Load cell weighing systems are electromechanical devices used to convert the force exerted by weight into a measurable electrical signal. They are essential components in most industrial weighing systems, ensuring accuracy, repeatability, and reliability in measurements.
Platform scales, hopper and tank scales, conveyor belt scales, vehicle scales, and crane scales each operate differently, using specific types of load cells positioned strategically within their systems to ensure accurate weight measurement.
Platform Scales That Deliver Reliable Accuracy
Platform scales are widely used in industrial settings for static weighing of pallets, containers, or products. They feature a flat platform supported by multiple shear beams or single-point load cells, depending on size and capacity.
How Platform Scales Convert Weight into Electrical Signals
The weight placed on the platform is transferred to the load cells, which convert the force into an electrical signal. This signal is processed by an indicator or controller to display the total weight.
Choosing the Right Load Cells for Platform Scales
Small platforms typically use single-point load cells (aluminium or stainless steel). Medium to Large platforms often rely on shear beam or double-ended shear beam load cells for enhanced stability and accurate load distribution.
Where Load Cells Are Placed on Platform Scales
Usually, a small platform has one single-point load cell while for medium to large platforms, one load cell is installed under each corner of the platform to ensure consistent accuracy across the surface.
Hopper and Tank Scales for Bulk Material Handling
Hopper and tank scales are designed for weighing bulk materials, such as grains, liquids, or powders, either continuously or in batches. They integrate the weighing system directly into the storage or process vessel.
How Hopper and Tank Scales Measure Weight
The vessel, hopper or tank, is supported by a compression load cell, which measures the total weight of the vessel and its contents. This load cell is preferred for silos and tanks due to its long-term reliability under static loads and harsh industrial environments.
Load Cells That Make Hopper and Tank Scales Precise
Compression load cells (stainless steel or alloy steel) are preferred, offering high accuracy for process control and excellent stability for heavy loads.
Strategic Load Cell Placement in Hopper and Tank Scales
Three or four cells are typically installed under the tank’s support legs or brackets to distribute weight evenly and maintain precision under thermal expansion or vibration.
Massload specializes in customized hopper and tank weighing. Click here to find out more.
Real-Time Weighing with Conveyor Belt Scales
Conveyor belt scales, also known as belt weighers, allow real-time weighing of materials as they move along a conveyor system. These systems are essential in industries like mining, aggregates, and agriculture.
How Conveyor Belt Scales Track Material Flow
One or more idler rollers are equipped with bending beam or shear beam load cells, which measure the load on the belt. The material flow rate and totalized weight are calculated by combining the load signal with the conveyor speed. Shear beam load cells are highly effective for dynamic weighing applications, especially where vibration and movement are factors.
Best Load Cells for Dynamic Conveyor Weighing
Shear beam load cells are commonly used because they provide high accuracy and fast response in dynamic conditions.
Load Cell Placement for Accurate Conveyor Measurements
Load cells are installed under the conveyor’s weighing idlers, ensuring the material load is evenly transmitted to the sensors.
Read more about conveyor weighing systems from Massload here.
Vehicle Scales Designed for Efficient Load Management
Portable vehicle scales are designed to help companies manage and monitor vehicle loads efficiently, preventing overloads and ensuring safer transport operations. These scales are ideal for fleets, construction sites, and logistics operations that require mobility and fast setup.
How Vehicle Scales Measure Axle and Total Weight
The driver must stop with each axle centered on the platform to record the weight. The compression load cells beneath the platform measure the axle load, allowing operators to calculate the total vehicle weight and confirm proper load distribution.
Choosing High-Capacity Load Cells for Vehicle Scales
High-capacity compression load cells, usually hermetically sealed, are used for their ruggedness and long-term accuracy in field conditions.
Where Load Cells Sit on Vehicle Scale Platforms
Each platform includes load cells mounted beneath its support points to ensure accurate readings, even under uneven ground or repeated heavy use.
An important note: these are non-legal-for-trade scales, meaning they are not certified for regulatory or commercial trade transactions and should not be used as such.
Explore Massload’s vehicle weighing technologies.
Crane Scales for Lifting and Suspended Loads
Crane scales measure loads that are lifted or suspended in operations such as manufacturing, vehicle recovery, or construction.
How Crane Scales Capture Tension and Weight
The load is attached to a lifting shackle equipped with a tension load cell (tension link, load pin or S-type), which provides accurate measurements for suspended and dynamic loads.
Load Cells That Ensure Precise Crane Weighing
Tension load cells measure force applied through tension rather than compression. Load pin cells can also be integrated directly into crane sheaves.
Load Cell Placement for Crane Scales
Positioned between the lifting mechanism and the load, ensuring direct measurement of the applied force.
See how Massload supports crane and suspended weighing applications.
Choosing the Right Industrial Weighing System for Your Needs
Each system has unique mechanical and environmental requirements. Selecting the correct combination of scale type and load cell weighing system ensures accuracy, safety, and long-term reliability. When evaluating systems, consider:
Load capacity and distribution;
- Material type and flow;
- Movement (static vs. dynamic weighing);
- Environmental exposure (humidity, vibration, temperature).
Partnering with Massload ensures your weighing system is engineered for precision and durability in industrial environments.
Contact Massload to learn more about industrial weighing expertise.
