LCS Tech Completes Custom Underwater Force-Torque Sensor Project

LCS Tech Co., Limited recently completed a highly specialized custom force and torque measurement solution for a long-standing university customer, supporting an advanced underwater testing project with demanding mechanical and environmental requirements.

The customer, a regular partner from an academic research institution, approached LCS Tech with a request for a tailor-made sensor capable of simultaneously measuring force and torque under submerged conditions. The application required the sensor to operate reliably underwater while maintaining compact dimensions and high measurement accuracy, making the project both technically challenging and performance-critical.

From the early stages of discussion, the customer expressed a preference for a pancake-type sensor structure. Axial height needed to be minimized as much as possible due to installation constraints, while radial dimensions were allowed slightly more flexibility. The initial specifications called for a torque capacity of 5 kN·m and a force capacity of 40 kN, with an overall height below 50 mm and an outer diameter close to 250 mm. In addition, the signal cable had to be routed axially, and the sensor was required to remain continuously submerged in seawater at a depth of 15 meters for at least three hours.

Following a detailed review of the application, LCS Tech’s engineering team conducted finite element analysis (FEA) and comprehensive structural evaluations to optimize both performance and durability. Based on the simulation results and cross-talk considerations between force and torque channels, the final design parameters were refined. The confirmed specifications included a torque capacity of 5 kN·m and an increased force capacity of 65 kN, with an overall height of just 45 mm and an outer diameter reduced to 245 mm. The force capacity was intentionally increased to further minimize cross-talk effects and ensure stable performance under complex loading conditions.

The proposed design and technical rationale were well received by the customer. Production and testing of the customized force-torque sensor were completed within a six-week lead time. To guarantee performance and traceability, both the torque and force channels were individually calibrated in-house, with detailed calibration reports provided alongside the sensor. Testing results showed that cross-talk was limited to only 0.5% of full capacity, significantly exceeding the customer’s original expectations.

Given the harsh operating environment, special attention was also paid to sealing and underwater reliability. Prior to shipment, the sensor underwent an extensive airtightness and sealing test equivalent to a water depth of 20 meters for 50 hours. This rigorous pre-shipment testing ensured that the sensor could withstand prolonged underwater exposure and perform reliably during the customer’s testing program.

This project highlights LCS Tech’s ability to deliver customized force and torque measurement solutions tailored to unique mechanical constraints and challenging environments. With extensive experience in load cells, Force Sensors, and multi-axis measurement systems, LCS Tech supports a wide range of applications where standard products are insufficient.

For customers seeking underwater force measurement solutions, sensors that must fit into existing mechanical structures, or custom multi-axis force and torque sensors, LCS Tech Co., Limited represents a reliable and flexible partner capable of turning complex requirements into proven solutions.