CNC Machining Design Guide

Optimize your designs, reduce machining time, and lower your costs.

Mechanical Engineers Outlook

Guide for those interested in becoming a mechanical engineer. Includes qualifications, pay, and job duties.

Metal 3D Printing Design Guide

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D printing for parts with reduced cost and little waste.

Selecting the Right 3D Printer

Discover how to choose the right 3D printer for your needs and the key performance attributes to consider.

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Gage Pattern

Gage pattern commonly refers to the number of the grid (uniaxial/multi-axial) and the layout of the grid (planar/stacked).

  • Select a uniaxial strain gage, if
  - Only one direction of strain needs to be investigated.
  - Cost is an issue. Two or three single uniaxial gages are usually less expensive than a bi-axial or tri-element strain gage.
  • Select a bi-axial strain rosette (0°-90° Tee rosette), if
  - The principal stresses need to be investigated and the principal axes are known.
  • Select a tri-element strain rosette (0°-45°-90° rectangular rosette or 0°-60°-120° delta rosette), if
  - The principal stresses need to be investigated but the principal axes are unknown.
 

There are two different layouts in multi-axial strain rosettes: planar and stacked.

  • Select a strain rosette with planar layout, if
  - Heat dissipation is an issue.
  - Accuracy and stability are critical. Planar layout has each gage closer to the measuring surface and no interference in between.
  • Select a strain rosette with stacked layout, if
  - The strain gradient is large. Stacked layout measures strain at the same point.
  - Space for mounting is limited. 
 

    
CNC Machining Design Guide

Optimize your designs, reduce machining time, and lower your costs.

Mechanical Engineers Outlook

Guide for those interested in becoming a mechanical engineer. Includes qualifications, pay, and job duties.

Metal 3D Printing Design Guide

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D printing for parts with reduced cost and little waste.

Selecting the Right 3D Printer

Discover how to choose the right 3D printer for your needs and the key performance attributes to consider.