Tension meters measure the tension force in wires, cables, belts, yarns, and webs during manufacturing and assembly. Calibration verifies the meter's force reading accuracy across its measurement range using calibrated weights or a reference force standard. Accurate tension control is critical for wire forming, textile production, cable installation, and web handling processes.
Inspect the tension meter for worn sheaves, damaged cable guides, and proper display function. Verify the sheave rollers rotate freely and are properly aligned. Check that the zero adjustment functions correctly.
With no load applied, verify the tension meter reads zero. Record the as-found zero reading. For mechanical meters, check that the pointer returns to zero consistently after loading and unloading.
Apply calibrated forces at a minimum of five points across the measurement range (10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of capacity). Use deadweights suspended through the meter's sheaves or a calibrated force fixture. Record the meter reading at each point.
Test in both ascending and descending force directions to determine hysteresis. Record readings at each test point in both directions.
If the tension meter has interchangeable sheaves for different wire sizes, verify accuracy with the specific sheave and wire size used in the application. Different wire diameters can affect contact geometry and reading accuracy.
Record all as-found data, errors, hysteresis values, and measurement uncertainty. Issue the calibration certificate with pass/fail determination. Apply the calibration label.
Error at each test point must not exceed ±1% of the reading for precision tension meters, or ±2% for general-purpose meters. Hysteresis must not exceed 1% of full scale. Zero drift after full-scale loading must return to within 0.5% of full scale.
12 months
The wire diameter determines the contact angle on the meter's sheaves, which affects the force distribution and reading accuracy. Most tension meters are calibrated for a specific wire diameter range. Using the meter outside its specified wire size range will produce inaccurate readings.
Yes, suspending calibrated weights through the tension meter's sheaves is a primary calibration method. The wire or cable must pass through the meter in the same configuration as field use. The applied tension equals the weight force (mass times gravity) minus friction losses in the sheaves.
A tension meter is designed specifically for measuring tension in continuous materials (wire, cable, belt, yarn) using sheaves or rollers through which the material passes. A force gauge measures push/pull forces applied to its load cell. While both measure force, they serve different applications.
CalibrationOS tracks due dates, stores certificates, and generates audit-ready reports.
Get Started Free