Measurement Lag
Measurement lag occurs when the output of a resistive sensor depends on the history of previous loads.
Adhesive Influence
The bond between the sensing element and the substrate can store energy, leading to different readings for the same load depending on the direction of travel. Minimizing strain gauge hysteresis requires the use of high-modulus adhesives that do not creep under mechanical stress.
Calibration Cycle
Load cells used in industrial weighing must account for the small difference in output when a weight is added versus when it is removed. This strain gauge hysteresis typically arises from the imperfect elasticity of the metal foil or the adhesive used to bond the gauge to the carrier. Calibration cycles involve applying a full-scale load and then returning to zero to map this non-linear behavior across the entire operating range.
Software compensates. High-quality sensors use specialized alloys and thin-film techniques to reduce the magnitude of the lag to negligible levels. If the hysteresis exceeds a few hundredths of a percent, the sensor may require a software correction algorithm.
Directional Offset
Accuracy limits for industrial scales often specify the maximum permissible difference between upscale and downscale measurements. Monitoring strain gauge hysteresis helps identify material fatigue in the load-bearing structure before a failure occurs.
