Strainsert is a leading designer and manufacturer of custom force sensors and has developed a proven custom force sensor design process. Throughout our 60+ years of manufacturing wireless force sensors, load pins, load cells, tension links, bolts, studs, instruments and force measurement systems, we have developed a proven approach which incorporates our “best practices” and results in an optimal measurement solution. Below is an overview of our process.

INQUIRY STAGE:
Evaluate force transducer measurement requirements
Evaluate customer requirements; inspection, test, quality, witnessing and schedule
Review similar applications, special tools needed, vendor and subcontractor capabilities
This stage entails the customer providing the specifications and requirements to Strainsert and us to evaluate the needs of the customer and plan the series of steps necessary to address those needs best.

QUOTATION STAGE:
Engineering estimates for materials, tooling and time
Sales incorporates in-house estimates, vendor/sub-contractor support and in-house commitments
Generate quotations, pricing and delivery, notations and exceptions
This stage entails Strainsert identifying the scope and cost quotations for the custom design and development of the particular application.

PRELIMINARY DESIGN STAGE:
Material Definition
Environmental Specifications
Stress Analysis
Measurement and Calibration Definition
Bridge Configuration
Cabling/Clearance
Customer Meetings
This stage entails Strainsert’s preliminary assessment of the application design and coordination of feedback from the customer.

CUSTOMER REVIEW STAGE:
Provide drawing package to customer Physical geometry and characteristics
Measurement criteria and specifications
Strength, material and finish data
Clarify and finalize every requirement
Receive final approved design/drawings from customer
This stage entails the customer review of the preliminary design drawings and specifications with a clear final approval process.

DETAILED DESIGN STAGE:
Develop detailed part/component manufacturing drawings
Generate strain gage/wiring schematics
Develop all assembly and sub-assembly drawings
Cabling and Clearance
Define all required bill of materials
Document detailed manufacturing instructions
Document required calibration and instrumentation
Detail special testing/hold points, special processing
This stage entails taking the preliminary design that has been approved by the customer and incorporating the detailed data necessary to initiate manufacturing the application.

MATERIAL PROCUREMENT STAGE:
Bill of material drives raw material and component procurement
Utilize approved suppliers for required materials and special processes
Maintain certifications for all major components
Receive and inspect materials and certifications
This stage entails Strainsert procuring materials necessary to develop and manufacture, activate suppliers and certify components.

MANUFACTURE AND TESTING STAGE:
Transducer Build, Manufacture and route per documented custom instructions
Complete all required in-house testing, quality information and vendor support
Transducer Testing, Perform final deliverable testing and deliverable quality information
Review and sign-off deliverable component and system testing including all quality deliverables
This stage entails the manufacture, testing and operation of the custom transducer.

CUSTOMER DELIVERY STAGE:
Final transducer and system health check Vibration Test
Bridge Resistance
Shunt Reading
Insulation Resistance
Zero Balance
Provide equipment, test fixtures, instrumentation and deliverable reports
Continuing communication and support as required

This stage includes Strainsert delivering the finished product to the customer for installation and maintaining the relationship for continuing support as required.

Please contact us for assistance with the design and manufacture of custom force sensors for specific applications.