- August 28, 2025
Load Cell Creep and Hysteresis: What They Are and How to Minimise Them
Load cells are the backbone of precision weighing systems used across industries, from mining and manufacturing to food processing and logistics. While they are designed to deliver accurate and repeatable measurements, two common sources of error can compromise their performance over time: creep and hysteresis. Understanding these phenomena is essential for engineers, technicians, and operators who rely on load cells for critical measurements.
What Is Load Cell Creep?
Creep refers to the gradual change in a load cell’s output when a constant load is applied over time. Even though the load remains unchanged, the output signal slowly drifts, which can lead to inaccurate readings if not accounted for.
This phenomenon is typically caused by the viscoelastic behaviour of the strain gauge materials and the mechanical structure of the load cell. When a load is applied, internal stresses within the load cell components slowly redistribute, causing the output to shift. Creep is most noticeable in applications where loads are held for extended periods, such as in silo weighing or tank monitoring.
Creep is usually expressed as a percentage of full-scale output over a specified time period (e.g., 0.03% over 30 minutes). While this may seem small, it can be significant in high-precision environments.
What Is Load Cell Hysteresis?
Hysteresis is the difference in a load cell’s output when a load is applied and then removed, even if the load returns to the same value. In other words, the path of the output signal during loading is not identical to the path during unloading.
This discrepancy is caused by internal friction, material deformation, and imperfect elasticity in the load cell structure. It can also be influenced by temperature changes, mounting conditions, and the quality of the strain gauges.
Hysteresis is typically measured as a percentage of full-scale output and is a key specification in load cell datasheets. It affects repeatability and can lead to inconsistent readings, especially in dynamic weighing applications where loads fluctuate frequently.
How Creep and Hysteresis Affect Accuracy
Both creep and hysteresis introduce non-linearity and time-dependent errors into load cell measurements. These errors can result in:
- Inaccurate weight readings, especially in long-duration or cyclic loading scenarios.
- Reduced repeatability, making it difficult to trust measurements over time.
- Calibration drift, requiring more frequent recalibration and maintenance.
- Process inefficiencies, especially in automated systems relying on real-time weight data.
In industries like mining, where heavy equipment and materials are weighed continuously, even small deviations can lead to significant operational and financial consequences.
How to Minimise Load Cell Creep and Hysteresis
While it’s impossible to eliminate creep and hysteresis entirely, several strategies can help reduce their impact and improve measurement reliability.
- Choose High-Quality Load Cells
Start with load cells that are designed for minimal creep and hysteresis. Look for models with precision strain gauges, robust mechanical design, and tight manufacturing tolerances. Reputable manufacturers will provide detailed specifications for creep and hysteresis performance.
- Use Temperature-Compensated Designs
Temperature fluctuations can exacerbate both creep and hysteresis. Load cells with built-in temperature compensation help maintain consistent performance across varying environmental conditions. This is especially important in outdoor or high-temperature industrial settings.
- Allow for Stabilisation Time
After applying a load, allow the system to stabilise before taking a reading. This helps reduce the effect of creep and ensures more accurate measurements. In automated systems, this can be programmed as a delay before data capture.
- Implement Regular Calibration
Routine calibration helps identify and correct for drift caused by creep and hysteresis. Use certified weights and follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure calibration accuracy. In critical applications, consider automated calibration systems.
- Optimise Mounting and Installation
Improper mounting can introduce mechanical stresses that worsen hysteresis. Ensure that load cells are installed according to manufacturer recommendations, with proper alignment, load distribution, and isolation from vibration or side loads.
- Use Signal Filtering and Averaging
Advanced weighing systems can apply signal filtering or averaging algorithms to smooth out fluctuations caused by hysteresis or creep. While this doesn’t eliminate the error, it helps produce more stable and usable data.
Creep and hysteresis are inherent characteristics of load cells that can affect measurement accuracy if not properly managed. By understanding their causes and implementing best practices, from choosing the right load cell to optimising installation and calibration, you can significantly reduce their impact and ensure reliable performance in your weighing systems.
At MeasureX Australia, we supply load cells with industry-leading precision and stability, designed to produce accurate measurements even in the most demanding environments. Whether you’re working in mining, manufacturing, or logistics, our solutions deliver consistent accuracy and long-term reliability.
Contact us today to learn more about our advanced load cell technologies or calibration services and how we can support your application with tailored solutions.
