The displays for these devices are almost always LCD displays, because liquid crystal displays require relatively little power, which is an important consideration in a battery-powered device. The more expensive units have graphic type displays which utilize many rows of individual pixels to form characters or images. The displays on most force gauges are capable of automatically inverting themselves based upon the attitude of the handheld gauge.
Force gauges come with a wide variety of adapters that allow the measurement of force on different surfaces and in different shaped corners. In addition, there are adapters for weighing things, measuring torque ( rather than linear force ), and allowing the use of external strain gauges.
These gauges may be the primary tools used by quality control and production control personnel in order to maintain the uniformity of the products being manufactured. Many of these devices are capable of recording both the instantaneous value of force and the peak value of force. For instance, a plant that makes computer keyboards may use the force gauge to maintain the activation force for individual keys on the keyboard. On the other hand, a plant making mechanical keyboards, which have a detent action, will use the gauge to store the peak force value needed to activate the detent.
People who require the measurement of a torque value to establish their product’s quality ( door handle makers, switch manufacturers, et. al. ) will find that the use of an external adapter is required. However, an external adapter is easily incorporated into the unit.
Force gauges have become an important tool in nearly every industrial inspection scenario, owing to their versatility and ease of use. Because of the high demand for these devices, there are many manufacturers of force gauges. Their wide range of capabilities is reflected in a wide range of prices. Buyers must conduct careful research to determine which gauge best meets their needs at the best price.