Request a Sensor
Bring a model or measured-load requirement for component selection and supply.
Request a Sensor →Load cells · Torque · Multi-axis sensing · Readout kits
Force & Torque Sensors for OEM Measurement
Measure the force or torque that matters to your machine. Compare load cells, torque sensors and multi-axis sensing, then define the mounting, signal chain and acceptance records with Magatom. Start with a sensor requirement or bring an existing model and the interface changes you need.
Best starting point
OEM mechanical, test and automation engineers and procurement teams matching a measurable load to a sensor and readout configuration.
Through-hole compression load-cell form: review the loading face, bore and cable clearance.
Supplier-derived product-form reference from the owner’s sensor image library.
Capability-domain role
Force & Torque Sensing →
Also interfaces with Motion Assemblies & Interface Integration.
Force and torque feedback connect machine loads to the motion, test and mechanical interfaces already reviewed for OEM assemblies.
Specify a Matched Kit
Define the sensor, cable, readout and configuration or calibration records together.
Specify a Matched Kit →Discuss Interface Customization
Agree the mounting or electrical changes, sample scope and acceptance work.
Discuss Interface Customization →Component geometry and assembly context
Compare the component forms and interface concepts below when preparing your assembly brief.
Measurement-chain concept: define each interface and the configuration covered by the calibration record.
Original Magatom editorial artwork.
Component and interface review scope
- Single-axis load-cell, reaction/rotary torque and multi-axis sensing requirement review
- Mounting, loading, excitation, cable, conditioner and readout/interface selection
- Component supply, matched measurement-kit enquiries and defined interface-development projects
Inputs to agree for your configuration
- Force or torque; tension/compression, clockwise/counter-clockwise, or the required Fx/Fy/Fz/Mx/My/Mz components.
- Normal minimum/maximum, transient peaks, preload, load reversals and overload cases, with units.
- Sketch the applied load, reaction structure, contact faces, threads or bolt circle and any side loads.
Force & Torque Sensors in the equipment assembly
Connect the equipment function to its load, mounting, magnetic circuit or electrical interfaces. Use these examples to frame the design questions for your project.
Assembly presses and test fixtures
Measure axial compression or tension while controlling mounting preload, alignment and overload exposure.
Bolt preload and through-bore measurement
Review the bore, annular contact area, body height and force path around the existing fastener or shaft.
Rotary mechanisms and torque tests
Distinguish stationary reaction torque from a rotating shaft measurement, then define the speed, mounting and signal path.
Multi-axis research and automation
Specify the required force/moment components, coordinate frame, combined loading and data interface before selecting the configuration.
Force & Torque Sensors: loads, geometry and interface inputs
Items marked required are needed to close the basic requirement. Optional choices may remain open for the review.
Measured quantity and directions
Required inputForce or torque; tension/compression, clockwise/counter-clockwise, or the required Fx/Fy/Fz/Mx/My/Mz components.
Why it matters: A through-hole load cell, a joint torque ring and a six-axis sensor measure different quantities.
Working range and peaks
Required inputNormal minimum/maximum, transient peaks, preload, load reversals and overload cases, with units.
Why it matters: The working measurement range and survival/overload limits are different selection criteria.
Load path and mounting
Required inputSketch the applied load, reaction structure, contact faces, threads or bolt circle and any side loads.
Why it matters: Fixture alignment, mounting preload and unintended bypass paths affect what reaches the sensor.
Envelope and installation
Required inputBore, outside dimensions, height, mating tolerances, cable exit and connector/service clearance.
Why it matters: Similar appearance or outside diameter does not establish an interchangeable mechanical interface.
Measurement behavior
May remain openAccuracy objective, repeatability, sampling/bandwidth needs, filtering, response time and the condition where each is evaluated.
Why it matters: Resolution, nonlinearity, repeatability and assembled-system uncertainty are different quantities.
Excitation and signal output
Required inputAvailable supply, mV/V bridge input or required analog/digital output, controller/readout model and cable length.
