Electronic Load Cell

Shear Beam Load Cell

Available as single or double ended shear beam (the latter being more common in weighbridges), this type of load cell can offer slightly lower profile and less sensitivity to side-loads, but often with poorer sealing (potted) and corrosion resistance (alloy steel). These load cells are more advantageous in silo/ vessel weighing where rigid connections and head-room constraints are an issue as compared to a vehicle weighbridge where sealing and protection are very important.

Cup and Ball Type Load Cell

Double Ended Ball and Cup Load cells surpass its competitors in terms of resistance against Side Forces. It is a fact that the major reason behind Load cell manufacturing is the horizontal side forces created by the Vehicles during brakes and sudden start. That is why, scales with Column type Load cells require Construction Absorbing Side Forces.

For medium to high capacity applications, the double ended shear beam offers a number of advantages over other designs. Units like the one shown opposite have built-in jacking bolts which can be used to support the weighing structure during installation thus allowing the live load cells to be fitted just prior to commissioning, avoiding damage.

Analog Load Cell

Analogue load cells are the most common system. The output of the analogue load cell is a continuous millivolt (mV) signal proportional to the applied load. Further processing and Analogue-to-Digital (A-to-D) conversion are done in the indicator. Analogue load cells can easily be paired with a variety of digital indicators across multiple brands. The load cells are further differentiated by design e.g. Compression, Shear-beam type.

Digital Load Cell

Pre-calibrated digital multi-ended shear beam load cell. Digital canister load cells are a popular choice in weighbridges. Unlike conventional analogue load cells, which rely on external wiring, junction boxes and A to D circuitry, digital cells offer additional protection from the unwanted electrical interference that can affect analogue load cells. Digital load cells can be pre-linearized, which allows faster installation and calibration, as well as featuring built in Diagnostic tools.

Load Cell Accuracy

Keep in mind that the accuracy of a load cell has no relation to it being analog or digital, compression or shear-beam type. All of these can offer an accurate and dependable system, provided the load cell fulfills the accuracy criteria as set by the relevant certifying bodies (e.g.OIML R60 for India). Insist on approval certificates rather than conformance assertions.