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Universal Load Cells 101

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In the force measurement testing world, versatility has tremendous value. That is why some of Interface’s most popular products are designed to provide adaptability for a broad spectrum of testing and force monitoring processes. From standard tension and compression LowProfile Load Cells to Interface’s multi-axis sensors that can measure up to 6 axes for additional data, these products are engineered for universal use cases.

Universal load cells offer the ability to measure both tension and compression forces in testing and monitoring applications. Universal load cells provide the ability to capture data on both forces. They are designed for a broad scope of force or weight measurement applications such as weighing scales, material testing machines, and industrial automation equipment.

These types of load cells are ideal for installations where the load may change from tension to compression, and vice versa, such as in rope and chain testing. Universal load cells also suit a wide variety of product and material destructive testing as it is robust and easily mounted in a range of applications.

Top Benefits of Universal Load Cells

Range of Standard Capacities: Universal load cells are diverse in dimension and capacities. From miniatures like our model ULC, which is the world’s most accurate ultra-low capacity tension and compression load cell measuring loads from 0.1 to 2 N (10.2 grams to 500 gmf) to 1000 Series High Capacity Fatigue Rated LowProfile Load Cell capable of measuring tension and compression over a million pounds of force, Interface has a range of universal options. The requirements of any testing program will define the type of load cell.

Versatility: Universal load cells can measure force in multiple directions, including compression, tension, and shear forces.

Adaptable Accessories: Universal load cells can be used in conjunction with various accessories and fixtures to suit specific applications. This includes bases, mounting hardware, adapters, cables and protective enclosures. Wireless sensor options are in high demand for universal load cells.

Engineered to Order: Interface offers engineered to order and customization of our load cells to further the application use and flexibility of use.

Products such as universal load cells are appealing to highly regulated industries like aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial automation. In controlled testing, engineers must meet stringent standards of performance measurement for components, equipment, and machinery.

Another area in which universal load cells standout is in material testing. Measuring tension and compression provides critical force data when testing a material that will be used in system that needs to be both strong and flexible for safety and quality purposes.

One of Interface’s most popular load cell model, the 1200 series, is universal. For example, Interface’s Model 1200 and 1201 Series IO-Link Universal Load Cells are pancake style load cells which are IO-Link compatible with an open standard serial communication protocol that allows for the bi-directional exchange of data from sensors and devices.  We also offer a 1200 and 1201 Series 3-Wire Amplified Universal Load Cell.

Features and benefits of the 1200 and 1201 Series IO-Link Universal Load Cell include:

  • Proprietary Interface strain gages
  • Temperature compensated
  • Eccentric load compensated
  • Low deflection
  • Shunt calibration
  • Tension and compression
  • Compact size
  • 3-wire internal amp choice of 4-20 mA, ±5V, ±10V, 0-5V, 0-10V

Patient Hoyer Lift

A Hoyer lift is used to move patients. A medical equipment manufacturer would like a force system to weigh disabled patients and measure the maximum force when using the equipment. Interface’s WTS 1200 Precision LowProfile Wireless Load Cell is attached to the top of the Hoyer lift. The tension and compression force results are wirelessly transmitted to the medical personal’s computer through the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station. Interface’s wireless force system was able to measure the amount of weight a patient while also clarifying the maximum capacity the Hoyer lift can hold during use. Read more about this application here.

If you need a little more flexibility in your testing and monitoring system, Interface universal load cells may be a great option for you.  The choice of a specific load cell will depend on factors such as the required load capacity, accuracy, environmental conditions, and signal compatibility with the rest of the measurement or control system.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface 101 Series

Wireless Telemetry Systems 101

Load Cell Sensitivity 101

LowProfile Load Cells 101

ITCA Tension and Compression Load Cell

 

Interface Weighing Solutions and Complete Systems

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Sensors are commonly used for weighing applications throughout the product life cycle, from R&D to distribution. Sensors are used for weighing individual parts or components, inside equipment and machines for measuring weight during assembly and production, weighing ingredients, and weighing final products during distribution and transportation. Interface provides a range of weighing solutions for these use cases, including individual measurement devices, instrumentation, and complete systems to manage large and small projects.

Interface supplies highly accurate and reliable load cells and sensor technologies for weighing and scale solutions, including complete weighing systems. Weighing and scales must be dependable and always provide correct data. That is why Interface’s precision sensors and instrumentation are preferred for weighing systems. To outline our breadth of this product line including complete systems, we recently introduced a new Weighing Solutions Overview.

Interface Weighing Solution Products

Interface offers weighing solutions that are standard products and engineered to order for weighing use cases. This includes our 2023 Weighing Review Award nominated A4200 Weighcheck Load Cells.

