Everything You Should Know About Single Point Load Cell

Load cells come in different forms and variations. Single point load cell is one of the most popular types of weight load cells. It is preferred mainly because of its efficiency, convenience, and accuracy. Read on as we review the essential aspects of single-point load cells.

What is a single point load cell?

A single point load cell is a device that measures the weight of an object in a very precise manner. It is basically designed to measure the weights and pressure of an object. The measurement is done by using a load cell that has two or more points or contact points on it.

The load cell is connected to a scale or an indicator that indicates the weight of the object being measured. The connection between the scale and the load cell should be made in such a manner that they can communicate with each other and give out accurate information about the weight of each item placed on them.

What are the working principles for a single point load cell?

The working principles of the single point load cell are as follows:

1. The load cell is designed with two or more contact points on it. These are connected to the scale which works in conjunction with them. These points are usually called zero and span, which means that they can be used to determine the weight of an object placed on them.

2. The scale also has a pointer which indicates an indication of the weight on it when there is an increase in pressure at one of its contact points or zero point. This will be achieved by moving the scale towards another contact point, thus indicating a change in weight, or by moving the scale towards any other point that corresponds to a different number of units.

3. The scale is also connected to the load cell by a wire, which works as a conductor between them. The scale and the load cell are usually kept in one unit that is connected to a power source.

Design and components of single point load cells

Single point load cells come in various designs and sizes. These designs and sizes depending on the requirement of the load cell.

Single point load cells are classified into three types, namely;

1. Static load cells: These are the devices that measure the change in weight of a body under static loads.
2. Dynamic load cells: These are the devices used to measure the change in weight of a body due to dynamic loads like wind and vibration.
3. Non-linear load cells: These are used to measure the change in weight of a body due to non-linear loads like pressure and temperature.

Single point load cells have various components and parts, which help them perform their duty properly. The components and parts include;

1. Load Cell: This is an important component of single point load cells, which measures the weight of a body.
2. Load Cell Housing: This is an important component of single point load cells, which houses the load cell and protects it from external factors.
3. Load Cell Cable: This is a cable that connects the load cell to the instrumentation system or the machine in which it is used.
4. Connector: This is a connector, which connects the load cell cable to the instrumentation system or machine in which it is used.
5. Pneumatic Switch: This is an on-off switch, which controls when and how much pressure should be applied to apply pressure on the load cell cable while measuring weight changes in various machines.
6. Load Cell Pressure Control Valve: This is a pressure control valve, which controls the amount of pressure required to apply on the load cell cable to measure weight changes in various machines.
7. Load Cell Pressure Regulator Valve: This is a pressure regulator valve, which controls the amount of pressure required to apply on the load cell cable to measure weight changes in various machines.
8. Load Cell Pressure Sensor: This is a sensor, which measures and indicates how much pressure is being applied on the load cell cable to measure weight changes in various machines.
9. Pressure Transducer: This is a transducer, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy and uses it to indicate how much pressure has been applied on the load cell cable while measuring weight changes in various machines.

How are single point load cells used?

The single-point load cell is mainly used for weighing heavy items like drums, buckets, and other large objects that cannot be placed on scales with a dial indicator. They are also used for measuring the weight of smaller items like nuts, screws, bolts, and other small items that can be placed on dial indicators with scales.

What are the advantages of using load cells?

The main advantage of using the single point load cell is that it can be used to measure the weight of any object that can be placed on it. It is also very accurate and can measure the weight of an object accurately.

Another advantage is that it is very easy to use and does not require any special tools or equipment.

The single point load cell is also very durable and can handle heavy loads.

What are the different types of single point load cells?

There are two types of single point load cells, the spring-loaded and the hydraulic. The main difference between these two types is that the spring-loaded type has a spring that presses down on the load cell, while the hydraulic type does not have a spring.

Application areas of single point load cells

Given the definition, you can tell the areas and industries that depend on the single point load cells. Some of these industries include:

Automotive:

The automotive industry is a very important industry for the use of load cells. This is because the load cells are used to measure the weight of the vehicles and to ensure that they do not exceed the maximum weight. The load cells are also used to find out whether or not there is any damage in the vehicle, since it can be used as a diagnostic tool.

Electrical:

The electrical industry also depends on single point load cells because they are used in measuring power consumption and voltage. They are also used in monitoring the power supply for transformers, substations, and other electrical equipment.

