Artech Load Cells

Understanding Load Cell Functionality

Load cells are essential components in various industries, known for their ability to transform mechanical energy into electrical output. But how exactly does this transformation occur? Let’s break it down:

The Basics of Load Cells

At its core, a load cell is a sensor that detects and measures force, typically tensile or compressive. This force is then converted into an electrical signal, which can be easily measured and analyzed.

Conversion Process

1. Force Application: When a mechanical force, either a push or pull, is exerted on the load cell, the sensor undergoes a slight deformation.

2. Strain Gauge Utilization: Inside the load cell, strain gauges are affixed to the sensor’s structure. These strain gauges are small circuits that detect minute changes in dimensional strains caused by the applied force.

3. Resistance Change: As the force causes the strain gauges to stretch or compress, there is a change in their electrical resistance. This variance in resistance is crucial for the next step in the conversion process.

4. Signal Generation: The alteration in resistance affects the electrical current passing through the strain gauges, leading to a change in voltage. This change is proportional to the force applied, thus generating an electrical signal.

5. Signal Interpretation: The resulting electrical signal is then transmitted to a data acquisition system where it can be further interpreted and recorded, allowing for precise measurement and analysis of the force.

Application and Precision

Load cells are widely used across different applications—from weighing scales to industrial machinery—because they offer remarkable accuracy and reliability. Their precision in converting mechanical energy to electrical signals ensures that industries can maintain quality control and operational efficiency. Understanding these core principles provides insight into how load cells effectively bridge the gap between mechanical force and electronic data, opening up possibilities for innovation across various sectors.

Understanding Platform Scales: Mechanisms Behind Weight Measurement

Platform scales are essential tools for accurately determining the weight of various objects. But how do they function? At the heart of a platform scale is a robust flat surface designed to accommodate the item being weighed. This platform plays a pivotal role in two primary ways.

1. Weight Transmission: When an object is placed on the platform, its weight is distributed across the surface. 

2. Conversion to Readings: Inside, precision sensors, often leveraging load cell technology from brands like Artech, convert the physical pressure into measurable data. Strain gauge load cells are sophisticated devices that detect changes in resistance or deflection due to the object's weight.

3. Display and Support: After measurement, this data is rapidly processed and shown on the scale’s digital display. The platform itself is structurally designed to support a range of weights, ensuring stability and accuracy during the weighing process. By effectively combining these components, platform scales offer reliable weight measurements, making them indispensable for various applications and industrial use.

Top Manufacturers of Load Cells

When searching for high-quality load cells, it's crucial to know which manufacturers lead the industry. Here are some of the prominent companies renowned for their expertise:

1. Artech
   Artech Industries stands out for its innovation and precision engineering in the development of load cells that cater to both standard and custom applications.

2. Anyload
   Known for a customer-centric approach, Anyload offers a wide range of products and solutions tailored to meet diverse measurement needs.

3. Vishay
   Vishay, through brands like Sensortronics, Revere Transducers and Tedea Huntleigh,  blends technology and craftsmanship to produce reliable load cells for varied industrial sectors.

4. Transcell Technology
   Specializing in advanced sensing solutions, Transcell Technology provides robust load cells designed to perform in the most challenging environments.

5. Zemic
   With a reputation for durability and accuracy, Zemic delivers load cells that support both small and large-scale applications.

When selecting a load cell manufacturer, consider factors like industry experience, customization options, and product reliability. These companies not only provide high-quality products but also offer excellent support and service to ensure your project’s success.

When it comes to precision in weight measurement, load cells are indispensable. At their core, load cells measure weight through an internal mechanism consisting of a spring, often made from durable materials like steel or aluminum, paired with a strain gauge. This combination ensures accuracy by converting force into an electrical signal, a fundamental function across various types of load cells.

Types of Load Cells and Their Functions

Load cells come in several types, each designed for specific applications:

1. S-Beam Load Cells: Known for their versatility, these are commonly used in tension or compression applications. Their compact design is perfect for tank weighing, scale conversions, and in-line force measurement.

2. Single End Beam Load Cells: These are ideal for low-profile and platform scales, as well as for weighing systems in tanks, bins, and hoppers. Their robust construction allows them to handle substantial loads effectively.

3. Double End Beam Load Cells: Typically used in truck scale applications, these load cells are designed to minimize errors due to deck flexure. They offer excellent protection against shock and overload, making them suitable for rugged environments.

4. Compression Load Cells: Designed for industrial applications involving tanks, trucks, and hoppers, these cells are often hermetically sealed to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Artech's Proven Load Cell Solutions

Artech Load Cells are manufactured in the U.S. By ARTECH INDUSTRIES, INC, a major supplier of strain gauge load cells/force transducers for a wide variety of industrial and OEM applications. ARTECH's proven engineering innovations, careful manufacturing, and quality control procedures have built an enviable reputation and record of performance since 1985. With stable and experienced management, ARTECH's manufacturing capability assures prompt, on-time delivery of even large OEM requirements. Artech not only has an outstanding selection of load cells but also an excellent assortment of junction boxes, summing boards, load cell feet, and load cell cable.

• Artech 20210 S-Beam Load Cell: An economical S-type load cell for use in tank weighing, scale conversions, and in-line force measurement applications. The versatile and compact unit works in tension or compression and is lightweight. Made in USA quality.

• Artech SS20210 Stainless Steel S-Beam Load Cell: A popular Made in America S-type load cell for use in tank, hopper, and bag weighing, scale conversions, and in-line force measurement applications, dynamometers, hanging & crane scale designs, industrial automation, & concrete batching plants. The versatile and compact unit works in tension or compression and is lightweight.

• Artech 30210 (THRU HOLE) Load Cell: Are you looking for a shear beam load cell that is Made in the USA? Look no further, you've found the Artech MODEL 30210 (THRU HOLE) load cell. A versatile Load Cell designed for multiple use in low-profile and platform scales, and in tank, bin, and hopper weighing systems.

• Artech 30310 Single End Beam Load Cell: Designed for multiple uses in low-profile and platform scales as well as tank, bin, and hopper weighing systems. Alloy steel construction, environmentally protected, threaded hole. Capacities range from 250 to 20K pounds, with IP67, NTEP certified versions available, and FM approved stainless steel versions available.

• Artech 80310 Double End Beam Load Cell: Designed for truck scale applications. This proven design offers excellent performance while minimizing load cell errors due to deck flexure. Its construction of alloy steel (optional stainless steel available) provides optimum protection against shock and overload. Capacities: 20K - 200K lbs, NTEP, FM.

• Artech 90210 Compression Load Cell: A multicolumn compression-type load cell, hermetically sealed for better environmental protection. The cell is recommended for tank, truck, track, and hopper type industrial applications. Integral 30-foot cable. Capacities range from 10K - 500K pounds. Stainless steel version available.

• Artech 90310 Compression Load Cell: A hermetically sealed, multi-column canister cell ideally suited for harsh environmental conditions. The cell housing is mild steel with epoxy enamel paint. NTEP certified for most commonly used capacities. The cell is recommended for tank, truck, track, and hopper type industrial applications. 30-foot cable. Capacities range from 10K to 500K pounds.

• Artech 70210 Truck Scale Load Cell: The Model 70210 double-ended shear beam load cell is ideal for low-profile truck scales, tanks, and track scales. Constructed of alloy tool steel for consistency and use in rugged areas. Load cells are supplied with an integral 30 feet of cable. Capacities from 5K to 250K pounds are available. Similar to RL70000 and Revere 5103.

This comprehensive approach to understanding load cells and the robust offerings from Artech ensures that you can find the right solution for any industrial or OEM application.