August 28, 2023
Measuring force in industrial applications demands easily understandable and accurate readings. Using strain gauge load cells offers a cost-effective and reliable weighing solution for various industries. Massload Technologies is an industry leader in strain gauge load cell manufacturing.
What is a Strain Gauge Load Cell?
Strain gauge load cells are force-measuring transducers commonly used in industrial weighing applications. Typically made of a metal spring element body, load cells translate kinetic energy into a readable form to measure force.
How Does a Load Cell Work?
In weighing applications, load cells convert kinetic power into a measurable electrical signal. Load cells comprise a spring element, and when the load is applied, the scale load cell body experiences a deformation. This deformation causes a change in electrical resistance, providing a measurable voltage change proportional to the weight applied. Strain gauge load cells commonly use a grid pattern to create a thin webbing that measures changes in electrical resistance when force is applied.
Uses of Load Cells
Industrial scales incorporate load cells to accurately measure the weight of an application. Scales, and other industrial weighing applications, in various industries contain one or more strain gauge load cells for precision load measurement. Common applications for load cells include:
- Platform Scales (Truck & Floor Scales)
- Tank, Hopper, & Vessel Scales
- Towing Loads & Rope Tension Forces
- And More
Weigh batching is a typical operation in industries such as food processing and construction and relies on hopper scale load cells to accurately measure the amount of product being mixed and or dispensed. Any application that requires the weight to be monitored and measured to be successful benefits from a reliable load cell.
Types of Strain Gauge Load Cells
Various load cell types exist to meet application needs. When considering the needs of the scale application, load cells are further categorized into force types by tension and compression. Understanding the kind of scale load cell your application requires will provide the most accurate measurements. When choosing a strain gauge load cell, tension strain gauges and compression strain gauges experience different resistance changes:
- Tension Strain Gauge: Tension forces cause a strain gauge load cell to elongate. The resistance is increased as the strain gauge gets thinner and longer.
- Compression Strain Gauge: Compression forces shorten strain gauges. Resistance is decreased in a compression load cell, causing strain gauges to get shorter and thicker.
There are many load cell designs for any application. Different load cell profiles can be selected to address application challenges, and wireless options are available when wired load cells are impractical.
Considering Tension Load Cells
A scale load cell that measures pulling forces, tension-type load cells are excellent for crane scales and hoist weight monitoring. Strain gauge load cells for tension measuring can also feature bi-directional sensitivity for compression weighing applications. Choosing a tension strain gauge load cell can address various challenges, such as requirements for low profiles and environmental restrictions.
Applications of Wireless Load Cells
Including a wireless load cell system can be helpful when the measured application is in an environment spanning a large area, has intricate parts, or is potentially dangerous to operators. Many products exist to create a wireless load cell application.
Strain Gauge Load Cell Advantages
Scale load cells are a standard technology providing a cost-effective solution. Used in weighing applications, strain gauge load cells offer many benefits. High accuracy and reliability ensure that scale load cells maintain optimal performance even in challenging conditions. Load cells come in many shapes, offering different sensor geometries to meet the needs of varied utilizations, and load scale mounting options exist for any application.
Massload Technologies is a Trusted Strain Gauge Load Cell Manufacturer
Need help finding a strain gauge load cell for your application? Contact us for more information on strain gauge load cells, load cell applications, and capabilities or if you need assistance selecting a scale load cell solution. Can’t find a load cell that addresses your challenges? Request a quote for a custom load cell solution that meets your application requirements. Massload Technologies has been a leader in weighing application technology since 1981.
