For further information and online tools visit Measurements Group USA web site