What Is an FSR Pressure Sensor?
An FSR (Force Sensing Resistor) changes resistance when force is applied; the reading circuit converts that change into a usable signal. Baoshengda's thin-film sensors can support contact detection and relative force response in compact assemblies. Calibrated force measurement requires an agreed actuator, fixture, circuit and calibration method.
Contact detection, a relative force trend and calibrated force measurement need different acceptance criteria. When pressure values are required, define the contact area and load distribution as well as the force; an uncalibrated resistance reading is not a pressure value.
Sensor construction and connections
Top SubstratePET or PI film; grade and gauge selected for the flexing and operating environment.
Conductive ElectrodesSilver or carbon ink printed to form the electrical path and connection interface.
Pressure Sensitive LayerPiezoresistive coating designed to change resistance under applied pressure.
Bottom SubstratePET or PI support film for the sensor structure and circuit positioning.
Adhesive / Bonding LayerBonding layer selected for the housing surface and assembly method.
Connector / TailCustomized for PCB, FPC, ZIF, pin or customer-specific electronic interface.
Specify the sensor for your assembly
FSR pressure sensor technical specifications| Item | Options / Description |
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| Product Type | FSR Pressure Sensor, Thin Film Force Sensor, Flexible Pressure Sensor |
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| Thickness | Set a target from the layer stack and assembly; confirm on the agreed sample. |
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| Operating load | Define the lowest detectable load, normal operating window and overload condition with the actuator, contact area and readout circuit. |
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| Flexibility | Review the bend path, layer stack and mounting support; confirm fit on the sample. |
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| Resistance response | Depends on the printed structure and reading circuit; agree on the measurement method before sampling. |
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| Electrical noise | Review EMC and readout stability in the final circuit and assembly. |
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| Customization | Shape, point array, connector interface fully customizable |
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| Adhesive | Specify the substrate, bonding surface and service environment; confirm the selected adhesive on a sample. |
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| Applications | Wearables, rehabilitation equipment, industrial controls, vehicle seating and consumer electronics |
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A thickness or load figure is not a universal FSR specification. Before using a value as an acceptance criterion, agree on the sample drawing, actuator contact patch, fixture, loading sequence, reading circuit and test environment.
Customization Options
Geometry and mounting
- Outline and active area to your drawing
- Point array density customizable
- Housing interface integration
Readout and connection
- Single-zone or multi-zone sensing
- Connector type and tail direction
- EMI shielding if required
Specify the sensing film and connections you want us to quote. If you also need a readout board, firmware, a controller or an alarm, identify who supplies each item and agree its scope separately.
Environmental
- Sealing target and assembled-device test method
- Operating temperature and chemical exposure
- Outdoor use conditions, where applicable
Integration Support
- Membrane switch integration
- Graphic overlay assembly
- Adhesive and enclosure fit review
What Buyers Should Define Before FSR Sampling
Choose the FSR layout and sensing task before requesting samples. Mark a single active zone, several zones or a strip on the drawing, and show which zones need separate readings. A strip outline does not by itself define the number of sensing zones or readout channels.
Contact detection asks whether an agreed threshold has been crossed. A relative force trend tracks a change without assigning a force value. Calibrated force measurement needs a defined actuator, mounting stack, readout circuit, reference loads and acceptance criteria.
For a robot gripper, compare FSR contact detection and load-cell force measurement before choosing the sensing approach.
FSR pressure sensor sampling decisions| Decision | What to confirm before RFQ |
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| Force range | Lowest detectable force, normal operating force and overload condition for the selected sensing task. |
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| Actuator | Material, shape, travel, contact patch and whether pressure may land off-center during real use. |
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| Layout and active area | Single-zone, multi-zone or strip outline; sensing-zone dimensions, keep-out areas, screw or rib clearance and housing tolerance. Map any separately read zones to the required channels and connections. |
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| Tail routing | Exit direction, bend radius, connector pitch, strain relief and whether the tail crosses a moving or sealed area. |
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| Calibration | For calibrated force measurement, agree reference loads, the actuator and fixture, readout circuit, test conditions and acceptance criteria. For threshold or trend use, define the required decision or comparison. |
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| Acceptance method | Record the loading and release sequence, readout method, test environment and pass/fail tolerance on the agreed sample. |
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A common sample-stage risk is testing the bare FSR by finger, then finding a different response after the sensor is installed under a rubber pad, molded actuator or housing rib.
Force Range, Actuator and Calibration Tradeoffs
- A small hard actuator can create a strong local response but may require tighter alignment control.
- A wider soft pad can feel smoother but may spread the force and reduce repeatability if travel is not controlled.
- A larger active area gives more placement tolerance but can make the signal less specific if the product has nearby ribs or support posts.
- A short tail can save space but may increase assembly stress if the connector position is not fixed early.
- Threshold detection usually needs a simpler data plan than force trend measurement or multipoint calibration.
- Environmental checks should match the real product, such as heat, humidity, cleaning, vibration or long press time.
