Torque Tester Overview

Torque is the torsional moment (turning or twisting force) that acts on an object when it rotates, and the device that measures torque is Torque Tester. Torque testers can be used to measure opening and closing force, turning force, and sliding resistance, and indicate them in the unit of N-m, N-cm, kgf-m, kgf-cm, lbf-in, or ozf-in .

Torque measurement is popular, from the torsional strength of circuit boards, the tightening force of screws, the opening force of PET bottles and jars, and the operating force of rotary switches and keys, as a few examples. ( See usage examples of torque gauges > )

Also commonly used to evaluate the safety and the operability of such parts and products, conform to industry standards. It is one of the most important measuring instruments supporting quality control and research and development.

Click here to see the complete lineup:
List of all torque gauges (torque testers) >

There are three main types: 1) the desktop, in which the sample is fixed to a table and turned by hand for measurement, 2) the handheld, in which the sensor is held in hand and the sample is held by an attachment for measurement, and 3) the buit-in, in which the sensor is integrated to equipment for measurement.

The desktop type tprque meter is most suited for measuring the opening and closing torque of container lids such as PET bottles and jars. By changing the attachment (table), samples of many sizes and shapes, such as small parts and cosmetic containers, can also be measured.

The handheld type torque gauge is ideal for torque measurement of tightening and loosening force of screws and bolts, rotary switches, and so on. By changing the attachment, samples of many sizes and shapes, such as volume knobs and keys, can also be measured. The handheld torque gauge is also portable and suitable for measuring a part of finished products.

The buit-in type torque gauge is ideal for integration to torque testers or torque control systems in production line for torque measurement. It is also suitable for measurements in limited space due to the small sensor.

To select the suitable type, you may consider whether you bring the sample to be measured(desktop), take the torque gauge to the sample location to measure (handheld), or integrate to equipment to measure(buit-in), depending on the measurement environment.

The maximum torque value is also important in selection. Selecting a range larger than the expected torque value will prevent damage to the torque gauge. In addition to standard types, both desktop and handheld are available in high-performance types with convenient functions such as angle input/output and 2-step peak acquisition, which expand the level of measurement.

We offer selection services to meet your need. Contact us .

*Specifications of force testers vary depending on the model. Check the specifications on the product page for details.

Handheld torque measurement can be performed easily and suited to your budget by turning a sample fixed to the torque gauge by hand, or by holding and turning/twisting a sensor with a sample fixed on an attachment. There are two types: 1) Handheld and 2) Desktop.

1) Handheld is designed to fit easily in hand and provide stable measurement.

2) Desktop provides easy and stable sample fixation. The sample can be quickly set, and therefore repeated measurement can be performed efficiently.

Constructed with a double bearing support mechanism in the sensor section to minimize the effects of lateral and bending forces, it enables precise measurement even though the measurement is done handheld.

Handheld measurement is ideal for measuring torque imitating human motion.
For example, when a person tries to open a lid, they do not use a constant force from the beginning, but rather controls the grip force unconsciously, such as gradually increasing the force while turning it or loosening it when it starts to open.

If the lid is easily deformable, a stronger grip will increase resistance and change the torque value. By measuring by hand, it is possible to measure the torque required for a person to open a bottle by hand, including such factors.

For more precise measurement, such as when evaluating the uniformity of multiple samples, use in combination with a torque stand to improve measurement repeatability.

*Functions and specifications of torque gauges vary depending on the model. Check the specifications on the product page for details.

Samples come in various shapes and sizes. Torque attachments are used to attached torque testers or torque stands to fix samples. It is important to select attachments that match the measurement method and shape of samples in order to apply the appropriate force.

Two main patterns of attachment mounting exist.
1) Fixing to screw cap tester-DTXS/DTXA series
Simply fit the groove on the shaft of the attachment to the sensor part.

2) Fixing to HTGS/HTGA series hand-use digital torque testers
Align the pin on the tip of the sensor with the groove on the attachment, insert it, and turn the set screw on the attachment to fix it in place.

In either case, the attachment can be easily fixed and detached, allowing efficient measurement of different samples.

Also note that attachments are available for different models, and proper attention is required when selecting one.
We can assist you in selecting the appropriate attachment for your sample shape and material, as well as for selection in combination with a torque gauge. Contact us.

*Functions and specifications of torque gauges and torque attachments vary depending on the model. Check the specifications on the product page for details.

Click here to see the complete lineup of torque attachments.
List of all torque attachments

Check the below videos to see how to attach the attachment.

By combining a torque tester or attachment with a torque stand, a more precise measurement can be achieved. Although the method of attaching a torque tester to a torque stand differs depending on the model, the procedure is simple and mainly consists of one of the three ways.

1) Fix screw cap torque tester DTXS/DTXA series
Remove the screw from the handle and attach it to the torque stand using the screw hole. For motorized torque stand, a centering jig is included to allow easy centering and installation for more accurate measurement.

2) Fix handheld digital torque meter HTGS/HTGA
Fix the sensor part to the sensor holder part with screws.

3) Fix the measurement sample
Use the attachment to fix the measurement sample. It is either inserting the attachment and fixing it with a pin, aligning the grooves of the attachment and inserting it, or fixing it with a set screw.

Torque stand and torque tester can be connected by a cable. Finally, fix the sample and set up the stand as necessary for testing. These installation procedures are simple and can be easily performed by one person.

*Specifications and procedures vary depending on the model. Check the specifications and user guide videos on the product page for details.

Click here to see the complete lineup of torque stands.
List of all torque stands>

Check the below video for mounting to various types of torque stands.

By graphing the torque measurement data, you can visually check the transition of torque values. The graph visualizes changes leading up to the peak and the detection of abnormal torque values such as foreign objects being caught, leading to more detailed confirmation of differences in physical characteristics and quality.

By creating graphs, you can also confirm the results at various change points visually, for example, the torque at which the cap begins to turn in a PET bottle screw cap test, or the torque when the bridge comes off the cap. The system is equipped with functions such as graph overlays and magnification, which are useful for result evaluation, making it easy to compare and verify results with past data.

PDF, CSV, and other printing options are provided, making it easy to create reports.

The software can be selected to suit the needs, such as one that acquires 2000 data/sec and create precise graphs, one that creates graphs together with angle data, and one that draws multiple graphs at the same time.

*Functions of software vary depending on the model. Check the specifications on the product page for details.

Click here to see the complete lineup of software.
List of all graphing software >

Check the below video for the torque graph drawing.

By connecting angle meter with a torque tester equipped with an angle display function, you can input and output angles. By doing so, you can use the angle meter to evaluate the characteristics of materials and quality control that cannot be explained by torque alone. For example, the repulsive force of a material when it is twisted at a certain angle, or the operability of a rotating switch based on the correlation between torque and angle.

Two types exist:
1) an angle meter that can be built into a torque stand, and 2) an angle meter unit that can be connected to a handheld torque gauge. Using angle display software, a torque vs. angle graph can also be created.

*Check the specifications on the product page for details of applicable torque stand option or angle gauge unit .

Torque testers are equipped with useful functions.

The comparator function with high and low limit settings not only simplifies pass/fail test, but can also be interlocked with external devices to activate warning lights when defective or to control torque values using external outputs.

The mark point function records torque values at contact points such as rotary switches and displays them on a software graph.

With Next Series compatible products, you can upgrade your torque tester by downloading additional functions (see IMADA-Connected.com). Continuous peak mode and calibration date notification function are a few examples.

We offer guides for better use of torque testers, such as videos of various function settings and consultations for effective use. Contact us for more information.

*Specifications of torque gauges vary depending on the model. Check the specifications on the product page for details.