Types of Load Cell Diaphragms

Types of Load Cell Diaphragms

Load cell diaphragms are used to measure compressive loads in a range of industrial applications.load cell diaphragms Manufactured from high tensile stainless steel, these sensors are particularly resistant to offset load and are suitable for use in harsh environments where space is limited.

The most common type of load cell is a strain gage design that converts weight into a signal.load cell diaphragms Almost all industrial scales and process measurement systems incorporate this technology in order to convert mechanical levers into digital outputs. The earliest types of load cells included hydraulic and pneumatic designs, but these have fallen out of favor in modern weighing applications as strain-gage models continue to improve in accuracy and cost.

Another popular load sensor is the S Beam Force Sensor.load cell diaphragms Originally designed as an in-line load sensor to convert mechanical scales into digital, this device has a low package size and is available in a variety of capacities with both English and Metric threading. S Beam force sensors are often used in applications where space is limited and require a minimal mounting clearance. However, the nature of this type of load cell means that it is sensitive to off center load, moments and torques.

For a more precise and accurate option, consider a pancake load cell. These units are commonly used for high capacity compression applications such as CNC machine vise clamping force testing and can be found in a wide variety of capacities with both English and Metric tapped holes. The pancake load cell is also less sensitive to off center loading, moments and torques than the S Beam or Shear Beam style load cells.

Capacitive load cells, on the other hand, operate in a completely different way. They are based on the principle that when two plates are connected they form a capacitor with an electric charge stored between them. When a load is applied to the plate the charge increases or decreases and this change in capacitance is measured as a weight by using a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

A special type of load cell is the multi component sensor, which measures forces and torques in all spatial directions. This allows for complete and consistent measurements of loads, moments and displacements, making them ideal for a broad range of structural and industrial applications. Multicomponent sensors are typically used in combination with other sensor technologies such as shear web, bending beam and sleeve shear in order to achieve the required precision and accuracy for an application. Scotload offers a wide selection of single and multi-axis load cells, including both shear web and bending beam sensors as well as diaphragm compression and shear bead styles. These units are highly versatile and can be used in a range of applications, including food and beverage processing, packaging and manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, medical and military industries. Download our load cell comparison guide for more information on determining which model is right for you.

Tags:tension load cells