In pressing operations, measuring the force applied by the ram throughout its stroke can provide critical information about the quality of the assembly. For example, in insertion applications, force and position sensors can detect misaligned parts, missing parts, and oversized or undersized parts and bores. They can also determine if the part has been inserted to the correct depth. In wire crimping, force and position sensors detect broken conductors, poorly removed insulation or worn-out crimping tools.
Force is measured with a load cell. The two main technologies for load cells are strain gauges and piezoelectric sensors.