From precision weigh systems, to testing the thrust of a rocket engine, to advanced surgical systems, to automotive applications and a wide range of manufacturing processes, load cells are everywhere, working hard behind the scenes. And in this video, we'll look at what a load cell is, what it does, and how it works. Simply put, a load cell is a type of transducer that, depending on its construction, can take forces like tension, compression, or torque and convert those into a measurable electrical output that can easily be calibrated and converted to a force value. There are four types of load cell operating principles.
Pneumatic load cells use pressurized air or gas to balance out the applied weight, where the amount of air or gas required to balance it out is correlated to a force measurement. Hydraulic load cells use oil or water that when a load is applied, a piston pushes down on the liquid. The increase in pressure of the liquid is proportional to the force or weight.
Capacitive load cells use capacitance to measure force. Here, electrical current is applied to two flat plates that are parallel to one another, creating capacitance. When weight is applied, the gap between the plates is compressed, resulting in a change in that capacitance that can be measured and correlated to a force value. And that brings us to strain gauge load cells. These highly precise sensors use strain gauges that are bonded onto a beam or structural member.
that deforms when weight is applied. The deformation of the strain gauges causes minute changes in resistance that are converted into a voltage signal that can be accurately read and converted into a force value. Strain gauge load cells are by far the most commonly used type of load cell for their accuracy and stability.
Now let's look at some different load cell form factors and how they're used. S-beam load cells are designed for measuring tension and compression in applications where suspended loads are a factor. Miniature compression load cells can be used to measure compression in small spaces.
Tension link load cells are best for measuring tension and loads on cables and support rods, while bending beam load cells offer low profile construction where space is limited. Need help finding the right load cell for your application? Contact one of our engineering experts at Omega.com. Thanks for watching and be sure to like and subscribe.