Strain Measurement Devices
Four Core Technologies.
Thousands of Applications.
SMD Sensors builds precision measurement products across four fundamental sensing technologies — Thin Film, Ultrasonic, Capacitive, and Optical. Each technology is matched to the demands of the application, from sub-micron force sensing to non-invasive bubble detection.
Technology Overview
Select a technology to explore
THIN FILMThin Film
Precision at the microscale
Thin film technology involves depositing ultra-thin layers of conductive or resistive material onto a substrate to create highly accurate sensing elements. This manufacturing process enables exceptional repeatability, low hysteresis, and superior temperature stability — ideal for demanding measurement environments.
Key Benefits
- Extremely stable output over temperature ranges
- Low hysteresis and drift
- Miniaturizable for space-constrained designs
- Excellent long-term repeatability
- Compatible with harsh media and environments
Thin Film Product Families
All products
Pressure Measurement
High-accuracy thin film pressure sensors for gauge, absolute, and differential measurement across a wide range of media and pressure ranges.
Force & Load Measurement
Precision thin film load cells and force sensors designed for integration into OEM equipment, offering high resolution and reliability.
Weight Measurement
Custom and standard thin film-based scale platforms for precise weight measurement in medical, laboratory, and industrial applications.
Torque Measurement
High-performance rotary torque measurement solutions built on thin film technology for dynamic and static torque sensing requirements.
Technology Comparison
Not sure which technology fits?
Use this reference to understand the key differences across SMD's four core sensing platforms.
| Criterion | Thin Film | Ultrasonic | Capacitive | Optical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contact with Fluid | Direct | None (clamp-on) | None (through wall) | Prism tip contact |
| Primary Measurement | Pressure, Force, Weight, Torque | Flow, Bubbles, Level | Level (continuous & point) | Point level detection |
| Media Compatibility | Wide range of media | Any liquid or slurry | Non-conductive preferred | Water & aqueous solutions |
| Temperature Range | Very wide (−40°C to +150°C+) | Standard to extended | Wide | Standard (0°C to +85°C) |
| Ideal Applications | OEM embedded sensing | Medical fluid management | Tank & vessel level monitoring | Reservoir & cartridge level |
Need help selecting the right technology?
Our application engineers work directly with your team to match the best sensing technology to your measurement requirements, environment, and integration constraints.