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Load cells are electronic devices, or transducers, which are used to convert a mechanical force into an electrical signal.

They act as force sensors in testing and monitoring systems and can be used to measure tension, compression or shear forces along single and multiple axes, including biaxial and triaxial cells. Load cells are widely used in mechanical testing, system monitoring and in equipment like industrial weigh modules and scales.

The electrical signals produced are often just a few millivolts and therefore need to be boosted by an instrumentation amplifier before they can be used. An algorithm is used to calculate the force applied to the transducer.

This dedicated section is designed to help anyone needing advice on purchasing or installing load cells.

Main Types of Load Cells Available and their Applications

Strain Gauge Load Cells: The load or force acting on the load cell deforms a strain gauge. This strain gauge converts the deformation (or strain) into measurable electrical signals.
Before strain gauge load cells were adopted for industrial weighing applications, this function was carried out by mechanical lever scales.

However, in 1843 physicist Sir Charles Wheatstone devised a bridge circuit that could measure electrical resistance and this was found to be ideal for amplifying the extremely low changes in resistance in strain gauges to a level that could be easily measured. Modern load cells often consist of four strain gauges arranged in a Wheatstone bridge configuration.

Strain gauge load cells find applications in tanks and platform scales and, while they have the advantages of low cost and simple construction, require protection because the strain gauges are exposed.

The majority of modern load cells use strain gauges as the sensing element. They can be defined according to the way they detect weight - for example, by bending, shear force, compression or tension.

Compression load cells: With their integral button design compression load cells are a good choice where space is restricted and offer excellent long-term stability.

Compression / tension load cells: These are used in applications where the load may switch from tension to compression and back again. They feature threaded ends for easy installation and are also a good choice for restricted spaces.

S-shaped S-beam load cells: This type of load cell works under tension or compression, providing superior side load rejection for applications including tank level, hopper and truck scales.

Bending beam load cells: Bending beam load cells have a low profile which enables their use in restricted areas for multiple load cell applications, including tank weighing and industrial process control.

Platform and single point load cells: These load cells provide accurate readings regardless of the position of the load, and are used in many commercial and industrial weighing applications.

Canister load cells: These can be used for single and multiple weighing applications. Hermetically sealed stainless steel versions are available, which can be used for wash-down and in wet areas.

Low profile load cells: Low profile load cells are often used in weighing research and in-line force monitoring and feature mounting holes and female threads for easy installation.

Other forms of strain gauge load cells include:

• Pancake load cells
• Dough-nut or washer load cells
• Bolt load cells
• Link load cells
• Miniature load cells
• Cantilever load cells
• Load pin load cells
• Rod end load cells
• Tank weighing load cells

For more information or help please call Freephone 0800 722 648 or email us

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