Load cells are measuring devices that monitor and gauge forces of compression, tension and shear. Known by other names-such as load control, force sensor and transducer-these load cells are used widely in mechanical testing, ongoing system monitoring and as components in devices such as industrial scales. The measuring of levelness and tension of these devices is the main purpose of load cells. The information that load cells monitor is then signaled to a recorder or other computerized data collection system. Load cells can utilize analog or digital technology for the recording and transferring of information. When load cells are used to measure any variance in certain ongoing systems, the load cells can sound an alarm or shut down the system itself until the discrepancy is corrected.
Load cells can vary greatly in size and shape depending on type of use. The two basic components of a load cell are the sensing element and circuit. The sensing element is most often a strain gauge, which is comprised of coil; the circuit is the connection of these gauges throughout the load cell.
Load cells can vary greatly in size and shape depending on type of use. The two basic components of a load cell are the sensing element and circuit. The sensing element is most often a strain gauge, which is comprised of coil; the circuit is the connection of these gauges throughout the load cell.
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Last Updated: Sep 2009
Last Updated: Sep 2009
What are Load Cells?
Load cell outputs include analog voltage, analog current, analog frequency, switch or alarm, serial and parallel. The most basic designs consist of four gauges, which make up the measuring circuit. More complex and detailed cells can have up to thirty gauges as part of the measuring circuit. The more gauges inside the load cell, the more sensitive the cell is in recording and monitoring variance in measurement.
Many types of industries benefit from the accuracy of load cells. For example, they are used in warehouse environments where pallets of inventory are shuffled around often, and the accurate weight of the pallet is crucial for the filling and accepting of orders. Another example of the use of load cells is in the testing of bridge building materials such as beams for their tension strength. Load cells are essential components in many calibration systems, as well. Load cells are commonly used in series with a standard hydraulic actuator in various testing applications. Load cells are also used for fatigue testing material specimens in a precise, controlled manner.
Several pieces of information are needed in order to determine the proper load cell for the application. In figuring out the right capacity of a load cell, the maximum force value, the dynamics of the system (i.e. frequency response), the effect that placing the transducer in the force path will have and the maximum extraneous loads that the load cell will see are determining factors. Evaluate the system in which the load cell will be placed. In other words, will the load cell be in the primary load path or will it see the forces indirectly, and are there any physical constraints that should be met for size and mounting? Also, know what accuracy is required and what environmental elements the load cell will be subjected to that may cause special problems.
Many types of industries benefit from the accuracy of load cells. For example, they are used in warehouse environments where pallets of inventory are shuffled around often, and the accurate weight of the pallet is crucial for the filling and accepting of orders. Another example of the use of load cells is in the testing of bridge building materials such as beams for their tension strength. Load cells are essential components in many calibration systems, as well. Load cells are commonly used in series with a standard hydraulic actuator in various testing applications. Load cells are also used for fatigue testing material specimens in a precise, controlled manner.
Several pieces of information are needed in order to determine the proper load cell for the application. In figuring out the right capacity of a load cell, the maximum force value, the dynamics of the system (i.e. frequency response), the effect that placing the transducer in the force path will have and the maximum extraneous loads that the load cell will see are determining factors. Evaluate the system in which the load cell will be placed. In other words, will the load cell be in the primary load path or will it see the forces indirectly, and are there any physical constraints that should be met for size and mounting? Also, know what accuracy is required and what environmental elements the load cell will be subjected to that may cause special problems.
