Eclipse
Ultra-Low Force Sensor
The Eclipse Ultra-Low Force Sensor is a UniVert accessory designed for low-force mechanical testing where signal quality and overload protection matter as much as resolution. Eclipse detects forces as small as 40 µN and supports interchangeable full-scale capacities across the 20 mN to 500mN range, enabling ultra-low force protocols on a benchtop uniaxial platform.
Compatible with: UniVert S, UniVert 1kN
When to choose Eclipse: Ultra-low force experiments down to 0.02 N capacity on the UniVert
When to choose MicroTester instead: If your protocol requires force capacities below 0.02 N
At a Glance
Force detection to 40 µN for low-force mechanical testing
Interchangeable full-scale ranges: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 mN
10,000% safe overload protection for setup and alignment
Designed for tension and compression workflows with dedicated ultra-low force fixtures
Fully integrated with the CellScale UniVert platform for controlled uniaxial testing
What the Eclipse Ultra-Low Force Sensor is For
Many biomaterials and soft constructs fail, slip, or exhibit nonlinear behaviour before a conventional load cell reaches an informative portion of its measurement range. The Eclipse Ultra-Low Force Sensor extends the UniVert into ultra-low force regimes so you can quantify early-stage stiffness, toe-region behaviour, and time-dependent responses without saturating noise or risking overload during sample handling.
Common reasons researchers add Eclipse to the UniVert:
- Improve force resolution for delicate specimens where differences are real but small
- Reduce measurement artifacts when running viscoelastic characterization at low loads
- Enable low-force cyclic mechanical testing without sacrificing control or durability
Ultra-Low Force Package for the UniVert
The Eclipse is offered as part of the Ultra-Low Force Package for the UniVert S and UniVert 1kN. This package is built for practical ultra-low force work, not just sensor sensitivity.
Package includes:
- 1. Eclipse Ultra-Low Force Sensor (0.02 N to 0.5 N force capacity)
- 2. Ultra-Low Force Tension Grips (lightweight polymer design, spring closure)
- 3. Ultra-Low Force Compression Platens (polymer platens)
Typical Workflows
The Eclipse supports standard UniVert workflows, with particular advantages when forces are near the lower limit of conventional instrumentation.
Ultra-low capacity force measurement for delicate specimens and subtle mechanical differences
Low-load tension protocols for thin, compliant samples where gripping and alignment influence results
Ultra-low force compression for soft, highly deformable specimens
Viscoelastic & Time-Dependent Testing
Time-dependent response measurement under low loads and controlled deformation histories
Sustained loading at small forces to quantify creep behaviour in compliant materials
Controlled strain application with force decay tracking for relaxation behaviour at ultra-low loads
Instrument Compatibility
Works with: UniVert S and UniVert 1kN
For labs that test both very soft and stiffer samples, a UniVert 1kN setup can cover low-force mechanical testing down to 0.02 N using the Eclipse package, and higher-load work up to 1000 N with the appropriate load cell. The software and fixture workflow stays the same while the sensing range changes.
Specifications
| Capacity | 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 mN |
| Safe Overload | 10,000% of rated output (R.O.) |
| Hysteresis | ±0.08% of R.O. |
| Non-linearity | ±0.1% of R.O. |
| Non-repeatability | ±0.1% of R.O. |
| Temperature shift (zero) | ±0.02% of R.O. per °C |
Research Applications Supported
The Eclipse Ultra-Low Force Sensor is commonly used when specimen stiffness, geometry, or handling constraints make conventional load ranges impractical.
FAQs
What is the Eclipse Ultra-Low Force Sensor used for?
The Eclipse is used for low-force mechanical testing on the UniVert when you need reliable force measurement in the tens of milliNewtons up through tenths of Newtons, including viscoelastic characterization and cyclic mechanical testing at low loads. In many labs, the Eclipse also serves as a stress relaxation testing device when low-load stability and clean force decay curves are required.
How low can the Eclipse measure?
Eclipse detects forces as small as 40 µN, supporting meaningful resolution in ultra-low force experiments.
What force ranges are available?
The Eclipse has a force range of 0.02 N to 0.5 N capacity for practical, low-force testing workflows.
Is Eclipse protected against overload?
Yes. The Eclipse includes 10,000% safe overload protection (relative to rated output), which is helpful during setup, alignment, and unexpected loading events.
When should I use the MicroTester instead of Eclipse on the UniVert?
Use the Eclipse when your target forces are at or above 0.02 N capacity and you want to keep the UniVert workflow. If your protocol requires forces below 0.02 N, the MicroTester is the recommended platform.
