Buy Load Cells - Detailed descriptions belowTacuna Systems load cell offerings are recognized for their quality, durability, and wide range of features, including:
Our Load Cell CategoriesA load cell is a device which can measure an amount of force being applied to a system. Load cells have strain gauges in them which deform when a load is applied. This deformation creates a change in resistance in the strain gauge thereby changing its voltage as well. This voltage difference can be measured and output to a display as a force. Load cells are used in a variety of applications from consumer scales all the way to construction cranes. Due to the variance in applications, there are many different types of load cells. The purpose of this document is to define these different types of load cells and under what situations they should be used.
Single Ended Shear BeamIn Single Ended Shear Beams the strain gauges are mounted inside of a small cavity on a web of thin metal. They are useful in low-profile applications that require medium to high capacities. One end of the load cell is mounted statically while a shear load is applied to the free end. The cantilever nature of this scenario deforms the strain gauges, changing their resistance and allowing for a calculation of the load applied. This type of load cell is convenient to use when space under the load is limited as the majority of the space occupied will be perpendicular to the direction the load is being applied. Single ended shear beams are ideal for use when weighing vessels and hoppers and high accuracy is desired.
View our range of single ended shear beam load cells.
Double Ended Shear BeamDouble Ended Shear Beam Load Cells are similar to the Single Ended except for both ends are fixed. Because of this, the load is applied in the center of the load cell. As with the Single Ended, the strain gauges are located in the center of the load cell inside of a machined cavity. Because Double Ended Shear Beams are fixed on both ends, they have the ability to withstand a larger load than Single Ended Shear Beams. Because of the fixed conditions, the load is applied in the middle of a Double Ended Shear Beam rather than at an end. This type of load cell is still an excellent option when there is not much room under the load and the load in being applied perpendicular to the orientation of the load cell. Possible applications include industrial floor scales as well as weighing vessels and tanks and the capacity requirements exceed that of the single ended shear beam.
View our range of double ended shear beam load cells.
S Beam Load CellsS Beam Load Cells are load cells which, as seen in the picture to the right, are in the shape of an ‘S’. This makes them optimal for use with loads in tension or compression. They are most commonly used in converting mechanical scale measurements to electronic ones. One thing to consider when using an S Beam Load Cell is that movement in the cable can cause errors in measurements so the cable should be enclosed and secured with the load cell when mounted in a system. Applications commonly include light performance testing, such as using to test the resistance of doors, hinges, or springs.
View our range of S-type load cells.
Single Point or PlatformSingle Point Load Cells are most commonly used in low capacity bench scales. Their construction is commonly from aluminum which allows for more precise measurements. They have a range of capacities from around 2kg through 1000kg. Single Point Load Cells are of similar design to shear beams but are typically used when the load is only being applied to a single point and only one load cell needs to be used. Examples of single point loads include ropes, point loads, and small scale sensing.
View our range of single ended shear beam load cells.
Load Cell Quadro SetsThe load cells we offer under this category are manufactured by Anyload and the price ranges from $604.95 to $1,354.95 with rated capacities of 250lb to 20,000lb. The set is basically a kit that consists of the following:
View our range of load cell quadro sets.
Canister/DiskCanister, or Disk, Load Cells are a type of load cell used specifically for compression loads. A load is placed on top of the “button” of the load cell creating some deformation in the strain gauges below. This deformation creates a change in resistance and therefore voltage in the system. This voltage difference is measured and used to calculate the amount of force being applied by the load. Canister Load Cells generally require a little more space than beam load cells, but can withstand heavier loads. Their construction makes them extremely resistant to bending and any forces that may be applied from the side. Because of this, they are ideal to use in systems where loads are being applied from different directions but only one needs to be measured.
The offered OEM’s load cell has different capacity ranges, but generally the disk load cells offered by TACUNA systems have capacities varying from 55lb (25Kg) to 100,000lb. The load cells have international protection markings of IP68 and some also have IP67 and IP66, making them dust tight, able to withstand immersion in water and also to withstand powerful water jets.
View our range of disk load cells.
Planar BeamPlanar Beam Load Cells are a type of load cell which are ideal to use in small spaces due to their very thin profile. They are constructed from aluminum resulting in higher precision measurements. Due to their compact construction, they are used individually for lower capacity loads, however multiple can be used together in a system and it is common for four to be used together, such as in medical weight scales. They are generally used in smaller load scales such as point-of-sale scales, courier scales, and in some medical applications. The rated capacity of the Anyload planar beam load cells ranges from 3.75kg to 300kg and they are typically used to weigh loads in the 10-400lb range.
View our range of planar beam load cells.
Tension LinkTension Link Loads Cells are a type of load cell used to measure aligned tension loads. As can be seen in the picture to the right, Tension Link Load Cells have two openings to allow for easy integration into a system which needs to measure a tension load such as cable strength or a crane scale. These load cells are constructed from steel and are available in a variety of capacities, but are generally used in systems which require a high capacity for their factor of safety.
The load cells are also environmentally sealed and they have IP ratings of IP65, IP67 and IP68/69K making them capable of withstanding dust, immersion in water and powerful water jets. Generally the rated capacity of Anyload tension link load cells ranges from about 500kg to 100,000 kg.
View our range of tension link load cells.
Load PinLoad Pins are used when end of line load cells cannot be used. Shear forces are applied to Load Pins and measured by strain gauges located in a bore through the middle of the pin. The strain gauges have groves machined into the load pin around where they are located and these groves should be placed between the forces being applied to the pin. They come in a variety of capacities, supporting 2t, 5t, 10t, 20t, 40t, 70t and 100t. They are also constructed of stainless steel to allow for more durability and higher load potential. Load Pins are generally used as the pin through a pulley wheel to measure the load being applied to the pulley, but can be integrated in any system where a pin is used and it is not feasible to use a load cell at the end of the load.
The rated capacity of these load cells vary between 1kg to 500kg and they can be mounted in such a way that it is fixed to a base to measure compression forces or the load application point is attached to a top platform to measure tension forces
View our range of load pin load cells.
Miniature Load ButtonMiniature Load Button Load Cells are a type of small canister load cell that is used for smaller capacities when available space is limited. A load is placed on top of the “button” in compression. This load causes deformation in the strain gauges below which causes a change in their resistance and therefore voltage. The difference in voltage is then used to calculate how large the load being applied is. Due to the small footprint of these load cells, they are commonly used in small retail and postal scales. Like other canister load cells, miniature load button load cells can be used in systems where there are forces being applied from different directions but only one needs to be measured. This is because the cylinder construction of the body resists any deformation, making the other forces not affect the measurement.
The rated capacity of these load cells vary between 1kg to 500kg and they can be mounted in such a way that it is fixed to a base to measure compression forces.
View our range of miniature load button load cells.