What is a Strain Gauge Load Cell?

Working Principle

Structure

• Elastic Element: It is a structural component with a special shape, which bears the external force and produces a reaction force to achieve a relative static balance. At the same time, it generates a high - quality strain zone to enable the strain gauges pasted in this area to complete the strain and electrical signal conversion tasks. Common materials for elastic elements include stainless steel and aluminum alloy.
• Resistance Strain Gauge: There are two main structure types, wire - type and foil - type. The foil - type is formed by photographic etching method and has the advantages of various shapes, small resistance value difference, large current - carrying capacity, good creep resistance, and anti - drift performance.
• Measuring Circuit: Its function is to convert the resistance change of the strain gauge into a voltage output signal. The Wheatstone bridge is widely used in load cells because it can suppress the influence of temperature changes and lateral force interference and conveniently solve the compensation problem of the load cell.

Types

• Single - Point Load Cells: Suitable for small - scale weighing applications such as kitchen scales and bench scales.
• Cantilever - Beam Load Cells: Used for weighing medium - weight objects, such as industrial scales.
• S - Type Load Cells: Suitable for measuring both tensile and compressive forces, such as in hanging scales.
• Column - Type Load Cells: Capable of measuring large weights and are often used in truck scales and floor scales.

Features

• High Precision: Modern strain - gauge load cells can achieve an accuracy of up to 0.01%.
• Good Stability: They are suitable for long - term use and have strong anti - interference ability.
• Wide Applicability: Can be used in a variety of scenarios, from automated manufacturing processes to commercial weighing systems.
• Quick Response: Capable of real - time measurement, enabling efficient process control and monitoring.