Load Cell Operating Principle

Load Cell Operating Principle

Load cell is a sensor or a transducer that converts a load or force acting on it into an electronic signal. This electronic signal can be a voltage change, current change or frequency change depending on the type of load cell and circuitry used.

When a load is applied, the body of the load cell deforms slightly and experiences deflection. Deflection refers to the change of length of the load cell along the primary axis when a load is applied.

In a compression load cell, the deflection causes the gauge to become shorter and thicker.

In a tension load cell, the gauge is stretched and becomes longer and thinner.

In response to the body shape changes, the strain gauges also change shape.

This, in turn, causes a change in the electrical resistance of the strain gauge which can then be measured as a voltage change. Since this change in output is proportional to the amount of weight applied, the weight of the object can then be determined from the change in voltage.

Reference load cell central