The K3D40 3-axis force sensor is suitable for force measurement in three mutually perpendicular axes. It features a particularly compact design with a footprint of 40 mm x 40 mm and a low overall height of only 20 mm.
The K3D40 3-axis force sensor is available for forces of 2 N, 10 N, 20 N, and 50 N. It is particularly suitable for measuring the smallest forces. The K3D40 2N variant can resolve forces from 40 µN to 400 µN, depending on the measuring amplifier.

The K3D40 3-axis force sensor is equipped with full-bridge strain gauges. The signals from the full-bridge strain gauges each correspond to a force component in the x-, y-, and z-directions. The vector decomposition is therefore achieved mechanically, by three orthogonally arranged spring-joint guides (double cantilever beams), and additionally by the arrangement of the strain gauges in the Wheatstone bridge, so that residual transverse forces and moments are also compensated electrically/circuit-wise. The three double cantilever beams are connected in series in this 3D force sensor.

Calibration of 3-Axis Force Sensors – From Standard (cv) to High Precision (s)

A key characteristic of 3D force sensors is crosstalk: applying a force also triggers a measurement in the two unloaded axes. Thanks to several compensation mechanisms (mechanical and electrical), crosstalk is typically less than 3% of the nominal load. Crosstalk is reproducible and proportional to the amplitude of the applied force. By applying an additional compensation matrix, crosstalk in all axes can be reduced to a maximum of less than 1%.

By default, you receive two factory calibrations, each with two measurement points:

one without a compensation matrix (“cv”) and one with extended matrix compensation (“s”).

For detailed proof of the sensor’s linearity, you can optionally extend the calibration to 4 or 6 measurement points:

• Factory calibration certificate SL/4 (4 measurement points)
• Factory calibration certificate SL/6 (6 measurement points)

This ensures your sensor is optimally calibrated to your application from the very first measurement.