Sauter digital force gauge FC 500, internal load cell
€291.00
% Manufacturer's RRP: €415.00 29% below manufacturer's RRP
- Digital force gauge for tension and compression up to 500 N
- Readability 0.1 N, tolerance 0.3 % of maximum
- Metal housing, rechargeable battery with 20-hour operating time
- Limit value function with audible and visual signals
- Memory for 500 measured values, USB and RS-232
- Supplied in a carrying case with USB cable
Product information "Sauter digital force gauge FC 500, internal load cell"
The Sauter FC 500 is a compact force gauge for tension and compression up to 500 N. It has a readability of 0.1 N, with a tolerance of 0.3 % of maximum. The housing is made of metal; the display is backlit and rotates to match the mounting orientation. Anyone requiring a handheld measuring instrument with high readability and a memory for their own measurement series will find both here in a housing measuring 135 x 73 x 34 mm.
Measurement functions
The device measures at 1,000 Hz, with overload protection set at 150 % of maximum. In peak-hold mode, it holds the peak value; in track mode, it continuously displays the force curve. For batch testing, there is a limit value function: an upper and a lower limit value can be set between 10 and 100 % of maximum, separately for tension and compression. If a value is exceeded, the device signals this both audibly and visually. A rising illuminated bar indicates how much of the measuring range has already been used. According to Kern, clear warning signals are issued for loads exceeding 110 % of the measuring range. Selectable units are N, kgf, ozf and lbf.
Memory and interfaces
The device stores up to 500 measured values. It features USB and RS-232 for data transfer; a USB cable is included in the scope of delivery. Compatible software is also available. The automatic switch-off function can be set to between 1 and 60 minutes or disabled altogether, allowing the device to operate continuously.
Battery and design
The device contains a 3.6 V, 400 mAh NiMH battery. According to the data sheet, it lasts for around 20 hours, with a charging time of 4 hours. The mains adaptor with EU and CH adaptors is included. The housing weighs approximately 0.45 kg net. Force is applied via an M6 external thread. According to Kern, the device can be mounted on all Sauter test stands up to 5 kN, so that the measurement conditions are the same for series. The ambient temperature may be between minus 10 °C and 40 °C.
Typical applications
- Test laboratories and research and development: measurement series with stored values
- Automotive industry: monitoring of actuation and detent forces against limit values
- Maintenance and servicing: force testing in the field; the metal housing is designed for harsh environments
- Plastics engineering: testing of joints and snap-fit fasteners
Compared with the FK models (FK 500 with 0.2 N and FK 1K with 0.5 N readability), the FC 500 offers finer readability, a memory function and a limit value function. However, its overload protection of 150 % is lower than that of the FK models, which is 200 %. Anyone who tests series against limit values and transfers the data to a PC should choose the FC 500.
Regulatory information
As an electrical device, the device falls under the ElektroG. The manufacturer Kern & Sohn GmbH is registered under the WEEE registration number DE 80821200. How to return old appliances is described on the page Environment and disposal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the battery last? Around 20 hours; the charging time is 4 hours. The device can also be powered via the mains adaptor.
How do I transfer measured values? Via USB or RS-232. The USB interface cable is included in the scope of delivery.
How does the limit value function work? An upper and a lower limit value are set between 10 and 100 % of maximum, separately for tension and compression. The device signals deviations with an audible and visual alarm.
Is the FC 500 compatible with a test stand? Yes, with all Sauter test stands up to 5 kN. Force is applied via an M6 external thread.
How long is the warranty? According to Kern & Sohn, this device comes with a 2-year warranty. Kern grants 3 years on products with a list price of €500 or more and 2 years on products below that and on components; wear parts such as batteries and rechargeable batteries are excluded. Warranty repairs are carried out by Kern or by a Kern dealer.
Technical details
| Measuring range (max) | 500 N |
| Readability (d) | 0.1 N |
| Force direction | Tension and compression |
| Tolerance | 0.3 % of maximum |
| Overload protection | 150 % of maximum |
| Measurement frequency | 1,000 Hz |
| Functions | Hold, Peak, Track, limit values, capacity indicator |
| Units | N, kgf, ozf, lbf |
| Memory | 500 readings |
| Interfaces | RS-232 as standard, USB device |
| Display | LCD 160 x 128, digit height 10 mm, rotatable, backlit |
| Force application | M6 external thread |
| Housing (W x D x H) | 135 x 73 x 34 mm, metal |
| Power supply | 3.6 V NiMH rechargeable battery, mains adaptor |
| Operating time | approx. 20 h |
| Charging time | 4 hours |
| Ambient temperature | -10 °C to 40 °C |
| Net weight | approx. 0.45 kg |
Scope of delivery
- Sauter FC 500 force gauge
- Standard attachments with hooks, as shown in the product image
- 90 mm extension rod
- Mains adaptor with adaptors for the EU and CH
- USB interface cable
- Carrying case
Individual requirements and procurement service
Screw clamps, roller clamps, ball heads, sensors, handles and other attachments are also available, as well as software, factory calibration certificates and DAkkS calibration certificates. Enquiries are handled via our procurement service.