Load cells, or commonly known as load cell transducers, are critical yet significant components in most industrial weighing systems. By definition, load cells are sensors that measure and convert weight- or more accurately, directional force into an electrical signal. Designed to be a highly accurate device, load cells can be used to measure compression, tension, shear forces or bending. 

Load Cells: How Do They Work?

Within the load cell structure are groups of areas designed to be ‘stressed’ when a load or force is applied. These areas are bonded by thin elastic materials called ‘Strain Gauges’ made up of stainless steel and are fixed inside the load cells. Whenever a force or pressure is applied on the load cell, it bends or stretches causing the strain gauge to move along with it. When the cross-section of the strain gauge changes, its electrical resistivity also changes and gets altered, thereby changing the output voltage.

What Are The Types Of Load Cells?

Load cells are available in different configurations and standards, depending on the intended application and environment. Included in the various types of load cells available, varying models and styles can be distinguished in two key ways:

1. Through the specific method they use to detect weight (includes compression load cells, tension load cells and other measurement variations)
2. Through the type of output signal generated (includes hydraulic load cells, piezoelectric load cells and various other configurations)

What Are The Advantages Of Using Load Cells?

Global sales still rely on precise weight measurement, Industrial companies require precise quality control systems, while Manufacturing companies need consistency and safety processes. Load cells are also widely used in Medical and Laboratory settings to achieve accurate measurements for a wide variety of scientific and research purposes. From measuring things as small as a needle to as heavy as big drilling machines, you will find load cells everywhere. 

How Are Load Cells Used In Different Applications?

Load cells find their application in a variety of industries that demand accuracy and precision, which means that they play such an important role in modern commerce. Compared to traditional mechanical platform weighing devices, load cells are proven to be a far more reliable and cost-effective choice for companies in the long-run. However, the idea of measuring any weight or force is never limited to a specific industry or application. 

Here are some of the most common load cell applications you may or may not be familiar with: 

Weighing

Usually installed on hoppers or reactors to control weight capacity, load cells play a critical and important part in industrial processes. Gedge Systems has a wide range of products for process weighing applications, including load cells which are built with the highest quality of materials to ensure reliable and long-lasting performance. 

Manufacturing

In an industry where time means money, and being a fast-paced company means making more sales such as the food and beverage industry, a fast production and operation is a must. This is where load cell batching assists in batch weighing and ingredient control systems which means less time for manual control. As for the other manufacturing industries which produce other goods such as perfumes, insecticides, additives and corrosive chemicals, load cells are also used when weighing chemical products in batches for packaging.

Agriculture

This load cell application covers the distribution, measurement and overall packing of agricultural products including animal feeds, seeds for planting, and water as most agricultural companies distribute these products in large batches or quantities. 

Automotive

Designed to optimize car safety, reliability, and durability, load cells and other force monitoring systems are crucial in testing out an automobile’s safety. Numerous companies and brands rely on load cell testing when it comes to designing, developing and testing motor vehicles.

Medical:

It is no secret that in the medical field, accuracy in testing and weighing is used every second of every day. Most medical research equipment uses load cells for procedural testing because when you work in this industry, accuracy is key. This is why the medical industry covers a huge field of applications and why they have relied on load cells to assist them solve their weighing and measurement needs.

Questions About Load Cells?

These are just some of the most commonly used load cell applications but since load cells are used for accurate measurement, it can be customised depending on your needs. If you want to know more about load cells and the weighing industry in general, the dedicated engineers from Gedge Systems will be pleased to help you out.

GEDGE SYSTEMS

27 Rhur Street,

Dandenong South VIC 3175 

Australian Contact (03) 9791 8944

International Contact +61 3 9791 8944