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Micro Torque Sensor
A micro torque sensor measures very small rotational torque, from 0.1 N·m up to about 10 N·m, on a turning shaft. A strain-gauge bridge on a stainless-steel shaft section reads the twist, and the signal is taken off through brushes. It suits micro-motors, viscometers and small gear or actuator tests where a full-size rotary sensor is too coarse.
- Models: WTQ-1050D / WTQ-1050E
- Range: 0.05 N·m to 5 N·m
- Type: micro-range dynamic, keyed both ends
- Variants: contact (WTQ-1050D) or non-contact (WTQ-1050E)
- Accuracy: ±0.1 to ±0.3% FS
- Output: 1.0-1.5 mV/V bridge
Overview
A micro torque sensor reads small rotating torque, from 0.05 to 5 N·m. Instranova builds it as the WTQ-1050D and WTQ-1050E, both keyed on each end and read in both directions, for small motors, gearheads and instrument drives.
Two variants cover the same range: the WTQ-1050D uses a brush contact, and the WTQ-1050E is non-contact with no slip rings, so it runs fast for long periods without wear. For torque above 5 N·m, see the rotary torque sensor.
Features
What sets this micro torque sensor apart:
0.05 to 5 N·m
A micro range for small motors, gearheads and instruments.
Two variants
WTQ-1050D contact, or WTQ-1050E non-contact for high-speed running.
Keyed both ends
A keyway on each end couples it into a small shaft line.
Bidirectional
Reads torque in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.
High accuracy
Non-linearity of ±0.1 to ±0.3% of full scale.
mV/V output
A 1.0-1.5 mV/V bridge signal, with amplified options available.
Working principle
A micro torque sensor strains a metal-foil bridge on a small shaft as torque passes through it. In the WTQ-1050D, a brush contact carries the bridge signal off the shaft. In the WTQ-1050E, the signal crosses without contact, so there are no slip rings to wear and the shaft can turn fast for long periods. Both keep the range small, from 0.05 to 5 N·m, and give a 1.0-1.5 mV/V signal that an amplifier can turn into a current or voltage output.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measuring principle | Micro-range dynamic strain-gauge, keyed both ends |
| Models | WTQ-1050D (contact) / WTQ-1050E (non-contact) |
| Measuring range | 0.05 to 5 N·m |
| Sensitivity | 1.0-1.5 mV/V |
| Non-linearity | ±0.1 / ±0.3% FS |
| Zero output | ±1% FS |
| Hysteresis | ≤±0.05% FS |
| Repeatability | ≤±0.05% FS |
| Response | about 100 microseconds |
| Input resistance | 700 / 750 Ω |
| Insulation resistance | ≥5000 MΩ / 100 VDC |
| Compensated temperature | -10 to 60 °C |
| Operating temperature | -20 to 65 °C |
| Excitation | 10-15 VDC |
| Safe overload | 150% FS |
| Ultimate overload | 200% FS |
| Material | Stainless steel or alloy steel |
Models and ranges
Standard micro rated torques, keyed both ends:
| Rated torque | Variant |
|---|---|
| 0.05 N·m | WTQ-1050D |
| 0.1 N·m | WTQ-1050D / WTQ-1050E |
| 0.5 N·m | WTQ-1050D / WTQ-1050E |
| 1 N·m | WTQ-1050D / WTQ-1050E |
| 2 N·m | WTQ-1050D / WTQ-1050E |
| 5 N·m | WTQ-1050D / WTQ-1050E |
Contact or non-contact
Pick the micro variant by how it runs, then step up to the standard range if you need more torque:
| Model | Range | Choose when |
|---|---|---|
| WTQ-1050D | 0.05-5 N·m | Contact (brush), bench and intermittent micro torque |
| WTQ-1050E | 0.1-5 N·m | Non-contact, high-speed running with no wear |
| Rotary torque sensor | 2 N·m-2 kN·m | Torque above the micro range |
For a turning shaft above 5 N·m, see the rotary torque sensor or non-contact torque sensor.
Applications
- Small motor and gearhead torque, 0.05 to 5 N·m
- Instrument and actuator drive torque
- Friction and cogging torque on small shafts
- High-speed micro torque with the non-contact WTQ-1050E
- Bench and laboratory micro torque references
Challenge: A small gearhead test needed torque under 5 N·m on a shaft that ran fast for long stretches, where a brush would wear.
Solution: A non-contact WTQ-1050E micro sensor keyed into the line, reading bidirectional torque to 5 N·m with no slip rings.
Result: The micro range gave usable resolution on the small torque, and the non-contact build ran the long test cycles without sensor maintenance.
Related products
FAQ
What is a micro torque sensor?
It is a torque sensor built for small torque. The Instranova WTQ-1050D and WTQ-1050E read 0.05 to 5 N·m on a small keyed shaft, in both directions.
What torque range does it cover?
From 0.05 to 5 N·m. For torque above 5 N·m, use the standard rotary torque sensor.
Is it contact or non-contact?
Both. The WTQ-1050D uses a brush contact; the WTQ-1050E is non-contact with no slip rings, so it suits high-speed running with no wear.
How does it mount?
A keyway on each end couples it into a small shaft line, and the housing is held against the reaction.
Can it measure torque in both directions?
Yes. It reads clockwise and counter-clockwise torque.
Request a quote
Tell us the torque range and shaft speed, and we configure one micro torque sensor for your drive, not a shelf part. Send the details and our engineers reply with a specification and quote.