Types Of A Load Cell And Available Features
Have you ever wondered what a
load cell is? It is a transducer capable of converting the load it gets into electric signals. There are different types of such a cell like hydraulic, strain gauge and piezoelectric. The output produced will be very less and needs to be amplified before use.
Strain Gauge
Most of the common types that are available in the market are of strain gauge type. The configuration is based on the structure of Wheatstone bridge. Depending upon the usage criteria, it is preferable to use either a half bridge consisting of two strain gauges or a full bridge with four.
Hydraulic
Cells that are capable of taking huge amounts of loads belong to this category. Hence, they are expensive when compared with other cells. The advantages you can get from them are many like withstanding extreme temperatures, converting even heavy loads into signals and offering maximum efficiency.
Pneumatic
There are certain industries where cells providing extreme safety standards are needed. The actual operation of these cells involves extensive use of air. There is no need of water to operate the cells. Hence, they can be safely used in most sensitive areas as well.
Operations
Because of their wide range of features, these cells are vividly used in various sectors. Their need can be increasingly seen in almost every industry where heavy-duty work is the order of the day. For example, there is a fiber optic
load cell available, which are capable of operating perfectly even at high temperatures.
Benefits
Different types of a
load cell are available, of which some are too dear while other variants can be purchased for a cheap price. The signal produced is different from one cell to the other. The distinction has been made based on the output signal produced. Owing to its sensitivity factor, it is used for industrial weighing purposes as well.
Article submited by Martin Stonningham, the views and opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the views of eilersen.com
