What are the different types of load cells?

1. Thru Hole Load Cell

Thru Hole load Cell (aka Donut Load Cell) is a variation of a low profile compression load cell and features a compact, smooth thru-hole inner diameter design for use in applications to measure compressive loads which require a rod to pass thru the sensor center. One of the primary uses of this sensor type is to measure bolt loading.

Typical applications include press, Inline compression applications, bolt force measurements (bolt loading), clamping forces, overload monitoring post or leg mount, and rolling mill systems.

2. In Line Load Cell

Most commonly referred to as in line force transducers force sensor with male threads. This style of load force transducer can be used in both tension and compression loading applications. In line load cell sensors offer robust construction, high accuracy, high stiffness, and broad capacity range with minimal mounting clearance needed. They are great for endurance and press applications.

3. Pancake Load Cell

Pancake Load Cells, also known as low profile or universal Load Cells, are commonly used in applications that require high precision, and less sensitive to load condition. For most capacities the Univeral Pancake Load Cell is normally designed with multiple shear struts. For lower capacities it's designed with bending beams. If properly designed and manufactured, the nature of its structure is less sensitive to extraneous load and moments (especially Torque) compared to other inline sensors such as the S Beam Load Cell, diaphragm or column type. This type of Load Cell is normally used in press in compression for controlling the applied load or pressure during the test or production, such as press-fit force applications.

4. Column Load Cell

Column Load Cells (also known as Canister Load Cell) offers compact design for high capacity compression applications such as CNC Machine Vise Clamping Force Test. These models offer robust construction with a capacity ranging from 2,000 to 30,000 lbs.

5. S Beam Load Cell

The S Beam Load Cell is one of the most popular types of load cells. It was originally designed for inline applications to convert mechanical scale to digital by replacing the spring or other in-line hardware. The S Beam Load Cell is available in variety of load ranges with both English & Metric threads. It is very popular due to its high precision, low price, and ease of installation.

6. Load Button Load Cell

Load button load cells are designed for compression and known for their small package size. They are used in tight and limited spaces. General purpose ones are normally designed with diaphragm construction but some higher precision ones are designed with bending beams for low capacity and shear or column design for higher capacity. For best performance the load should be applied without the presence of any side load or torque. Mounting could be a challenge with standard load button load cells. To overcome this challenge, some models are available with mounting provision on the base. The ones without mounting provisions are normally retained by an outside wall or sandwiched between the assemblies. Some versions are also available with a threaded stud in the center for probe style loading.