Strain gages can be satisfactorily bonded to almost any solid material if the material surface is properly prepared. While a properly prepared surface can be achieved in more than one way, the specific procedures and techniques described here offer a number of advantages. To begin with, they constitute a carefully developed and thoroughly proven system; and, when the instructions are followed precisely (along with those for gage and adhesive handling), the consistent result will be strong stable bonds. The procedures are simple to learn, easy to perform, and readily reproducible. The importance of attention to detail, and precise adherence to instructions, cannot be overstressed in surface preparation for strain gage bonding.

Micro-Measurements CEA-Series gages are the most widely accepted for use in general-purpose experimental stress analysis applications in the world today. These polyimide encapsulated constantan gages feature large, rugged copper-coated tabs. This construction provides optimum capability for attaching leadwires directly to the tabs, eliminating the need for separate terminals. Micro-Measurements Certified M-Bond 200 is an excellent general-purpose laboratory adhesive because of its fast room-temperature cure and ease of application. For proper results, the procedures and techniques presented here should be used with qualified Micro-Measurements installation accessory products.

The recommended procedures and materials needed for attaching leadwires to a Micro-Measurements CEA strain gage and applying a coating to the gage to protect it in the laboratory environment are covered in this video. Although soldering is basically a simple procedure, the experience-proven methods featured in this video result in reliable strain gage installations based on the use of Micro-Measurements gages and installation accessories

The recommended procedures and materials needed for bonding a Micro-Measurements WK-Series strain gage with Option W using M-Bond 610 Adhesive are covered in this video.

Overview of Micro-Measurements StrainSmart Data Systems and Software for data acquisition, conditioning, reduction, and presentation of measurement data from strain gages and related sensors for stress analysis and structural materials testing.