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Why Is Load Cell Zero Balance Important to Accuracy?

Several factors go into the accuracy and consistent performance of a load cell. These factors include non-linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, creep, temperature, environmental effects, and zero balance.

Every Interface load cell’s design and specifications account for all these factors. Understanding each of these factors is important, especially considering the use case.

Specifications are detailed descriptions that outline the characteristics, features, and qualities of our products, systems, or services. Product specifications detailing performance, capabilities, capacities, and dimensions are included on all datasheets. Products have internal specifications tested during manufacture, typically with full traceability.

Zero balance is considered an electrical load cell specification value. It is essential to consider when selecting the type of load cell for any application.

Load cell zero balance is the signal of the load cell in the no-load condition. It is defined as the output signal of the load cell with rated excitation and no load applied. It refers to the amount of deviation in output between true zero and an actual load cell with zero load. It is usually expressed in the percentage of rated output (%RO). Zero balance is a test that can be done to understand calibration on a load cell.

Load cells constantly reset to zero after every measurement to maintain accuracy. If it does not, then the results will prove to be inaccurate. The zero balance must be within the error margin indicated on the calibration certificate. Interface sensors are typically +/-1.0%.

This is important to test because zero balance will tell you if a load cell is in working order or has been damaged or overloaded. A computed zero balance of 10-20% indicates probable overload. If the load cell has been overloaded, mechanical damage has been done that is not repairable because overloading results in permanent deformation within the flexural element and gages, destroying the carefully balanced processing that results in performance to Interface specifications.

While it is possible to electrically re-zero a load cell following overload, it is not recommended because this does nothing to restore the affected performance parameters or the degradation of structural integrity. If the degree of overload is not severe, the cell may sometimes be used at the user’s discretion. However, some performance parameters may violate specifications, and the cyclic life of the load cell may be reduced.

To perform a zero balance test, The load cell should be connected to a stable power supply, preferably a load cell indicator with an excitation voltage of at least 10 volts. Disconnect any other load cell for multiple load cell systems. Measure the voltage across the load cell’s output leads with a millivoltmeter and divide this value by the input or excitation voltage to obtain the zero balance in mV/V. Compare the zero balance to the original load cell calibration certificate or the datasheet. Every Interface product has a detailed datasheet available on the product page of the sensor.

ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS

Zero float is the shift in zero balance resulting from a complete cycle of equal tension and compression loads. It is normally expressed in the units of %FS and characterized at FS = Capacity.

Zero stability is the degree to which zero balance is maintained over a specified period with all environmental conditions, loading history, and other variables remaining constant.

Learn more about the specification values that define load cell accuracy in this short clip from our  Demystifying Specifications Webinar.

Get your free copy of the Interface Load Cell Field Guide to learn more about factors affecting load cell accuracy. If you are concerned about the zero balance of your Interface load cell due to inaccurate results or recent damage, please get in touch with us at 480-948-5555.

ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES

Interface Technical Support Information and Troubleshooting

Interface Product Selection Guides

Interface Installation Guides and Operation Manuals

Interface Software and Drivers

Interface Product Catalogs

Interface 101 Blog Series and InterfaceIQ Posts

Interface Industry Solutions and Applications

Interface Recorded Webinars

Force Measurement is Fundamental in Material Testing

Material tests are run to determine the quality, durability, and resistance of materials for parts and products. Selecting the right material is critical to performance of a product, system, or part, especially as it relates to the environmental factors. It is also core for adhering to regulatory standards and compliance requirements.

Whether it is construction and concrete materials, metals, fabrics, biomaterial, plastics, packaging, or some other matter, material testing is fundamental throughout the entire development lifecycle.

Among the various ways to test materials, force measurement is one of the most important. Common uses of force measurement in material tests include applications to measure hardness, torsion, strength, compression, bending, shear, impact, creep, fatigue, and nondestructive capabilities.

The use of load cells provides an adaptable tool that can be utilized for various types of material tests. Using force measurement sensors help to detect changes in load, which is used to determine the flexibility, strength, or weakness of properties in materials. This is critical for research and quality control.

