Torque Sensors

Offering a vast range of applicational uses over an array of major industries, torque sensors are a highly valuable device for understanding torque performance and efficiency in everything ranging from precision tools through to car and plane engines.

One of the most common and effective uses of strain gauge technology, torque sensors are available in multiple formats to suit a range of requirements, many of which you'll find in the RS catalogue. We feature options from leading manufacturers in the sector such as Honeywell and Teledyne LeCroy, and numerous types include rotary and reaction torque sensors for precision monitoring as well as torque watch gauges for quick, low-end readings.

Read on to find out more about torque sensors, how they work, and their uses, or get started on browsing our full torque transducer range below. If you have a question about any product in our range, please don't hesitate to get in touch and a member of our team will be happy to help.

How do torque sensors work?

Torque sensors - sometimes referred to as torque transducers, moment sensors, or force torque sensors - are devices used for measuring and recording the amount of mechanical torque applied to an object, converting it to an electric signal.

The method in which torque transducers record twisting force depends on the format of sensor that you choose. The most common format of torque transducer are torque strain gauges, which utilize strain gauges (grids of thin electrical resistance wire or metallic resistance foil attached to gauge leads) mounted on a measuring body. As twisting force is applied, the strain gauges are deformed, changing in both shape and electrical resistance, which is then measured by the sensor to create a reading.

Torque strain gauges are available in two primary formats: rotary torque sensors, which measure rotary torque, and reaction torque sensors, which measure static torque.

What are torque transducers used for?

Torque sensors carry a wide range of applications across a diverse block of industries. With key roles in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing spaces, the torque sensor industry is a multi-billion dollar enterprise annually. Some specific uses for torque sensors are:

• Monitoring torque performance in car engines to improve performance and fuel economy.
• Tracking aircraft engine torque to monitor performance and operational safety.
• Data collation in manufacturing processes to ensure that components are being put together properly and highlight any potential errors in production.
• Auditing precision torque tools to guarantee performance.
• Further uses in fields such as medical, renewables, robotics, and scientific analysis.

What types of torque sensor are available in the RS range?

There are two primary types of torque sensor in our range:

Rotary torque sensor

Rotary torque transducers measuring rotary torque by being coupled between an object delivering torque and the object to which the torque is being applied. Rotating torque sensors use strain gauges attached to a rotating shaft, which transmits a torque measurement via slip rings or electrical induction.

Reaction torque sensor

Reaction torque transducers measure the reaction force generated by an object that is imparting static torque. Generally speaking, they cannot rotate except under controlled circumstances. Instead, the reaction sensor is place in line with the object generating torque and force is measured by a metal monitoring body with some level of elasticity to deform and return to its original shape after force is applied. Strain gauges are again used, changing shape and electrical resistance with the measuring body to produce a reading.

How to pick the right torque sensor for your application

Because of the vast applicational uses of torque sensors, torque transducer formats vary widely. Choosing the right force torque sensor for your needs will come down to the following:

• Whether you want to measure reaction or rotary torque.
• What mounting characteristics you require for the sensor.
• What your minimum and maximum operating torque capacities are.
• What type of output your application requires.

Why buy torque sensors from RS?

We're proud to be one North America's leading suppliers of electrical devices and accessories. When it comes to torque sensors, you can trust us to deliver only the highest-quality products that we know will deliver on the applications for which they're designed and offer you an efficient, cost-effective solution. Whether you're a domestic or professional user, you can trust us to source the products that you need to complete your next project.

We're also committed to first-class customer service. If you need any help with your purchase, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable support team - or head over to our expert hub where you'll find a range of useful resources and industry information at your disposal.