Welderable Strain Gauges

Kingmach supplies welderable strain gauges that suit a range of structural monitoring jobs. These gauges typically use a stainless steel carrier, with the strain-sensing grid encapsulated in a protective layer. The carrier can be spot-welded using a portable capacitive-discharge welder, which doesn't require heavy equipment or a specialist crew. Once locked on, the gauge tracks strain through the life of the structure – some installations stay operational for a decade or more. You'll commonly find them on steel girders, pile tests, railway tracks, and pressure vessels. The attachment avoids glues that can creep or soften under temperature cycles. This direct weld makes the gauge essentially a permanent part of the steel, so issues like zero drift from adhesive relaxation become less of a worry. Many units are pre-wired with high-temperature cables, and the measurement range often covers 2% strain or beyond, depending on the foil pattern. Kingmach holds a range of configurations: single-axis, rosette patterns for principal stress direction, and custom lengths for different base materials. Because every site is different, we can adjust gauge length, bridge resistance, and cable exit to match the actual need – not just what's on the shelf. Our team works with monitoring engineers to select the right temperature compensation range, so the gauge works in the climate it will actually face. With a global distribution setup and technical support that doesn't end at the sale, users get answers fast when questions come up about welding parameters or data interpretation.