A load cell is essentially a device that converts a mass signal into a measurable electrical signal output. Considering the influence of air buoyancy and gravitational acceleration at different usage locations on the conversion, the performance indicators of a load cell mainly include repeatability error, creep, zero-temperature characteristics, linearity error, hysteresis error, and sensitivity temperature characteristics. There are various types of load cells, mainly including spoke-type, plate-ring type, diaphragm type, S-type, shear type, bridge type, and cylindrical type.
With technological advancements, load cells have been used to achieve rapid and accurate material weighing; electronic scales are now widely used across various industries. Especially with the increasing automation of industrial production processes and the emergence of microprocessors, load cells have become indispensable equipment in process control. The range of load cells extends from weight measurement in large storage tanks, hoppers, crane scales, and truck scales to batching systems used for mixing and distributing various raw materials, automatic detection in production processes, and powder feeding control. Currently, load cells are used in almost all weighing applications.
Application range of various sensors
To ensure proper installation and safe, reliable weighing, the selection of load cells depends primarily on the type of load and the available installation space. On the other hand, the manufacturer's recommendations should also be considered. Load cell manufacturers typically specify performance indicators, installation methods, structural forms, stress distribution, and elastic materials for their sensors. For example, aluminum alloy cantilever beam load cells are suitable for electronic scales, platform scales, and box scales; column load cells are suitable for truck scales, moving rail scales, and large-tonnage hopper scales; steel cantilever beam load cells are suitable for electronic belt scales and sorting scales; and steel bridge load cells are suitable for truck scales and rail scales.
Selection of the accuracy level of the weighing sensor
When selecting high-grade load cells, the accuracy class and cost of the electronic scale should not be considered. Accuracy class includes technical specifications such as nonlinearity, creep, repeatability, hysteresis, and sensitivity. Generally, the root mean square value of the sum of nonlinearity, non-repeatability, and hysteresis is slightly higher than the scaling factor.
Weighing sensor usage environment
In fact, a load cell is an electrical signal output device that converts a mass signal into a measurable signal. First, we should consider the actual operating environment of the sensor, which is crucial for selecting the right sensor. This relates to the reliability and safety of the entire weighing instrument; it even affects the sensor's proper functioning and lifespan.
Generally, high-temperature environments can lead to changes in the stress structure of the elastomer, melting of the coating material, and opening of the solder joints; sensor elastomers may be damaged or short-circuited in highly corrosive environments; dust and humidity can affect sensor short circuits; and electromagnetic fields can interfere with the sensor output.
