Views: 1 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-06-27 Origin: Site
Load cells are at the heart of every scale system, making modern weight data possible. There are as many types, sizes, capacities, and shapes of load cells as there are applications that use them, so when you're first learning about load cells, it can be overwhelming. However, understanding load cells is a necessary first step in understanding the capabilities of all types and models of scales. First, learn how load cells work with our brief overview, then learn 10 little things to know about load cells - starting with load cell technology all the way to the many different applications in which you can use them!
10 little knowledge
1. The core of each scale.
The load cell is the most important component of the scale system. Without a load cell, a scale cannot measure changes in force caused by load or weight. The load cell is the heart of every scale.
2. Enduring origins.
Load cell technology dates back to 1843, when British physicist Charles Wheatstone created a bridge circuit to measure resistance. He named the new technology the Wheatstone bridge, which is still used today as the basis for load cell strain gauges.
3. Use resistors.
Strain gauges use resistance theory. A strain gauge consists of a very thin wire braided back and forth in a zigzag grid to increase the effective length of the wire when force is applied. This wire has a certain resistance. When a load is applied, the wire stretches or compresses, increasing or decreasing its resistance - we measure resistance to determine weight.
4. Measure diversity.
A load cell can measure more than just cantilever force, or the force developed on one end of the load cell. In fact, load cells can measure resistance in vertical compression, tension and even suspended tension.
5. Three categories.
Load cells are divided into three main categories: Environmental Protection (EP), Weld Seal (WS) and Hermetic Seal (HS). Knowing which type of load cell you need will effectively match the load cell to your application, ensuring the best results.
6. Importance of deflection.
Deflection is the distance the load cell is bent from its original resting position. Deflection is caused by the force (load) applied to the load cell and allows the strain gauge to do its job.
7. Load cell wiring.
The color combinations for load cell wiring excitation, signal, shielding, and sensing can be very broad, and each manufacturer is developing its own wiring color combination.
8. Customized scale solutions.
You can integrate load cells into pre-existing structures such as hoppers, tanks, silos and other containers to create custom scale solutions. These are excellent solutions for applications that require inventory management, recipe dosing, material unloading, or prefer to integrate weighing into established processes.
9. Load cell and accuracy.
High-accuracy scale systems are generally considered to have a systematic error of ±0.25% or less; less accurate systems will have a systematic error of ±.50% or greater. Since most weight indicators typically have an error of ±0.01%, the primary source of scale error will be the load cell and, more importantly, the mechanical arrangement of the scale itself.
10. The load cell that suits you.
The most efficient way to build a high precision scale system is to choose the right load cell for your application. It's not always easy to know which load cell is best for each unique application. Therefore, you should always be an engineer and a load cell expert.
