Torque Converter
Unit conversions for torque, like newton-meters (N·m), pound-feet (lb·ft), and kilogram-force meters (kgf·m). Applied in mechanical engineering, cars, and physics.
Result
mN·m
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Conversion Formula
1 newton-meter × 1 → 1 N·m 1 N·m ÷ 0.001 → 1000 millinewton-meter
About Torque
Torque is a numerical measure of a rotational force applied to move an object. It plays a vital role in engines, gear drives, and every form of mechanical motion.
- N·m – SI unit of torque, often used in physics and engineering.
- lbf·ft, lbf·in – Imperial units widely used in car and machinery applications.
- kgf·m – Measurement unit used in certain engineering usage, especially in Asian use.
- mN·m, N·cm, N·mm – Suitable for precise or small torque measurements.
Torque Units
Torque is a rotational force unit employed to rotate an object. Torque is applied in fields of mechanical engineering, automotive technology, construction, and physics. Torque units are a force measurement of the amount of force applied at a distance from a pivot point, typically force × distance. Below is an overview of the commonly applied metric and imperial system torque units.
Metric Torque Units
- Newton meter (N·m): The Newton meter is the SI unit for torque. It is a force of one newton applied perpendicular to a distance of one meter from the rotating axis. Its usage is common in engineering, motor vehicle torque ratings, and physics.
- Millinewton meter (mN·m): A submultiple, the millinewton meter is one-thousandth of the newton meter. It is used in precision engineering and laboratory measurement where infinitesimal torques exist.
- Kilonewton meter (kN·m): A larger unit of torque, the kilonewton meter has a value of 1,000 newton meters. It's commonly used in heavy-duty machinery, engineering buildings, and industry.
- Newton centimeter (N·cm): It has a value equal to one-hundredth of a newton meter. It's typically used in electronics, small motors, and devices requiring particular but minimal torque values.
- Newton millimeter (N·mm): One-thousandth newton meter, this is an effective unit for torque measurement in miniaturized mechanical devices like wristwatches or micromechanical systems.
Imperial and Customary Torque Units
- Pound-force foot (lbf·ft): Most popular unit of torque in the United States. It is one pound force perpendicular at one foot distance. It's extensively used in automotive, construction, and engineering in imperial-system countries.
- Pound-force inch (lbf·in): Equal to 1/12 pound-foot. Used to measure lesser torques, particularly for miniature mechanical assemblies or tools like torque screwdrivers.
- Ounce-force inch (ozf·in): A more accurate unit used in miniature fasteners, electronics, and robotics. One ounce-force inch equals 1/16 of a pound-force inch.
- Kilogram-force meter (kgf·m): A traditional unit of measurement in terms of force of gravity. Although widely replaced by the newton meter, it is still found in some engineering contexts, particularly in countries in which metric gravitational units were utilized.
Conclusion
Torque units are instrumental to defining and understanding the rotational force in any rotational or leverage situation. Whether it is tightening a bolt, constructing a robot arm, or measuring engine output, the proper choice — be it N·m or lbf·ft — ensures precise measurement and optimal performance.