0-50kg Force & Pressure Sensor Flexible Precision Thin Film MD 30-60

Specifications:

• Model: MD30-60

• Length: 64 mm 

• Range: 0 ~ 50kg

• Thickness: less than 0.60mm

• Response point: less than 200g

• Test voltage: dc3.3v typical

• Response time: less than 1ms

• Recovery time: less than 15ms

• Working temperature: - 20 ℃ ~ 60 ℃

• Initial resistance: more than 10mΩ

• Weight: 1g

Applications:

• Detect & qualify press: Sense whether a touch is accidental or intended by reading force
• Use force for UI feedback: Detect more or less user force to make a more intuitive interface
• Enhance tool safety: Differentiate a grip from touch as a safety lock
• Find the centroid of force: Use multiple sensors to determine the centroid of force
• Detect the presence, position, or motion: Of a person or patient in a bed, chair, or medical device
• Detect liquid blockage: Detect tube or pump occlusion or blockage by measuring back pressure
• Many other force measurement applications

Arduino Wiring (Voltage Divider):

Pin 1: 5V (VCC)
Pin 2: Connect to Analog Pin (A0) AND to Ground via a 10kΩ Resistor (Pull-down)

Note: Changing the resistor value (10kΩ vs 47kΩ) adjusts the sensitivity curve.

Package Includes:

1 x 0-50kg Force & Pressure Sensor Flexible Precision Thin Film MD 30-60 

FAQs

• Is this the same as a Load Cell?
  No. A load cell is for precise weighing (scales). This is a Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) best for detecting presence and relative pressure, not accurate gram-level weighing.
• Can I cut the sensor to make it smaller?
  No, cutting the sensor will break the internal circuit and ruin it.
• Does it detect static weight accurately over long periods?
  FSRs are prone to "drift." They are best for dynamic changes (press/release) rather than holding a static value for hours.
• What resistor value should I use?
  Start with 10kΩ. If you need more sensitivity at lower weights, increase to 47kΩ or 100kΩ.
• Is it waterproof?
  The surface is splash-resistant, but the connection tail is not. Do not submerge.
• Can I use this with a Raspberry Pi? Yes, but you need an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) like the ADS1115, as the Pi does not have analog pins.
• What is the "active area" diameter?
  For the MD30-60, the sensing area is typically around 30mm (check physical dimensions upon arrival).
• Why is my reading fluctuating?
  Ensure the sensor is on a solid, flat surface. Soft backings (like foam) can cause inconsistent readings.
• Can I drive a relay directly with this?
  No, the current flow is too low. You must use a transistor or microcontroller to switch a load.
• What is the max voltage? It typically handles up to 5V-12V DC, but 3.3V or 5V logic is recommended for microcontrollers.
• Does temperature affect the readings?
  Yes, extreme heat or cold can shift the resistance curve slightly.
• How do I calibrate it?
  Apply known weights (e.g., 5kg, 10kg) and map the analog values in your code to these weights.
• Can I use it to detect someone sitting on a chair?
  Yes, this 50kg version is perfect for seat occupancy detection.
• What happens if I exceed 50kg?
  The resistance will "saturate" (stop changing), but the sensor generally won't break unless the force is sharp or punctures the film.
• Is the tail flexible?
  Yes, the tail is designed to bend, but do not crease it sharply at the connector junction.
• How linear is the output?
  The output is roughly logarithmic. It is very sensitive at low forces and less sensitive at high forces.
• Can I use multiple sensors together?
  Yes, you can wire them in parallel to sum the area, or separately to detect center-of-gravity.
• Does it work with ESP32?
  Yes, it works perfectly with ESP32 analog pins (3.3V logic).
• What connector does it fit?
  It fits standard 2.54mm pitch female headers or breadboards (gently).
• Is there a polarity?
  No, like any resistor, it is non-polarized. You can connect positive/negative either way.