Chatillon DFS II Digital Force Gauge
| Brand | Chatillon |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | DFS II |
| Accuracy | ±0.1% of full scale |
| Communication | Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) |
| Sensor Interface | Integrated load cell + optional smart external sensors (force & torque) |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS, NIST-traceable calibration available |
Overview
The Chatillon DFS II Digital Force Gauge is an engineered precision instrument designed for high-fidelity static and dynamic force measurement in quality control, R&D, and production environments. Based on strain-gauge transduction technology with temperature-compensated signal conditioning, the DFS II delivers stable, repeatable readings across its full measurement range. Its architecture adheres to fundamental mechanical metrology principles—force is quantified via Hooke’s law-based deflection of a calibrated elastic element, with digital signal processing ensuring linearity correction and zero drift compensation. Unlike analog predecessors, the DFS II integrates real-time digital filtering, auto-zeroing, and peak capture logic to support both tensile and compressive testing protocols per ASTM E4, ISO 7500-1, and USP . It serves as a primary or secondary standard in laboratories requiring traceable, audit-ready force data under GLP/GMP frameworks.
Key Features
- Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy (BLE) wireless connectivity enables seamless, cable-free data streaming to Windows/macOS PCs, tablets, and mobile devices—eliminating interface hardware and reducing setup time by up to 60% in multi-station test cells.
- Dual-sensor capability: factory-calibrated internal load cell plus support for Chatillon’s Smart External Sensors (e.g., torque adapters, miniature tension hooks, compression platens), each with embedded EEPROM storing calibration coefficients and sensor ID.
- High-accuracy measurement performance: ±0.1% of full scale (FS) linearity, hysteresis, and repeatability—validated per ISO 376 Annex B and certified with NIST-traceable documentation upon request.
- Intuitive 2.8-inch color TFT display with adjustable brightness, real-time graphing, and dual-unit readout (N, lbf, kgf, ozf, mN) without mode switching.
- Rugged aluminum housing rated IP54 for dust and splash resistance; operating temperature range: 10–40 °C; storage: –20–60 °C.
- Onboard memory stores up to 1,000 test records with timestamp, direction flag (tension/compression), and statistical summary (min/max/avg/SD).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DFS II accommodates diverse sample geometries and mechanical behaviors through interchangeable fixtures—including pneumatic grips, universal test stands (e.g., DFS-1000 series), and custom mounting adapters. It supports standardized test methods for medical device packaging peel strength (ASTM F88), pharmaceutical tablet hardness (USP ), wire crimp pull-off (IPC J-STD-001), and adhesive bond shear (ASTM D1002). All firmware and calibration routines comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when used with validated software (e.g., Mark-10 MESUR™gauge). Device firmware is version-controlled and supports secure over-the-air (OTA) updates. CE marking confirms conformity with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU.
Software & Data Management
The DFS II operates natively with Chatillon’s free PC application—DFS Control Software—which provides real-time plotting, pass/fail thresholding, batch export to CSV/Excel, and automated report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards. For enterprise integration, the gauge supports Modbus RTU over Bluetooth serial profile (SPP), enabling direct communication with SCADA systems and LIMS platforms. Audit trails include operator ID, calibration date, environmental conditions (if logged externally), and all parameter changes—fully aligned with GLP audit expectations. Raw data files retain binary integrity and are digitally signed to prevent tampering.
Applications
- Quality assurance of assembled electronics: button actuation force, connector insertion/extraction, flex circuit bending endurance.
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing: capsule cap removal torque, blister pack push-through force, syringe plunger break-loose testing.
- Automotive component validation: pedal return spring force, seat belt retractor lock engagement, HVAC damper actuation load.
- Materials science labs: tensile strength of biodegradable films, compressive yield of foams, peel adhesion of laminates.
- Ergonomic tool evaluation: trigger pull force for power tools, grip force profiling for hand-held surgical instruments.
FAQ
What calibration standards does the DFS II support?
It ships with a certificate of conformance and optional NIST-traceable calibration per ISO/IEC 17025. Users may perform field verification using certified deadweight sets or reference load cells.
Can the DFS II measure torque directly?
Not natively—but when paired with Chatillon’s TQ Series torque adapters (e.g., TQ-100N·m), it acquires torque data via its smart sensor interface and applies appropriate unit conversion and offset compensation.
Is the Bluetooth connection secure for regulated environments?
Yes—BLE pairing uses 128-bit AES encryption; data packets include CRC-16 error checking. When deployed with validated software, full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is achievable via user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit logs.
How often should recalibration be performed?
Annual recalibration is recommended under normal use; more frequent intervals apply for high-cycle applications (>10,000 cycles/day) or after mechanical shock events—per ISO 9001 Clause 7.1.5.
Does the DFS II support custom units or user-defined formulas?
Yes—the software allows creation of derived units (e.g., N/mm for stiffness) and arithmetic expressions (e.g., (max − min)/avg) applied to stored datasets during post-processing.
