MARK-10: The force gauge and torque gauge source

MARK-10 force gauges, torque gauges, and testing systems

MARK-10: A leader in force measurement and torque measurement testing systems

Identify a MARK-10 force gauge or torque gauge for your force measurement and torque measurement requirements

888-MARK-TEN

Gallery

Mark-10 gauges and test stands can be used for a virtually limitless variety of applications. Below is a gallery of standard and unique application pictures. Check back to this page often for updates!

Typical Applications

Compression spring testing	Tablet crush testing	Tension spring testing	Wire terminal pull-off testing

Switch activation force testing	Closure torque testing	Peel testing	PCB component pull-off testing

Burst testing of packaging materials	Bearing torque testing	Torsion spring testing	Muscle strength evaluation, ergonomics studies

Switch contact activation force testing
Customized Testing Systems
Tourniquet Force / Torque Tester
A manufacturer of tourniquets required a method of verifying the quality and consistency of their tourniquets in a manner that approximates real world conditions. A tourniquet completely occludes arterial blood flow in an extremity. As the handle at the end of the tourniquet is turned, the band produces increasing circumferential force on an extremity. The design of this particular tourniquet takes into account battlefield applications in which an injured armed service member may be required to apply the tourniquet to themselves with only one hand. Mark-10 worked with the customer to develop a system that could measure the torque produced by twisting the handle and the corresponding force from the strap. The system was based on the TSTM-DC motorized torque test stand. Custom fixtures were developed to mount a Series STE torque sensor and Series SS force sensor. Two BGI indicators are used to display force and torque values simultaneously. Data is output to a PC and analyzed by MESURgauge software. The torque test stand is programmed to rotate a certain number of rotations at a set speed, and then automatically return to the home position at high speed. MESURgauge software automatically starts and stops collecting data at user-configurable start and stop test triggers.		A custom drum fixture for the strap was fabricated to replicate an extremity. A force sensor is mounted inside the drum and makes contact with the strap, allowing it to measure increasing force as the handle is turned. The complete fixture assembly is mounted to a torque sensor. MESURgauge software collects force and torque data from the two BGI indicators. Shown above is a plot of force vs. torque. Start and stop test triggers are configured in MESURgauge to enable hands-off data collection.

Stapler Actuation Force Tester
Custom stapler actuation force tester consists of the ESM motorized test stand, Series BG digital force gauge, and custom fixtures and nests		A stapler manufacturer needed an effective and repeatable method of verifying the quality of their staplers. Of particular concern was the force needed to actuate the stapler. The company turned to Mark-10 to develop a testing solution. Our engineering and machining teams worked together in developing an adjustable custom fixture that allowed for several different stapler model configurations. Because a stapler uses a hinge, the actuation path is arc-shaped. Accordingly, the fixture employs an arm and pivot design, thus pivoting the force gauge about the hinge, reflecting the actuation path. These testers are used today in plants around the globe.

Flexible Test Stand Design Allows for Non-standard Mounting
		A packaging company required a simple and economical tester with which to measure the force required to crush their cartons. The company purchased a Mark-10 Series EG digital force gauge with ESM motorized test stand, noting that the stand's modular design made it very simple to integrate into their system. The removable base of the stand proved especially helpful. Many customers are able to utilize our products in non-standard configurations. Our products are designed to be as flexible as possible for a wide range of applications and configurations.

Cardboard Packaging Tester
A packaging materials manufacturer needed to verify the quality of their cartons and containers supplied to a wide range of customers in the consumer products and automotive industries. They owned a specialized but antiquated packaging tester, and needed an additional tester at an economical price. We recommended an ESM motorized test stand with a Series BG digital force gauge and provided custom fixtures to secure the customer�s packaging samples during testing. Our considerable engineering and machining capabilities allowed us to design and build these fixtures in a timely and cost-effective manner.		A set of custom v-groove fixtures are shown in a compression test to determine the "pop-open" force of a carton. The bottom v-groove insert slides into the bending fixture pictured at left. Score bending fixtures are shown bending a cardboard sample in a compression test. The bottom piece is mounted to the base of the stand and the upper piece is mounted to the force gauge.

Simultaneous Force and Torque Tester
		The force gauge exerts a set force on the specimen, and the torque sensor and fixture rotate at a speed set by the operator.
An agricultural testing laboratory needed an accurate way to measure fruit and vegetable ripeness. The customer's specification called for twisting a rubber-tipped probe onto the skin of the fruit or vegetable, while pressing down at a certain force, until the skin breaks. This test was done by hand with a mechanical device. In order to achieve more consistent results less prone to human error, the laboratory turned to Mark-10. A customized torque tester was developed, consisting of a TSTM torque test stand, MG50 digital force gauge, STB12 torque sensor, BGI force/torque gauge, and the following customized components: adapter for the rubber-tipped probe, gripping fixture for large fruits and vegetables, and adapters for the force gauge and torque sensor. The TSTM's modular design allowed us to easily develop a customized solution for this unique application.

Motorized Torque Tester with Extended Column
		A spring manufacturer needed to test the torsional strength of a very long sample. Out of concern for affecting the properties of the sample, the customer did not want to cut down the length spring so it could fit into a standard-length test stand. Instead, they turned to Mark-10 to develop a lengthened torque tester that would be able to accommodate their spring. Since the TSTM motorized torque test stand is constructed of modular components, we were able to offer a longer (55") column at relatively little additional cost to the customer. This same type of modification is available for the following test stands: TSA/TSAH TSC/TSCH TSF/TSFH TST/TSTH TSTM/TSTMH Standard column extensions are available for the ES30 and ESM test stands.