Load cell

A  load cell is a type of transducer, which is a device that converts energy from one form to another. Load cells are a type of force transducer. They convert the kinetic energy of a force such as tension, compression, pressure, or torque into electrical energy; more specifically as a measurable electrical signal. The strength of the signal changes in proportion to the force applied. There are three basic load cell types based on output signal: hydraulic, pneumatic, and strain gauge. A  load cell is a type of transducer, which is a device that converts energy from one form to another. Load cells are a type of force transducer. They convert the kinetic energy of a force such as tension, compression, pressure, or torque into electrical energy; more specifically as a measurable electrical signal. The strength of the signal changes in proportion to the force applied. There are three basic load cell types based on output signal: hydraulic, pneumatic, and strain gauge. The most commonly used type of load cell in industrial applications is the strain gauge load cell. This type of load cell is accurate and cost effective.  A strain gauge load cell consists of a solid metal body (or “spring element”) on which strain gauges have been secured.  The body is usually made of aluminum, alloy steel, or stainless steel which makes it very sturdy but also minimally elastic.  When a load is applied, the body of the load cell is slightly deformed, but, unless overloaded, always returns to its original shape. In response to the body shape changes, the strain gauges also change shape. This, in turn, causes a change in the electrical resistance of the strain gauge which can then be measured as a voltage change. Since this change in output is proportional to the amount of weight applied, the weight of the object can then be determined from the change in voltage.