Strain Gage Surface Preparation for Steel and Aluminum Alloys (Training Video)
Strain gages can be satisfactorily bonded to almost any solid material if the material surface is properly prepared. While a properly prepared surface can be achieved in more than one way, the specific procedures and techniques described here offer a number of advantages. To begin with, they constitute a carefully developed and thoroughly proven system; and, when the instructions are followed precisely (along with those for gage and adhesive handling), the consistent result will be strong stable bonds. The procedures are simple to learn, easy to perform, and readily reproducible. The importance of attention to detail, and precise adherence to instructions, cannot be overstressed in surface preparation for strain gage bonding.