FGL-Sensorik – EN

Sensoren

Sensors – Challenge & Innovation

Intelligent sensor technology for modern materials – flexible, durable, and precise.

Comparison of fatigue properties of structural materials
Comparison of fatigue properties of structural materials

Fiber composites and plastics are more elastic than metals such as steel or aluminum. Conventional strain gauges (SG) fail at high cycle counts – this is where SMA sensors come in.

Pseudo-elastic SMAs offer high elasticity and durability and can be easily integrated into materials. In this way, static and dynamic strains are measured reliably.

Principle of resistance change
Schematic of resistance change
Resistance during strain
Electrical resistance change during strain
SMA fatigue comparison
Fatigue: SMA vs. conventional strain gauges

Advantages – SMA Sensors

  • Elastic strain up to 8%, permanent up to 2%
  • More than 4 million load cycles at 1% strain
  • k-factor: ≥ 5, transverse sensitivity: -0.09
  • Easy integration via injection molding, lamination, etc.
  • Low thermal drift, simple readout via resistance
  • Very long service life – ideal for cyclic applications

Comparison – Current Status of Conventional Sensors

  • Strain Gauges: elastic up to 0.2%, limited service life
  • Fiber Bragg Gratings: expensive, unsuitable for mobile systems
  • Carbon Fibers: low k-factor, temperature-sensitive

Applications

  • Automotive, wind power, mechanical engineering, medical technology, sports equipment
  • Lightweight construction with fiber-plastic composites
  • Membranes, control elements, prosthetics, pressure vessels
  • Textile/wood/concrete strain sensing
  • Example: Rotor blade sensor (8×10 mm, 120 Ω, k = 5.4)

Development & Services

We support you with:

  • Design & optimization of application-specific sensors
  • Automation & manufacturing processes
  • Integration, contacting, amplifier modules, miniaturization
  • Calibration, delamination detection & application transfer
Glass fleece cutting
Cutting of glass fleece for the production of SMA sensors