Factors to Consider While Choosing a Load Cell

Load cells are basically used to measure weight / force and are therefore an integral part of our lives. Made of various intricate circuitry and High Impact resistant material, the Loadcells are heart of the weighing system. Load cells comprise of spring elements on which strain gauges have been placed. The spring elements are usually made of High Alloy steel or aluminium.

How do load cells function?

It works on a simple principal when the device senses an applied physical force and then gives an observable output quantity that is proportional to the applied force. There are different types of load cells like strain gauge load cells, hydraulic load cells, pneumatic load cell, capacitive load cell, double-ended load cells and weighbridge load cells and more.

Load cells are basically transducers because they produce a measurable electrical signal which has a magnitude proportional to the applied physical force. The Strain Gage based Loadcell are considered most reliable & popularly used.

The signal then gives a noticeable measure that represents the magnitude or extent of the force. It functions by the deformation of a material which results to variations in the resistivity of the material, which then creates a differential electric voltage signal.

The materials with which the load cells are made are elastic in nature, which allows compressing and stretching. Load cells can be classified in the following ways:

1. The direction of Loading - in tension or compression mode
2. Shear or bending movement
3. The accuracy classification ( low / Precision / Ultra Precision)
4. Protection Class
5. Hermetic sealed
6. For use in hazardous environment
7. The Geometry of the load cell

Things to consider before buying load cells

Although it is a machine part, it still needs care, which is one of the chief considerations one should make while buying one. Moreover, one should consider the following factors to determine whether they are buying the correct load cell and whether it would serve their purpose.

• Where would the load cell be used? The components would be different if they are used in hostile environments.
• Does it require to handle corrosive chemicals, excessive moisture, high vibration or unequal weight

A load cell is typically composed of tools steel, stainless steel and aluminium. It is noteworthy that tool steel is best for dry conditions because excessive moisture can rust the steel. It is the most common material for load cells. It is suitable for single and multiple load cell applications and also limits creeps and hysteresis.

What about Aluminium? It is used for low capacity, single point load cells and is unfavourable for extreme conditions. It must be noted here that stainless steel is the more expensive option, but is the best suited for extreme and hard conditions. It is also resistant to corrosive material and excessive moisture. It is, however, recommended to apply a coating to the stainless-steel load cell to avoid being attacked by some pH levels.

Still doubtful about the ways to identify the best load cells? There are only few load cell manufacturers in India who can guide you in getting the best cells as per your requirement and pre-requisites and Sensomatic is a pioneer in this field.

About the Company:

Sensomatic manufacture a wide range of high precision load cells for various Industrial application in India. Our range includes S-type load cell, Shear beam load cell, Double ended load cell, Compression load cell, Stainless steel load cell, Weighbridge load cell and many more.

Sensomatic manufacture a wide range of high precision load cells for various Industrial application in India.