Choosing Between Aluminum and Stainless-Steel Load Cells: A Comparative Guide

Load cells are instruments for sensitive measurement of force. These instruments can analyse force and transform them into electrical signals for quantifying the same. While buying these instruments, it is essential to shop from reliable load cell manufacturers so you can get the best quality. However, at the time of purchase, you might get confused about the material of your load cell. Aluminum and stainless steel are two of the most popular options when it comes to finalising the material for your load cell. But how do you choose between them? Let’s break down the main points of difference.

Aluminum Load Cells: Basic Features and Benefits

Aluminum is a budget-friendly choice while opting for your load cell material. This material has high thermal conductivity. This feature can be beneficial or problematic depending on the intended application. The benefits of buying an aluminum load cell are:

●        Aluminum load cells have extremely low hysteresis. This feature means that the maximum difference between various output measurements of the same load remains low with this material.

●        Aluminum is excellent for making compact load cells. If you need small, low-weight load cells, this material may be your best choice.

●        Aluminum load cells are often cheaper than steel or stainless-steel instruments. This budget-friendliness can be a huge tick in their favour.

Despite these advantages, aluminum may not work for all applications. The material is very soft, and load cells made from it often cannot handle high-stress applications.

Stainless Steel Load Cells: Basic Features and Benefits

A stainless-steel load cell is known for having immense resistance to environmental damage. The anti-corrosive function of this material is appropriate for load cells used under rough conditions. A double-ended load cell for heavy applications can benefit from a stainless-steel material. At the same time, an s-type load cell for multiple general weighing applications can also work the best when constructed with stainless steel. This material is an alloy of steel, consisting of a high volume of nickel for stability and ductility. The primary benefits of stainless-steel load cells are:

 

●        Anti-corrosive features to prevent deterioration under harsh environmental conditions

●        Stainless steel is durable and sturdy, making it well-suited to heavy loads and versatile applications.

However, this material is more expensive than aluminum and also has a higher hysteresis.

Differences and Factors to Consider

The difference between these materials comes down to the intended application type. You can assess the following factors for understanding their differences.

●        Purpose: If you need a load cell for weighing heavy loads or assessing automatic loading force, stainless steel is the best choice for sturdiness. On the other hand, compact measurements can benefit from an aluminum product.

●        Pricing: Aluminum load cells are cheaper than stainless steel options. Hence you can decide based on your budget.

●        Location: If you plan to use your load cell outdoors under varied environmental conditions, stainless steel is best due to its corrosion-resistant features. However, an aluminum load cell may work better in indoor environments for compact use.

●        Operating Conditions: The operating conditions of your industry are also critical to consider. If you need a load cell for the chemical industry with harsh fumes and abrasive liquids used regularly, stainless steel is your best bet. However, you may opt for aluminum if you need it for use in retail industries.

 

Now that you have more information to help you choose between different load cells, it’s time to buy your own from the best load cell suppliers in Hyderabad. Contact Sensomatic Load Cell today to buy a high-quality product for your business!