For more than 25 years, PCB Load & Torque’s torque sensors have helped customers meet the most demanding test and measurement requirements in the areas of automotive, aerospace, R&D and process control.

The technology behind our torque sensors are strain gages. These gages are arranged into a Wheatstone Bridge circuit, which converts the physical, mechanical force into an electrical signal that can be filtered, displayed, and recorded for further processing. This very accurate radiometric electrical signal is proportional to the applied mechanical force.

Two Categories of Measurement

We offer two categories of measurement: reaction torque and rotational torque. Reaction torque is a non-rotational torque measurement and rotating torque, as the name implies, is a torque sensor where the shaft spins. Reaction torque sensors are machined from a single piece of rigid material. They have no moving parts and are typically flange-mounted into a fixed position.

PCB Load & Torque, a division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc. offers both slip ring and rotary transformer rotating torque sensors. Rotary torque sensors employ a rotating shaft held in place with precision bearings within a fixed housing. Slip-ring torque sensors provide the power to excite the strain gauge bridge and transfer the torque measurement using slip rings. Rotary transformer torque sensors use a transformer to power the strain gauge bridge and transfer the torque measurement over an air gap between the rotating shaft and the fixed housing. Advantages of the rotary transformer approach include less maintenance and less signal noise than slip ring designs.

The TORKDISC® In-line Rotary Torque Sensor System

Rather than slip rings or rotary transformers, the TORKDISC uses a 16-bit digital telemetry transmitter. A circumferential antenna picks up digitized measurement signals and relays them to a receiver unit where they are conditioned to both a current and voltage output signal. Advantages include a smaller sensor size and a noise-free, digital signal transmission.

Whether a flange, disc or shaft, our torque sensors are robust, durable, dependable, and have a high degree of accuracy. Depending on the product, torque capacities start at 8.85 lbf-in (1 Nm) and go to 500k lbf-in (57 kNm).

We pride ourselves on being able to respond to customers' needs. Strategic investment in machinery, capabilities, and personnel allow us to design, test and manufacture products for specialized applications. Please contact us to discuss any special requirements.

Applications:

  • Dynamometers
  • Electric motor testing
  • Hydraulic pump testing
  • Fan testing
  • Torsion test machines
  • Automotive brake testing
  • Bearing friction and lubrication studies