What Type of Load Cell You Should Go For and How to Decide On It

Author: Senso Matic

Most of us have limited knowledge regarding what a load cell is, and quite naturally so. We’ve never come across a situation where we were tested for our knowledge regarding this piece of equipment. On the other hand, we also lack the knowledge of the degree of helpfulness that this technological marvel may provide us with.

That’s right! An analog instrument that uses electric signals for measuring purposes does sound like an article with a plethora of uses. If the device weren’t useful enough, then the number of load cell manufactures would’ve shrunk, don’t you think? But that isn’t the case.A market research survey done in the year of 2017, made a forecast that until the year 2023 there will be a Cumulative Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.73%. Considering the number of existing plants, this data is quite staggering!

There are a lot many details to the working and technicalities of a load cell. But a short version of it would be that on the basis of the load provided, the resistance value in one of the legs of the Wheatstone bridge adjusts to create a potential difference. This potential difference sends out an electric signal that is fed to the output mechanism and thus, the data reaches the user. But the method of working isn’t the only important information there is to it.

1. The Types:

  • Shear beam load cells: Available in two variants, Single Ended and Double Ended load cell, the latter is more renowned in application thanks to its greater capacity of withstanding a load. Designed such that it comes in handy for accommodating industry-grade materials, the uses of this type of load cell are limitless.
  • Compression load cells: Built for maintaining the provided load at a single point along its axis, it is applicable for situations where the load is to be mounted atop the transducer. Based on the principle of compression and relaxation, the ease of its use aces every other type of load cell.
  • Interestingly enough, Only the Double Ended type are extensively used as
weighbridge load cells, i.e., a permanent setting in rails and trucks to accommodate the heavy-duty loads.

2. The Requirements:

  • Environment: The usage environment requires a great deal of attention, on the basis of this, the build of the device to be bought is decided. To survive industrial uses, a
stainless-steel load cell is required to counter the harsh conditions. But such is not the case for a cell used in a car.

  • Ratings: The threshold and peak loads supported, class of protective seal, type of force applied, area of accommodation, etc. are all important things whose details are to be prioritized before making the buy.

These were just the most important ones, but there is a myriad of other aspects of these transducers to know about. If you aim to land on the very best choice of load cells, you might want to take a look at all of them before owning one of them!

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.