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Force - OEM custom sensors

Measurement Custom force sensors built on 60+ years of strain gauge expertise. Reliable, rugged, and tailored for OEM integration, they ensure precise performance in robotics, medical, and heavy-duty applications.

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Force - OEM custom sensors

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Force measurement

 

Force measurement is essential across a wide range of industrial, scientific, and technical applications, enabling precise evaluation of tension, compression, and bending forces.

With custom sensor solutions designed for OEM integration, various technologies can be implemented to meet specific performance, space, and durability requirements.

Strain gauge sensors detect the deformation of a metallic element under applied force. This proven method delivers highly reliable, repeatable data—even in compact setups or dynamic conditions.

Piezoelectric sensors generate an electric charge in response to force, leveraging the unique properties of specialized materials. They are ideal for high-speed measurements and demanding environments.

Selecting the right sensing technology depends on the type of force, measurement frequency, environmental factors, and required accuracy. A custom-designed solution ensures optimal integration, long-term reliability, and superior performance in your OEM systems.

 

Customise your Force Sensors

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Geometry and materials engineered for strength, sensitivity, and seamless integration

 
  • Choice of structural materials (stainless steel, aluminium, titanium) adapted to your mechanical constraints ​
  • Geometry optimised for axial, shear, or bending force measurement​
  • Compact form factors for easy integration ​
  • Designed for static or dynamic loading conditions
Illustration of OEM sensor design and development in isometric perspective

Tailored transduction and signal conditioning — from analog precision to digital intelligence

 
  • Selection of sensing technology ​
  • Configurable bridge design and output sensitivity ​
  • Analog or digital output options (mV/V, V, mA, or digital protocols such as CAN, EtherCAT, IO•Link) ​
  • Optional integrated amplifier and factory calibration for plug-and-play use
Illustration of an AD105D circuit board electronic in isometric perspective

Precision that endures — stable, repeatable, and ready for dynamic loads

 
  • Custom nominal load and full - scale range per application ​
  • High linearity, repeatability, and minimal hysteresis ​
  • Low thermal drift and excellent zero stability ​
  • Designed for high-frequency and transient force capture
Step 5 - Results of first  Prototype Tests

Built to last — robust by design, protected for every environment

 
  • Wide operating temperature range and environmental sealing up to IP•rated levels ​
  • Rugged cabling and connector options suited for industrial or robotic environments ​
  • Long-term fatigue resistance and overload protection
Step 6 - Lean Manufacturing

Co-engineered interfaces and validation — from CAD model to certified reality

 
  • Adapted mounting interfaces (flange, threaded, adhesive, etc.) ​
  • Application - specific calibration and test validation ​
  • Support for CAD drawings and mechanical modelling ​
  • Designed for your expected life cycle and load profile
Step 2- The Engineer-to-Engineer discussion

Custom force sensors designed for your system, your environment, your success

Why HBK Custom Sensors for Force measurement?​

  • 60+ years of strain gauge expertise – HBK is a pioneer and world leader in foil strain gauge technology, ensuring unmatched stability, fatigue life, and precision.​
  • Engineering excellence – Our dedicated OEM sensor engineering team co-develops with your experts to ensure optimal integration.​
  • Rugged construction – Shock, vibration, temperature extremes, and humidity resistance. ​
  • Integration flexibility – Custom geometries (button, S-type, bending beam, shear web, ring) and analog/digital electronics. ​
  • Proven expertise – Hundreds of successful OEM projects across robotics, medical, agriculture, and off-highway industries.

Force custom Sensor - Applications Example

 
  • Robotics & autonomous robots – Force feedback for safe human-robot interaction (cobots, AMRs).​
  • Medical devices & robots – Miniaturized, sterilization-resistant sensors for surgical instruments.​
  • Agriculture & off-highway – Rugged force measurement for implements and heavy-duty machinery.
Illustration of a small mobile agriculture robot in isometric perspective

 

Got technical questions or need guidance on best practice? 


There’s a lot of technical information out there and - at HBK - we know that sometimes you just want to speak directly to a specialist.
Our solutions experts can provide insights and recommendations, in-line with your specific requirements.


Let us help you find the perfect solution!

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