# S2E20 Load Cells, Strain Gauges, & Learning Strategies | Robert Fuge

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2021-04-30
- Length: 48m
- Episode: 20
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-04-30-s2e20-load-cells-strain-gauges-learning-strategies-robert-fuge
- Listen: https://teampipeline.us/load-cells-strain-gauges-robert-fuge/

## Summary

Robert Fuge, founder of Epsilon Laboratory, explains the physics and manufacturing of load cells and strain gauges, detailing how they measure material deformation via resistance changes in a Wheatstone bridge. He discusses the highly manual, craft-intensive production process required for high-precision instruments, noting that automation is difficult due to the need for individual temperature compensation and calibration. Fuge highlights common implementation errors, such as off-center loading and thermal drift, and advises engineers to perform in-situ calibration and warm-up periods to ensure data accuracy. He also advocates for a balanced approach between Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and physical testing, mentioning software like True Load to optimize sensor placement.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-04-30-s2e20-load-cells-strain-gauges-learning-strategies-robert-fuge#t=0) Introduction: Robert Fuge and Epsilon Laboratory
- [1:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-04-30-s2e20-load-cells-strain-gauges-learning-strategies-robert-fuge#t=68) Robert Fuge's Journey to Engineering and Learning Math
- [8:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-04-30-s2e20-load-cells-strain-gauges-learning-strategies-robert-fuge#t=499) Physics of Strain Gauges and Load Cells
- [15:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-04-30-s2e20-load-cells-strain-gauges-learning-strategies-robert-fuge#t=902) Manufacturing Process: Manual Assembly and Calibration
- [21:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-04-30-s2e20-load-cells-strain-gauges-learning-strategies-robert-fuge#t=1301) Common Implementation Errors and Gotchas
- [27:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-04-30-s2e20-load-cells-strain-gauges-learning-strategies-robert-fuge#t=1655) Validation: In-Situ Calibration and Repeatability
- [34:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-04-30-s2e20-load-cells-strain-gauges-learning-strategies-robert-fuge#t=2075) High-End Calibration: NIST Dead Weights and Traceability
- [40:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-04-30-s2e20-load-cells-strain-gauges-learning-strategies-robert-fuge#t=2436) Balancing FEA and Physical Testing with True Load

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Quality & yield](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/quality-and-yield)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Epsilon Laboratory (company)
- Honeywell Interface (company)
- Pipeline Design & Engineering (company)
- True Load (product)
- Wolf Star Technologies (company)
- NIST (other)
- Boeing (company)
- Raytheon (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [154: Physics Is a Big Pain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-06-02-154-physics-is-a-big-pain) (Embedded.fm)
- [236: The Concept of Delayed Gratification (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-08-20-236-the-concept-of-delayed-gratification-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [T-24-005 : Kaleen Canevari - Mechanical Engineer to Connected Fitness CEO](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2024-12-11-t-24-005-kaleen-canevari-mechanical-engineer-to-connected-fitness-ceo) (TRADEOFFS)
- [New Year Education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-01-01-new-year-education) (The Amp Hour)
- [004 - “Until They Know How Much You Care” with Andy Robertson](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2021-10-27-004-until-they-know-how-much-you-care-with-andy-robertson) (Let's Combinate)

## Citing this page

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