Load Cell Sensors

A load cell is a transducer that is used to create an electrical signal whose magnitude is directly proportional to the force being measured. The various load cell types include hydraulic, pneumatic, and strain gauge.

Strain gauge load cells are the most common in industry. These load cells are particularly stiff, have very good resonance values, and tend to have long life cycles in application. Strain gauge load cells work on the principle that the strain gauge (a planar resistor) deforms when the material of the load cells deforms appropriately. Deformation of the strain gauge changes its electrical resistance, by an amount that is proportional to the strain. The change in resistance of the strain gauge provides an electrical value change that is calibrated to the load placed on the load cell.