What is the difference between a force transducer and a load cell?

Force transducers and load cells are based on the same measuring principle – the strain gauge – and convert mechanical forces into electrical signals. The term load cell is predominantly used in weighing and process engineering, while force transducers cover the broader spectrum of force and torque measurement technology: from test benches in the aerospace industry to materials testing. interfaceforce® eK distributes both types in measuring ranges from 0,5 Newtons to 30 Meganewtons.

What types of force transducers does interfaceforce® eK offer?

The portfolio includes low-profile force transducers, S-shaped force transducers, miniature force transducers, measuring bolts, force rings, bending beam load cells, cylindrical high-load sensors, and multi-component transducers for up to 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF). All standard models are strain gauge based and supplied with a calibration certificate. Custom designs are developed according to customer specifications.

Which torque transducers are suitable for rotating applications?

For rotating shafts, torque measuring shafts (e.g., T2, T4, T6, T8, T11, T22, T25) are available, which operate without contact and without slip rings. The measuring ranges extend up to 10 kN·m. For static or reactive applications – such as in test benches or for measuring bolt preload – reaction torque transducers are used. Both variants provide strain gauge-based signals and are compatible with the measuring amplifiers from interfaceforce® eK.

How does the XSENSOR pressure distribution system work and what is it used for?

XSENSOR systems measure surface pressure distribution using ultra-flexible sensor mats in various geometries and resolutions. These imaging systems deliver precise, reproducible results and are used in automotive and medical technology, biomechanics, and point-of-sale applications – for example, for seat pressure analysis, tire contact patch measurement, mattress diagnostics, and wiper testing. The XSENSOR laboratory is accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 (A2LA).

What measurement accuracy do the force transducers from interfaceforce® eK achieve?

The low-profile force transducers of the Interface series (e.g., 1200, 1201, 3200) typically achieve a total static error band of ≤ 0,02% of the nominal value (full-scale output). The Gold Standard® and Platinum Standard® reference force transducers are suitable for calibration tasks according to ISO 376 Class 0,5. All sensors are supplied with a calibration certificate; A2LA-accredited certificates according to ISO/IEC 17025 are available upon request.

Does interfaceforce® eK also perform calibrations of third-party sensors?

Yes. The calibration laboratory of interfaceforce® eK is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited (A2LA and DAkkS mutually recognized within the framework of the ILAC MRA) and calibrates force measuring devices regardless of the manufacturer. Supported standards: ISO 376, DKD-R 3-3, ASTM E74, VDI/VDE 2624, and custom calibration procedures. Force measuring ranges: 0,5 N to 250 kN (tension and compression). An RMA number will be issued in advance for submissions; the delivery address for calibrations and repairs is c/o SETFLEX, Oppelner Str. 23, 41199 Mönchengladbach, Germany.

How does a calibration process work and how long does it take?

The process begins with an inquiry via contact form or email; interfaceforce® eK promptly issues an RMA number. Upon receipt of the device, calibration is performed in an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory using static tensile and/or compressive force measurements with traceable transfer standards (DAkkS, NIST, or PTB). Calibrations according to ISO 376 or DKD-R 3-3 include multiple load stages in various mounting positions. Turnaround times are short – precise details are available upon request. The completed calibration certificate is internationally recognized.

Which force transducers are suitable for use in ATEX or explosion-hazardous areas?

For hazardous areas (ATEX/IECEx), interfaceforce® eK offers force transducers from the 3400 series as well as hermetically sealed sensor variants made of stainless steel. These models are designed for harsh and potentially explosive environments and deliver reliable measurement results even under continuous operation. For specific hazardous area requirements (Zone 1, Zone 2, etc.), we recommend individual consultation, as suitability depends on the respective device category and the medium being used.

From what quantity are special solutions and customer-specific force transducers available?

Custom designs are available even for single units. interfaceforce® eK develops customer-specific force transducers, torque transducers, and multi-component sensors based on over 25 years of experience and in-house strain gauge manufacturing. Rapid engineering and rapid prototyping enable solutions to be implemented in short lead times – from concept to series production. Application areas range from niche markets with small production runs to OEM integrations in high-volume series.

