As it turns out, when it comes to selecting parts for weighing systems, there are few parts as critical and as particular as the single point load cell. Whether it’s a precision balance, retail scale, checkweigher, or any other related weighing application, the SP4 gives a highly-flexible, single-piece assembly that can be used in virtually any type of weighing system where a more compact cell is needed, together with the maximum overall system accuracy. That’s what so vital to know about the considered purchasing process of these products: – how they work, the material differences, the design attributes pricing relationship to allow the best decision for your project or product line.
LC1330 Low Profile Platform Scale Load Cell
A load cell point is a kind of load cell sensor which designed to measure weight or force. It is unique from other methods because it can retain precision under an offset applied load. This makes it particularly suitable for platform weighing where the load is not always put on the centre of the platform.
Operation of a Single Point Load Cell Mechanically, a single point load cell operates through the transformation of a mechanical force into an electrical signal. Its internal structure slightly deforms with the load, which results in the resistance change on the strain gauges connected on its bonded surface. These changes are converted into weight data that will be readable by a signal processor. Thanks to its special construction and compensation characteristics, an entire platform can be mounted supported with a single point load cell with one sensor.
Single point load cells type application:
Retail and commercial scales
Bench-top weighing systems
Packaging machines
Checkweighers
Parcel and postal scales
Food and pharmaceutical equipment
Due to their accuracy, miniature size, and easy-of-integration, they have been adopted by a wide range of applications.
Material selection is a key process in the procurement process and has a direct impact on the final performance, durability, and cost of a product. Popular materials used to create single point load cells are aluminum and stainless steel.
Equip with Stainless steel single point load cells, in hazardous environments, such as moisture and chemical substance, cleaning situation, are applied. In a number of sectors stainless steel designs can be resistant to corrosion and rugged the best option for solutions, particularly in food processing to chemical processing all the way through pharma manufacturing.
Durable and long lasting
Resistance to corrosion and moisture
Appropriate for washdown and sanitary applications
Usually come with higher IP ratings (for example IP68 or IP69)
This type of load cell is more costly than the aluminium version but performs better in harsh environment. They’re non-refundable and a long-term investment for uses that require strength and dependability.
Aluminium single point load cells have a relatively wide range of applications such as indoors general tests where there is little contact with external forces. They are perfect for consumer scales, retail systems, and other applications.
Key features:
Lightweight and easy to install
Cost-effective for large-scale production
Adequate performance for general weighing
Typically rated IP65 or lower
Aluminium Loadcells Aluminium load cells are an ideal selection where expense is a decisive factor and environmental conditions are stable. Shoe washers can offer reliable performance in most common installations, where the cost of stainless steel is not justified.
When buying, it pays to have a good idea of what is required technically to ensure that a load cell can be matched to the end application. Some of the most important design parameters to be considered are:
Rated Capacity
Single point load cells can be found in various capacities, from grams to hundreds of kilograms. Ensuring you select a load cell with enough headroom above the maximum load you are measuring will help protect from this. eg 50 kg load cell may be better than 30 kg if upper load limit is 30 kg.
Platform Size Support
There is a certain platform size that can be mounted on each individual single point load cell. If the platform is larger-scale than this, the measurement accuracy will deteriorate. Typically in the datasheet the manufacturer will note the maximum size of the platform to be used—choose accordingly.
Accuracy Class
Precision is important, particularly in checkweighing or dosing applications. Search for load cells that are OIML or NTEP certified. Precision can be optimised through the following parameters:
Non-linearity
Hysteresis
Repeatability
Creep
A higher accuracy class (e.g., C3, C4) has a tighter tolerance and the performance is also better.
Environmental Protection
Note down the IP rating of the load cell to know its dust and water resistance capabilities. IP65 rated tfm50v2 is ideal for typical indoor applications, with IP67, IP68, or IP69K configurations available for wet or harsh environments.
Cable Length and Connector Type
For integration, be sure the load cell has the right cable length, sheathing, and connector style for your system. Some systems call for screened cables or a particular pin-out.
Check mounting hole patterns, bolt sizes, and if the parts are compatible mechanically. Using a load cell with standard mounting dimensions can simplify design and installation.
Looking through the perspective of purchases, single point load cell is an essential element which combines certain degree on precision, cost and flexibility of integration. Choosing an appropriate model depends on the environmental conditions, platform size, accuracy, and long-term stability.
Opt for aluminum for a good value in routine weighing.
Verify design specifications, such as capacity, platform size and IP rating to ensure a proper fit.
Base your cost comparison analysis on suppliers, but focuss on technical performance performance and compliance.
One such reliable manufacturer is Labirinth Microtest Electronics (Tianjin) Co., Ltd, which has been more than 20 years seasoned in the load cell market. They have earned a proven track record in weighing solution application in various industries including food processing, logistics, retail and, industrial automation. Among their extensive product range, they offer stainless steel and aluminum single point load cells that are designed to comply to the world standard and extreme application requirements. With deep applications experience and worldwide customer service support, Labirinth Microtest is equally poised to support OEMs or end-use customers in global markets.