Sauter FC 500 digital force gauge, internal load cell

The Sauter FC 500 digital force gauge with an internal load cell represents a highly precise metrological system solution for determining tensile and compressive forces in industrial quality assurance, materials science and pharmaceutical laboratory settings. When testing component strength, insertion forces or the tensile strength of materials, the precise measurement of mechanical loads is a critical factor in detecting structural defects and ensuring reliable compliance with statutory standards. The force gauge covers a measurement range of up to 500 N with a fine-grained readability of 0.1 N. For procurement officers and quality managers, this premium model offers the necessary validity and audit-proof reliability, as it has been specifically designed for demanding continuous use under GLP and GMP conditions.

High-precision force measurement technology and internal sensor architecture

The mechatronic heart of the Sauter FC 500 is based on a highly sophisticated, internally mounted force transducer (strain gauge technology). This protected sensor architecture shields the sensitive sensor components from external mechanical influences and transverse forces, such as those that can occur in the harsh everyday environment of a laboratory or production facility. The instrument delivers a measurement accuracy of ± 0.2 % of the maximum value and features an extremely fast sampling rate, enabling transient force peaks to be recorded with metrological precision. An integrated overload warning and a physical protection mechanism up to 150 % of the rated load effectively safeguard the system against irreversible load cell damage in the event of operating errors.

Versatile operating modes and metrological validation

The force measuring device provides versatile mathematical evaluation functions for detailed test reports. The integrated peak-hold mode freezes the maximum force value detected on the display, which is essential particularly for destructive material testing (e.g. fracture tests). In Track mode, on the other hand, the applied forces are displayed continuously in real time. For statistical process control, the system features a limit value function (Go/No-Go mode): once upper and lower tolerance limits have been defined, the device signals when these parameters are reached or exceeded via visual and audible alerts, which significantly speeds up throughput during series testing.

Ergonomic housing design and connectivity for Lab 4.0

The housing of the Sauter FC 500 consists of a robust, ergonomically shaped die-cast aluminium casing that dampens vibrations and offers high torsional rigidity. A particular ergonomic highlight is the large, backlit graphic display with automatic or manual 180° inversion. This ensures that the measured value remains clearly legible at all times, whether during overhead manual measurement or when mounted vertically in a test rig. For seamless integration into digital Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), the device features USB and RS-232 interfaces, via which measurement data can be transferred to a PC in real time and documented using statistical software.

Technical details

Measuring range & accuracy

• Maximum measurement range: 500 N
• Resolution: 0.1 N
• Measurement accuracy: ± 0.2 % of [Max]
• Overload protection: 150% of [Max] (visual and audible warning)
• Selectable units: N, kg, lb, oz

Functions & Analysis

• Measurement modes: Peak-hold (peak value) / Track (real-time)
• Limit function: Yes (programming of Max/Min with visual/audible signal)
• Internal data memory: For up to 500 readings
• Statistical function: Calculation of averages from the memory

Design & Interfaces

• Housing material: Robust die-cast aluminium housing
• Load cell: Internally mounted (tensile and compressive forces)
• Display: Backlit graphic display, rotatable through 180°
• Interfaces: USB, RS-232
• Mounting threads: Standard threads on the rear for test bench mounting

Electrical specifications

• Power supply: Integrated rechargeable battery pack (NiMH)
• Operating time: Up to 20 hours (without backlight)
• Charging current: Mains adaptor included
• Auto-off function: Adjustable to conserve battery capacity

Contents

• 1 x Sauter FC 500 digital force gauge with internal load cell
• 1 x Sturdy carrying case for portable use
• 5 x standard attachments (hook, pressure plate, cone, chisel, notch)
• 1 x extension rod (90 mm)
• 1 x mains adapter/charger
• 1 x factory calibration certificate (tension/compression)
• 1 x User manual

Individual requirements & accessories

To maximise the measurement accuracy of the Sauter FC 500 and completely eliminate human influence, we recommend using the device in combination with a manual or motorised Sauter test rig (e.g. TVM or TVP series). For detailed software-supported analysis of force-time diagrams, we stock the IKA- and Sauter-compatible AFH software. For use in audited ISO- or DAkkS-certified processes, we also offer optional annual recalibration, including a certificate. Please use our procurement service to configure your test setup.