Load cells are the heart of any weighing device, converting mechanical strain into precise weight readings. At Accurate Scale, we’re a licensed Rice Lake load cell supplier. From widely used single-ended beams to specialty canister load cells, we offer tried-and-tested load cells for nearly every weighing application. There’s no shortage of load cell types, but what exactly are their applications and benefits?
In this brief informational blog with Accurate Scale, we’ll examine some of the most common load cells used in industrial scales. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Accurate Scale is one of Western Canada’s leading scale suppliers. Let’s weigh out the details below.
#1: Single-Ended Beams
Single-ended beam load cells are among the most commonly used types. These load cells fall under a ‘beam’ style of load cells, and include shear-beam or bending-beam designs. These load cells feature a functional, beam structure with the strain gauges on one side and mounting holes on the other. Single-ended beam load cells are often found on platform-type scales, with strong shock resistance properties. At Accurate Scale, we’re your local load cell supplier. We offer versatile single-ended load cell units, made with stainless steel, alloy steel, or nickel-plated metal.
#2: Double-Ended Beam
At first glance, double-ended beam load cells may appear similar to single-ended beam loading cells. Both of these types offer a similar structure, design, and functionality. The key difference, however, is that double-ended beams utilize two parallel support points instead of a single beam. As a result, double-beam load cells can be used for heavier, more heavy-duty applications.
At Accurate Scale, we’re a load cell supplier of versatile double-beam load cells that can support loads from 1,000 lbs to 125,000 lbs.
#3: Canister Load Cell
As the name suggests, canister load cells feature a cylindrical, can-shaped design. These load cells offer unparalleled precision for heavy compression loads, thanks to their columnar design. Cannister load cells position the strain gauges in the centre with mounting surfaces on each end, allowing for high stability. As a result, canister load cells offer exceptional quality for high-capacity applications such as permanent truck scales. Our canister load cells are built to last, made from stainless steel, alloy steel, or nickel-plated metal.
Accurate Scale is a licensed load cell supplier of Rice Lake canister-style varieties, rated from capacities of 25,000 to 250,000 lbs.
#4: S-Beam Load Cell
S-Beam loading cells are characterized by their unique ‘S’ shape, ideal for supporting tension and suspended weighing systems. The strain gauge is located in the narrow middle section. The mounting holes are then placed at the top and bottom, at each end. As a result, the S-beam loading cell offers exceptional accuracy for vertical loads. These load cells are ideal for suspended, heavy-duty applications, such as hopper and crane scales. At Accurate Scale, we offer S-beam load cells with weight capacities of up to 25,000 lbs.
#5: Single Point Load Cell
Single-point load cells are designed with compact versatility in mind, thanks to their beam-like shape. Single-point load cells are designed with strain gauges located in the middle and a mounting point at each end. As a result, single-point load cells excel with lighter-weight weighing devices, such as bench scales. These load cells also offer excellent corner compensation for easy adjustment of off-center loads without sacrificing precision.Accurate Scale’s single-point load cells have a weight capacity of 6.6 lbs to 2,205 lbs.
Load Into Accuracy with Accurate Scale
At Accurate Scale, we’re your trusted load cell supplier across Northern Alberta. Since 1978, we’ve been providing comprehensive weighing solutions to industries across the prairies. Contact us today to learn more about how we support Canadian businesses with our high-quality industrial scales, calibration services, software solutions, and more.