Force Dynamometer

What is a force dynamometer?

A force dynamometer, often shortened to "dyno" in industrial settings, is a versatile instrument designed to measure force, weight, or tension in a variety of lifting or tension applications. In other words, it tells you how much a lifted object weighs, or how much force or tension is being applied. 

It's important to distinguish force from torque, which is a twisting force. While some dynamometers can measure torque (often called torque force dynamometers), the core function of a force dynamometer is to measure linear force, acting in a straight line.

Force dynamometers come in various forms, ranging from simple mechanical dynamometers, to modern digital models. Mechanical dynamometers utilize springs or levers to measure force, with the deflection of these components indicating the force applied. 

Digital or electronic force dynamometers, on the other hand, rely on load cells with a strain gauge, which is an electronic sensor that converts the applied force into a measurable electrical signal. This signal is then displayed on a digital readout, allowing for more precise and versatile measurements compared to mechanical models.

Applications of force dynamometers across industries

Force dynamometers play a critical role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality across a wide range of industries, fields, and sectors. Here's a look at how these devices are often used

Manufacturing

In manufacturing, dynamometers might play a dual role. They can ensure accurate weighing of incoming materials like steel or lumber, preventing discrepancies and overloading. Additionally, they can be used to monitor the force applied during lifting tasks, safeguarding against accidents caused by exceeding a piece of equipment’s capacity. This combination of weight measurement and force monitoring enhances safety and efficiency on the factory floor.

Construction

Force dynamometers are essential in construction for measuring heavy loads lifted by cranes, ensuring safety and compliance with weight limits. By monitoring weights, dynamometers contribute to efficient material handling and logistics, optimizing the workflow. These scales often feature wireless data transmission, allowing real-time monitoring and recording of weights, facilitating better decision-making and record-keeping on construction sites.Aerospace
In aerospace, dynamometers are crucial for accurately weighing aircraft components and assemblies during manufacturing and maintenance. They ensure that parts meet strict weight specifications and contribute to overall weight and balance calculations critical for aircraft performance and safety. During assembly, they help in handling large and heavy components like engines and wings, ensuring precise installation.

Logistics and warehouse management

Dynamometers have many uses in logistics and warehouse management, like streamlining processes and improving efficiency. Because of their ability for real-time data transmission, they give warehouse managers better control over inventory levels. This allows for optimized stock management and reduced instances of over or under-stocking.

Tension monitoring

In applications that call for maintaining a specific tension, like in cable or wire installation, a portable force dynamometer is used to give real-time monitoring while controlling the tension.

Shipping

A good electronic force dynamometer has several uses in the shipping industry. For example, the bollard pull test. 

This is a measurement of the maximum force that a vessel, usually a tugboat, can exert. It involves the vessel pulling against a bollard that’s attached to the dock with a dynamometer measuring the force. This test measures the pulling or towing power of the vessel, which is an important factor for many operations at sea.

How to choose the force dynamometer that’s right for you

Let’s look at factors to consider when choosing a new system.

Capacity

It’s crucial to never overload your dynamometer—meaning lifting a weight or pulling a force above its maximum capacity. This is both dangerous to team members onsite, and can cause permanent damage to the system.

That’s why selecting the right capacity from the start is best. Luckily, Eilon Engineering has a wide range of capacities available: from small systems starting at a half-ton, to large high-capacity dynamometers that go all the way up to a 300-ton capacity. 

So choose the capacity that will suit your needs.

Accuracy

What’s the point of a measuring device if it isn’t accurate? 

At Eilon Engineering, precision has always been one of our main focuses. That’s why our systems have a standard accuracy of 0.1% of their full scale. This is industry-leading accuracy.

Portability

Having a system that can be easily transported to and from the job site saves time and labor costs. 
Eilon Engineering’s portable force dynamometers are remarkably lightweight—our half-ton through 20-ton models can easily be carried by one person.

If you’re looking for a handheld force dynamometer, look no further than an Eilon system.

Quality

When it comes to weighing heavy, expensive equipment, a poor-quality system simply won’t cut it. 

When selecting a new force measurement dynamometer, don’t cut corners—invest in a high-quality, heavy-duty system that’s built to last. In the long run, this investment will save both time, money, and a lot of stress.

At Eilon Engineering, we pride ourselves on quality. Our durable load cell bodies are constructed from aerospace-grade steel for systems that are made to last a lifetime.

This commitment to quality has earned us a global reputation and repeat customers around the globe such as NASA, the United States Air Force, Ford Motor Co, GE, and countless others.

And since all Eilon Engineering systems now come with a 5-year warranty, you’re guaranteed a high-quality crane scale that’s built to last.

Get in touch today

To learn more about our line of dynamometers, crane scales, and load cells, get in touch with a sales representative today. With more than 45 years of experience in the field, we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect digital weighing system for your unique application.

US/Canada/Int'l: 1-888-778-8064
UK: 0800 8620354

Write to us at:
sales@eilon-engineering.com

Or use our contact form.