Load cell sensors are extremely useful tools in many industries. Those working as engineers for the aerospace, biopharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries will all be familiar with these devices as common instruments to help measure certain levels of force or temperature. Ultimately, though, there is hardly a one-size-fits-all device of this nature. Rather, you need to find the right device to suit your purposes.
If you are currently looking for a load cell sensor device for a project you are working on, here are a few things you should consider before purchasing a particular product.
Capacity
Depending upon what you will be using your load cell sensors for, you might need to find a device that is capable of handling a certain capacity. For instance, some devices are designed to handle a very light capacity, such as a few milligrams. Others are needed for bigger jobs and will need to be able to potentially handle a capacity of up to 5,000 kilograms.
If you need your load cell sensor to handle such a load capacity, then you might need to have yours specifically manufactured for this purpose. This is commonly done, although a bit more expensive than purchasing a standard device. It is always a good idea to consult an expert in such cases who can design and develop a product to suit your needs.
Size
The size requirements of the load cell sensor that you will be using can vary from project to project as well. Some devices need to be small and compact in size, while others can stand to be a bit bigger. The size of the sensor you go with will largely depend upon the size or amount of the material you need to monitor.
For example, if you need a load cell sensor for the purposes of constructing a scale of some sort, the device you need will depend upon the size of the scale you are building. Large scales can stand to contain a larger device while small scales will likely need a compact and relatively small load cell sensor.
Type
Lastly, you will need to consider what type of load cell sensor you want to go with. Again, this will mainly depend on the end purpose that you will be using your device for, so this is another point that is best to consult an expert on who can point you in the right direction.
Generally speaking, there are three main types of load cell sensors. You can choose from a pneumonic, hydraulic, or strain gauge load cell. Pneumonic load cell sensors are typically used for projects where safety and hygiene are major factors that need to be taken into account. Hydraulic devices can operate on their own without external power sources, so these are ideal when the application of the load cell sensor is going to be in a remote environment. Strain gauge sensors are among the most commonly used type of load cell sensor as they are incredibly accurate and can be applied in almost any industry.
