Do I need an Instron device to calibrate my ELF system?

Question: Do I need an Instron device to calibrate my ELF or WELF?

Answer: No! You can use dead weights and that will work fine. The video calibration tutorial uses one, but it's not necessary.

 

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Can I Trim the FlexiForce sensor?

Question: Can I Trim the FlexiForce™ Sensor?

Answer: Yes - it is possible to trim the FlexiForce sensor if the sensing area is too large or the wrong shape for your application. Additionally, trimming the sensor can be a good way to develop a proof-of-concept before investing in a customized sensor solution. However, please keep in mind that trimming the sensing area can result in less durability, potential for shorting, and less sensitivity.

Trimmed FlexiForce sensorIf you attempt to trim the sensor, we recommend using a sharp pair of scissors to lessen the stress and/or deformation of the sensor that may occur when cutting. Once you've trimmed the sensor to the desired shape and/or size, you will want to apply a piece of tape to both sides of the sensor - this will help create a seal around the sensor keeping out dirt and debris.

If you need to punch a hole in the sensing area, we recommend creating a slightly larger hole than needed, applying tape on both sides of the sensing area, and then creating another smaller hole in the center. This will create a ring of tape around the hole you've just created and help to keep the sensor sealed.

Note: Tekscan cannot warranty sensors that have been physically altered.

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Why do I need an excitation circuit to read force with FlexiForce A201 sensors?

Question: Why do I need an excitation circuit to read force with FlexiForce™ A201 sensors?

Answer: You should use an excitation circuit to provide a constant drive voltage/current and provide an output voltage that is proportional to the applied force. Our FlexiForce QuickStart Board contains all the components necessary to build the recommended circuit, along with a detailed, step-by-step instruction manual.

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Can I customize a Tekscan sensor?

Question: Can I customize a Tekscan sensor?

Answer: Yes. If you cannot find a sensor that fits your application needs in our standard selection, we can work with you to custom design and manufacture a sensor. Your sales representative can provide you with additional information.

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Can I purchase only Tekscan sensors?

Question: Can I purchase only Tekscan sensors?

Answer: Tekscan’s patented array or grid sensors are designed to only work with our software and hardware; therefore you cannot simply purchase the sensors unless you own a Tekscan system. We offer single element force sensors that can be purchased without our electronics and software.

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How do I clean Tekscan sensors?

Question: How do I clean Tekscan sensors?

Answer: You can wipe our sensors clean with alcohol or water.

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Can Tekscan sensors be cut or trimmed?

Question: Can Tekscan sensors be cut or trimmed?

Answer: Several of our sensors can be cut or trimmed to smaller sizes or shapes. For example, this is one of the most important advantages of our in-shoe F-Scan™ sensor, which can be trimmed to fit any shoe size up to a men’s size 14.

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What surface is best to use underneath a FlexiForce sensor?

Question: What surface is best to use underneath a FlexiForce™ sensor?

Answer: A flat, smooth surface is ideal.

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What is a puck/shim and do I need to use it?

Question: What is a puck/shim and do I need to use it?

Answer: A puck, otherwise known as a shim or load concentrator, is an object placed between the sensing area and load (like cheese between two pieces of bread) to ensure that the sensor captures 100% of the applied load if the contacting surface is larger than the sensor diameter and to reduce high pressure for point load applications. The applied pressure should be between 1 and 10,000 psi.  If the applied force is small, e.g. 30 grams, a puck should be used to reduce the area to achieve at least 1 psi. For applied loads that are high but have a very small area, a puck should be used to reduce psi to below 10,000. For best results, the loaded area or puck should be between 70% (a diameter of 0.263”, or area of 0.077in2 ) and 100% of the sensing area but can be reduced to achieve results as described above.  Plastic pucks are recommended, as they are pliable but will not deform. Tekscan offers peel-and-stick delrin pucks for purchase at our online store.

Example of a puck adhered to a FlexiForce A201 sensor.

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Is "110% of the maximum load" what a FlexiForce sensor can handle?

Question: Is "110% of the maximum load" what a FlexiForce™ sensor can handle?

Answer: Typically, the answer is "no". The mechanical properties of the different force range sensors are very similar. The polymer materials of which these sensors are composed will start to deform plastically around 10,000 psi.

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