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Strain Gauges

Strain Gauges and Load Cells

For over 70 years, the Sensing Devices Division of MinebeaMitsumi has been manufacturing high quality measurement components utilizing bonded resistance strain gauge technology. These strain gages are tailored for force, torque, pressure and displacement measurements within industrial, medical, aerospace and consumer industries. Applications range from medical devices, smart phones, commercial scales, tank and vessel weighing, web-tension and bathroom scales.

Features:

  • High sensitivity
  • Small footprint
  • Wide operating temperature range
  • Low power consumption
  • Customization and integration support

 

Applications:

  • Smartphones and mobile devices
  • PCs
  • Gaming
  • Robotics
  • Medical devices
  • Automotive

About Our Strain Gauge Technology

Strain gauges consist of a very thin metallic foil etched in a grid pattern, which is bonded to a device and used to measure the strain when load or pressure is applied. The resulting electrical output is proportional to the strain. Construction of a precise sensing system requires careful selection of gauge material, bonding adhesive, protective coating(s) and lead wires. NMB has a dedicated team of design and application engineers to develop a solution to meet individual customer specifications.

Sensitivity Over 500% Higher

Miniaturization to Less than 1/10 Size

NEW Strain Technology Developed by MinebeaMitsumi

In 2017, MinebeaMitsumi succeeded in developing the Minege product, a new ultra-high sensitivity strain gauge film that demonstrates higher sensitivity (>5X) than conventional materials with a reduced footprint (1/10th). This new film alleviates previous design limitations that restricted the material of the elastic body to which the strain gauge is affixed. In contrast to conventional strain gauges, the Minege material enables new applications with multiple switching functions to support touch force sensitivity in multiple stages. Anticipated applications in the future include human-like touch feedback for robotics and innovative interface solutions for the automotive industry.

Series

Name

Resistive
Element

Base
Material

Operating
Temp. Range
(℃)

Strain Limit
(%)

Fatigue Limit:
Applied Strain
(x10-6)

Fatigue Limit:
Repeatable Times

Operating Temp.
Range w/ Adhesives
(℃)

J

Polyimide foil strain gauge

CuNi foil

Polyimide

-70 ~ 200

≥3 mm: 5 ~ 7
<3 mm: 2 ~ 4

±1 500

10^7

CN-4: -50 ~ 100
SP-4:-30 ~ 200

J-W

Strain gauge with vinyl wire

CuNi foil

Polyimide

-30 ~ 70

≥3 mm: 5 ~ 7
<3 mm: 2 ~ 4

±1 500

10^7

CN-4:-50 ~ 70

F

Epoxy foil strain gauge

CuNi foil

Special epoxy

-50 ~ 70

≥3 mm: 4
<3 mm: 2

±1 500

10^6

CN-4:-50 ~ 70

F-W

Strain gauge with vinyl wire

CuNi foil

Special epoxy

-30 ~ 70

≥3 mm: 4
<3 mm: 2

±1 500

10^6

CN-4:-50 ~ 70

Strain Gauges for Automotive Applications

Vehicle safety is one of the most important features that consumers look for when purchasing a new car. Drivers want to know that both themselves and their passengers are protected by safety systems that help reduce or prevent injuries when accidents do occur.

MinebeaMitsumi’s strain gauge technology is used within passenger occupancy detection systems to indicate when passenger airbags should be engaged. This sensor measures the weight applied to the passenger seat – if it is above a defined threshold, the airbag is engaged. This safety feature is also important for establishing airbag deployment rates. If a smaller person or child is detected in the front seat, the airbag can be deployed at half-speed so as not to cause injury.

Need a custom solution? Talk to our team today! Contact Us