What distinguishes interfaceforce® eK from other providers in force measurement technology?

interfaceforce® eK has been the exclusive distributor in Germany for Interface Inc. (founded in 1968, Scottsdale, USA) since 1999 – one of the world's leading manufacturers of precision strain gauge-based force transducers. The service portfolio combines American manufacturing quality with local support: an ISO 17025-accredited calibration laboratory in Germany (A2LA/DAkkS, ILAC MRA), manufacturer-independent calibrations and repairs, custom manufacturing starting from a single unit, and exclusive distribution of XSENSOR pressure distribution systems. Measuring ranges from 0,5 Newtons to 30 Meganewtons cover virtually every industrial force measurement application.

What output signal do the force transducers provide, and what measuring amplifier do I need?

Strain gauge-based force transducers deliver a bridge signal of typically 2 mV/V or 4 mV/V at rated load. Further processing requires a measuring amplifier that converts this signal into a usable format – e.g., 0–10 V, 4–20 mA, USB, IO-Link, or digital interfaces. interfaceforce® eK offers suitable measuring amplifiers as complete measurement chains: from simple digital displays (IFFDA93, IFFDA5) and 8-channel data acquisition systems (IFFBX8) to wireless telemetry systems (WTS). Sensors with a TEDS chip also enable automatic parameterization at the measuring amplifier.

What protection ratings (IP classes) are available for the force transducers?

Most standard models are designed for industrial use and achieve protection ratings of IP65 to IP67 (dustproof, protected against water jets and temporary immersion). Hermetically sealed versions made of stainless steel achieve IP68 and are suitable for underwater, cleaning, and outdoor applications under harsh conditions. Certified versions are available for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX/IECEx). The exact IP rating can be found in each product data sheet; interfaceforce® eK is available upon request to advise on application-specific selection.

How often should a force transducer be recalibrated?

There are no legally mandated intervals; however, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and industry-standard quality assurance systems recommend annual verification. In practice, the interval depends on the intensity of use, environmental conditions, and the required measurement uncertainty. In safety-critical applications or after mechanical overload events, immediate recalibration is recommended. The interfaceforce laboratory performs manufacturer-independent recalibrations with short turnaround times – even for sensors from other manufacturers.

What is TEDS and what advantages does it offer?

TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet, IEEE 1451.4) is an electronic data storage device integrated into the sensor or connector that automatically transmits calibration data and sensor characteristics to the measuring amplifier. This eliminates manual input and parameterization errors when replacing sensors – the measurement setup is ready for operation via plug-and-play. The IFFDA93 handheld device and other measuring amplifiers from interfaceforce® eK support the TEDS standard and enable quick, error-free commissioning, even with frequent sensor replacements.

What are parasitic forces and how do they affect measurement?

Parasitic forces are unwanted shear forces, bending moments, or torsional loads that act on the sensor simultaneously with the actual measuring force and can distort the result. Even an angular deviation of 5° in the load application causes a systematic error. To minimize parasitic influences, interfaceforce® eK recommends using rod ends, pressure load buttons, and mounting plates – all available as accessories. The interfaceforce® eK team provides support for sensor selection and installation advice upon request.

What are the delivery times and can I order small quantities?

Standard models from Interface Inc. that are in stock are available for immediate delivery. Custom designs and customer-specific receivers are manufactured upon receipt of order; thanks to rapid prototyping, initial samples are often available within a few weeks. There is no minimum order quantity – orders are possible starting from a single unit. Inquiries and orders can be made via email (info@interfaceforce.de), telephone (+49 8022 271667), or the contact form on the website.

Low-profile complete systems for immediate use in force measurement

Precise force measurement requires more than just a load cell with the correct rated load. to selectReliable, reproducible measurement data depends on how well all components of the measurement chain interact. When test engineers assemble systems from components of different manufacturers, subtle incompatibilities often arise between sensor output, cable impedance, supply voltage, and the signal processing of the measuring instrument.

An Interface Complete System solves these challenges even before installation begins. The combination of a low-profile load cell with suitable measuring electronics and matching cables creates a verified measurement chain. When the sensor, shielding, connectors, and digital display or signal conditioner are configured and calibrated as a single unit at the factory, the setup is immediately ready for use. Interface LowProfile Load Cell Complete Systems are pre-configured solutions that eliminate the often-necessary trial and error involved in scaling millivolt signals, adjusting shunt calibration, and troubleshooting grounding or interference.