For example, in metal material testing load cells are frequently used for characterizing and assessing the quality of metallic components and structures. Material test engineers use load cells to accurately measure the tensile strength, compression resistance, and yield properties of metal samples. By subjecting metals to controlled loads and monitoring the metals deformation during tests, Interface load cells provide critical data that informs engineering decisions and quality control processes. Material tests confirm that the metals chosen for products like aircraft structures, automotive components, and sports equipment, meet stringent performance standards. The measurement sensors are also vital for determining the reliability, longevity and safety of metal materials used for any product or part. See other examples of testing in our new Interface T&M Material Testing Overview.

It is the responsibility of a material testing engineer to determine the resilience, safety, and value of materials through mechanical testing, of which material testing is one of the five categories. Ultimately, product designers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) rely upon material testing data to ensure their products can withstand the anticipated levels of force during use. They also need to know if the material will stretch or elongate, as well as pinpoint its exact breaking point.

Interface’s robust line of load cells, multi-axis sensors, and data acquisition systems are used for material testing. It is common to have our 1200 LowProfile load cells installed into material testing machines at test labs and onsite. We also supply a variety of miniature load cells and load pins for material testing, depending on the type of equipment and environment used for tests.

High accuracy load cells are essential in material testing due to their precision, versatility, and ability to provide real-time data, which helps researchers and engineers gain a better understanding of a material’s mechanical properties and behavior under different conditions.

If force must be measured, Interface has a solution. This applies to testing materials used for infrastructure, medical devices, aircraft, rockets, vehicles, robotics and consumer goods. As new materials and composites are introduced in revolutionary ways for use in construction, designing light weight products using polymers, and 3D printed components, it is imperative that material tests validate the use case based on high accuracy measurements.

Our force measurement products are being used to gather data from testing materials in applications used for machines, equipment, structures, packaging and more. Here are a few examples of material testing applications.

Inflatable Space Habitat

Inflatable habitats are the newest innovation in the space industry, creating a new interplanetary dwelling for humans to live and work past the Earth’s atmosphere. An innovative space industry company wanted to test the overall design and material of their inflatable habitats by conducting a burst test. Multiple clevises and LP Stainless Steel Load Pins were attached to the in the webbing material that create the inflatable habitat. When pressure was increased within the inflatable habitat, the load pins captured how much force the heavy duty material will hold at specific pressures until it explodes. Interface’s LP Stainless Steel Load Pins successfully measured the amount of force the inflatable habitat could withstand during the burst test.

Material Tensile Testing Load Frame

A customer wanted to conduct a tensile force test on different samples and materials until failure. Materials include plastic, steel, or woven fabric. They wanted to measure tensile strength, yield strength, and yield stress. Interface’s 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Load Cell was installed into the customer’s test frame. The tensile test was conducted, and force results were captured by the load cell and extensometer were synced through the SI-USB4 4 Channel USB Interface Module. These results were then displayed on the customer’s PC with supplied software. With Interface’s force products, the customer was able to determine the tensile strength, yield strength, and yield stress of a variety of different materials.

Material testing is often the first step in any new product development process. With Interface force measurement solutions, our customers can expect industry-leading accuracy, quality and reliability in testing the materials that will go into their next project. Contact us for products used for various test types.

Interface Solutions for Material Testing Engineers

Tensile Testing for 3D Materials

Bending Beam Load Cell Basics

The Aviation Industry Soars Using Interface Solutions

Interface Solutions for Structural Testing

Interface Solutions Aid Pharmaceutical Industry

Demystifying Specifications Webinar Recap

Interface recently hosted an online technical seminar that detailed product specification basics, key values, terms to know, how to read a datasheet, what specs matter most in force measurement applications.

For Interface, specifications are detailed descriptions that outline the characteristics, features, and qualities of our products, systems, or services. Product specifications are included on all datasheets, detailing product performance, capabilities, capacities and dimensions. Products have internal specifications that are tested against during manufacture, typically with full traceability.

Throughout the webinar Demystifying Specifications, Brian Peters and Jeff White offered important tips on what to consider for high-speed, durability, precision, and specialty product requirements. They highlighted what to look for on the product datasheet when choosing a load cell or instrumentation device. This includes variables in specifications related to expected performance of transducers and instrumentation based on frequency, environment, and other critical testing application considerations. They also answered the most frequently asked questions of our applications engineers related to specifications and datasheets.

