Kilogram-force to Centinewton Converter

A kilogram-force (kgf) is a unit of force equal to the gravitational force exerted by a mass of one kilogram under standard Earth gravity. It equals approximately 9.807 newtons and represents force in terms of familiar weight measurements.

The kilogram-force developed as a practical force unit based on the familiar concept of weight. It was widely used before the adoption of SI units, particularly in countries using the metric system, providing an intuitive way to express forces in terms of equivalent weights.

Kilogram-force is still used in some engineering applications, particularly in countries transitioning to SI units. It's found in some mechanical specifications, older engineering references, and applications where weight-equivalent forces are more intuitive than newtons.

A centinewton (cN) is a unit of force equal to one hundredth of a newton (0.01 N). It represents very small forces typically encountered in precision measurements, microelectronics, and delicate mechanical systems.

The centinewton emerged with the need for precise force measurements in advanced manufacturing and scientific research. It became important for measuring forces in microelectronics, precision instruments, and applications where millinewtons would be too large.

Centinewtons are used in microelectronics, precision manufacturing, delicate instrument calibration, and research applications. They're standard for measuring forces in MEMS devices, precision assembly operations, and sensitive measurement instruments.