What is torque sensors?
Torque sensors are precision devices used to measure the twisting force, or torque, applied to shafts or equipment. They convert mechanical torque into electrical signals, enabling monitoring and control in industrial systems. Common terms encountered in procurement and specifications include torque transducer, static torque measurement, Nm (Newton-meter), strain gauge, signal output, and sensor calibration.
Products you’ll find in this category
Within this category you will find torque sensors with different ranges and configurations. Products include the EMS300 torque sensor available in variants with rated capacities of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Newton-meters. Also included is the EMS310 torque sensor, designed for static torque measurement with a range of up to 700 Nm. All products use strain gauge technology, have variations related to output sensitivity, zero balance, and overload limits. They offer options suitable for different measurement scales and mounting requirements.
Applications & industry use cases
These torque sensors are employed in applications such as testing the characteristics of gearboxes, verifying maximum torque capacity, and performing control of torque in static setups. Related considerations include signal conditioning, overload protection, and bridge calibration. Industries that commonly require these products include mechanical testing labs, automotive powertrain development, industrial automation, and quality assurance departments where accurate static torque readings are essential.
Technical guide to torque sensors
Torque sensors are devices that sense non-rotating (static) torque applied between two fixed shafts or in a stationary configuration. Primary function is to translate mechanical torque into an electrical output. Key technical characteristics include rated capacity (e.g. 10-700 Nm), overload ratings such as safe and ultimate overload (e.g. 130 % / 150 % of full scale), nominal sensitivity (for example 1.5 mV/V with ±2 %), and zero balance error. Dimensional materials vary: small ranges often employ aluminum bodies; higher torque ranges use stainless steel for body construction. Performance parameters also include non-linearity, hysteresis, and temperature coefficients (effects on zero and output per 10 °C). Sensors are also rated for protection (e.g. IP54) and feature defined cable types and bridges with input-output impedances suited to the working environment. Common variations include sensors with different torque ranges and construction materials, and those designed to suppress axial and radial force components. When selecting a torque sensor, consider the measurement range, overload capacity, environmental conditions (temperature, moisture, ingress protection), output type, sensitivity, construction material, and compatibility with signal conditioning or electronic interface. Standard compliance often involves full scale error tolerances, bridge resistance values, and protection classes such as IP ratings.
Why buy torque sensors at MEMIDOS
MEMIDOS provides access to verified industrial manufacturers and suppliers globally, without intermediaries. That means procurement professionals can establish direct relationships, reducing overhead and enabling clearer pricing. The platform manages funds securely via an escrow mechanism: payment is held until order conditions such as shipment are fulfilled, offering protection for buyers and ensuring reliability for suppliers. Industrial buyers benefit from access to high-quality torque sensors from trusted sources, improved transparency of specifications, and streamlined international sourcing processes.
Frequently Asked Questions about torque sensors
- What is the difference between safe overload and ultimate overload in torque sensors?
- Safe overload refers to the maximum torque a sensor can withstand indefinitely or repeatedly without damage, while ultimate overload is the maximum torque the sensor can endure briefly before structural failure. Both are expressed as percentages of the sensor’s full scale rating.
- How does sensitivity and zero balance affect torque sensor readings?
- Sensitivity is the output per unit of applied torque (e.g. millivolts per volt), and determines how much signal is produced. Zero balance is the output when no load is applied. Errors in either can introduce offset or scale errors in measurement unless corrected during calibration.
- Why are temperature effects important for torque sensor performance?
- Temperature changes can alter both the zero output (zero drift) and the sensitivity of a sensor. Specified temperature coefficients indicate how much these vary per degree Celsius, enabling proper compensation in environments with fluctuating temperature.
- What materials are typically used in constructing torque sensors and why?
- Smaller torque ranges are often constructed with aluminum bodies for lower weight and cost; higher ranges use stainless steel for increased strength and durability. Material choice affects stiffness, thermal behavior, and resistance to environmental factors.
- What kinds of signal and output characteristics should be checked before integration?
- Key output characteristics include the bridge input/output resistance, recommended and maximal excitation voltage, protection class (e.g. IP54), and cable type/length. Also verify non-linearity, hysteresis, and long-term stability (zero drift) to ensure reliable integration into control or test systems.