Chatillon Force Measurement

The collection covers 15 products across Chatillon's full force measurement ecosystem, including digital force gauges (DFX3, DFE3, DFS3 Series), mechanical force gauges (LG and DG Series), torque sensors (STS Series), load cells (AFM, SLC, CLC, and TLC Series), motorized test stands (TCM Series), a manual compression and tensile tester (MT Series), a mechanical dynamometer (TD5 Series), a touchscreen controller (SPK/CS2/0057), and a heavy-duty wedge grip (ML1700). Products range from $1,100 for handheld digital gauges to $7,933+ for fully configured motorized test stand systems.

A force gauge is a precision instrument that measures the amount of push (compression) or pull (tension) force applied to an object, typically expressed in lbf, N, kgf, ozf, or gf. In industrial and laboratory settings, force gauges are used to validate product integrity, measure insertion and extraction forces, test spring rates, evaluate bond strength, perform break and peel tests, and verify that components meet force specification tolerances. Chatillon force gauges are used in quality control labs, R&D environments, production floors, and regulated industries such as medical device manufacturing, aerospace, and packaging.

All three are digital force gauges measuring both tension and compression, but they serve different needs within the Chatillon lineup. The DFX3 is the entry-level series a capable, rugged unit with USB output, multiple test modes (peak, average, real-time), and capacities from 10 to 200 lbf, starting at $1,100. The DFE3 is a mid-tier versatile instrument priced at $1,521, offering expanded accuracy and functionality for more demanding QC applications. The DFS3 is the premium handheld series at $2,449, featuring a broader capacity range from 250 grams up to 500 lbf and is designed for seamless integration with Chatillon test stands and external load cells, making it the strongest choice for complete, traceable testing systems.

Mechanical force gauges like the Chatillon LG Series ($1,199) and DG Series ($1,449) are purpose-built for environments where battery dependency, electronics, or power access are concerns. They require no power to operate, are highly durable in harsh or outdoor conditions, and are well-suited for simple go/no-go production checks where digital output or data logging is not required. Digital gauges are the better choice when high resolution, multiple measurement units, peak hold, USB output, or test stand integration are required. Both types are available at Precision Engineering Supply across a range of capacity models.

A force gauge is a self-contained, handheld instrument that measures force directly and displays the reading on its own screen. A load cell is a force transducer which is a sensor that converts force into an electrical signal is designed to be used in conjunction with a separate display or controller. Chatillon's load cell lineup includes the AFM Series (precision sensor for DFS3 integration), SLC Series (compact tension and compression), TLC Series (tension-only applications), and CLC Series (wide-range tension and compression). Load cells are the preferred choice when the measurement point is remote from the operator, when higher force ranges are needed, or when the application requires integration into automated test systems.

Both are benchtop motorized test stands with variable speed control, rigid frame construction, and compatibility with Chatillon digital force gauges and load cells. The key difference is force capacity: the TCM100 handles up to 100 lbf (450 N), while the TCM350 supports up to 350 lbf (1,600 N) making the TCM350 the right choice for higher-load applications such as tensile testing of fasteners, connectors, or structural components. Both are available in 16-inch and 32-inch travel heights, and in two base/adapter configurations (Tread Adapters or Eye End Adapters), with prices starting at $6,223 and ranging up to $7,933 depending on configuration.

Handheld force testing introduces operator variability such as inconsistent crosshead speed, uneven load application, and difficulty repeating the exact same test conditions between samples. A motorized test stand like the Chatillon TCM Series eliminates these variables by driving the crosshead at a controlled, consistent speed, ensuring that every test is performed under the same conditions. This is critical for ISO, ASTM, or internal QC standards that require documented, repeatable test parameters. Motorized stands are standard in regulated industries including medical device manufacturing, aerospace, and consumer product testing where test traceability is required.

All digital Chatillon force gauges in this collection support multiple selectable engineering units. Depending on the model, available units include lbf (pound-force), N (newtons), kgf (kilogram-force), ozf (ounce-force), and gf (gram-force). This flexibility allows the same instrument to be used across different testing specifications or to switch between SI and imperial units without reconfiguration which is a practical advantage for teams working with both domestic and international standards.

The collection includes the Chatillon ML1700 Wedge Grip, a heavy-duty tensile testing accessory designed to securely hold flat and round specimens during pull testing. The SPK/CS2/0057 CS Touchscreen Controller provides an intuitive display and control interface for Chatillon test systems. Load cell cables, USB-to-PC cables (SPK-TCM-016), and load limit communication cables (SPK-TCM-018) are also available as part of test stand configurations. For applications requiring torque measurement rather than linear force, the STS Series Torque Sensor rounds out the testing ecosystem.

All Chatillon orders ship free to the continental USA, and Precision Engineering Supply offers a best-price guarantee. A 30-day return policy and Affirm financing at checkout are available for higher-ticket items like motorized test stand systems. Every Chatillon instrument ships with a calibration certificate and manufacturer documentation. Government and institutional buyers can submit an RFQ through the dedicated Government RFQ page. For questions about which gauge, load cell, or test stand configuration fits your application, call or text Gustavo directly at 617-398-7852, Monday through Friday, 8am–5pm EST.