Why it matters: The bridge, conditioner, cable and receiving device need a compatible electrical and scaling arrangement.
Environment and duty
May remain openTemperature range, moisture, cable motion, vibration, duty, fatigue cycles and maintenance needs.
Why it matters: The installation conditions influence sensor construction and the validation boundary.
Calibration and supply scope
May remain openSensor only or a matched kit, calibration directions/range, required records, sample quantity and production plan.
Why it matters: A component certificate and an applied-load system calibration cover different delivery configurations.
Technical references
References for component and interface decisions
Use these references to compare engineering methods and selection criteria. Product ratings belong to the specific configuration and operating conditions being quoted.
- Sensor and complete-system calibration · FUTEK
Distinguishes sensor calibration from the sensor, cable and electronics measurement chain.
- Load-cell installation and system calibration · Interface
Explains mechanical installation, electrical chain and calibration methods.
- Force/torque system selection and calibration FAQ · ATI Industrial Automation
Discusses measurement quantities, performance and matched configuration records.
Compare component and construction directions
Compare the alternatives against your fixed interfaces and operating conditions, then agree the selected configuration and production route.
Choose the measured load before the sensor shape
Single-axis force sensors and load cells
Compare button, through-hole, inline and other forms against loading direction, contact geometry and the available envelope.
Torque sensing
Specify stationary reaction or rotating-shaft torque; a hollow passage alone does not make a force washer a torque sensor.
Multi-axis force/torque sensing
Define the required components, coordinate frame, combined-load envelope, calibration matrix and data rate for review.
Signal conditioners and readouts
Match excitation, bridge sensitivity, channels, output range/protocol, scaling, cable and receiving instrument.
Select the delivery scope that fits your project
Component supply
Start with a sensor model or requirement and define its drawing, electrical interface and calibration/documentation scope.
Matched sensor & readout kit
Specify the sensor, cable and electronics together. Agree configuration, scaling and the calibration record covering the delivered set.
Interface customization / development
Define mounting, cable, connector or other required changes, then agree design outputs, samples and acceptance tests.
Force & Torque Sensors: compare function and operating conditions
Compare candidate directions using application conditions and request evidence tied to a defined revision and test method.
| Criterion | What to compare | Evidence to request |
|---|---|---|
| Load direction and mechanical path | Loading face/thread/flange, support, preload, off-axis exposure and protection. | Selected drawing, mounting instructions and the application load sketch. |
| Measurement range and performance | Working and combined loads, overload, nonlinearity, repeatability, noise and dynamic behavior. | Configuration-specific specification and test/calibration conditions, including units and axes. |
| Electrical chain | Supply/excitation, bridge sensitivity, output type, scaling, connectors, cable and receiver. | Wiring/pinout, conditioner configuration, interface documentation and included accessories. |
| Calibration boundary | Sensor-only calibration, electronics setup and applied-load system calibration for the delivered arrangement. | Record identifying the sensor, electronics, cable/configuration, load directions, range and results. |
| Supply and change control | Sample configuration, quantity, drawing revision, expected production plan and replacement parts. | Agreed quotation, revision and acceptance/documentation requirements. |
Define prototype conditions and acceptance records
A useful result records the conditions, revision, method, output, deviations, and acceptance decision.
- Stage 1
Define the measurement
Confirm units, directions, working/peak loads, fixture and the required observable output.
Review output: A sensor brief and fixed/open interface list.
- Stage 2
Review the matched configuration
Compare drawing, electrical interfaces, excitation, cable, output/scaling and readout settings.
Review output: A named sensor/electronics/accessory configuration and acceptance plan.
- Stage 3
Agree calibration and functional checks
Specify load directions/range and whether acceptance covers a sensor or the complete measurement chain.
Review output: Applicable calibration and configuration records, with actual results distinguished from targets.
- Stage 4
Sample evaluation and repeat supply
Review installation readings and agreed application tests, then approve the revision and production documents.
