Axial Force Sensor

A typical axial force sensor from Kingmach uses a high-strength alloy steel body with a center hole, allowing it to be placed directly on a tendon or threaded bar. Strain gauges in a full Wheatstone bridge configuration convert deformation into a mV/V signal, or a vibrating wire element provides a frequency output that resists cable length effects. Standard protection is IP67, making the sensor suitable for buried or submerged conditions. We offer ranges from 200 kN to over 5,000 kN, and the safe overload is usually 150% of rated capacity. One overlooked detail is the bearing plate: without proper stiffness and flatness, the sensor can see uneven stress and report values that are too low or erratic. That's why we machine our loading surfaces to tight tolerances and recommend a matched plate set. In terms of data collection, many clients use our portable readout units, but the sensors also talk to most dataloggers that accept 4–20 mA, RS-485, or frequency inputs. Long cable runs are typical on a large site; vibrating wire technology largely ignores contact resistance changes, which is a practical advantage over foil-based sensors when cables get spliced or connectors corrode. Kingmach maintains an inventory of popular capacities and inner diameters, so lead time for standard models is short. For special projects, we can adjust the overall diameter or cable length, add thermistors for temperature correction, and provide calibration certificates tied to accredited standards. After the sale, our application engineers stay available to help with troubleshooting, whether it's a noisy signal or an unexpected zero shift. That kind of backup matters when a sensor is embedded in concrete and can't be easily swapped out.