System calibration ensures documented traceability across the entire signal path. Instead of relying on theoretical calculations that combine the error budgets of individual components, the test engineer works with a verified calibration certificate for the entire system. This creates immediate confidence in the measurement data, reduces commissioning time on the test bench, and ensures that the mechanical performance of the low-profile design is accurately reflected in the digital output signal.

1200 Series Universal Load Cell with Load Cell Digitizer - EtherCAT Fieldbus System

The 1200 Series with integrated digitizer offers direct fieldbus connectivity to PLCs, making it ideal for industrial automation and networked plant architectures. The permanently integrated, factory-wired digitizer is located directly within the housing of the low-profile force transducer – eliminating the need for external signal conditioning boxes and reducing line interference. The system is available in load ratings from 300 lbf to 100K lbf (2 kN to 445 kN) and features a status LED and three M12 connection leads. Setup and monitoring are performed directly via a micro-USB service port using the free Instrument Manager PC software.

1000 Fatigue-Rated Universal LowProfile® Load Cell and 9325 Portable Sensor Display

Designed for dynamic testing environments, the 1000 Fatigue-Rated Universal Low-Profile load cell, together with the 9325 Handheld Sensor Display, forms a portable, self-contained measurement solution. The 1000 Series covers rated loads from 250 lbf to 50 K lbf (1,11 kN to 222 kN) and achieves an accuracy of 0,03% with proprietary, temperature-compensated strain gauges. Thanks to compensation for eccentric loads, low deflection, and barometric compensation, the sensor delivers reliable tensile and compressive measurements. The accompanying 9325 handheld unit powers the load cell, processes the signal, and displays real-time values – with TEDS auto-calibration and USB data output for efficient testing in the lab and in the field.

1000 Fatigue-Rated Universal LowProfile® Load Cell and 9325 Portable Sensor Display Data AQ Pack

The Interface 1000 Series offers a safe overload of 300%, extremely low torque sensitivity of 0,1%/in, and increased fatigue life. Whether you need to measure 1 pound (4,45 N) or 1 million pounds (4500 kN), Interface force transducers can handle it. The 9325 Portable Display Data AQ Pack is designed for use with Interface force and torque sensors and provides a convenient way to view your force transducer's test results. It allows you to set up, record, graph, and display application data—supporting all Interface force transducers and torque sensors. The Pipo X15 combines a touchscreen display, mounting options, and extensive connectivity. The Interface 9325 Toolkit is free Windows software for configuring, calibrating, and managing the Interface 9325 Portable Sensor Display.

WTS 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile Wireless Force Transducer and WTS-HK-S Next Generation Wireless Handheld Device

For testing scenarios where cables pose a tripping or snagging hazard or complicate installation, the WTS 1200 Series and the WTS-HK-S Wireless Handheld offer a wireless alternative. The load cell covers rated loads from 300 lbf to 100K lbf (1,5 kN to 450 kN) and transmits tensile and compressive force data via a secure 2,4 GHz transceiver. The sensor retains the mechanical characteristics of the standard low-profile series, including low deflection, barometric compensation, and insensitivity to eccentric loads. The WTS-HK-S handheld serves as a remote display and configuration tool: operators can view live data, switch between transmitters, and manage settings remotely.

WTS Wireless 1200 Series Data AQ Pack

The WTS Wireless Data AQ Pack, with its wired or integrated wireless acquisition module, enables convenient wireless communication at up to 200 readings per second when connected to your transducers. It offers powerful tools for setting up, recording, graphing, and displaying data—including application mapping—and is compatible with all Interface force sensors. WTS 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile® wireless force transducers transmit up to 610 meters (2000 feet) to various base stations, including a USB version and a handheld display. The WTS-BS-3E is one of several base stations for configuring and calibrating the modular WTS telemetry system. Base stations can also acquire data by providing data from the WTS wireless transducers via the USB interface. The Pipo X15 is a unique, multifunctional hybrid of a mini-PC and tablet, combining portability with industrial-grade functionality. The WTS Toolkit is a free software suite from Interface for configuring, calibrating, testing, and managing the entire range of WTS radio telemetry modules. It supports a wide variety of hardware, including transmitters, handheld displays, base stations, gateways, and LED indicators.

