strain gauge full bridge force sensors

A full bridge strain gauge force sensor uses four strain gauges wired in a Wheatstone bridge to convert a physical load into a millivolt signal. When you apply force, two gauges see tension and two see compression, which doubles the bridge output compared to a quarter bridge and cancels common-mode temperature effects. This makes them suitable for long-term monitoring where ambient temperature swings are a fact of life. Kingmach integrates these sensors into geotechnical and structural health monitoring systems. Typical uses include anchor force measurement, strut load monitoring, rock bolt testing, and pile load tests. The sensors are designed so that field crews can connect them directly to portable readout units or fixed data acquisition systems. Output is often mV/V, and many are compatible with standard 4-wire or 6-wire measurement circuits. Compared to half bridge or quarter bridge arrangements, the full bridge configuration delivers better linearity and temperature compensation without external dummy gauges. Because the signal is already compensated inside the sensor, you spend less time on site adjusting internal bridge resistors. We offer multiple capacity ranges and housing styles, including tension-compression models and low-profile compression-only designs. If your project calls for non-standard dimensions or submersible enclosures, we can discuss what is feasible. Installation is straightforward: the sensor bolts into the load path, and the bridge signal feeds into a strain gauge indicator or data logger channel. Most models have a dedicated calibration sheet, so setting up the readout is a two-minute job. Commissioning tests typically verify zero balance and shunt calibration. For static applications like tie-back load monitoring, the drift over months is usually negligible once the sensor is properly seated. Since we manufacture in-house, we can also supply matching signal conditioning modules or cable assemblies to simplify installation. After the sale, our support team can help troubleshoot noise issues, moisture ingress, or unexpected zero shifts based on field data.