Demystifying Specifications Webinar Topics

  • Specification Basics
  • Specifications and Values in Force Measurement
  • Decoding Datasheets
  • Detailing Product Specs for Load Cells
  • Detailing Product Specs for Instrumentation
  • Detailing Product Specs for Specialty Sensor Products
  • Applying Specifications to Applications
  • Specification Tips
  • FAQs and Resources

The entire webinar, Demystifying Specifications, is now available to watch online.

Four Types of Specifications

Interface provides four types of specifications for every product we make and sell: functional, technical, performance and design.

  1. Functional specifications describe the intended functionality or behavior of a product, whether a sensor, instrument or accessory.  They outline what the product or system should do and how it should perform its tasks. Functional specifications typically include applications, product requirements, and expected use case results.
  2. Technical specifications provide detailed information about mechanical aspects of a product or system. They may include information about the materials, dimensions, technical standards, performance criteria, capacities, and other technical details necessary for the design, development, and implementation of the product or system
  3. Performance specifications define the performance requirements and criteria that a product or system must meet. This is critical in force and measurement. They specify the desired performance levels, such as speed, accuracy, capacity, efficiency, reliability, or other measurable attributes. Performance can be defined by a specific range, with maximum standards for peak performance. Performance specifications help ensure that the product or system meets the desired test and measurement goals.
  4. Design specifications outline the specific design criteria and constraints for a product or system. These specs provide guidelines and requirements related to the visual appearance and can also reference the model details found in a product’s engineering CAD STEP file. 

Specifications Commonly Found on Interface Product Datasheets

  • Models based on Form Factor
  • Measuring Range (Capacity)
  • Measurement Units: US (lbf) Metric (N, kN)
  • Accuracy (Max Error)
  • Temperature: Operating Range, Compensated Range, Effect on Zero and Effect on Output (Span)
  • Electrical: Rated Output, Excitation Voltage, Bridge Resistance, Zero Balance and Insulation Resistance
  • Mechanical: Safe Overload, Deflection, Optional Base, Natural Frequency, Weight, Calibration and Material
  • Dimensions
  • Options
  • Connector Options
  • Accessories

Key Force Measurement Specification Terms to Know

Nonlinearity: The algebraic difference between OUTPUT at a specific load and the corresponding point on the straight line drawn between minimum load and maximum load.  Normally expressed in units of %FS.

Hysteresis: The algebraic difference between output at a given load descending from maximum load and output at the same load ascending from minimum load. Normally expressed in units of %FS.

Static Error Band (SEB): The band of maximum deviations of the ascending and descending calibration points from a best fit line through zero output. It includes the effects of nonlinearity, hysteresis, and non-return to minimum load. Expressed in units of %FS.  SEB Output is a best fit straight line output at capacity.

Nonrepeatability: The maximum difference between output readings for repeated loadings under identical loading and environmental conditions.  Expressed in units of %RO. In practice there are many factors that affect repeatability that ARE NOT included in the nonrepeatability specification.

Creep:  The change in load cell signal occurring with time, while under load and with all environmental conditions and other variables remaining constant. Expressed as % applied load over specific time interval. Logarithmic effect that is also symmetric on load removal. Stated specifications may differ and are not for the same time interval.

Eccentric and Side Load Sensitivity: Eccentric Load – Any load applied parallel to but not concentric with the primary axis. Results in moment load. Side Load – Any load at the point of axial load application at 90° to the primary axis. Error influences are reported in terms % and %/in.

Watch the event to understand why these specification details matter and some of the important variables to consider when comparing, using or troubleshooting different measurement products.  During the event, we provided a list of resources that are helpful when looking for specification information or definitions. The complete list is below.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Product Selection Guides

Interface Technical Support Information and Troubleshooting

Interface Load Cell Field Guide (Free Copy)

Interface Installation Guides and Operation Manuals

Interface Software and Drivers

Interface Product Catalogs

Interface 101 Blog Series and InterfaceIQ Posts

Interface Industry Solutions and Applications

Interface Recorded Webinars

Specifying Accuracy Requirements When Selecting Load Cells

When selecting a load cell, it is important that your selection matches the type of application use case. If it is for general test and measurement requirements, a load cell model and capacity may differ from a load cell you design into a product or machine.