Applications
These are application examples, not approvals for a finished device. The equipment owner defines the sensing function and validation requirements.
Rehabilitation Equipment
Contact or relative-force sensing in rehabilitation equipment; device validation remains project-specific.
Smart Wearables
Pressure-sensitive controls and contact sensing in compact wearable assemblies.
Automotive
Seat contact zones and force-sensitive interior controls, subject to the vehicle project requirements.
Industrial
Contact inputs, handheld terminals and operator interfaces.
Consumer Electronics
Force-sensitive keys and compact sensing zones in appliances and handheld devices.
From your drawing to repeat production
Drawing reviewReview the outline, sensing zones, tail route and mounting stack against the equipment.
SamplingAgree the actuator, circuit, loading sequence and acceptance criteria before evaluating samples.
Repeat productionManufacture to the approved drawing, sample and inspection requirements.
Related componentsCombine FSR film with membrane switches or graphic overlays where the project calls for an assembled front panel.
Agree the checks before sampling
Use the final actuator, mounting stack and reading circuit for the agreed response checks. Record the drawing revision, loading and release sequence, test conditions and acceptance band.
- Appearance, outline dimensions and termination fit
- Continuity and resistance response under the agreed load sequence
- Bonding and installed fit on the specified mounting surface
- Response after loading, holding and release, where required
- Environmental checks with defined conditions and acceptance criteria
Confirm which inspection records and material documents can be supplied for your construction before ordering samples.
View company quality-system certificates
Review the certificate scope and validity. Company management-system certification does not certify the force accuracy, ingress protection or finished equipment for an FSR project.
Send the information you have
Start with a drawing, sample photos or the sensing function you need. If some details are undecided, mark them for review.
- 2D or 3D drawing, outline sketch or sample photos, if available
- Sensor outline, single-zone, multi-zone or strip layout, active zones and drawing revision
- Sensing task: contact detection, relative force trend or calibrated force measurement
- Lowest detectable force, normal operating window and overload condition
- Actuator material, contact area, travel and expected tolerance
- Zone-to-channel map, connector type and tail route
- Reading circuit, resistor values, ADC or firmware threshold if already defined; note who supplies the readout electronics and calibration
- Application environment
- Sample acceptance method, such as fixture test, assembled-product press test or cycling check
- Estimated quantity
- Sample or existing product reference
FSR design and quotation guide
Review the layer construction, design inputs and quotation checklist in the 8-page guide. It describes project options; it is not a test report or a fixed performance specification.
Open FSR guide (PDF)Revision 2026-10-13 · 8 pages
FSR design questions
What force range should buyers define before requesting FSR samples?
Buyers should define the lightest force that must be detected, the normal operating force, overload or abuse force, and whether the product needs threshold detection or calibrated relative measurement.
Why do actuator shape and contact area matter for an FSR sensor?
The actuator decides how force is applied to the sensing zone. A hard small pin, rubber dome, foam pad or wide plastic button can create different readings even when the same force is applied.
Can the FSR sensor be flexible?
Yes. PET or PI film and the layer stack can be reviewed for a flexible assembly. Minimum finished thickness and bend behavior need to be confirmed on the agreed sample and housing.
Are the sensors waterproof?
Sealing is reviewed against the materials, mounting surface, tail exit and use conditions. Agree the assembled-device test method and acceptance criteria; no IP rating is assumed.
What should be sent for FSR sensor quotation?
Helpful RFQ inputs include the sensor outline, active area, tail route, connector, actuator material and contact patch, target force range, circuit method, environment, sample quantity and acceptance test.
Can Baoshengda assist with design optimization?
Yes. Our engineers can review drawings, interface, point layout, environmental requirements, actuator conditions and functional design before sampling.
Buyer guide for long flexible pressure-strip prototypes
A long flexible strip should not hide contact sensing, bend recovery and alarm behavior inside one requirement. Use the long flexible pressure-strip prototype guide to define the active-zone map, mounted load path, baseline-return evidence, tail and connector before requesting samples.
Related FSR Buyer Guides
Map FSR sensing zones to readable channels and connector terminals before quotation
Screen vehicle-seat FSR transfer with zone, tail and safety-boundary evidence
Map a wearable FSR contact stack to material and test-report evidence before sample approval
Compare loading, release and recovery before approving an FSR supplier transfer
Freeze the contact fixture before quoting an FSR for robotic connector assembly
Separate FSR contact evidence from robot grasp validation
Validate force mapping and actuator geometry before FSR sample approval
Diagnose smart-bedding sensor drift and tail strain after roll testing
Use these practical notes before sending a drawing or sample request.
FSR in an HMI front-panel assembly
An FSR can form one sensing layer in a custom HMI front-panel assembly. The customer drawing determines whether sensing film, membrane switches, graphic overlays and connectors are combined in the same project.
Discuss your FSR sensor project
Send your sensor drawing or photos of the part and its mounting surface. Include the sensing function, load window and connection requirements you already know.
