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 Measurement

Force measurement solutions enable OEM systems to accurately monitor tension, compression, and bending forces across industrial automation and machinery applications.

Strain gauge force sensors provide highly stable and repeatable measurements by detecting micro-deformations in metallic structures, even in compact designs or dynamic conditions.

For applications requiring fast response or operation in harsh environments, piezoelectric force sensors offer high measurement bandwidth and durability.

A custom-engineered force sensor ensures seamless OEM integration, long-term reliability, and trusted data that supports machine performance and operational efficiency.

Customise your Force Sensors

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Mechanical design
Sensing and electronics
Performance characteristics
Environmental and reliability options
Integration and validation

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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

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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