- May 5, 2026
Shear Beam Load Cell for Bin and Hopper Weighing
A shear beam load cell for bin and hopper weighing helps turn stored material into a measurable process variable instead of a rough estimate. In industrial systems, that can improve batching consistency, stock visibility, and day-to-day process control. For bin and hopper weighing, the MLB21 Shear Beam Load Cell offers a practical combination of accuracy, stable output, and rugged construction for long-term industrial use. It is available in standard ranges from 5 kg to 500 kg, with 2.0 ± 0.002 mV/V output, 0.05% FS combined error, and welded sealing for demanding service conditions.
A bin and hopper weighing installation needed more dependable load measurement to improve material visibility and support more consistent process control. The requirement was not only to display weight, but to maintain reliable output over time in an environment where dust, vibration, and continuous use could all affect system performance.
In this type of application, unstable readings can affect more than the weighing point itself. They can influence refill timing, batching accuracy, and confidence in the wider process. That makes the load cell a critical part of the installation rather than just a supporting component. This is why a compact, sealed, and repeatable shear beam design is often a better fit than a less robust measurement approach.
- Matching the load cell capacity to the actual hopper or bin load
- Maintaining stable output over long operating periods
- Protecting the sensing point from general plant exposure
- Integrating the signal into existing weighing electronics
- Supporting long-term reliability without adding unnecessary complexity to the installation
- Requirement of IP66 or IP67 for operation in both tension and compression measurement
Our Approach:
The application centred on selecting a compact shear beam load cell that could provide repeatable performance in a fixed industrial weighing installation. The MLB21’s available capacity range made it easier to choose a model closer to the expected hopper load, while its 2.0 ± 0.002 mV/V output supported straightforward integration into suitable weighing instrumentation and control systems. Its compact design also helped where mounting layout and mechanical space had to be considered carefully.
Construction quality also mattered for this duty. The MLB21 is available in steel alloy or stainless steel, with welded sealing and protection levels of IP66 and optional IP67. That gives the sensor a stronger fit for industrial environments where exposure and long service life can directly influence weighing stability. It is also equipped with 150% FS overload rating, ±0.02% FS / 30 min creep, and an operating temperature range of -20 to +55°C, all of which support reliable fixed-installation performance.
The MLB21 Shear Beam Load Cell provided a practical fit for bin and hopper weighing by combining accuracy, durability, and installation flexibility in one compact design. Standard capacities include 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, 350, and 500 kg, with other ranges available. It also features 350±5Ω input resistance, 350±3Ω output resistance, 9 to 12 VDC excitation, and a 4-core shielded cable with standard 3 m length.
For this application, those characteristics supported a weighing point that was easier to integrate and better suited to long-term industrial service. The result is a load cell that can contribute to more dependable inventory visibility, steadier batching performance, and greater confidence in daily process measurement.
- High Measuring Accuracy
- Load Measurement Range of 5 to 500kg
- Compact and Rugged Model
- Stainless Steel or Steel Alloy Material
- Welded Sealing
- More reliable bin and hopper weighing over time
- Better visibility of stored material for inventory control
- Compact design for easier integration into weighing systems
- Rugged sealed construction for demanding plant environments
- Strong balance of accuracy, durability, and cost-effectiveness