The first place to start in your transducer selection process of a load cell is to identify what you want to measure and your tolerance in accuracy.

Other questions will define the type of load cell, capacity, and measured specs. Do you want to measure tension, compression only, tension and compression, torque, or something else like pressure? What are your cycle counts for testing? What is the amount of measurement range you require? How controlled will the force be, both in orientation and magnitude consistency?

Once you identify early characteristic requirements for how you use the sensor, it is easier to begin evaluating options to optimize measurement accuracy.

Several aspects impact the accuracy of a load cell measurement, including:

  • Sensor Specifications
  • Mounting configuration
  • Calibration type
  • Instrumentation
  • Cables
  • Uncertainty of calibration

Every load cell should have a detailed specification datasheet that outlines key performance factors by model and size.

This post begins in defining specifications for accuracy as outlined for every Interface manufactured load cell. These accuracy-related specifications include:

  • Static Error Band %FS – The band of maximum deviations of the ascending and descending calibration points from a best fit line through zero output. It includes the effects of nonlinearity, hysteresis, and non-return to minimum load.
  • Nonlinearity %FS – The algebraic difference between output at a specific load and the corresponding point on the straight line drawn between minimum load and maximum load.
  • Hysteresis %FS – The algebraic difference between output at a given load descending from maximum load and output at the same load ascending from minimum load.
  • Nonrepeatability %RO – The band of maximum deviations of the ascending and descending calibration points from a best fit line through zero output. It includes the effects of nonlinearity, hysteresis, and non-return to minimum load.
  • Creep % – The change in load cell signal occurring with time while under load and with all environmental conditions and other variables remaining constant. Expressed as % applied load over specific time interval.
  • Eccentric Load Sensitivity: ECCENTRIC LOAD – Any load applied parallel to but not concentric with the primary axis. Results in moment load. SIDE LOAD – Any load at the point of axial load application at 90° to the primary axis.

Interface load cells are designed for precision, quality, and accuracy. Though the ranges may differ in specifications slightly, most of the performance data will far exceed industry standards. As we always say, Interface is the standard for load cell accuracy.

We will be outlining additional impacts on accuracy in upcoming posts. If you have questions on any product and specifications, as to whether it is the right load cell for your use case, contact us for help.

Additional Resources

Contributing Factors To Load Cell Accuracy

Application Notes

Accuracy Matters for Weighing and Scales

Interface Ensures Premium Accuracy and Reliability for Medical Applications

Interface Accelerates Accuracy in Test and Measurement

Interface Presents Load Cell Basics

I’ve Got a Load Cell Now What? Episodes 1 and 2

I’ve Got a Load Cell Now What? Episodes 3 and 4

Announcing the Launch of the Interface Pressure Compensated Downhole Load Cell

Interface is excited to announce the release of a new downhole solution for the energy industry, the Interface Pressure Compensated Downhole Load Cell (IPCD).

The IPCD is a Wheatstone bridge foil-gaged-based force measurement solution using proprietary compensation methods and designed to provide highly accurate force data in harsh environments, like those found in the oil and gas industry, while requiring limited maintenance compared to similar solutions on the market. This is a product line that is many years in the making, as we’ve offered it as a custom solution. In fact, it has been developed across multiple applications to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry.

Interface’s new IPCD product is best suited for tension head applications of wireline services, particularly useful in deviated or horizontal wells where topside measurements are no longer reliable. Many applications include conveyance, pump down, perforating, tractor, and high pressure high temperature deep offshore use.

The key benefit the IPCD provides over existing solutions, commonly referred to as “wet” load cells, is its method of compensation. Wet load cells have a hydraulic compensation mechanism that uses pistons and seals, requiring frequent maintenance. Hydraulic compensation is complex for smaller tool providers and performance was suboptimal. For the IPCD, Interface developed a proprietary technology that compensates for that pressure influence and allows for bridge isolation. This means that the IPCD is far more rugged, needing little to no repairs, and it can be used downhole without risk of damage, a first of its kind in the industry.

