Abstract: A transfer roll 1 for conveying a strip of substantially flat material from one device to another. The strip passes over the transfer roll as the transfer roll rotates. The transfer roll includes a flat and smooth cylindrical outer skin which comprises at least two cylindrical elements. Between the cylindrical elements is arranged a mean 7 for reducing the mechanical stiffness of the cylindrical skin relative to the stiffness of the remainder of the cylindrical skin 2. Suitable means such as a welded joint 9 of reduced cross sectional thickness compared to the remainder of the cylinder are described. Such means separate the cylinder mechanically into a plurality of measurement areas with a predetermined degree of crosstalk. The transfer roll may be used to measure force or tension in strip material more accurately than with previous devices.