Donut load cells, sometimes referred to as through-hole or washer-type load cells, are a specialized type of force transducer that play a vital role in applications requiring accurate fastening force or press-in force measurement. Thanks to their unique through-hole structure, donut load cells can be conveniently installed around bolts, studs, or shafts, enabling direct measurement of clamping or fastening forces in real time. This design not only makes them easy to integrate into existing assemblies but also ensures reliable monitoring of forces without interfering with the mechanical system. For instance, they can be placed between a mounting surface and a fastener like a washer, allowing engineers to precisely monitor bolt tension or tightening force during installation, testing, or maintenance.

In fastening applications, ensuring the correct preload is essential for safety and reliability, especially in critical industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and construction. Ring load cells provide a straightforward solution to verify that fasteners are neither under-tightened nor over-tightened, which helps prevent mechanical failure and ensures long-term performance of the assembly. Beyond fastening, they are also widely employed in press-in force measurement, shaft load monitoring, and clamping force control in production environments.

Forsentek offers washer type force sensors in various capacities and dimensions to suit different installation requirements. In addition, tailor-made services are available to customize dimensions, capacities, or output signals to perfectly match specific applications. With their compact form, robust construction, and high measurement accuracy, Forsentek donut load cells deliver an ideal solution for engineers and researchers seeking reliable fastening force measurement in both laboratory testing and industrial environments.