These can be found in places such as weighbridges where their role is to take the strain and convert this into an electric signal indicating the weight. It does have to then be accompanied by an amplifier in order for it to be read though as the initial output is too small to really be determined.

 

In most instances four have to be used in order to measure the strain with two of them being in tension whilst the other two are in compression which does allow a comparison to be made. When the tension is then applied the change in the four can then be measured to give you an accurate result.

 

The second most common type is the hydraulic load cell with this being used mainly in industry in various countries. They are often used outside as they cannot be affected by extreme conditions such as a thunderstorm which does pose a problem for the alternative strain gauge variety.

 

There are other types out there but they are normally used in more specialised situations. These include pneumatic versions as well as piezoelectric which are used for measuring more dynamic force so they certainly are less common.

 

The strain load cell continues to be the best one out there as it can bring you very accurate results and as they get more popular the actual cost of installing them comes down. So although they may not be too familiar to the majority of people they do play an important part in many aspects even if we do not realise it personally.

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