The PCE-DFG 20K X-ICA digital force gauge is a professional instrument for accurately measuring tensile and compressive forces up to 20,000 N. It is supplied with an external 20 kN load cell and an ISO calibration report, an important feature for laboratories, quality control departments, technical departments and companies that need to document their measurements with traceability and greater metrological reliability.

The device is suitable for component testing, strength tests, functional inspections, assembly system checks, actuation force tests on buttons and switches, measurement of the force required to move, press, pull or compress an element, tests on springs, levers, actuators, clamping systems, couplings and components subjected to load. Thanks to the external load cell, the force gauge can also be integrated into test benches, stands and dedicated fixtures.

The measuring range is 0 ... 20 kN, with 2 N resolution and ±0.05% F.S. accuracy. These data make the PCE-DFG 20K X-ICA suitable for applications where force must be read with precision and repeatability. The 2 N resolution allows significant load variations to be observed during technical tests and inspections, while ±0.05% F.S. accuracy provides reliable control of the measured value relative to full scale.

The external 20,000 N load cell is designed for use in demanding industrial conditions. The IP67 protection rating of the measuring cell is particularly useful in environments where dust, humidity, dirt or harsher operating conditions may be present. The display unit has an IP52 protection rating, suitable for controlled technical use in laboratories, workshops and production departments.

The force gauge measures both tension and compression. This makes it highly versatile, as it can be used to check pushing forces, pulling forces, component resistance, spring behaviour, loads on fixtures, deformation tests, tests on brackets, supports, mechanical systems, control devices and parts that must comply with force specifications during operation.

The 2.8-inch backlit LCD display provides clear reading even in work environments that are not perfectly illuminated. Numeric display allows direct force reading, while graphical display helps understand load behaviour during the test. The bar graph shows the value within the selected measuring range, providing immediate visual control when working with limits, thresholds or target values.

The adjustable sampling rate from 1 ... 7,200 Hz is a very important technical feature. Lower frequencies can be used for slow or static tests, while higher acquisition speeds are available for fast events, force peaks, breaks, snaps, controlled impacts, switch tests or rapid load changes. This flexibility allows the force gauge to be adapted to the test type and the dynamics of the measured phenomenon.

The 32 GB internal memory can store approximately 30 million values. This capacity is useful for long tests, measurement campaigns, repetitive tests, production checks or high-frequency acquisitions. Recorded data can then be transferred and analysed via USB-C interface and included software, enabling reports, technical archives and test documentation to be created.

The USB-C interface simplifies connection to a computer and allows measured data to be read, transferred and managed. In quality control and laboratory environments, the ability to export values is essential because it allows test history to be stored, results compared, compliance verified, inspections documented and force data linked to internal procedures, customer specifications or control plans.

The PCE-DFG 20K X-ICA has several alarm modes with optical and acoustic signalling. The modes include internal, external, crack and shutdown alarm. This function allows force limits, safety thresholds, overloads, breaks or specific events to be controlled during the test. In production and quality control, alarms help the operator immediately recognise when a value is out of tolerance or when the test has reached a critical condition.

The selectable units include kPa, kg, g, ft, N, lb, t, kN, Pa, Nm and Ncm. This availability allows the instrument to be adapted to different procedures, sectors and operating habits. In mechanical and industrial fields, N and kN are particularly important force units, while other units may be useful for specific tests, conversions, technical documentation or special applications.

A significant feature of the force gauge is the possibility of replacing the load cell. By entering the sensitivity in mV/V, different load cells can be used with the same display unit. This makes the instrument more flexible over time, because the system can be adapted to different measuring ranges, different tests or special applications without necessarily replacing the entire instrument.

The scope of delivery includes two pins with M10 thread, useful for connecting the load cell to accessories, hooks, brackets, test devices or mechanical elements. The M10 thread facilitates integration into existing equipment and allows robust connections to be created, provided they are correctly sized according to the maximum load and test type. The accessories used must always be compatible with the 20 kN load.

To obtain reliable measurements, the load cell must be correctly aligned with the force direction. Side loads, misalignment, torsion or incorrect constraints can alter the measurement and stress the cell improperly. In tensile and compression tests, rigid fixtures, stable supports, correct pins and axial connections should be used, avoiding play, bending or uncontrolled friction.

In industrial maintenance, the PCE-DFG 20K X-ICA can be used to verify opening, closing, pushing, pulling, release or actuation forces on mechanisms and devices. In workshops and production, it supports batch control, comparative tests, adjustments, assembly verification and final inspections. In technical laboratories it is useful for repeatable tests, prototype testing and component validation.

Operating time is up to 13 h, while automatic switch-off can be adjusted from 1 ... 15 min and can be disabled. The battery has a capacity of 2,500 mAh and power supply is via USB 5 V DC, 500 mA. These features allow the instrument to be used both at a fixed workstation and in mobile applications, reducing the risk of interruptions during measurement activities.

The specified operating conditions are -20 ... 65 °C with 10 ... 95% RH, while storage conditions are -20 ... 65 °C with 10 ... 95% RH. The device dimensions are 165 x 85 x 32 mm and the weight is 255 g, making it compact and easy to transport. The included carrying case protects the instrument, load cell, USB-C cable and accessories during transport between laboratory, workshop, production department and test area.

The scope of delivery includes 1 PCE-DFG 20K X-ICA force gauge, 1 20,000 N load cell, 2 pins with M10 thread, 1 carrying case, 1 USB-C cable, 1 software package, operating instructions available in English and Italian in translation, and 1 ISO calibration report. The equipment allows professional force measurement and documentation activities to start quickly, with everything needed for tensile and compression tests.

The PCE-DFG 20K X-ICA force gauge is therefore a professional solution for users who need to measure, record and analyse forces up to 20 kN with high accuracy. The combination of external IP67 load cell, 2 N resolution, ±0.05% F.S. accuracy, sampling rate up to 7,200 Hz, 32 GB memory, included software, USB-C interface, configurable alarms, graphical display and ISO calibration report makes it suitable for quality control, laboratories, test benches, production, maintenance, inspections and advanced industrial applications.