Oil and Gas:

The oil and gas industry uses single point load cells to measure oil pressure, water pressure, flow, and other types of pressure. eg: large floor scales

Food:

Single point load cells are also used in the food industry to measure the weight of food like spices, coffee, chocolate, and other types of food. They are also used to ensure that the food does not exceed the maximum weight. eg: floor scales,

Manufacturing industry:

The manufacturing industry uses single point load cells to measure the weight of parts in the manufacturing process. They are also used to ensure that the parts do not exceed the maximum weight. eg. platform scale, low profile floor scales

Medical:

Single point load cells are also used in medical equipment like stethoscopes, thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, and other types of medical equipment. eg. bench scale

Agriculture:

The industrial scale in the agricultural industry is also equipped with single point load cells in order to ensure that the cattle, grains, production material are well-controlled or traced. These load cells ensure that the agriculture scale offers accurate weighing results. eg. weighing beams, cattle scales platform, weigh beam scales

Of course, there are numerous other applications of single point load cells that we haven’t mentioned here. Do you have any of such applications in mind? Feel free to share with us.

How to install a single load cell

After buying, the next step is doing the installation. One of the most important steps is choosing the right location for installing the load cell. In this step, you have to consider a few things such as:

The load cell has to be installed in such a way that it gets connected to the load source. The load cell has to be installed at a height where its weight is not adversely affected by gravity.

The steps to single point load cell installation entail;

Step 1:

If you are installing a single point load cell for the first time, then you have to get a load cell bracket. The load cell bracket is the tool that will be used to fix the load cell in a certain place.

Step 2:

Using the load cell bracket, put the single point load cell on your desired location.

Step 3:

Connect the load cell to the source.

Step 4:

If you are using a single point load cell for a long time, then you have to check it from time to time. So, you have to make sure that the load cell is not damaged or not fractured. This can be done by checking its connections and wires. If there is any damage or fracture in the load cell, then you have to replace it with a new one.

1. Load Cells installation, capacity, support plates, mounting surfaces, Single Point Load Cells

Factors to consider when buying single load cell

So you think you are ready to buy a single point load cell? Before you do that, here are some of the key factors that you should seriously consider:

-Size of the single point load cell:

The size of a load cell is very important. The smaller the size of the load cell, the more accurate it will be. However, if you are using it for a long time, then you have to make sure that it is not too small or too big.

Type of single point load cell:

There are two types of single point load cells; mechanical and electronic. Mechanical single point load cells are the oldest kind of single point load cells and they work on spring tension.

The spring tension means that there is some weight on it which makes the load cell apply pressure on its sensors to detect changes in force.

On the other hand, electronic single point load cells use an electronic circuit to detect changes in force and provide a reading.

Accuracy of the single point load cell:

The accuracy of a single point load cell is measured in terms of repeatability and relative standard deviation. Repeatability measures how close the readings are to each other, while relative standard deviation is the error between two readings. The greater the repeatability, the more accurate your readings will be and vice versa.

Number of measurements:

A single point load cell measures force in units of newtons (N). If you want to measure force in kilograms (kg), then you need to multiply it by 1.35, which is known as the conversion factor for kg/N. To measure force in pounds (lbs), multiply it by 0.45, which is known as the conversion factor for lbs/N.

Price:

You should also consider the price of the product. A single point load cell is relatively cheaper than a digital single point load cell, but you have to pay more for the electronic single point load cells.

Warranty:

The warranty given by the manufacturer is also important when you are buying a product. The longer the warranty period, the better it is for your product.

Choosing a single point load cell supplier and manufacturer in China

For years, China has proven to be a trusted source for weight load cells including single point load cells. So, what should I do to end up with the best manufacturer and supplier?

First, research about the manufacturer and supplier. Do some research about the company’s reputation and track record. Look for the company profile to know more about their products, services, and distribution channels.

Next, contact the manufacturer directly or through their authorized distributors in China. Ask them if they can provide you with a sample of their products before you place an order.

Finally, ask them what type of products they are manufacturing and distributing in China, as well as how long they have been manufacturing these products.

Parting shot

I hope that you have gained valuable knowledge about single point load cells. I also hope that you can use this information to make the right decision when buying a single point load cell.

And in case you would want to buy these load cells in China, let CUBTEC be your trading partner. We are a leading supplier of single-point load cells in China. We have been exporting and supplying these products to our customers in China for the past 10 years. We are always ready to assist you in any way we can.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

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