Microbeams
Microbeams are the sensing elements used for microforce measurement on our MicroTester systems. A microbeam (also called a force transducer wire) is a calibrated elastic element that deflects by a small, measurable amount under load, allowing the system to convert micro-scale deflection into force. By selecting the appropriate microbeam force capacity, you keep measurements in a sensitive range during mechanical testing.
Compatible with: MicroTester G2, MicroTester LT
When to choose microbeams: When you need to expand your available microbeam force capacity options, restore performance, or replace worn force transducer wires for new experiments.
At a Glance
Force transducer wires enable microforce measurement on MicroTester systems
Seven sizes span microbeam force capacity from 0.005 mN to 25 mN
Each new MicroTester includes microbeams of 7 different sizes
Supports workflows including compression testing, micro-mechanical testing, and indentation testing
Commonly ordered over time as replacement components with regular use and handling
Why Use Microbeams
MicroTester protocols often operate in force ranges where small differences in loading produce meaningful changes in deformation. Using the correct microbeam size improves microforce measurement signal quality and reduces the risk of working too close to overload limits or too close to the noise floor.
How microbeams measure force
Microbeams act like a precisely characterized spring inside the MicroTester force sensor. During a test, specimen load bends the microbeam slightly, and the instrument converts that deflection to force using the microbeam’s calibrated stiffness. Using the correct force transducer wires range improves microforce measurement resolution and reduces the risk of operating near the noise floor.
What's Included
Microbeams are supplied in size-specific sets for our MicroTester micro-scale mechanical testing systems.
New MicroTester systems include:
- One set of 10 microbeams for each of the seven sizes below (70 total microbeams)
Replacement packages include:
- One set of 10 microbeams in the selected size
Typical Workflows
Microbeams are most often used when the test method is sensitive to very small forces, and you want stable microforce measurement at the appropriate microbeam force capacity. Selecting a force capacity that matches expected peak loads improves signal quality and reduces overload risk during mechanical testing.
Of small constructs and compliant biomaterials where MicroTester microbeams selection is the limiting factor
Of soft specimens where microbeam force capacity must match expected peak loads
Where microbeam size affects resolution and overload risk during localized measurements
Protocols using lower capacity microbeams for improved sensitivity during microforce measurement
Viscoelastic & Time-Dependent Testing
Routines where stable force transducer wires improve confidence in small force changes during holds
Hydrated & Temperature-Controlled Testing
In liquid where microforce measurement stability is needed during long protocols
Instrument Compatibility
Works with: MicroTester G2 and MicroTester LT
Microbeams are the same across MicroTester G2 and MicroTester LT, so replacement ordering is based on size and required microbeam force capacity rather than model. This makes it easier to keep a consistent microforce measurement workflow while changing only the force transducer wires range.
Specifications
| Microbeam Size | Force Capacity |
|---|---|
| 0.0762 mm | 0.005 mN |
| 0.1016 mm | 0.02 mN |
| 0.1524 mm | 0.08 mN |
| 0.2032 mm | 0.2 mN |
| 0.3048 mm | 1 mN |
| 0.4064 mm | 5 mN |
| 0.5588 mm | 25 mN |
Research Applications Supported
Microbeams are most useful in studies where microforce measurement and small specimen geometry make force range selection critical.
FAQs
What are microbeams?
Microbeams are the replaceable force transducer wires used for microforce measurement on our MicroTester systems. Each size corresponds to a specific microbeam force capacity.
Why do different microbeam sizes matter?
Different microbeams provide different microbeam force capacity ranges. Choosing a size that matches the expected force range keeps microforce measurement away from the noise floor while reducing the risk of overload, which improves repeatability in ultra low force testing and micro-mechanical testing.
How many microbeams are in a replacement set?
Each replacement set includes 10 microbeams (10 force transducer wires) of the selected size.
Do MicroTester G2 and LT use the same microbeams?
Yes. The same MicroTester microbeams are used on both the MicroTester G2 and MicroTester LT.
How do I choose which microbeams size to reorder?
Choose based on your expected force range. Lower-capacity microbeams improve sensitivity for ultra low force testing, while higher-capacity microbeams are preferred when peak loads approach the upper end of a protocol.
Are microbeams compatible with hydrated testing?
Yes. Microbeams are commonly used in hydrated and temperature-controlled testing workflows where stable microforce measurement is required during long experiments in liquid.