It provides accurate measurement of downhole tension conditions in both vertical and horizontal wells and the proprietary internal compensation actively measures only the portion of the load caused by axial force, ignoring the portion of the load caused by pressure. Since it is an inherently passive system with no active pressure measurement being made or using a separate transducer, it is a completely analog solution for reliability and temperature stability.

We also test the IPCD heavily before it leaves our doors. The oil and gas industry can be extremely volatile, so we understand that our load cells need to be at peak performance for every use. Each load cell is tested individually on force, creep, temperature and pressure.

Advantages of the new proprietary Interface Pressure Compensated Downhole Load Cell include:

  • IPCD is a standard product from Interface and available today
  • IPCD offers maintenance-free service with significant long-term payback by eliminating disassembly, downtime, calibration, and instrumentation configuration
  • Interface’s new product is a precision with unmatched performance
  • IPCD has minimal thermal and pressure error, combined with world class linearity and hysteresis
  • It has field proven reliability and was designed based on a decades of engineering and force measurement experience

To learn more about the IPCD, we recently published a white paper that goes deeper into how the unit works, the specifications of the solution, as well as providing additional information on our testing process. You can read more about the IPCD in our new technical overview, Interface Pressure Compensated Downhole Load Cell White Paper available online for download.

We also issued a press release announcing the launch of IPCD.

This new product launch is a collaborative effort involving many of our team members in engineering, production and sales.

 

Load Cell Basics Technical Q&A Part One

Interface recently hosted a webinar, Load Cell Basics, where our experts answered a series of questions from event attendees.  In the interest of sharing what we know and addressing some frequently asked inquiries, we are offering a new series in our Interface IQ blog entitled Interface Technical Q&A.  At the conclusion of our presentation, we had several questions related to the basics of load cells.  We will be answering them in two posts.  Here is the first list.

Why Does Interface Use Proprietary Strain Gages?

Strain gages are a key component to any load cell. Making our own strain gages gives Interface full control over our design and production, ensuring we can meet our specifications with certainty in quality, accuracy, and dependability. Interface strain gages are precision matched to the load cell material to counteract the temperature effect on output. We have different load cell materials and that means we use different strain gages for each type.

Our strain gages are simple in design, and we don’t use compensation resistors making them a more reliable circuit.  They don’t have to go through resistors; thus, the accuracy and precision measurement is more reliable and capable of faster thermal and higher outputs.

What Type of Temperature Testing Do You Do on Interface Load Cells?

Interface performs both hot and cold thermal compensation from 15˚ – 115˚F, including adjust and verify cycle. Most other manufacturers of load cells provide only the hot side (60˚ – 160˚F) testing. The slope of the curve is much flatter near room temperature and identical at both ends of the slope.  The result is minimal variation across the entire thermal range.  We also offer custom calibrated ranges by request. Read more about temperature compensation here.

Is Temperature Compensation Achieved Using Dummy Gages?

The simple answer is no. Interface does temperature compensation of output by matching the strain gage to the material temperature compensation of zero. This is achieved by using a wire in the circuit that opposite resistance changes to the circuit.

Do You Have Software to Read TEDS Available to Use with Interface Load Cells?

Interface does offer instruments that can use the TEDS data and instruments that can write the TEDS data to the chip. Interface has software that hooks up or attaches to the TEDS chip reader writer so that when we program a chip during manufacturing of load cells in our factory, we have software we use to complete this function.  We also do offer this software for commercial use.

Is it Acceptable to Regularly Use a Load Cell Above Its Specified Capacity?

The short answer is no.  You want to reserve the “above capacity” for accidents. We are aware that people will do this in practice and the load cell will typically work reasonably well above capacity.  The problem is you want to handle that the answer is no you’re consuming your safety factor and you don’t have any extra head room for something that goes wrong.  Also, using the load cell above capacity doesn’t exactly follow the same calibration curve.  As an example, if you are using a 10k load cell with a 10k calibration and you are running tests at 12k, you may have higher errors.  You can ask us to calibrate the load cell to the 12,000 lbs.; however, you must note this can reduce the safety factor and that is why we do not recommend it.

