A basic load cell is a transducer that is commonly used in weight measurement applications. Its primary function is to convert a force or load applied to it into an electrical signal. This electrical signal can then be interpreted and used to determine the weight or force being applied to the load cell.
The basic load cell operates on the principle of strain gauges, which are thin wires or foil patterns that change their electrical resistance when subjected to mechanical stress or deformation. When a load is applied to the load cell, it undergoes mechanical deformation, causing the strain gauges to change their resistance. This change in resistance is directly proportional to the applied force or weight.
The load cell is designed to be sensitive to minute changes in force, ensuring accurate weight measurements. It is commonly used in various weighing systems, such as industrial scales, laboratory balances, platform scales, and even in applications like vehicle weight measurement on bridges and truck scales.
To measure the weight accurately, the load cell's electrical signal is usually amplified and processed by a weighing indicator or a data acquisition system. This system calculates the weight based on the calibrated relationship between the load cell's electrical output and the applied force or weight. Calibration is essential to ensure accurate and reliable weight measurements over the load cell's intended range.