Contact resonance can significantly damage measurement accuracy and even cause system failure. Interface 101 Series details how inherent mechanical clearances within the measurement system can turn harmless transient forces into potentially destructive oscillations. Contact resonance is a form of self-excited oscillation that occurs in mechanical systems involving mass, stiffness, and a clearance. Interface Load Cells 301 Characteristics and Applications Guide covers this important topic.

The selection of a load cell with an appropriate stiffness is critical to ensuring optimal performance in each application and should be carefully considered in the design and implementation of any measurement system. Load cell stiffness can significantly alter the performance. Load cell stiffness refers to the ability of a load cell to resist deformation when a load is applied to it.