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A load cell is a force (pressure) sensor that uses strain
gauges which
are mounted in specific patterns to provide a meaningful value of the
change in pressure
or weight. In general, load cells may be used to measure:
- tension
- compression
- shear
Common uses for load cells include:
- mechanical testing
- ongoing system
monitoring
- industrial scales and weighing
One common application of load cells in industrial
applications is in a scale used to weigh product.
e.g., the weight of material
that is placed into a
tank. The load cells must be large enough to be able to determine
the weight of the tank plus the weight of the material in the tank.
Important specification parameters for load cells include:
- force range -- the range of required linear
output
- load-measurement range -- the range of required linear
output
- accuracy
Load cells can be divided into two broad categories by type:
- bending beam load cell: this type of load cell uses a principle of
measuring force on a cantilever beam. It will have shear stress and bending stress
along the cross-sectional area of the beam. The stress can be measured
by strain gauges and converted into an equivalent amount of pressure.
- shear beam load cell: this type load cell uses an I-beam design
because the shear stress is uniform at the web of the beam. The shear
beam
load cell is more expensive but it does have advantages such as
returning to zero more quickly than the bending beam when load is removed.
It
has a higher tolerance of dynamic forces and vibration, and it
better sealed for environmental conditions such as the necessity of
wash down
in food processing.
Types of Load Cells:
- Low Profile Load Cell
- Load Button Load Cell
- Through Hole Load Cell
- Tension and Compression Load Cell
- Miniature Load Cell
- Donut
Load Cell
- Beam Load Cells
Sensors related to load cells:
- Rotating and Reaction-Torque Sensors:
shaft and flange configurations for a wide range of applications.
Load Cell and Torque Sensor Signal Conditioning:
- Bench top or stand alone Amplifier / Conditioners
- Panel-mount Load Cell displays
- Portable Load Cell indicators
NEXT: Electrical Circuits for Load Cell Sensors |