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Sauter FE 5 digital force gauge for tension and compression, 5 N / 0.002 N

ⓘ  This product description has been translated from German using AI. Despite careful review, we do not guarantee that the translation is error-free; in case of doubt, the German version shall prevail.

Product information "Sauter FE 5 digital force gauge for tension and compression, 5 N / 0.002 N"

The Sauter FE series are digital force gauges for tensile and compressive forces across eight measuring ranges from 5 N to 1,000 N. The force is measured by an internal load cell, a hook takes up the load, and an M6 external thread is used to mount attachments. The devices have a pass/fail function with adjustable limit values, a rotatable LCD with backlight and a rechargeable battery that is charged via USB-C. The model number does not always indicate the measuring range: the FE 20 measures up to 25 N, the FE 200 up to 250 N, and the FE 1K up to 1 kN.

Limit values for pass and fail

For series testing, an upper and a lower limit value are set, separately for the tensile and compressive directions. The device reports when a limit value is exceeded with an audible and a visual signal. With this, an employee can inspect parts without having to read off every value. The devices can display either the peak value (peak hold) or the current value continuously (track).

Measuring range and accuracy

According to Kern, the measurement accuracy is 0.3 % of Max and the overload protection 150 % of Max. The sampling rate is 1,000 Hz, so short force peaks are captured. At small forces, a device reads out very finely: the FE 5 shows 0.002 N, the FE 1K 0.5 N. The measuring range is chosen to match the largest expected force, which should be below Max. The available units are N, kN, kgf, ozf and lbf.

Operation and display

The LCD can be rotated and is backlit, so the device can be read in both directions, for example when mounted upside down on a test stand. The ABS housing measures 71 x 31 x 180 mm and weighs approx. 0.35 kg. Kern describes the housing as ergonomic for safe operation.

Rechargeable battery and charging

According to the data sheet, the NiMH rechargeable battery runs for up to 10 h without and up to 8 h with backlight, the charging time is approx. 8 h. Charging is via the USB-C port with the supplied USB plug-in mains adaptor (100 V to 240 V). The rechargeable battery is permanently fitted.

Test stand and attachments

All FE units can be mounted on Sauter test stands up to 1 kN. Clamps and clamping fixtures are available for tensile tests, whilst ball heads are available for compression tests. Attachments and adaptors are also available; the selection is listed in the section on the procurement service.

Typical applications

  • Test laboratories: tensile and compression testing of components and joints
  • Research and development: force measurements on prototypes and samples
  • Automotive industry: testing of insertion, extraction and actuation forces
  • Maintenance and servicing: checking spring forces and clamping forces
  • Plastics engineering: force testing on plastic components and closures

The FE 5 and FE 10 are designed for small forces below 10 N; the FE 50 to FE 200 for actuation forces in the range from 50 N to 250 N; and the FE 1K for forces up to 1 kN.

Models at a glance

ModelMeasuring range (Max)Readability (d)Overload protection
FE 55 N0.002 N150 % of Max
FE 1010 N0.005 N150 % of Max
FE 2025 N0.01 N150 % of Max
FE 5050 N0.02 N150 % of Max
FE 100100 N0.05 N150 % of Max
FE 200250 N0.1 N150 % of Max
FE 500500 N0.2 N150 % of Max
FE 1K1,000 N0.5 N150 % of Max

Technical details

These values apply to all models. Deviating values are given in the model table.

Directions of forceTension and compression
Measurement accuracy (Kern)0.3 % of Max
Sampling rate1,000 Hz
UnitsN, kN, kgf, ozf, lbf
FunctionsLimit value function in tensile and compressive directions with signal, peak hold, track
Load attachmentHook, M6 external thread
DisplayLCD, rotatable, backlit
HousingABS plastic, 71 x 31 x 180 mm (W x D x H)
Rechargeable batteryNiMH, 750 mAh, charging time approx. 8 h, operating time 10 h without and 8 h with backlight
ChargingUSB-C, USB plug-in mains adaptor 100 V to 240 V
Ambient temperature15 °C to 35 °C
Storage temperature-10 °C to 40 °C
Net weightapprox. 0.35 kg
Warranty (manufacturer)24 months according to Kern, excluding wear parts

Scope of delivery

  • Sauter FE force gauge with built-in rechargeable battery
  • USB plug-in mains adaptor
  • Standard attachments
  • Carrying case

Calibration

For the FE, there are factory calibration certificates and DAkkS calibration certificates, each for tension, for compression or for both tension and compression. The calibration procedure according to DKD-R 3-3 (procedure A) is stated with the DAkkS certificates. The item numbers for the FE 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 are: factory calibration certificate 961-161O (tension), 961-261O (compression), 961-361O (tension and compression); DAkkS calibration certificate 963-161O (tension), 963-261O (compression), 963-361O (tension and compression). For the FE 1K, the following apply: 961-162O, 961-262O and 961-362O, as well as 963-162O, 963-262O and 963-362O.

Warranty

According to Kern & Sohn, these devices come 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.

Downloads

Regulatory information

As electrical devices, the force gauges fall 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.

Individual requirements and procurement service

Ball heads (AC 02), screw clamps (AC 17 and AC 17R, up to 500 N, width 8 mm, clamping range 2.5 mm), the standard clamp AE 01, the cord and thread clamp AE 05 (up to 500 N), the AFK 02 stainless steel handle, the adaptors AFM 22 (threaded hole M8, external thread M6) and AFM 23 (external thread M10, threaded hole M8), the FK-A01 tensiometer attachment and the FS-E07 plug-in mains adaptor are also available. Enquiries are handled via our procurement service.

Design: FE 5 · 5 N
Power supply: Battery operation, Mains operation