Piezoelectric Force and Load Sensors
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Piezoelectric force and load sensors are devices that measure the force exerted on them by converting mechanical stress into an electrical charge. These sensors are particularly suited for capturing dynamic oscillating forces, impacts, or high-speed compression and tension forces.
Working Principle
Piezoelectric sensors operate based on the piezoelectric effect, where mechanical stress applied to a piezoelectric crystal generates an electrostatic charge. This charge is proportional to the force applied, allowing the sensor to measure the force accurately. The sensors are highly effective for dynamic measurements because they generate a charge only when the force is applied or removed, making them ideal for capturing transient forces. However, they are less reliable for static force measurements as the charge can leak over time, causing the sensor output to return to zero.
Applications
Piezoelectric force sensors are widely used in various applications, including semiconductor production, where they can detect force impacts during manufacturing processes. They are also utilized in robotics to measure dynamic loads and provide feedback for precise control. Additionally, these sensors are employed in vibration analysis and dynamic pressure measurements due to their high sensitivity and ability to capture rapid changes in force.
Advantages over other Force and Load Sensors
Piezoelectric sensors offer several advantages over other types of force sensors, such as strain gauges. They are highly dynamic and can measure small force fluctuations with high precision. Their compact size allows for easy integration into various systems, and they have a high temperature resistance, making them suitable for harsh environments. Unlike resistive sensors, piezoelectric sensors provide more accurate measurements in dynamic applications.
Limitations
One of the primary limitations of piezoelectric sensors is their inability to measure static forces accurately due to charge leakage over time. They can also experience drift, which affects long-term accuracy. Additionally, piezoelectric sensors may require careful alignment to ensure accurate measurements, especially in applications where forces are not aligned with the sensor's axis.
Considerations
When selecting piezoelectric sensors, it is important to consider factors such as initial costs, which can be higher compared to other sensor types. Operating expenses may include the need for charge amplifiers and signal conditioning equipment. Durability is generally high, but the sensors may require periodic calibration to maintain accuracy. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be considered, as well as the sensor's compatibility with the intended application environment, particularly regarding temperature and mechanical stress limits.
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 1686
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Baumer Ltd.
Cavity pressure quartz sensors are used in direct or indirect cavity pressure measurement for the injection molding process. The characteristics of these sensors allow high-definition measurements even in the lowest pressure ranges. • Cavity pressure sensor for direct measurement. •... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Compression
- Accuracy: 1.00
- Package: Bolt
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 3372
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Baumer Ltd.
Cavity pressure quartz sensors are used in direct or indirect cavity pressure measurement for the injection molding process. The characteristics of these sensors allow high-definition measurements even in the lowest pressure ranges. • Cavity pressure sensor for direct measurement. •... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Compression
- Accuracy: 1.00
- Package: Bolt
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 7868
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Baumer Ltd.
Cavity pressure quartz sensors are used in direct or indirect cavity pressure measurement for the injection molding process. The characteristics of these sensors allow high-definition measurements even in the lowest pressure ranges. • Miniature measuring tongue. • Cavity pressure sensor... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Accuracy: 1.00
- Force Rating: 0.0 to 2248
- Force Measured: Compression
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 13488
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Baumer Ltd.
The merits of the piezoelectric force sensors are the compact design and good dynamic characteristics. These sensors are used where high dynamic forces have to be measured. • Quartz force sensor. • Capacity 0...+30 kN. • Connector thread UNF 10 - 32. • Sensor diameter 25 mm [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Accuracy: 1.00
- Force Rating: 0.0 to 6744
- Force Measured: Compression
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 20232
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Baumer Ltd.
The merits of the piezoelectric force sensors are the compact design and good dynamic characteristics. These sensors are used where high dynamic forces have to be measured. • Quartz miniature force sensor. • Capacity 0...+2,5 kN. • Connector thread M4 x 0,35. • Sensor diameter 6... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Accuracy: 1.00
- Force Rating: 0.0 to 562
- Force Measured: Compression
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 26976
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Baumer Ltd.
The merits of the piezoelectric force sensors are the compact design and good dynamic characteristics. These sensors are used where high dynamic forces have to be measured. • Quartz force sensor. • Capacity 0...+10 kN. • Connector thread M4 x 0,35. • Sensor diameter 12,6 mm [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Accuracy: 1.00
- Force Rating: 0.0 to 2248
- Force Measured: Compression
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 44960
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 89920
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 146120
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 4496
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 674
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Shear
- Force Rating: 202
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 2698
- Package: Canister
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 16860
- Package: Canister
from Kistler Group
The force sensor is mounted under preload between two nuts and, therefore can measure compression and tensile forces. The quartz element yields an electric charge which is proportional to the force. This is picked off by an electrode and transferred via a connector. The charge signal is fed via a... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 562
- Package: Canister
from Kistler Group
The force sensor is mounted under preload between two nuts and, therefore can measure compression and tensile forces. The quartz element yields an electric charge which is proportional to the force. This is picked off by an electrode and transferred via a connector. The charge signal is fed via a... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 1124
- Package: Canister
from Kistler Group
The force sensor is mounted under preload between two nuts and, therefore can measure compression and tensile forces. The quartz element yields an electric charge which is proportional to the force. This is picked off by an electrode and transferred via a connector. The charge signal is fed via a... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 2248
- Package: Canister
from Kistler Group
The force sensor is mounted under preload between two nuts and, therefore can measure compression and tensile forces. The quartz element yields an electric charge which is proportional to the force. This is picked off by an electrode and transferred via a connector. The charge signal is fed via a... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 4496
- Package: Canister
from Kistler Group
The force sensor is mounted under preload between two nuts and, therefore can measure compression and tensile forces. The quartz element yields an electric charge which is proportional to the force. This is picked off by an electrode and transferred via a connector. The charge signal is fed via a... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 6744
- Package: Canister
from Kistler Group
The force sensor is mounted under preload between two nuts and, therefore can measure compression and tensile forces. The quartz element yields an electric charge which is proportional to the force. This is picked off by an electrode and transferred via a connector. The charge signal is fed via a... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 8992
- Package: Canister
from Kistler Group
The force sensor is mounted under preload between two nuts and, therefore can measure compression and tensile forces. The quartz element yields an electric charge which is proportional to the force. This is picked off by an electrode and transferred via a connector. The charge signal is fed via a... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 13488
- Package: Canister
from Kistler Group
The force sensor is mounted under preload between two nuts and, therefore can measure compression and tensile forces. The quartz element yields an electric charge which is proportional to the force. This is picked off by an electrode and transferred via a connector. The charge signal is fed via a... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 26976
- Package: Canister
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 674
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Shear
- Force Rating: 202
- Package: Donut / Washer
from Kistler Group
The force to be measured acts through the cover and base of the tightly welded steel housing on the quartz sensing elements. Quartz yields an electric charge proportional to the mechanical load. The sensitivity (a material constant of quartz) and therefore the threshold, too, are practically the... [See More]
- Technology: Piezoelectric
- Force Measured: Tension; Compression
- Force Rating: 44.96
- Package: Bolt