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

The Sauter FM are digital force gauges for tensile and compressive forces with a graphic-assisted display. There are 13 models ranging from 5 N to 20 kN. Eight models (FM 5 to FM 1K) have the load cell integrated into the unit, whilst five models (FM 1K EXT, FM 3K, FM 5K, FM 10K, FM 20K) use an external load cell for high forces. All models feature a data memory for 500 measured values, a limit value function and a sampling rate of 1,000 Hz.

Internal or external load cell

In the models FM 5 to FM 1K, the load cell is located in the housing. A hook takes up the load, whilst an M6 external thread is provided for mounting attachments. These devices can be mounted on all Sauter test stands up to 5 kN. The models FM 1K EXT to FM 20K have a separate load cell with an M12 threaded hole for force introduction and force output. In these models, the force measurement is not integrated into the display unit; the cell can be used separately. Both the FM 1K and the FM 1K EXT measure up to 1 kN with a readability of 0.5 N and differ in their design.

Accuracy and protection

According to Kern, the measurement accuracy is 0.2 % of Max and the overload protection 120 % of Max. This is a tighter accuracy than with the FE series (0.3 %), but the overload protection is lower (FE: 150 %). The largest expected force should therefore be chosen with some margin to the measuring range. The readability ranges from 0.002 N for the FM 5 to 10 N for the FM 20K.

Display, capacity bar and memory

The backlit LCD can be rotated. A capacity bar shows, as a rising band of light, how much of the measuring range is still free. The device displays either the peak value (peak hold) or the current value continuously (track). The internal memory stores up to 500 measured values. The available units are N, kN, kgf and lbf.

Limit values and data transmission

For pass/fail tests, an upper and a lower limit value are set, separately for tension and compression. A visual signal reports that the limit value is exceeded or undershot. The data is transmitted to a PC via USB-C, at a rate of approximately 25 measurements per second, according to Kern. There is also a PS/2 port for device coupling. The AFH FAST software is available for force-time measurements, the AFH LD software for force-displacement measurements, and the Sauter Readout software for models with an external load cell.

Rechargeable battery

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 carried out via the USB-C port using the supplied mains adaptor (100 V to 240 V). The rechargeable battery is permanently fitted.

Typical applications

  • Test laboratories: tensile and compression tests, test series with data storage and data transfer
  • Research and development: force measurement on test objects, force-time and force-displacement curves using software
  • Automotive industry: testing of insertion, extraction and actuation forces
  • Maintenance and servicing: checking clamping, spring and holding forces
  • Plastics engineering: force testing on plastic parts using models with an internal load cell

A model with an internal load cell is sufficient for forces up to 1 kN. If you need to measure forces from 3 kN to 20 kN or wish to use the load cell separately from the display, choose one of the external models.

Models at a glance

ModelLoad cellMeasuring range (Max)Readability (d)Dimensions of load cell (W x D x H)Factory calibration certificate for tension / compression / tension and compressionDAkkS calibration certificate tension / compression / tension and compression
FM 5internal5 N0.002 Nin the device961-161 / 961-261 / 961-361963-161 / 963-261 / 963-361
FM 10internal10 N0.005 Nin the device961-161 / 961-261 / 961-361963-161 / 963-261 / 963-361
FM 20internal20 N0.01 Nin the device961-161 / 961-261 / 961-361963-161 / 963-261 / 963-361
FM 50internal50 N0.02 Nin the device961-161 / 961-261 / 961-361963-161 / 963-261 / 963-361
FM 100internal100 N0.05 Nin the device961-161 / 961-261 / 961-361963-161 / 963-261 / 963-361
FM 200internal200 N0.1 Nin the device961-161 / 961-261 / 961-361963-161 / 963-261 / 963-361
FM 500internal500 N0.2 Nin the device961-161 / 961-261 / 961-361963-161 / 963-261 / 963-361
FM 1Kinternal1 kN0.5 Nin the device961-162 / 961-262 / 961-362963-162 / 963-262 / 963-362
FM 1K EXTexternal1 kN0.5 N72 x 64 x 20 mm961-162 / 961-262 / 961-362963-162 / 963-262 / 963-362
FM 3Kexternal3 kN1 N70 x 60 x 24 mm961-163 / 961-263 / 961-363963-163 / 963-263 / 963-363
FM 5Kexternal5 kN2 N70 x 60 x 24 mm961-163 / 961-263 / 961-363963-163 / 963-263 / 963-363
FM 10Kexternal10 kN5 N70 x 60 x 24 mm961-164 / 961-264 / 961-364963-164 / 963-264 / 963-364
FM 20Kexternal20 kN10 N70 x 64 x 25 mm961-164 / 961-264 / 961-364963-164 / 963-264 / 963-364

Technical details

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

Directions of forceTension and compression
Measurement accuracy (Kern)0.2 % of Max
Overload protection120 % of Max
Sampling rate1,000 Hz
UnitsN, kN, kgf, lbf
FunctionsLimit value function in tensile and compressive directions with visual signal, peak hold, track, capacity display
Memory500 measured values
InterfacesUSB-C, PS/2; data transfer rate approx. 25 measured values per second
Force introductioninternal load cell: hook, M6 external thread; external load cell: M12 threaded hole
DisplayLCD, rotatable, backlit
Display unit 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, mains adaptor 100 V to 240 V
Ambient temperature15 °C to 35 °C
Storage temperature-10 °C to 40 °C
Warranty (manufacturer)36 months according to Kern, excluding wear parts

Scope of delivery

  • Sauter FM force gauge with built-in rechargeable battery
  • Mains adaptor (USB-C)
  • Models with internal load cell: standard attachments and carrying case
  • Models with external load cell: external load cell

Calibration

For the FM series, there are factory calibration certificates and DAkkS calibration certificates, each for tension, compression or both tension and compression. The item numbers for each model are listed in the model table. The calibration procedure for the DAkkS certificates is DKD-R 3-3 (procedure A). For the FM 10K and FM 20K, the certificates are valid, according to Kern, for the range from 5 kN to 20 kN.

Warranty

According to Kern & Sohn, these devices come with a 3-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 14, AC 17, AC 22, AD 9001, AD 9005, AD 9016), clamps from the AE series (AE 01 to AE 07, AE 500), the AFK 02 handle, adaptors (AFM 05, AFM 06, AFM 07, AFM 12, AFM 15), the FL-A03 replacement battery, the FL-A04 cable, the FS-E07 plug-in mains adaptor, the YKT-01 needle printer, the RFL-3001 replacement screen and the RFL-4001 display film are also available. Please enquire to find out which parts are compatible with which model. Enquiries are handled via our procurement service.

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