A load cell is a type of sensor that measures force or load. It converts mechanical force, such as weight or pressure, into an electrical signal that can be measured and processed. Load cells are commonly used in weighing scales, industrial equipment, and testing machines to ensure accurate force measurement. They come in various types, including strain gauge load cells, hydraulic load cells, and pneumatic load cells, each suitable for different applications.

A load cell works by converting mechanical force into an electrical signal. When weight or pressure is applied, the metal body slightly deforms, causing strain gauges to change resistance. This change is measured using a Wheatstone bridge circuit and converted into a precise, calibrated output that represents force or weight.

A tension load cell measures pulling or tensile forces, indicating how much an object is being stretched or suspended. Typically designed in S-type or Z-type shapes, it offers high precision and can sometimes measure both tension and compression. Common uses include crane weighing, cable tension monitoring, and material testing.

A compression load cell measures pushing or downward forces, indicating the amount of weight or pressure applied to a surface. Typically found in canister, button, or thru-hole designs, it’s used for industrial weighing, structural testing, vehicle scales, and silo or tank monitoring where accurate force measurement is crucial.

A single-point load cell is designed to measure weight from a single location while maintaining accuracy across the entire platform. It’s commonly used in bench scales, retail weighing machines, and small platforms, where precise readings are needed even if the load isn’t perfectly centred.

A planar beam load cell is a compact, low-profile sensor used to measure weight in small or limited-space applications. Mounted beneath the weighing platform, it provides accurate readings for retail scales, medical devices, and checkweighers, offering high precision with minimal height requirements.