Torque Testing: Explanation and Picking Your Product

At Johnson Scale, we offer Torque-testing instruments for various functions in multiple industries. To better understand torque testing and how to find the right solution for you, we’ve put together this overview of torque testing, types, and benefits.

What Is Torque Testing?

Torque testing is an essential process that measures the force required to turn an object or how it will react when turned. Torque testing ensures that objects are secure and can withstand the wear and tear of their environments without breaking or malfunctioning.

Torque testing occurs in numerous industries and has various functions. We often see clients using torque testing in the medical and pharmaceutical industries for caps and bottles and in the automotive and aerospace industries for small parts that operate on motors. Torque is an important part of how we use the objects and machinery in our world, and accurate torque testing equals safety and customer satisfaction.

We provide torque testing solutions in the following industries:

• Medical device
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Electronics
• Consumer products
• Packaging
• Food and beverage

Types of Torque Testing

There are two types of torque testing: static and dynamic.

Static torque testing measures the torque on a stationary object. This is used for objects that need to be securely fastened, like bottle caps.

Dynamic torque testing involves measuring torque in motion, which is necessary for objects with moving parts, such as motor or engine-driven machinery. Our clients in the aerospace industry use this type of testing.

Within these two types of measurement, you may be looking to measure torque in a few different ways.

Breakaway torque is the initial force required to set a stationary object into a rotational motion. This is our bottlecap example from above: the twist required to open the bottle is an example of breakaway torque. You measure breakaway torque with a torque wrench or torque meter, which will hone in on the specific measurement of the object. The Mark-10 TT01 Series Digital Torque Cap Tester is a class-leading tool for breakaway torque that includes a range of productivity options, for example.

When you’re looking for a torque measurement system, you’ll encounter the following options:

• Torque Sensors: The torque sensor is a vital part of the machinery that’s responsible for capturing the measurement.
• Torque Testers: These are testing tools for your torque tools that ensure your torque tools are working correctly.
• Torque Wrenches: Torque wrenches apply a specific amount of torque to an object that twists, like a nut or bolt.
• Torque Screwdrivers: These tools are designed to tighten or loosen screws to a certain level of force.
• Test Stands: Test stands are equipment that holds the object in place for torque testing.

Whatever machinery you choose, it’s vital to ensure you get your device professionally calibrated by our team members at Johnson Scale. You’ll likely have to calibrate your machinery each year to get the most out of it.

To browse our torque offerings, go to our torque page or give us a call at 866-823-0078 – we’re happy to learn about what you need and help you pick the right testing option.