SAUTER FK 1K Digital Force Gauge, Tensile and Compressive Force, Max. 1000 N

Precise force measurement for the highest quality standards: the SAUTER FK 1K digital force gauge

In modern industrial manufacturing, rigorous quality control and advanced materials testing, the precise measurement of tensile and compressive forces is an absolutely essential process step. Whether in the automotive supply industry when inspecting connectors, in packaging technology when testing tear strength, or in the textile sector when checking seam strength – even minimal deviations from the specified force tolerances can lead to serious product defects, costly product recalls or major safety issues. Mechanical spring balances quickly reach their limits when faced with these high-precision requirements, due to reading errors, material fatigue and a lack of digital data analysis capabilities. The SAUTER FK 1K (MPN FK 1K) digital force gauge, from the renowned manufacturer KERN & SOHN, was developed precisely for these professional and standards-compliant applications. This compact, extremely robust and technologically advanced instrument provides you with absolutely reliable digital readings for forces up to an impressive maximum of 1,000 newtons (equivalent to approx. 100 kilograms), whilst offering outstanding portability for mobile use.

Two measurement directions, one compact system: tensile and compressive forces

The standout feature of the SAUTER FK 1K is its enormous versatility. The device comes as standard with a high-quality, internally mounted load cell that operates bidirectionally. This means that, using one and the same device, you can measure both tensile forces (for example, pulling apart a stuck-together material sample or pulling a cable out of a crimp connection) and compressive forces (for example, pressing a switch, the breaking strength of a tablet or closing a door) with high precision. Switching between the measurement directions requires no time-consuming reconfiguration of the hardware; the device automatically detects the applied force and immediately displays the exact value digitally. The scope of delivery already includes the most important standard attachments (such as hooks for tensile tests and flat or pointed compression blocks for compression tests), so you can adapt the measuring device to your specific material sample straight away.

Intelligent display with automatic 180° rotation

A common problem with mobile force measurement on large machines or components that are difficult to access is the readability of the display. If you need to turn the device upside down or pull it vertically downwards for an overhead measurement, the display on conventional devices would be upside down. The SAUTER FK 1K brilliantly solves this ergonomic problem: the high-contrast, brightly backlit LCD display features an automatic rotation function. As soon as you rotate the device by 180 degrees, the digital display rotates in sync at lightning speed. This means you always have a perfect, error-free view of the exact measurement values, the unit of measurement and the current operating mode, regardless of the physical position or extreme angle at which you are holding the device or clamping it into a test rig. This reduces reading errors by staff to an absolute minimum and enhances reliability when documenting results as part of ISO 9001 audits.

Professional measurement modes: Track function and Peak Hold

To meet the wide range of requirements in research and quality management, the SAUTER FK 1K offers two essential electronic measurement modes. Track mode is ideal for the continuous monitoring of force curves. The display updates in real time and tracks the applied force immediately. This is ideal for assessing frictional resistance when inserting components or the spring force of a mechanical switch over the entire spring travel. For destructive material testing, on the other hand, the peak-hold function (peak value recording) is absolutely indispensable. In this mode, the display automatically ‘freezes’ the highest measured force value. For example, when testing the tensile force at which a nylon thread breaks or a plastic injection-moulded part fractures, you do not need to read the value on the display in a fraction of a second. The device records the exact moment of material failure (the peak), allowing you to transfer this important value to your test reports after the test at your leisure and with the utmost accuracy.

Mobility and system integration for professional test benches

The SAUTER FK 1K is not only an outstanding handheld measuring device for mobile field work, but also an excellent basis for stationary test systems in the laboratory. The ergonomically shaped housing fits perfectly and securely in the hand during manual tests. Power is supplied by standard batteries, whilst an intelligent auto-off function significantly extends the operating time by automatically switching the device off when not in use. For test series requiring 100 per cent reproducible and uniform force application, the force measuring device can be easily mounted on all standard manual or motorised SAUTER test rigs thanks to the standardised threaded holes on the rear. This system integration transforms the compact handheld measuring device into a fully-fledged, stationary materials testing machine in no time at all, meeting the highest scientific and industrial standards.

Technical data

• Measurement range (max): 1000 N (equivalent to approx. 100 kg)
• Resolution (d): 0.5 N
• Measurement directions: Tensile and compressive forces
• Load cell: Internally mounted
• Measurement frequency: 1000 Hz (high sampling rate for accurate peak values)
• Accuracy: 0.5% of [Max]
• Measurement modes: Track function (continuous) and peak hold (peak value detection)
• Display: LCD, backlit, with automatic 180° reversal function (reversible display)
• Overload protection: Up to 200% of the measurement range
• Power supply: Battery-operated (6 x 1.5 V AA), auto-off function to conserve battery life
• Threads for test bench mounting: Fitted as standard
• Housing dimensions (W×D×H): 195 × 84 × 35 mm
• Net weight: approx. 0.6 kg

Contents of delivery

• 1 x SAUTER FK 1K digital force gauge
• 1 x set of standard attachments (hooks for tensile tests, pressure plates/tips for compression tests)
• 1 x extension rod (90 mm)
• 6 x 1.5 V AA batteries
• 1 x Sturdy carrying case
• 1 x Detailed operating instructions

Customised requirements & accessories

If your company operates a quality management system certified to DIN EN ISO 9001, regular calibration of your test equipment is mandatory. We therefore recommend that you order the device directly from the factory with an ISO calibration certificate (for tensile and compressive forces). Would you like to completely eliminate human influence when applying force? In that case, we would be happy to advise you on the appropriate manual lever test benches (e.g. SAUTER TVL) or fully motorised test benches for this measuring instrument. Please feel free to contact our procurement service at any time for professional and personalised system advice.