Review output: An accepted sample configuration and repeat-supply/change-control scope.
Turn the open inputs into a reviewable project brief
Share the operating points, interfaces, environment, and acceptance method that matter most. The first review can identify missing inputs before a configuration or production route is assumed.
Control the failure modes before design release
| Risk | Consequence | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Force does not pass through the intended sensing axis | The reading may not represent the application load. | Review mounting faces, alignment, reaction support and possible bypass paths before sizing the sensor. |
| Conditioner pairing is treated as system calibration | Configured scaling alone may not establish the required measurement accuracy. | Name the delivered sensor/cable/electronics and agree the calibration method and records. |
| A signal or communication label hides interface details | The receiving device may interpret the output incorrectly. | Verify supply, pinout, protocol/data format, units, scaling, rate and required software configuration. |
| An actuator and torque sensor are combined by dimensions alone | Mounting, support or the load path can bypass or overload the sensor. | Review the complete mechanical stack and measurement purpose as a defined integration project. |
Prepare your component and assembly RFQ
- 1Application, measured force/torque components and units
- 2Normal range, preload, peaks, combined loads and reversals
- 3Load-path sketch, mounting drawing and available envelope
- 4Supply/excitation, desired output, readout/controller and cable
- 5Accuracy/dynamic objectives and the conditions where they matter
- 6Temperature, exposure, motion and duty/cycle needs
- 7Component, matched-kit or customization scope; required calibration/documentation
- 8Existing model if available, sample/production quantities, timing and destination
Force & Torque Sensors: selection questions
Which force or torque sensor should we start with?
Start with the measured quantity and load path. Define axial force, stationary reaction torque, rotating torque or multiple force/moment components, then compare the mounting, range and signal chain. A sketch and known operating loads are enough to begin.
Can we request a sensor together with its amplifier or readout?
Yes. Describe the sensor input, desired output, receiving device and cable requirements. We review a matched configuration and agree the setup and calibration records for the supplied arrangement.
Does a matched kit automatically include whole-system calibration?
Electrical matching and scaling are different from applied-load system calibration. Specify whether you need sensor-only records or calibration of the sensor, cable and electronics together; the quotation identifies the included configuration and records.
Is a through-hole load cell the same as a hollow torque sensor?
No. A through-hole load cell can measure axial force around a passage, while a torque sensor measures a twisting moment. Confirm the measured directions, loading faces and mounting arrangement rather than selecting by the central hole alone.
Can you assess an alternative to an existing sensor?
Send the reference specification and drawing, installed load, wiring, excitation, readout and the reason for the change. Compare mechanical and electrical interfaces, measurement requirements and calibration scaling before agreeing candidate samples.
Can a torque sensor be supplied with a joint actuator?
Bring the actuator and sensor references, mechanical stack, bearing support and required measured torque. We review these as an integration project so mounting, load path, feedback and acceptance are defined together.
Which outputs can we discuss?
Identify the required bridge, analog or digital interface and your receiving device. Options such as mV/V, voltage/current or digital communication depend on the selected sensor and conditioner configuration; specify the units, scaling, channel count and rate as well.
Do we need a finished drawing to enquire?
No. Share the function, known loads, available space and open questions. Use the form for the first brief and send drawings or reference specifications by email afterward. Sample quantities, timing and development work are agreed after the configuration review.
Continue the decision
Integrated rotary actuatorsCompare documented actuator baselines before defining a separate sensing integration project.Specialty electric motorsReview the motion duty and drive interfaces alongside the measurement requirement.Custom engineering and prototypesDefine a development scope when interfaces or the assembly need to change.Application engineering guidesConnect the measurement to the equipment, load path and operating conditions.
Application & assembly review
Define Your Sensor or Measurement Kit
Bring the measured load, mounting envelope and desired signal output. Include an existing sensor or readout reference and choose component supply, a matched kit or a defined development project.
Bring a sketch, selected components or the open interface questions. Use the review to define the assembly scope and next development step.