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Understanding Dual Shear Load Cells

Interface dual shear load cells are strain gage sensors supported at both ends, with the force applied directly at the center of the beam. A double-ended shear beam load cell design is used in the high-performing Interface LowProfiles and load pins. The dual-ended design distributes force symmetrically across two matched shear webs. Strain gages are bonded to the machined webs inside the beam and configured in a full Wheatstone bridge circuit to convert mechanical shear stress into an electrical mV/V signal.
Natural Frequency 101

Natural Frequency 101

Interface Natural Frequency 101 defines the inherent rate at which a sensor oscillates when allowed to vibrate freely. Learn how natural frequency and deflection affect dynamic force measurement, how to avoid resonance, and engineering tips for optimizing load cell accuracy. Natural frequency serves as the definitive boundary for the bandwidth of a force measurement system and for structural integrity. Accurate data acquisition from load cells relies on maintaining a clear separation between the application's operational frequency and the resonant frequency of the physical test loop.
Bridge Completion 1

Bridge Completion Considerations

Interface's use of the Wheatstone bridge is considered world-class in load cell design and for its ability to produce accurate measurements. Selecting the right instrumentation and ensuring proper bridge completion are technical necessities for maintaining the integrity of your force measurement data. Our bridge completion solutions simplify selecting the right instrumentation device to pair with your sensor, making it easier than ever to achieve high-quality measurements.
Hysteresis 101

Hysteresis 101

Interface defines hysteresis as the algebraic difference between the load cell's output at a specific load when approached from an increasing direction versus a decreasing direction. Hysteresis represents a physical limit of the sensor's design. Hysteresis is typically expressed as a percentage of Full Scale (%FS) on a sensor's data sheet or calibration certificate. Learn more about this vital characteristic in Interface's Hysteresis 101.
NONLINEARITY 101

Nonlinearity 101

Nonlinearity refers to the deviation from a straight line during a single, continuous loading cycle, which is a percentage of full scale from zero to full load. Interface 101 Nonlinearity details this crucial specification because it directly impacts the accuracy of your measurements. A load cell with a high nonlinearity percentage will give you inaccurate readings, especially at the intermediate points of its measurement range.
INTERFACE TECH TALK Resistance Output Vs Rated Output

Resistance Output Versus Rated Output

Rated Output (RO) is the dynamic electrical signal that directly represents the applied mechanical force. Resistance Output is a static electrical characteristic of the load cell's internal circuitry. When you are performing force measurements, you are primarily interested in the Rated Output. This value, in conjunction with your excitation voltage, enables you to accurately convert the measured millivolt signal into engineering units of force in lbf or Newtons. Discover how load cells work at the ultimate force measurement resource hub, Interface ForceEDU.
Essential Load Cell Specs

Expert Tips for Essential Load Cell Specifications

Interface force measurement experts share top load cell specification tips for capacity range, accuracy, temperature, calibration, and system-level considerations. Choosing a load cell requires an understanding of how the sensor will perform within your specific system. Get the tips, watch the video, and find a helpful glossary of specifications terms.
INTERFACE 101 MOUNTING PLATES

Mounting Plates 101

Interface mounting plates are engineered support foundations designed to provide a stable and prepared surface for a load cell. They provide the solidity that ensures the sensor operates within its specified parameters. Mounting plates are machined to the tightest specifications and extremely low flatness tolerances. This meticulous attention to detail ensures a flat, smooth mating surface for the load cell, minimizing local deformation and maximizing measurement accuracy.
Load Cell Frequency

Understanding Load Cell Frequency

Interface answers: What is load cell frequency? Understand natural frequency, frequency response, and sampling rates. Interface experts provide tips for optimizing strain gage load cell performance in dynamic test and measurement applications.