A load cell is an electronic device that is used to convert a force into an electrical signal. This conversion is indirect and happens in stages.
Load cells are technically known as “precision electronic force measurement units.” Dak load cells are designed to meet or exceed ASTM E-83, BS 3846, ISO 9513 and EN 10002-4 standard’s requirements along with the operation requirements of the Dak testing machines. The specific function of the load cell is to precisely measure the amount of force (load) applied to the specimen being tested. The unit is also compatible with any of Dak readout or data acquisition systems. Dak offers a variety of load cells designed to fit any testing need.
Each load cell is constructed of the highest quality materials with applied, permanently bonded and seal strain gages to measure force in one of three categories: tension only, compression only, or both tension and compression. Standard load cell capacities range from 0.05 kN to 400kN; load cells below 20kN are S-type and otherwise Low Profile Universal (LPU, Pan Cake). All Dak load cells are equipped with automatic overload protection, and are self-identifiable with non-changing coding memory in the respective connecting plugs. They also contain all the relevant calibration, limit parameters etc. Calibration of theses sensors is completely digital i.e. no presets or trim pots used (normally used) hence no effect of voltage or temperature variation.
0.05kN to 400 kN
Loadcell capacity, calibration capacity, and serial number are automatically sensed in the console and input into the computer system without operator intervention.
High Resolution and Accuracy of load readings with the use of 24 Bit Analog to Digital Converter. (Display Counts up to +/- 5, 00,000 i.e 5 x 10)
Other types include piezo-electric load cells (useful for dynamic measurements of force), and In industrial applications, hydraulic (or hydrostatic) is probably the second most common, and these are utilized to eliminate some problems with strain gauge load cell devices. As an example, a hydraulic load cell is immune to transient voltages (lightning) so might be a more effective device in outdoor environments.