1200 Series Universal Load Cell – IO-Link Compatible System and 1201 Series Pressure-Force Transducer – IO-Link Compatible System

With its IO-Link force transducers 1200 Universal and 1201 Compression-Only, Interface enables direct digital factory automation. Both versions utilize the open IO-Link protocol for bidirectional communication between the sensor and industrial automation networks. Transmitting a robust 24 V differential digital signal over standard M12 industrial cables, these systems are insensitive to electrical interference in manufacturing environments and support real-time sensor status monitoring and integrated diagnostic functions. The 1200 version supports bidirectional monitoring of tensile and compressive forces, while the 1201 offers the same communication efficiency in a compact, compression-only housing.

Testing and measurement applications for Low Profile Load Cell Complete Systems

Mechanical stability, low deflection and the compensation of eccentric loads make the low-profile load cells and these complete systems suitable for a wide variety of testing and measurement environments.

Structural and fatigue testing in the aerospace industry – In multi-point structural tests on aircraft airframes, engineers subject wings, fuselage segments, and landing gear to millions of load cycles. Pre-calibrated 1000 LowProfile Fatigue-Rated Complete Systems ensure that the sensor withstands fully alternating tensile and compressive cycles without fatigue failure, while pre-matched measurement electronics and cabling prevent signal degradation during long test runs in large test rigs.

Automotive components and chassis – test benches in the automotive industry evaluate the strength and service life of chassis components, engine mounts, and steering assemblies under simulated road conditions. The complete systems combine the 1200 Universal LowProfile load cell with fast digital displays to capture rapid dynamic load changes – and ensure that off-center forces caused by mechanical movements do not distort the measurement accuracy.

Material testing machines and tensile test rigs – universal testing machines require constant linearity and precise zeroing during tensile, peel, or compression tests on metals, composites, and plastics. Complete LowProfile Systems deliver a factory-verified measuring chain, compatible with common machine frames, enabling immediate calibration testing and direct digital communication with laboratory software.

Industrial automation and press monitoring – Automated assembly processes such as bearing press-fitting, metal stamping, and precision press-fitting operations require real-time verification to prevent component damage. Integrating a Complete System from the 1200 or 1201 Series with IO-Link or EtherCAT connects the load cell directly to the production line's programmable logic controllers (PLCs), delivering clean differential 24 V digital signals and continuous sensor condition monitoring on running production lines.

Reference standards for calibration laboratories – Metrology departments and field calibration technicians require highly reproducible force standards to verify test machines in the factory, hydraulic cylinders, and load cells in use. Combining a 1200 LowProfile with a portable, high-resolution digital display such as the 9325 results in a self-contained reference standard with documented, NIST-traceable calibration – all without the need for manual parameter re-entry.

Field tests on heavy construction and mobile machinery – Determining structural loads on agricultural machinery, mining cranes, and excavators often involves significant electrical interference and limitations in cable routing. With a WTS 1200 LowProfile Wireless Complete System, test teams can measure static and dynamic forces without external cables and transmit live force data directly to a handheld display or PC receiver located at a safe distance from the moving machinery.

Ready to configure your LowProfile Complete System?

The choice of components or a complete system changes how test facilities and engineers approach commissioning. By integrating a low-profile load cell, environmentally friendly cabling, and digital measurement electronics into a single package, engineers bypass the integration hurdles that often delay test plans. Each component is selected to maintain the sensor's inherent accuracy—signal noise, incorrect power supply, or cable losses do not affect the final result.

The real added value of a complete system lies in its immediate readiness for use and operational reliability thanks to system calibration. Since the calibrated system data is documented before delivery, technicians can install the hardware, connect the measuring electronics, and begin testing without any additional calibration steps. Whether for long-term structural assessments, component testing with high cycle counts, or precise production monitoring: Complete LowProfile Systems offer a straightforward and reliable path to traceable force measurement.