First of all, two types of product are distinguished: load cells and dynamometers.
The former are designed for the weighing sector, while the latter are used to measure force and mainly used in calibration.
Based on this separation they are subject to different regulations.
The operation of both load cells and dynamometers belongs to a single concept:
the force applied on the device determines voltages on the structure proportional to the stress itself which are transformed into an electrical signal through the use of strain gauges.
Read below the features and differences that distinguish the various models.
Electrical load cells are generally made up by a rigid metal device which, under the action of the weight or force exerted, undergoes micro-deformations due to elastic strains such as Compression, Tension, Bending, Torsion, Shear.These elastic micro-deformations are usually indicated by integral strain gauges with the metal device strained - the strain gauges may be one of the following types:• Bonded (wire)• Photo engraved (film)• Deposition by evaporation (thin film)• Ion implanted (on a semiconductor) The most widely used load cells are the compression/tension and the bending load cells, with either deposited or ion implanted strain gauges that guarantee greater stability over time. The advantages of electric load cells can be summed up as: remote indication capability, optimum precision, good stability. Riels Instruments load cells and weighing systems can also be supplied with the electronics incorporated, with an analogue or digital outlet.Applications
The field of weighing with load cells ranges from micrograms (millionths of a gram) to tons.
The most common applications are:
• detection/measurement of mechanical forces
• weighing of lorries, railway wagons and ships
• weighing of hoppers and tanks
• large ladders and cranes
• measuring of food products for packaging at industrial level
• check of the weight as a quality control (e.g. pharmaceutical field)
• loads on cables.
• piling and earth moving monitoring.
• motor vehicles, test benches, car servicing benches ...
• gust measurement in wind tunnels
