Mark-10

The Mark-10 collection covers force and torque measurement systems across four instrument categories: digital force gauges (multiple series spanning handheld and test stand use), digital torque gauges and torque testers, manual and motorized force test stands, and gripping fixtures and accessories. Mark-10 has been engineering force and torque measurement solutions since 1979, and every instrument is designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA at their Copiague, New York facility. The collection serves quality control professionals, engineers, and researchers across medical device, automotive, aerospace, packaging, plastics, and general manufacturing industries.

A force gauge is a precision instrument that measures push (compression) and pull (tension) forces in real time, capturing both live load and peak readings. Mark-10 force gauges can be used handheld or mounted to a test stand for controlled, repeatable testing. Common applications include tensile testing of welds, wires, and bonds; compression testing of springs, tablets, and packaging seals; peel testing of adhesives and laminates; switch actuation force testing; ergonomics and muscle strength assessment; and pull testing of crimped wire terminals. All Mark-10 force gauges include a NIST-traceable certificate of calibration with data and are overload protected to 200% of full scale capacity.

Mark-10 offers several force gauge series at increasing capability levels. Entry-level Series 2 and Series 3 gauges cover basic tension and compression measurement from 0.12 lbF to 500 lbF with 500–2,000 Hz sampling rates and USB output. The Series 5 steps up to 7,000 Hz sampling, ±0.1% full-scale accuracy, 1/5000 resolution, 1,000-point on-board data memory, and four output types (USB, RS-232, Mitutoyo Digimatic, and analog). The Series 7 adds 14,000 Hz peak capture, 5,000-point memory with bulk download, programmable footswitch sequencing, break detection, 1st/2nd peak detection, and coefficient of friction measurement making it the right choice for high-speed dynamic testing and demanding laboratory applications. All series feature a reversible aluminum housing and are directly compatible with Mark-10 test stands and grips.

The Series BG is Mark-10's advanced digital force gauge platform with sophisticated computer control capabilities through its Gauge Control Language 2 (GCL2), enabling full PC control of the instrument via USB or RS-232. The BG can actively stop ESM motorized test stand travel at user-programmable set points for both tension and compression, and can prevent force overload when used with a compatible test stand making it the preferred gauge for automated testing cells where the stand and gauge must operate as a coordinated system. Set point indicators provide pass/fail outputs for go/no-go testing. The BG includes a carrying case with a full implement set (chisel, cone, v-groove, hook, flat, extension rod), AC adapter, rechargeable battery, and NIST-traceable calibration certificate with data.

A torque gauge measures rotational force which is the amount of turning force applied to an object expressed in units like lbFin, Ncm, or ozFin. Mark-10 torque instruments capture peak torque in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions and offer selectable torque measurement units. Common applications include bottle cap and closure torque testing in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturing; fastener torque verification in automotive and aerospace assembly; torsion spring testing in medical devices and mechanisms; electric screwdriver and torque tool calibration; and dial gauge and selector knob actuation testing. Torque capacities are available from 10 ozFin up to 5,000 lbFin depending on the gauge or tester model, and all Mark-10 torque instruments carry CE certification.

A manual test stand uses a hand wheel, lever, or screw mechanism to apply force at an operator-controlled rate and the TSA750, TSB100, and TSC1000 series are examples, handling 750 lbF, 100 lbF, and 1,000 lbF respectively. Manual stands are the right choice for most laboratory and quality room applications where precise speed control is not critical and the operator can apply force smoothly. A motorized test stand, such as the ESM303 or ESM750, drives the crosshead at a precisely controlled, constant speed using a stepper motor which is critical for applications where test speed is a specified parameter (peel testing to ASTM standards, tensile testing to specified crosshead speeds), for repetitive production testing requiring cycle-to-cycle speed consistency, and for PC-controlled automated test sequences. Mark-10 motorized stands are field-upgradeable from manual stands via motor drive kits and integrate directly with MESUR®gauge Plus software for coordinated machine control and data acquisition.

Mark-10 offers an extensive grips and attachments ecosystem that threads directly onto the force gauge or sensor shaft, covering tension grips (wire terminal, roller, wedge, film and paper, cord, loop), compression fixtures (flat plates, compression buttons, v-groove anvils), hooks in multiple sizes, cones, chisel points, extension rods, and specialty fixtures for peel testing at various angles. Torque system attachments include cap grips in multiple sizes for closure testing, screwdriver bit adapters, hex socket adapters, and an axial compensator for torque tests where the sample moves axially during rotation. The correct grip selection is determined by the material being tested, its geometry, and the failure mode to be characterized, Gustavo can help match the right grip to the application before purchase.

Mark-10 offers two software tiers. MESUR® Lite is the entry-level data acquisition program included with most force and torque gauges which it tabulates continuous or single-point data received from the gauge and provides one-click export to Excel. It covers straightforward data logging and basic pass/fail documentation needs. MESUR®gauge and MESUR®gauge Plus are the advanced platforms, providing real-time load vs. time and load vs. travel vs. distance graphing, sophisticated test setup with configurable start/stop triggers (load, time, distance, number of samples), statistical analysis, automated reporting, and coordinated motion control of compatible ESM motorized test stands. MESUR®gauge Plus adds automated test stand speed and direction control with a single-click test initiation, making it the solution for structured, documented production test processes. All software communicates with Mark-10 gauges via USB or RS-232.

Mark-10 instruments are used in medical device manufacturing (syringe plunger force, catheter pull strength, connector insertion/extraction, implant assembly), automotive (seat belt retraction, push button actuation, fastener torque), aerospace (component tensile verification, wire harness pull testing), pharmaceutical (tablet crush force, blister pack peel force, vial crimp seal testing), food and beverage (cap torque, package seal integrity), and plastics (material tensile strength, weld line integrity). Every Mark-10 force gauge, torque gauge, and sensor ships with a NIST-traceable certificate of calibration with data which is a formal document confirming traceability through an unbroken chain of calibrations back to NIST national measurement standards. Combined calibration certificates for sensors and indicators are available at time of order for systems using Plug & Test® sensors with Mark-10 indicators.

All Mark-10 orders ship free to the continental USA, backed by a best-price guarantee. A 30-day return policy and Affirm financing at checkout are available. Government and institutional buyers can submit an RFQ through the dedicated Government RFQ page (DUNS: 13-715-2209, CAGE: 15F67). Mark-10 systems are highly configurable and the right force gauge series, capacity, grip type, test stand model, and software tier all depend on the specific test method, capacity range, speed requirement, and documentation needs of the application. Gustavo personally reviews every order and encourages buyers to call or text 617-398-7852 before purchasing, Monday through Friday, 8am–5pm EST, to ensure the complete system is configured correctly before it ships.