A Single Ended Shear Beam (SESB) load cell is a highly robust force sensor typically made from alloy or stainless steel. It is mounted rigidly at one end, with the load applied vertically to a specified point on the free end.

• > How it Works: It measures the shear stress (a parallel force that causes the internal structure to deform) rather than bending stress.
• > Key Advantage: This design provides excellent resistance to side-loading (extraneous horizontal forces) and rotational forces, making it highly accurate and reliable in harsh, dynamic industrial environments where loads may not be perfectly centred or vertical.

The robust, low-profile design and excellent resistance to side-loading make single ended shear beams ideal for multi-cell systems in medium to high-capacity applications.

• > Industrial Platform Scales: Used under all four corners of floor scales, bench scales, and pallet scales.
• > Process Weighing: Critical for accurate weight measurement in tank, hopper, and silo weighing systems (especially with the use of proper mounting accessories).
• > Batching Systems: Essential for precise control in mixing and packaging machinery.
• > Conveyor Belt Scales: Used to monitor material flow and weight on conveyor lines.

For high accuracy weighing of platforms, tanks, or hoppers, the industry standard is to use one Single Ended Shear Beam load cell at each support point.

• > Platform Scales: Typically require four load cells (one at each corner).
• > Tank/Vessel Weighing: The number of cells equals the number of legs or supports (usually three or four).

Using multiple cells ensures the total load is evenly distributed and the system maintains accuracy, even if the load shifts slightly. The signals from these multiple cells are routed through a summing junction box to provide a single, total weight output.

To achieve maximum accuracy and protect the load cell from damaging forces, proper mounting hardware is mandatory, especially in process weighing:

• > Mounting Assembly/Foot Kits: These assemblies often include a top plate, base plate, and a mechanism (like a self-aligning bearing or elastomer element) to:
  • > Absorb shock loads.
  • > Compensate for non-level surfaces.
  • > Allow for thermal expansion or minor movement of the vessel without introducing side loads to the cell.
• > Overload Protection: Some mounting kits include features like lift-off protection (preventing the vessel from being lifted off the cell) and check rods (to limit excessive side movement).

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating defines a load cell’s resistance to contaminants:

• > IP67: Offers protection against dust and temporary immersion in water (up to 1m for 30 minutes). Suitable for most indoor industrial environments.
• > IP68 (Hermetically Sealed): Provides the highest level of protection, ensuring the internal components are sealed against dust and continuous, long-term immersion in water.

The Benefit: Choosing IP68 Stainless Steel models is crucial for applications that involve regular washdowns (food, beverage, pharma), high humidity, outdoor exposure, or direct exposure to chemicals, ensuring a much longer, maintenance-free operational life.