A4200 and A4600 WeighCheck™ Load CellsInterface A4600 WeighCheck™ Load Cells in stainless steel and A4200 WeighCheck Load Cells, which is zinc plated, are both high accuracy force measurement weighing solutions. Manufactured and designed by Interface engineers, these exclusive Interface products are specifically designed for tank weighing, where it is necessary to accommodate expansion and contraction of the tank. Interface has expanded with new model options that include signal conditioning features, including customized IO-Link Digital and 3-Wire options. The newly introduced customized A4200 and A4600 3-Wire Amplified Load Cells provide an internally amplified low profile load cell with a voltage or mA signal. This option eliminates the need for an external signal conditioner and comes scaled to the load cell and ready to use.

Standard A4600 and A4200 WeighCheck Load Cell features include:

  • Capacity ranges from 2.5K to 50K lbf (11.1 to 222 kN)
  • High output – 4 mV/V
  • Self-centering in all directions
  • High safe side load – to 400%
  • Standardized output – ±0.1%
  • Zinc plated (A4200) or stainless steel (A4600)
  • Factory assembled for easy field installation
  • Static, dynamic and in-motion capabilities
  • Low height – 4.0 in (101.6 mm) for 2.5K, 5K, 10K (11.1, 22.2, 44.5 kN); 5.0 in (127 mm) for 25K, 50K lbf (111, 222 kN)

Interface offers fully engineered to order and custom options to our WeighCheck load cell models that include our new A4200 and A4600 IO-Link Digital Load Cells with an industry stand M12 connector. IO-Link, a communication protocol used in industrial automation applications to connect sensors and actuators to control systems has multiple benefits. These include increased flexibility, enhanced diagnostics, simplified wiring, improved efficiency, and lower costs.

Engineering Insights to Build Complete Weighing Systems

Interface’s weighing solutions include single and multiple sensor systems, depending on the exact application requirements. Important for this type of test and measurement, we have wired and wireless sensors, data acquisition systems, weight indicators, displays, and transmitters, software solutions and accessories. A review of many of these products and applications are detailed in our popular recorded Weighing Your Options Webinar.

When helping to build customized full weighing system solutions, there is additional configuration and engineering work that goes into delivering the system. One of the most important aspects of building a system is load cell trimming. Excitation trimming the old way adds resistance to the excitation. The system load cell with the lowest output receives the full excitation voltage, while the other system load cells receive proportionately smaller excitation voltages. This creates matched outputs for all load cells in the system.

Signal trimming is the most common and popular type of trimming because it is the easiest to use. It involves adding a relatively high parallel resistance between the signal of each load cell, which creates a leakage path that diverts some of the available load cell signal away from the indicator. More load cell signal will be available to the indicator as parallel resistance increases.

Weighing Applications

 

Crude Oil Weighing

Hospital Bed Weighing

Inventive Agriculture Monitoring and Weighing Solutions

IoT Waste Management Container Weighing App Note

Snack Weighing and Packaging Machine

Ice Machine Weighing

Veterinary Weighing Scales

Weighing Your Options Webinar Recap

Interface Weighing Solutions Overview

Weighing Solutions Brochure

 

Weighing Your Options Webinar Recap

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Most often the subject of weighing is a reference to scales. Although most of the world knows Interfaced for our expertise in test and measurement, aerospace, automotive, energy, and medical industries, we know our way around all kinds of weighing applications and scales.

In fact, load cells are truly the heart of every scale system and make modern use cases for highly accurate weight data possible. At Interface, we design, manufacture, and guarantee the highest performing load cells in the world.

In our online seminar, Weighing Your Options, Keith Skidmore, and Jeff White detail Interface products used for weighing, along with engineering tips, applications, and frequently asked questions.

How have sensors historically been used for weighing and lifting? The most common uses are in weigh modules, floor, and bench scales, along with truck and rail transport weighcheck systems. Interface’s involvement in providing measurement solutions have traditionally focused on test and measurement applications, sensors for machines and rigs, as well as use in weighing components. Trends are moving to complete weighing solutions.

Sensors are used throughout the product life cycle, from R&D to distribution, including

  • Weighing individual parts or components
  • Equipment and machines that measure weight during assembly and production
  • Weighing ingredients in food and chemical processes
  • Weighing products during distribution
  • Weighing before and during transportation

Interface load cells can measure across a wide range of force, from 0.02 to 2,000k lbf.  Interface products used in weighing applications are diverse in design, including:

Our weighing sensors combined with available instrumentation use a variety of communication methods, including analog, digital, wireless and cloud based, to allow users to gather data in-facility or remotely. Junction boxes such as our JB1100 4-Channel Advanced Signal Conditioning Transmitter Indicator and Junction Box are frequently used for weighing systems. We can also customize sensors to meet specifications for weighing use cases.

