Stainless Steel Load Cells 101
Designers use different materials when building force-sensing products for different environmental conditions. Material choice matters when considering specifications, the test and measurement environment, and the use case. One of the best metals for protecting a load cell’s electronics from environmental factors is stainless steel.
The three main metals used to manufacture load cells and other force-sensing products are aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. The output signal performance of stainless steel load cells falls between steel and aluminum.
The main benefit of stainless steel is that it is the best material to use in a corrosive environment because of the metal’s environmental resistance properties. The downside of stainless steel is that it is slightly more difficult to machine; however, it requires only a simple heat treatment. It is also the most expensive metal of the three and has the highest hysteresis.
Why choose stainless steel over the more cost-effective steel and aluminum options, especially when it is not the strongest or provides the best signal output? Interface recommends stainless steel when users need to collect data from a load cell in a hazardous environment or under harsh conditions.
Interface offers stainless steel sensors as part of our hermetically sealed, ruggedized load cell product lines. We make stainless steel load cells in all sizes and capacities, including miniature load cells, load washers, and custom load pins. Using stainless steel not only keeps users safe but also enables high quality, accuracy, and reliability in extreme environments.
These specialized load cells and force measurement solutions are designed and manufactured to be safe for use in hazardous gas and dust environments when installed per applicable installation instructions. These components play an integral role in ensuring the safety of those working in dangerous environments, particularly in industries such as oil and gas, mining, aerospace, automotive, and more.
Some of our stainless-steel load cell options include:
- 2400 Standard Stainless Steel High-Capacity Load Cell
- 2400 Standard Stainless Steel Low-Capacity Load Cell
- 2404 Standard Stainless Steel 2-Wire Amplified Load Cell
- 3200 Precision Stainless Steel Load Cell
- 3201 Precision Stainless Steel Compression Only Load Cell
- LBM Compression Load Button Load Cell
- LBMU Ultra Precision Compression Load Button Load Cell
- WMC Sealed High-Capacity Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cell
- WSSCLC Stainless Steel Low Profile Compression Load Cell
- LWCF Clamping Force Load Cell
- LP Stainless Steel Load Pin
- WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pin
- WSSB Welded Stainless Steel IP68 Environment-Protected S-Beam
To help keep individuals and workplaces safe, manufacturers create tools and equipment protected from the elements in these environments, without exposing electronics to hazardous conditions. Interface’s contribution to this is our ruggedized load cells, many of which are made of stainless steel for their strength in these harsh environments. We also carry a specialized line of intrinsically safe products.
To learn more about these products, join the conversation Ruggedized Solutions for Test & Measurement, where we discuss:
- Defining Ruggedized
- Environmental Stresses and Harsh Condition Categories
- Standards and Ratings
- Structural and Material Options
- Ruggedized Test and Measurement Devices
- Sealed Products and Enclosures
- Extreme Temperatures and Cycling
- Exposure to Moisture and Submersibles
- Test and Measurement Applications Using Ruggedized Products
- Do’s + Don’ts
- FAQs
Hundreds of thousands of engineers and manufacturers design solutions for, or work in, hazardous environments. Whether they operate inside facilities with large machines and intricate moving parts, work hundreds of feet in the air to repair a bridge, or work deep within a mine shaft, these professionals put themselves in danger every day because of their work. The solutions they use to measure force must meet specifications suited to these conditions. For questions about these products, reach out to Interface to explore your options.
