What is a Load Cell?

What is a Load Cell? A Load cell is a type of sensor which is used to measure force and load. As a sensor supplier, we can offer a range of load cells and technical advice on all of the load cells we can supply.

What is a Load Cell – what do they do?

A load cell is a sensor or a transducer which will convert load or force into an electrical signal. Many of the load cells we can offer are Resistive Load Cells, these work on a piezo-resistive principle. When either; load, force or stress is applied to the load cell the resistance is changed. Strain Gauges within the load cell will measure the load, force or stress based on the amount of tension or compression they’re under. The change in resistance results in a change in output voltage when the input voltage is applied.

Different types of Load Cells

Different types of Load Cells are suitable for different applications. We can offer a range of different Load Cells depending on the application.

Single Point Load Cells are mainly used for scales and in applications where there is plenty of space, having a single point, means they are accurate even with off centre loading.

S-Type Load Cells get their name from the shape of them. They are normally used in tension applications and primarily for mechanical-to-electrical scale conversions, platform scales and general weighing applications.

Pancake Load Cells are high capacity Load Cells with a low profile, they’re suitable for all kinds of electronic weighing and measuring equipment for example, truck scales or hopper scales.

Miniature Load Cells are small in size – some less than a centimetre in height. They are well suited to compression or force measurements where space can be an issue.

Compression Load Cells have a long life and high accuracy and reliability making them well suited to industrial applications where proven reliability is required.

Shear Beam Load Cells and Dual Shear Beam Load Cells are designed for low profile scale and process application. They have capacities from 100kg to 50t. They are constructed of Stainless steel making them suitable for harsh environments.

For more information on Load Cells, contact our sales team on 01327 351004 or sales@variohm.com You can also take a look at our supplier websites for more information Zemic or Vishay.Zemic and Vishay Load Cells are available from Variohm.