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How Do I Know Which Load Cell I Need?
Choosing the right load cell for your application can be overwhelming. There are as many types of load cells as there are applications to use them. Here's a guide to help you through it.
Learn More about Load Cells
Choosing the right load cell for your application can be overwhelming. There are as many types of load cells as there are applications to use them. When you call to place an order for a load cell, the first question you may be asked is:
"What is the application or, what is being weighed?"
This first question will help decide which follow-up questions to ask, such as: "Is the load cell a replacement or is it for a new system?" "What type of weighing system is the load cell for, a scale system or an integrated system?" "Is it static or in-motion?" "What is the application environment?" "Does it need to be Legal for Trade approved?" Having a general understanding of load cells will help you answer some of these questions before contacting your scale dealer or manufacturer to make the load cell buying process easier.
What is a load cell?
All digital scales use load cells to measure an object’s weight. An electrical current runs through load cells and when a load, or force, is applied to the scale, the load cells will bend or compress slightly. This changes the electrical current in the load cell. A weight indicator measures the electrical current change and displays it as a digital weight value.
Types of Load Cells
While all load cells work the same way, different applications require specific finishes, styles, ratings, approvals, sizes and capacities.
What type of seal does the load cell need?
There are a variety of techniques to seal a load cell, protecting the electrical parts inside. Your application will determine which of the following seal type is needed:
- Environmentally Sealed
- Welded Seal
- Hermetically Sealed
Load cells also have an IP rating indicating what type of protection the load cell enclosure gives the electrical parts. The IP rating is determined by how well the enclosure protects against outside elements such as dust and water.
Load Cell Construction/Material
Load cells can be constructed from many materials. Aluminum is usually used for single-point load cells with low capacity requirements. The most popular option for load cells is tool steel. Finally, there is a stainless steel option. Stainless steel load cells can also be hermetically sealed to protect electrical parts, making them suitable for high moisture or corrosive environments.
What approvals are needed?
The type of load cell approval you need depends on what you will be weighing and why. If a product is being sold by its weight, the load cell must be Legal for Trade approved. If you are unsure of the approval type needed, discuss the application with your scale dealer to determine what approvals you need. Rice Lake Weighing Systems’ load cells have one or more of the following approvals:
- NTEP: Approval for equipment used in Legal for Trade applications (specific to the USA)
- FM Approved: Approval for property loss prevention and safety equipment in commercial/industrial facilities
- FM Approved cUS: Approval for equipment meeting requirements of FM Approvals and the Standards Council of Canada
- OIML: Approval for equipment used in Legal for Trade applications (International)
- ATEX: Approval for equipment in explosive environments
Scale system vs. integrated system load cells?
In an integrated system, load cells are integrated or added to a structure, like a hopper or a tank, turning the structure into a weighing system. A traditional scale system usually includes a dedicated platform where objects are placed to be weighed, then removed, such as a bench scale at a deli counter. Both systems will measure the weight of items, but only one was originally built to do so. Knowing how you will weigh items will help your scale dealer determine if you'll need load cells for a scale system or load cells for an integrated system.
What to know before you purchase a load cell
The next time you need to order a load cell, have answers to the following questions ready before you contact your scale dealer to help guide your decision.
- What is the application?
- What type of weighing system will I need?
- What material does the load cell need to be constructed of?
- What is the minumum resolution and maximum capacity I need?
- What approvals does my application require?
Choosing the right load cell can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. You are the expert on your application—you don’t need to be a load cell expert, too. Having a general understanding of load cells will help you know how to begin the search, making the entire process easier. Rice Lake Weighing Systems has the largest selection of load cells available to meet the needs of any application and our knowledgeable technical support representatives help make the process even easier.
Need a custom solution?
There are some applications that will require an engineering consult. A few questions to consider when discussing a custom solution are:
- Will the load cell be exposed to strong or frequent vibrations?
- Will the equipment be exposed to corrosive materials?
- Will the load cell be exposed to high heat?
- Will this application require extreme weight capacities?
Your dealer will know if your application isn’t standard and would benefit from an engineering consult.
