Working Principles of Different Load Cell Variants

There are multiple variants of load cells used for various purposes across all major industries. If you are seeking reputed load cell suppliers to suffice your transducer needs, they can offer you at least 10 to twelve varieties for different specific applications. However, the variety can also confuse which one might suit better for your needs, especially if it is your first-time purchasing load cells. In that context, the blog here will highlight the working principles of load cell variants, along with a brief on their application.

Compression Load Cell
A compression load cell comes in the form of a block that can hold the load at one point for measuring the compression level. This variety of load cell is used to measure the pushing force of the weight along with a single axis point. It is conventionally placed under the object that is being weighed. These load cells can determine any kind of relative change in resistance with accuracy and precision, as per the application. These are heavy-duty load cells that are rust and scratch-resistant and best for harsh environments. The compression transducer can carry a weight of up to 50 tons and is generally used in compact equipment.

Shear beam Load Cell
A shear beam load cell is used under circumstances when/where one needs to quantify compressive forces. The spring element is the core component in a shear beam which gets distorted elastically under the pressure of the load but recovers as soon as the load is off. This distortion activates the strain gauges on the metal spring element, which then changes into an electrical signal. The user can calibrate the shear beam transducer for multiple weight units like grams, kilograms, or tons. It can carry load up to 5 tons found in a container and conveyor scale, platform scale, and packaging and bottling facilities.

S-Type Load Cell
An S-type load cell can measure both tensile and compressive force. As the name suggests, the load cell is designed in an S-shape, and it is the centre beam where the spring element is installed. The functionality is the same as that mentioned in the two former variants. In S-type transducers, the spring element gets distorted at both ends from the tension or compression. Along with weight units, the S-type load cell can be calibrated to Newton as well. It is used mainly for small to medium range loads as the transducer can take a weight of up to 1 ton. Hence it is found in silo hybrid, and crane scales, and similar weighing devices.

So, we have provided examples of transducers that can measure weight from 50 tons to 1 ton, as per the user's requirement. When buying, however, one has to be aware of the reputation of the manufacturer and suppliers, so that they get the best load cell quality.

Speaking of superior quality and high precision load cell manufacturers in Ahmedabad and across other major cities in India, Sensomatic is the right fit for your requirements. For more than 16 years, the company has been manufacturing and supplying more than 12 variants of load cells to multiple industries starting from healthcare to military, mining, and aviation.