Interlink Electronics FSR 400 Series - Manual (Page 32)

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FSR
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Integration Guide
8.0 FAQ
Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions:
What are some applications in which the Interlink sensors have been used?
Interlink sensors provide economical solutions and OEM tools to a variety of force
measurement applications. Our sensors have been integrated into drug delivery devices,
QA/QC equipment, industrial controls, sports and recreational gear, and more.
How much do the system and sensors cost?
Pricing varies and Interlink Electronics, or an authorized distributor quotes it.
What is your return policy?
Package must be returned unopened within 48 hours of receipt of merchandise.
How does the sensor react to force? Is the resistance constant, or is it decreasing
with a constant value?
The inks in our sensors are resistive: the greater the force, the less the resistance.
How much can I overload the sensor without damaging it?
Although polymer substrates deform plastically around 10,000 PSI (69N/mm^2), we
generally regard the threshold of damage to be much lower. A safe guideline is to
maintain the total pressure on the sensor below 10N/mm^2 of actuator area.
What is the lifetime of a Interlink sensor?
The durability of the Interlink sensor depends on the conditions to which it is exposed:
magnitude of the load, the interface material, and the direction of the load (minimal
shear). The sensor is typically operational beyond 1,000,000 actuations.
What materials/conditions could damage the sensor?
Temperatures >215.55°C (420°F), water-submersion (as the adhesive holding the top &
bottom layers together would likely separate), sharp objects, shear forces, creasing the
sensor, and loads that are around or above 10N/mm^2 can damage the sensor.
Can I fold the sensor?
The sensor is designed to be flexible; however the sensing area should not be folded as
this causes shearing. The traces should not be bent more than 90° as the silver
conductive leads could break.
Can I adhere the sensor to a surface?
If you need to adhere the sensor to a surface, a thin, double-sided tape is recommended.
Often the sensors are supplied with such adhesive, covered with a removable liner.
What surface is best to use underneath the sensor?
A flat, smooth surface is ideal. Trapped air bubbles or dirt particles can cause the sensor
to appear loaded in the absence of an external load.