0-10kg Force & Pressure Sensor Flexible Precision Thin Film

Specifications

• Sensing Range: 0g to 10kg (approx. 0-100N)
• Sensor Type: Resistive (Resistance decreases as pressure increases)
• Active Sensing Area: ~14.7mm Diameter (Circular)
• Thickness: < 0.35mm (Ultra-thin profile)
• Response Time: < 1ms
• Restore Time: <15ms
• Durability: > 1 Million Actuations
• Connector: Standard 2.54mm pitch (Breadboard friendly)
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C

Applications

• Robotic Grippers: Prevent crushing delicate objects by monitoring grip force in real-time.
• Human-Machine Interface (HMI): Create pressure-sensitive buttons or touchpads for custom controllers.
• Smart Wearables: Monitor foot pressure (gait analysis) or joint movement in DIY health devices.
• Interactive Art: Trigger sound or light effects based on how hard a surface is pressed.
• Inventory Management: Detect weight changes on a shelf to track stock levels automatically.

Project Evolution

• Prerequisites: If you have mastered simple digital inputs like Tactile Push Buttons or Limit Switches, you understand the basics of "State Change" (High/Low).
• The Upgrade: This sensor unlocks Analog Resolution. Instead of knowing if a robot hit a wall, you can measure how hard it hit. It transforms your project from a "blind" machine into a "sensing" organism.
• Effort Level: Intermediate. Requires understanding of analogRead() and basic Voltage Divider circuits.

Wiring & Safety

Warning: Do NOT solder directly to the film pins if possible; excessive heat can melt the plastic substrate. Use female jumper wires or clamp connectors.

Voltage Divider Logic:
This sensor acts as a variable resistor. To read it with an Arduino (or ESP32), you must build a voltage divider circuit.

• Connect One Pin -> VCC (5V or 3.3V).
• Connect Other Pin -> Microcontroller Analog Pin (A0) AND to Ground via a fixed
• resistor (10kΩ - 100kΩ).

Package Includes:1 x 0-10kg Force & Pressure Sensor Flexible Precision Thin Film

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How accurate is this 0-10kg force sensor for weighing scales?
  It is designed for force detection, not precision weighing. Accuracy is roughly ±10%. For precision scales, use a Load Cell.
• Can I cut the tail of the sensor to make it shorter?
  No, cutting the tail will sever the conductive silver traces and destroy the sensor.
• What happens to resistance when no pressure is applied?
  The resistance is effectively infinite (Open Circuit), usually >10MΩ.
• What happens to resistance at full pressure (10kg)?
  The resistance drops significantly, typically ranging between 200Ω and 1kΩ depending on the specific batch.
• Do I need an amplifier to use this with Arduino?
  No, a simple voltage divider with a 10kΩ resistor is sufficient to read values via analogRead().
• Can this sensor detect liquid pressure?
  Only if the active area is sealed. The sensor itself is not waterproof and contacts must be kept dry.
• Is the 10kg limit a hard maximum?
  Applying significantly more than 10kg may permanently deform the sensor layer, damaging its calibration.
• Does this sensor work with Raspberry Pi?
  Yes, but the Raspberry Pi lacks Analog pins. You will need an ADC module (like MCP3008) to read the data.
• What is the best value for the pull-down resistor?
  A 10kΩ resistor is standard. Increasing it to 47kΩ or 100kΩ increases sensitivity at the low-force end (light touches).
• Can I bend the round sensing area?
  No, the sensing area must remain flat. Only the tail is flexible. Bending the active area causes false readings.
• How fast can this sensor detect impacts?
  It has a response time of <10 microseconds, making it suitable for detecting quick taps or impacts.
• Will continuous pressure damage the sensor?
  It can withstand static pressure, but "drift" may occur over time (readings changing slightly under constant load).
• Can I solder pins to the connector?
  We strongly advise against it. The plastic melts instantly. Use crimp connectors or insert into a breadboard/female header.
• Is this compatible with 3.3V logic like ESP32?
  Yes, it works perfectly with 3.3V logic. Just ensure your VCC is 3.3V.
• Does it measure pressure (PSI) or Force (Newtons)?
  It measures Force. Pressure depends on the area over which that force is applied.
• Why are my readings unstable?
  Ensure the sensor is on a hard, flat surface. If the backing is soft, the sensor bends, causing noise.
• Can I use multiple sensors on one microcontroller?
  Yes, you can use as many sensors as you have Analog Input pins available.
• Is polarity important for wiring?
  No, it is a resistor. It has no polarity; you can connect positive/negative to either pin.
• How do I calibrate the force values?
  You must create a calibration curve by placing known weights on the sensor and recording the analog values.
• Can I use this for touch sensing behind glass?
   No, this is a pressure sensor, not a capacitive touch sensor. It requires physical depression/contact.