A torque sensor (also called a torque transducer) measures the torque on a shaft, a tool or a component and outputs it as an electrical signal. Depending on the application, there are stationary sensors, handheld sensors and rotary sensors, some with angle measurement.
DISA AG Sarnen supplies torque sensors from Mark-10, n-gineric, ETH Messtechnik and NCTE. This guide shows the criteria for your choice and compares all 25 series. You will find all sensors in the category Torque sensor.
The manufacturers at a glance
Mark-10
Sensors for indicators, also for tool calibration.
7 Ncm to 550 Nm · ±0.20% to ±0.6%
n-gineric
Stationary, handheld or rotary with angle measurement.
1 cNm to 1000 Nm · 0.1% to 1.0%
ETH Messtechnik
Rotary sensors for test benches and drives.
0.02 Nm to 20,000 Nm · ≤0.1% to ≤0.5%
NCTE
Rotary sensors, bidirectional.
up to 10,000 Nm · ±0.1% to ±1%
All series compared
Mark-10
| Series | Type | Measuring range | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| R50 | Universal, with drill chuck | 7 Ncm to 11.5 Nm | ±0.35% |
| R51 | Universal | 7 Ncm to 11.5 Nm | ±0.20% |
| R52 | Tool calibration | 7 Ncm to 11.5 Nm | ±0.35% |
| R55 | Square drive | 2 Nm to 550 Nm | ±0.6% |
n-gineric
| Series | Type | Measuring range | Max. speed | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ng-TTS | Stationary | 1 cNm to 1000 Nm | – | 0.1 to 1.0% depending on range |
| ng-TTH | Handheld sensor | 1 cNm to 200 cNm | – | – |
| ng-TTR | Rotary, with angle | 1 cNm to 1000 Nm | 5000 rpm | 0.1 to 1.0% depending on range |
| ng-e TTR | Rotary, with angle | 2 Nm to 50 Nm | 8000 rpm | 0.2% |
| ng-vTTR | Rotary, with angle | 80 Nm to 160 Nm | 10,000 rpm | 0.1% |
ETH Messtechnik
| Series | Type | Measuring range | Max. speed | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRBK + DRBK-A | Rotary | 0.5 Nm to 1000 Nm | 10,000 rpm | ≤0.5% |
| DRBL | Rotary | 0.5 Nm to 1000 Nm | 22,000 rpm | ≤0.25% |
| DRDL (2 measuring ranges) | Rotary | 0.5 Nm to 5000 Nm | 10,000 rpm | ≤0.1% |
| DRDML | Rotary | 0.5 Nm to 20 Nm | 25,000 rpm | Non-linearity <0.15% |
| DRDMN | Rotary | 10 Nm to 50 Nm | 10,000 rpm | Non-linearity <0.15% |
| DRDMS | Rotary | 0.5 Nm to 20 Nm | 25,000 rpm | Non-linearity <0.15% |
| DRFDN + DRFDS | Rotary | 0.5 Nm to 5 Nm | 3000 rpm | 0.25% |
| DRFN | Rotary | 1 Nm to 10,000 Nm | 3000 rpm | Non-linearity <0.15% |
| DRVL | Rotary | 0.02 Nm to 20,000 Nm | up to 37,000 rpm depending on size | ≤0.15% (optional 0.1%) |
| DRVZ | Rotary | up to 1800 Nm | 2000 rpm | ≤0.2% |
| DRWPL (waterproof) | Rotary | 0.1 Nm to 1500 Nm | 10,000 rpm | ≤0.1% |
NCTE
| Series | Type | Measuring range | Max. speed | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 2000 | Rotary, bidirectional | up to 500 Nm | 5000 rpm | ±1% |
| Series 3000 | Rotary, bidirectional | up to 2000 Nm | 10,000 rpm | ±0.2% |
| Series 4000 | Rotary, bidirectional | up to 1000 Nm | 10,000 rpm | ±0.1% |
| Series 5000 | Rotary, bidirectional | up to 10,000 Nm | 2500 rpm | ±0.5% |
| Series 7000 | Rotary, bidirectional | up to 5000 Nm | 3600 rpm | ±0.5% |
Accuracy refers to full scale (source: product page or data sheet), for Mark-10 together with the indicator. A dash in the table means that the value is not stated or not applicable.
Four criteria for your choice
1. Type
- Rotating shaft: n-gineric ng-TTR, ng-e TTR and ng-vTTR as well as all series from ETH Messtechnik and NCTE
- Stationary measurement: n-gineric ng-TTS
- Handheld: n-gineric ng-TTH
- Tool calibration: Mark-10 R52, for square drives the R55
2. Measuring range
- Mark-10 R50, R51 and R52: 7 Ncm to 11.5 Nm, R55: 2 Nm to 550 Nm
- ETH Messtechnik: from 0.02 Nm (DRVL) to 20,000 Nm
- NCTE: up to 10,000 Nm (Series 5000)
3. Speed and angle
- ETH Messtechnik: DRVL up to 37,000 rpm depending on size, DRDML and DRDMS up to 25,000 rpm
- NCTE: up to 10,000 rpm (Series 3000 and 4000)
- n-gineric rotary sensors: angle with 0.1° resolution and within ±1°
4. Accuracy and output
- NCTE: from ±0.1% (Series 4000) to ±1% (Series 2000)
- Mark-10: ±0.20% to ±0.6% of full scale with indicator
- ETH Messtechnik: voltage output ±5 V or ±10 V, DRFDN and DRFDS with frequency output
- n-gineric: USB, Ethernet or ng-Link, the ng-TTH also analog
Calibration and service in Sarnen
Our calibration laboratory in Sarnen is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 (SCS 0083) and calibrates torque sensors up to 1000 Nm, with either an SCS certificate or a factory report.
Frequently asked questions
Which sensor is suitable for calibrating torque tools?
The Mark-10 R52 series is designed specifically for calibrating torque tools. For square drives there is the robust R55 series.
Where are torque sensors used?
For example for testing torque tools, on test benches and in test fields, in screwdriving technology and on gearboxes. For connection to Maxon gearboxes there are the ETH series DRDML, DRDMN and DRDMS, and for wet environments the waterproof DRWPL.
How accurate are the sensors?
That depends on the series. Examples: NCTE Series 4000 ±0.1%, NCTE Series 3000 ±0.2%, ETH Messtechnik DRBL ≤0.25%, DRBK ≤0.5% and NCTE Series 2000 ±1%. The exact values are given in the data sheet of each series.
Advice and quotation
Tell us the measuring range, speed, required accuracy and interface. Our sales team will be happy to advise you: verkauf@disa.ch or +41 41 666 70 50.
