When you need to measure the torque produced by a motor, or auditing a precision torque wrench, you'll need a torque sensor. So what is a torque sensor? A torque sensor is a sensor that converts mechanical torque to an electrical signal. At FUTEK we manufacture two varieties, Reaction and Rotary. While each type measures torque, they both work differently.
Reaction Torque sensors work by measuring the reaction force generated by an object that is creating torque. It measures this torque by being in line with an object generating or acted on by torque such as a motor and its static mounts. These types of torque sensors are not intended to rotate. They can under controlled circumstances be rotated over a small range or can be used with rotating shafts that pass through the middle of our through-hole reaction torque sensors.
Rotary torque sensors measure torque by being coupled between an object and what it is imparting torque to. Inside the torque sensor, a shaft covered with strain gauges rotates. These strain gauges measure the torque transmitted through the shaft. Slip rings or electric induction transmit the electrical signal to measurement instrumentation. FUTEK's rotary torque sensors come with the option of a built-in rotary encoder for angle and rpm measurement.
At FUTEK, we produce a wide range of sensors each designed with different use cases in mind. Check out our application section to see a wide variety of use cases for our torque sensors.
Types of Torque Sensors: