Bonded Strain Gages Bonding strain gages to the test part (individually or with multiple grids on the same backing) is a good choice when large changes in test temperature are expected, since this is the only completion method that will provide temperature compensation. Installation is relatively easy and inexpensive. Both active and completion gages must be of the same alloy, with the same S-T-C number . For highest accuracy, all should be from the same production batch of foil. Of course, the temperature of gages in adjacent arms of the bridge must always be identical for effective temperature compensation. Further, care must be taken to install the completion gages in a region that (a) is free from applied strains, and (b) can undergo thermal expansion without any mechanical restraint. Page 2 of 4