Interface Tech Talk details the differences between compensated and operating temperature ranges in load cell specifications. Thermal variables influence sensor accuracy, the mechanics of static deflection. Thermal gradient, material, strain gages, and repeatability are important when selecting a sensor. Only using capacity ignores the realities of the test environment. A load cell's compensated temperature range is the zone where accuracy is maintained by design. The operating temperature range is the boundary for hardware survival.

Several factors go into the accuracy and consistent performance of a load cell. These factors include non-linearity, hysteresis, repeatability,…