Load cells are often strain gauge based and used for measuring for example tensile loads, pressure loads and bending loads. The challenges caused by disturbance forces place high requirements on the strain gauges as well as the assembly work in order to maintain maximum accuracy. By applying laser technology it is possible to create strong bindings between the bearer film and transducer element, ensuring that the change in resistance is registered correctly.
Strain gauge-based load cells are used when measuring mass, normally quantified in kilos or tons. Load cells measure the force in which an object is drawn towards the centre of the earth. The mass of the object is proportional to the force and therefore cannot display a negative output. Force transducers on the other hand can measure both negative and positive forces – caused by strain and compression – that subject the bearer film to stress. Load cells and force transducers also differ in terms of calibration. Force transducers are calibrated in connection to their production with the purpose of delivering unaltered and stable precision over time, regardless of location or how many times being reinstalled. Load cells are unlike force transducers calibrated first when they reach their intended location of use.
To measure loads, four strain gauge transducers are mounted in a full bridge. The bridge is then used when measuring for example tensile loads, pressure loads and bending loads. The transducers are placed two and two in a ring pattern and will change their resistance when the transducer film, on which they are fastened, is stretched or compressed. In order to function optimally, it is crucial that the bridge is attached correctly onto the object. The underlying reason is that the deformation of the transducer element is used to calculate load force. To prevent any error sources, Gluetec has developed an unique gluing process where advanced instruments and laser technology are used to customize the application and gluing after each individual object. The result is stable and reliable transducers with long life spans. To learn more about our cutting-edge gluing process, please visit this section.
