What is the temperature range for sensor use?

Question: What is the temperature range for sensor use?

Answer: Standard Tekscan sensors are specified to operate in a temperature range from -40 ºF to 140 ºF (-40 ºC to 60 ºC). If the sensor is used at a temperature different than the calibration temperature, there will be a temperature effect.

The operating temperature range of the Handle is 32 °F to 122 °F (0 °C to 50 °C). Thus, if the application involves extremes of temperature, the Handle should be insulated or otherwise protected from the extremes of high temperature.

Many sensors can be produced with high temperature ink and substrate for use over a temperature range from -40 ºF to 400 ºF (-40 ºC to 204 ºC). The appropriate sensor for prospective high temperature applications is individually evaluated, and quoted.

We do also have High Temperature model sensors; they are specified to operate in a temperature range from -40 ºF to 400 ºF (-40 ºC to 204 ºC). Calibration would be affected when the temperature goes beyond this specified range. Keep in mind that we do not recommend the use of the ELF system handle with our High Temperature model sensors, and if you do intend to use it with the sensors, a waiver would need to be signed.

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Do I need an Instron device to calibrate my ELF system?

Question: Do I need an Instron device to calibrate my ELF or WELF?

Answer: No! You can use dead weights and that will work fine. The video calibration tutorial uses one, but it's not necessary.

 

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Can I Trim the FlexiForce sensor?

Question: Can I Trim the FlexiForce™ Sensor?

Answer: Yes - it is possible to trim the FlexiForce sensor if the sensing area is too large or the wrong shape for your application. Additionally, trimming the sensor can be a good way to develop a proof-of-concept before investing in a customized sensor solution. However, please keep in mind that trimming the sensing area can result in less durability, potential for shorting, and less sensitivity.

Trimmed FlexiForce sensorIf you attempt to trim the sensor, we recommend using a sharp pair of scissors to lessen the stress and/or deformation of the sensor that may occur when cutting. Once you've trimmed the sensor to the desired shape and/or size, you will want to apply a piece of tape to both sides of the sensor - this will help create a seal around the sensor keeping out dirt and debris.

If you need to punch a hole in the sensing area, we recommend creating a slightly larger hole than needed, applying tape on both sides of the sensing area, and then creating another smaller hole in the center. This will create a ring of tape around the hole you've just created and help to keep the sensor sealed.

Note: Tekscan cannot warranty sensors that have been physically altered.

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Why do I need an excitation circuit to read force with FlexiForce A201 sensors?

Question: Why do I need an excitation circuit to read force with FlexiForce™ A201 sensors?

Answer: You should use an excitation circuit to provide a constant drive voltage/current and provide an output voltage that is proportional to the applied force. Our FlexiForce QuickStart Board contains all the components necessary to build the recommended circuit, along with a detailed, step-by-step instruction manual.

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Can I customize a Tekscan sensor?

Question: Can I customize a Tekscan sensor?

Answer: Yes. If you cannot find a sensor that fits your application needs in our standard selection, we can work with you to custom design and manufacture a sensor. Your sales representative can provide you with additional information.

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Can I purchase only Tekscan sensors?

Question: Can I purchase only Tekscan sensors?

Answer: Tekscan’s patented array or grid sensors are designed to only work with our software and hardware; therefore you cannot simply purchase the sensors unless you own a Tekscan system. We offer single element force sensors that can be purchased without our electronics and software.

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How do I clean Tekscan sensors?

Question: How do I clean Tekscan sensors?

Answer: You can wipe our sensors clean with alcohol or water.

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Can Tekscan sensors be cut or trimmed?

Question: Can Tekscan sensors be cut or trimmed?

Answer: Yes, some of our sensors can be cut or trimmed to smaller sizes or shapes, or even punctured for secure placement, such as the model 4205 (pictured) and model 7800 pressure sensor designed to be sized for custom embedding in battery placements.

Tips for trimming:

The rows and columns are connected through silver dots and traces on the surface of the sensor. If you trim the sensor, a row or column will remain active so long as the silver dot and silver connecting trace remain intact and connected to the handle.

Based on this photo, you can trim up to 15 rows from the distal end of the sensor before you reach the column trace connections. And you can trim up to 5 columns from either side before you reach the silver connections to the rows.

Consult with a Tekscan engineer if you aren't sure if your sensor is trimmable or how to do it. Cutting through the sensing element will short the sensor! 

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The ability to trim for shoe size is one of the most important advantages of our in-shoe F-Scan™GO sensor, which can be trimmed to fit any shoe size up to a men’s size 14.

Tips for trimming the F-Scan GO sensor can be found in the manual, or HERE. 

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What surface is best to use underneath a FlexiForce sensor?

Question: What surface is best to use underneath a FlexiForce™ sensor?

Answer: A flat, smooth surface is ideal.

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What is a puck/shim and do I need to use it?

Question: What is a puck/shim and do I need to use it?

Answer: A puck, otherwise known as a shim or load concentrator, is an object placed between the sensing area and load (like cheese between two pieces of bread) to ensure that the sensor captures 100% of the applied load if the contacting surface is larger than the sensor diameter and to reduce high pressure for point load applications. The applied pressure should be between 1 and 10,000 psi.  If the applied force is small, e.g. 30 grams, a puck should be used to reduce the area to achieve at least 1 psi. For applied loads that are high but have a very small area, a puck should be used to reduce psi to below 10,000. For best results, the loaded area or puck should be between 70% (a diameter of 0.263”, or area of 0.077in2 ) and 100% of the sensing area but can be reduced to achieve results as described above.  Plastic pucks are recommended, as they are pliable but will not deform. Tekscan offers peel-and-stick delrin pucks for purchase at our online store.

Example of a puck adhered to a FlexiForce A201 sensor.

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