Sensitivity, Stability, and Spring Constants of Paper Based Weighing Balances

Paper based printable and flexible sensors present an
exciting new avenue for providing low-cost, disposable, and
portable solution for a number of emerging application areas [1-
6]. In this study, we utilized off-the-shelf components and lowcost
paper substrates to develop a cantilever based weighing
balance. We used three different types of paper substrates
(Watercolour, Bristol, and Chromatography) to fabricate
meander shaped four-arm cantilever structure using a laser
cutting system. We experimentally evaluated sensitivity (linear
dynamic range), stability, and spring constants of each type of
paper. Our results demonstrate the suitability of both
Watercolour and Bristol papers for deflection type sensors
(typically force and mass) providing good sensitivity, stability
(repeatability) and mechanical performance (high spring
constant).