If you are into electronics and even consider yourself to be an amateur builder of electronics, you have probably heard of load cells. However, you probably have no idea what they are or what they are used for. Fortunately, this guide is here to help.

 

A load cell is a type of transducer and this transducer is used for converting forces into electrical signals. For example, changes in pressure or weight may be converted into signals which can then be used within an electronic circuit.

 

These transducers are used in a wide variety of applications. For example, they are used to measure the force that is being placed upon an object and they are also used in scales. Additionally, they are used to find the center of gravity in certain tools and they can be used to monitor feedback within a system.

 

There are many types of these transducers. For instance, hydraulic cells are used in devices that measure weight according to a change in pressure, but pneumatic cells can also be used for a similar application. There are also strain-gauge cells that convert the weight they receive into electrical signals and these happen to be the most widely used cells of all.

 

Different types of load cells are suitable for different applications. For instance, bending and shear beam cells will work well for weighing silos and tanks, while compression cells are suitable for any application where there may changing conditions, such as on a building site. Compression cells also happen to be shock absorbent.

 

These electronic parts are widely used within the trucking industry and within government agencies. This is because they can be used in weighing machines for trucks to accurately find their weights.

 

To figure out which load cells you might need for your project, you can contact a reputable retailer of these products. Many of the sales people in this industry are quite knowledgeable and will be able to guide you in the right direction.

Article submited by Jane Rowlinson, the views and opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the views of eilersen.com