Load Cell Applications

Load cells are a type of sensor used to measure force and load. They are used within many different scales and similar devices.

Load cell Types

There are many different types of load cells, they are available in different sizes and shapes which make them more suitable to different applications. The different types we can offer include;

• Single point
• S type
• Tension and compression
• Shear beam and bending beam
• Miniature load cells
• Pancake load cells

Load Cell Applications

Load cells are used throughout many different industries. Some of these are;

Scales

Scales are one of the biggest application areas for load cells. Most scales use single point load cells as they can accept off-centre loads. There are many different types of scales, some are commercial whereas others are industrial, they all use load cells to measure the amount of force applied which is how the weight is calculated.

Different types of scales include

• Kitchen scales
• Bathroom scales
• Airport scales
• Counting scales
• Pallet scales
• Platform scales
• Bench scales
• Belt Scales
• Hopper scales
• Pricing scales
• Medical scales

And many more…

Onboard weighing

Onboard weighing involves weighing the contents of large vehicles; this could be a van, lorry, tipper truck, agricultural vehicle etc. This ensures the load onboard the vehicle does not exceed the safety limits of the vehicle.

Marine applications

There are many different marine applications which use load cells. For this type of application, some load cells will encounter water or submerged completely so correct IP ratings are vital.

Some marine application examples are;

• Towing
• Anchor load measurement
• Dam force measurement
• Line tension on fishing boats
• Marine cranes
• Oil drilling

Most load cells which are used within these applications must be hermetically sealed.

Aerospace

Aerospace applications are another common area for load cells. For this, the load cells will require different approvals to ensure they are safe. Some applications are;

• Testing and monitoring
• Pre-flight fatigue testing
• Within the flight data recorder
• Refuelling applications

Medical

Load cells are also used in various medical applications. As well as scales for equipment and testing, load cells can also be used for hygiene applications. Very often medical components need to be sealed precisely when packaged. A load cell is incorporated into bag sealing devices to ensure the correct level of force is applied to seal the components meeting medical standards.

Load cells from Variohm

At Variohm we have a wide range of load cells available to view on our website. Browse our full range here.

If you have an application which requires a load cell, please contact us to discuss your requirements.