Most Common Types of Instrumentation Used for Weighing

  • Analog Signal Conditioners
  • Digital Signal Conditioners
  • Active Junction Boxes
  • Digital Displays
  • Programmable Weight Controllers
  • Data Acquisition Systems
  • Wireless and Specialty Devices

Interface has also introduced several weigh system modules, like the WSSCLC-Mount Weighing Assembly. It is a stainless-steel construction and available in three sizes. It incorporates a safety retainer to prevent accidental vessel lifting or sliding. When used with Model WSSCLC Load Cell, the system is IP68 rated and good for rugged applications.

The place to start with any new weighing application is what do you need to weigh by and what is the smallest increasing increment? Interface application engineers can help you choose the correct equipment, including the load cell, weigh module, instrumentation, and any accessories. They will review the requirements such as live load, dead load, number of supports, washdown, weighing materials, temperature and temperature swings, hazardous environment and exposure, type of vessel, measurements of compression or tension, mixers or shakers attachments, rigid conduit, or piping and even shock loading issues.

Watch the complete online seminar to learn more about weighing systems used for tank and hoppers, conveyor belts, industrial equipment, continuous weighing and automation features for alarms and safety requirements. We detail do’s and don’ts along with frequently asked questions.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Accuracy Matters for Weighing and Scales

Livestock Weighing System Application Note

Fruit Weighing

INF4-EtherCat Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator

CPG Water Bottle Dispensing and Weighing

New Interface Case Study Exams Weighing and Scales

CPG Veterinary Weighing Scales

 

 

Weighing Your Options Webinar

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Interface force measurement experts detail solutions used for all types of weighing and lifting applications. We discuss sensor models, capabilities, features and tips using various load cells, load pins, shackles, tension links, weighcheck systems and instrumentation. Learn about use cases, FAQs, measurement applications, options for harsh environments and OEM products. If you are exploring quality measurement solutions that provide high accuracy and reliability for scales, cranes, lifting equipment or tools, join us.

Read more

New Interface Case Study Exams Weighing and Scales

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Test and measurement are used in the development and monitoring of manufactured goods across all industries. With a history of producing force measurement solutions for more than five decades, Interface has supplied a myriad of sensor devices for hundreds of thousands of different use cases and applications.

From the scales we use in packaging centers to the enormous weigh check equipment used in transportation, weighing and scale measurement solutions are instrumental in the successful design, engineering, launch, and maintenance of products and components.

Many of the earliest force sensors were designed for the purpose of weighing objects, and they continue to be a large part of test and measurement today. As products evolve and new inventions enter the market, sensors must maintain their durability, quality, and accuracy for large and miniaturized uses. Therefore, you see inventors and innovators turn to Interface today for sensors that are designed for use in robotics, IoT, and factory automation equipment used for weighing.

Historically, the only difference between now and then is that Interface has perfected accuracy in measurement across with an extensive range of force sensors models, configurations, sizes, capacities, and specification requirements that can measure weight at “jumbo” scale, as well precisely measure exceedingly small, minute forces as an embedded sensor.

Determining accurate weight is a key data point manufacturers need throughout a product lifecycle. Whether they need the information for transporting an object, lifting the object, or just creating a specification sheet, accurate data for weight measurements is fundamental for safety and function. This includes weighing single and combined parts in early design, weighing the manufactured equipment during assembly and production, using scales for weighing output with exact measure, as well as obtaining real-time weight in distribution and transport.

To accomplish this, Interface provides a host of load cells and instrumentation devices. Since our first load cells were designed in 1968, we have built millions of these products for engineers and designers that require the highest precision force sensors for accurate and reliable data collection in test and measurement (T&M). Our customers represent a wide swath of industries, products, equipment types, tools, and electronics that depend on us for proving accuracy, consistency, and reliability in performance in T&M.

In our latest case study, we outline four weigh and scale use cases that utilize Interface sensor technologies. Defined weight as a product specification requires extreme accuracy in measurement. Utilizing precision force sensing solutions and instrumentation enables product engineers and manufacturers to collect data and use it as part of the product design.

Accuracy Matters for Scales and Weighing focuses on weighing and scale applications used with heavy machinery, medical devices, operational containers, and distribution solutions. In each of these instances, utilizing weight in the design, build, and supply of these products is fundamental to each use case and the success for the product.

Weighing and Scales Case Study