# what is the range of the measurable relative elasticity with a commonly used strain gauge

I'm looking for a data that what is the typical application range for a common uni directional strain gauge like used in weight scales? I've read about around 200 ppm in a research gate article, can I measure 40 ppm with a cheap setup (arduino nano plc, industrial grade op amp, soldered connections)?

• See the data sheet for the strain gauge. Dec 5 '19 at 6:30
• by "ppm" do you mean "microstrain"? Dec 5 '19 at 14:21
• Also, are you looking for a steady state static measurement? e.g. like the weight is constant and you can average the readings over 30s or so? Or you have something that is changing dynamically and you need it in real-time? Dec 5 '19 at 14:26
• @SolarMike could you show an example? I checked a hbm catalog for example but it doesn't mention it. Dec 5 '19 at 20:48
• @DanielK Part per million (relative ellasticity). Maybe I'm looking for the wrong unit? I'm looking for a steady state static measurement solution. It's fixed on a vehicle's loaded beam but it should only work while it is motionless and the script I wrote averages out the last 10 measurements. It's a full bridge configuration. Dec 5 '19 at 20:52

A professional quality strain gage amplifier which would meet those specs (e.g. Omega DMD-466) is going to run \$400-\$500 or more. I doubt you'll be able to meet the same performance with a "cheap" setup, although I won't say for sure that you can't do it.