Does Variable Altitudes Impact Performance?

Interface does have the ability to handle different pressure scenarios. Interface sends our products out ventured, if necessary, to be able to tolerate pressure change without causing any zero shift. If you do have applications where you will have either high pressure requirements or pressure change throughout the test, we certainly have solutions that can accommodate that requirement.  Work with your application engineer to ensure you have the exact testing requirements detailed when you are ready to buy your next load cell.

Can Cables Influence Temperature Errors?

If you’re adding cable to the load cell and for example, you have a 10-foot cable you want to add 100 feet more of cable, that adds resistance. The lower gauged cable, the better. A 22-gauged cable is better than a 28-gauged cable, so use a thicker cable and it will have less resistance impact on the measurement.

Is Creep Due to Material or Strain Gages?

Essentially all the elements in the sensor and everything mechanical will respond to creep.  The goal is to match the creep behavior of the bridge to the creep behavior of the load cell material or the flexure. Yes, creep affects both, but you want the result to trend in the same direction so that you get minimal error or change in the signal because of creep.

Are All Load Cells Intrinsically Safe?

They are intrinsically safe devices; however, anytime there is a hazardous environment or intrinsic safety requirements, please contact an application engineer to review the sensor use case and to factor in all aspects of your testing and use environment.  The load cells are typically working off 5-volt 10-volt and you need to look at all aspects of the location. For more information about our specialized line visit load cells for harsh environments.

This is the first in a new series of Interface Technical Q&A.  Do you have a question for our technical experts?  Send an email to digmktg@interfaceforce.com and we will add it to a future post.  If you have an immediate question, be sure to contact us today and let us know how we can support you.  You can also reference our technical support resources online for help.

Contributors:  Keith Skidmore and Brian Peters

Additional Resources

Load Cell Basics Webinar Recap

Interface Load Cell Field Guide

Load Cell Basics Webinar Recap

Interface applications and load cell expert Keith Skidmore was the featured presenter at the latest ForceLeaders Forum hosted event, Load Cell Basics. In his comprehensive presentation, he highlights key subjects including fundamentals of load cell design, sensor specifications, use cases, troubleshooting and valuable performance related topics.

The entire event is now available on the Interface YouTube channel.

In this 60-minute virtual event, Keith highlights commonly asked questions from both new load cell users as well as for advanced engineers and force measurement pros.

What will you learn watching the online Load Cells Basics event?

  • Load cell designs and how they work
  • Capacities, models and how to choose the right load cell
  • Factors that can impact sensor accuracy
  • Performance, moment compensation, creep, and eccentric load sensitivity
  • Calibration and troubleshooting
  • Use Cases and FAQs

The team concluded the event by answering a series of questions from the participants. They addressed advanced technical and set-up questions, as well as frequently asked inquiries about common troubleshooting issues.

Here is a sample of questions that you can find answered in the Load Cell Basics recorded event:

  • Is the temperature compensation achieved using dummy gauges?
  • Does Interface offer or have their own software to read the TEDs?
  • Can we assume that all load cells are intrinsically safe for hazardous locations?
  • What is the IP protection rating for the electrical connection?
  • What is better way to tare load cells, by electronics or mechanical preload?
  • Which is the frequency measurement limit and how fast does the load cell respond?
  • What are recommended amplifier instrumentation brands?
  • What is the most frequent problem when installing a load cell?
  • Does the cables and amplifiers affect the results of the load cell calibration?
  • For an application to 10 kN (2250 lbf), is it too much to use a 2000 lb load cell or should we use the next higher capacity?
  • What is the maximum sampling frequency for strain gage load cells?

WATCH THE EVENT AND Q&A HERE: https://youtu.be/_oHvfAzHMig

If you have additional technical questions or would like to talk about your specific application requirements, contact our Interface Application Engineers here. 

Additional resources for troubleshooting can be found here.

Our Interface Load Cell Field Guide is also helpful for troubleshooting and advanced technical support references.  You can order here.