Force measurement, defined as the measurement of tensile or compressive loads acting upon an object, is an indispensable method of assessing and ensuring the quality of materials, components, and assemblies. Force measurement equipment typically orients a sample axially, to ensure consistency and accuracy. However, a number of further considerations should be made to ensure as accurate a measurement as possible.

Surprisingly, the accuracy of the instrument itself—though important—is only one piece of the measurement accuracy puzzle. Many factors contribute to the final accuracy, including proper sample alignment, testing machine crosshead speed, data sampling rate, and others—but one of the most critical factors is grip selection.