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    Force sensors & Load Cells

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    MLW65 Tension and Compression Load Cell
    MLT66 Ultra-Miniature Centre Thread Load Cell
    MLT61 Miniature Compression and Tension Force Sensor
    MLS66 Miniature S-Type Force Sensor
    MLR62 Low Profile Centre Hole Load Cell
    MLR61 Centre hole Ring Shape Load Cell
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    Load Cells – MeasureX Australia

    MeasureX provides highly accurate load cells throughout Australia for a wide range of applications, such as weight measurement, force sensing, and structural monitoring in industrial, commercial, and scientific industries. Our solutions are designed to be durable and precise, making them easily integrable in weighing systems, force measurement applications, and automation platforms.

    If you need single-point load cells, shear beam models or submersible load cells, MeasureX offers customised options supported by technical assistance from design to calibration and product development services.

    What Is a Load Cell?

    A load cell is a sensor that converts and creates an electrical signal from a mechanical force. When force is applied, the internal sensing element deforms slightly, which changes its electrical properties. This difference is calculated and converted into a useful output, such as millivolts, voltage, or current.

    Load cells are utilised in various applications like weighing scales, industrial batch weighing systems, structural testing and force feedback devices. Load cells can measure tension, compression or reactance, depending on your application.

    Types of Load Cells Offered

    At MeasureX, we stock a broad selection of load cells in Australia designed to suit varied operating environments, accuracy levels, and mounting styles. Below is an expanded outline of key types and their uses:

    1. Strain Gauge Load Cells

    The most commonly used type. These employ strain gauges bonded to a diaphragm or beam. When a load is applied, the diaphragm flexes, causing gauge resistance to change. The resulting differential signal is calibrated to reflect the applied force. These are versatile, cost-effective, and suitable for general weighing systems, packaging scales, and industrial measurement.

    2. Single Point Load Cells

    Compact, pancake-style cells support off-centre loads without significant error. Ideal for platform scales, retail weighing, check-weighers, and medical equipment. They deliver good performance in low to medium loads and are easy to mount.

    3. Shear Beam & Bending Beam Load Cells

    Built for robust industrial use. Shear beam cells measure the force applied to them by observing the shear stress they experience, and bending beam cells detect bending under load. Typically used in hoppers, tanks, silos and heavy-duty weighing applications. Their construction assists in reducing side loads and providing stability under hazardous conditions.

    4. Compression & Tension Load Cells

    These are designed to measure compressive or tensile forces. In compression mode, they monitor loads pushing down; in tension mode, they track pulling forces. They are used for load testing machines, structural components, and crane monitoring systems.

    5. S-Type Load Cells

    Shaped like the letter “S”, these load cells can measure both tension and compression forces. Often deployed in material testing rigs, hanging scales, and general force measurement applications where bidirectional sensing is needed.

    6. Pancake / Low Profile Load Cells

    Low-profile, flat design suitable when vertical space is limited. They handle moderate to high loads and are used in industrial weighing frames, machine tool force feedback, or reaction force measurement setups.

    7. Submersible / Waterproof Load Cells

    Designed to be used in rugged or underwater environments, these sealed load cells are moisture, corrosion and hazard-resistant. Great for aquaculture, marine weighing, wastewater plants and wet process systems.

    8. High-Capacity & Custom Load Cells

    For extremely high load applications (e.g. structural testing, heavy machinery), we offer robust load cells rated for tonnes of force. Custom versions can also be engineered to match unique geometry or mounting requirements.

    Load Cell Technologies & Features

    MeasureX uses advanced sensing and design features to improve performance, durability, and reliability:

    Applications Across Industries

    MeasureX load cells are used in numerous industries throughout Australia due to their adaptability and precision:

    Industrial Weighing & Batching

    • Measure raw materials, blends, and feed rates in factories and processing plants.

    Agriculture & Livestock

    • Weigh silos, feed bins, and livestock handling systems.

    Transportation & Logistics

    • In truck scales, weighbridges, and axle scales to monitor load distribution.

    Material Testing & Research

    • In labs, load cells support fatigue testing, tensile testing, and structural evaluation.

    Marine & Aquaculture

    • Underwater weighing for cages, feed units, or biomass monitoring.

    Construction & Structural Monitoring

    • Measure forces in beams and structural members for safety and performance monitoring.

    How to Choose the Right Load Cell

    Selecting the appropriate load cell requires balancing multiple factors. Consider the following:

    Capacity & Range

    • Always choose a cell whose rated load comfortably exceeds your maximum expected force to prevent overloading and ensure long-term stability.

    Accuracy & Class

    • Tolerance classes (e.g., 0.02%, 0.1%) define precision. Higher accuracy is crucial for applications such as calibration, metrology, or quality control.

    Environment & Protection

    • In dusty, wet, or corrosive environments, select IP-rated or hermetically sealed load cells to ensure durability and consistent readings.

    Mounting & Footprint

    • Consider how the load cell will be installed—on a flat surface, flange, through-hole, or integrated into equipment, and ensure the mounting style suits your application.

    Load Direction & Off-Centre Loads

    • Ensure that the load cell can handle side loads or off-axis forces without compromising accuracy or structural integrity.

    Output Type

    • Select the output signal that best fits your system: analogue (mV/V, V, 4–20 mA) for simplicity, or digital (RS-485, SPI, Ethernet) for advanced integration and noise immunity.

    Temperature & Thermal Effects

    • If ambient temperature varies, select load cells with temperature compensation and minimal thermal drift to maintain accuracy.

    Expert Tip

    Always include mechanical stops or overload protection in your design to safeguard the load cell during unexpected force spikes.

    Why Choose MeasureX for Load Cells

    Proven Expertise & Reputation:

    • Years of reliable service delivering measurement solutions across Australia

    Comprehensive Stock Range:

    • From miniature to high-capacity, submersible to standard load cells

    Quality & Certification:

    • ISO-grade components, calibration traceability, and industry compliance

    Custom Design & Engineering Support

    • Bespoke solutions to meet unique system needs

    Local Support & Calibration Services

    • Ongoing technical assistance, installation guidance, and periodic recalibration

    Our load cells achieve accuracy ranges from ±0.02 % to ±0.5 %, depending on class, range, and product family.

    Yes. Our submersible or sealed load cells are engineered with IP66 or IP68 protection and corrosion-resistant materials for wet or marine conditions.

    Yes. MeasureX offers full calibration services, periodic testing, and field support to keep your sensor performing to specification.

    Absolutely. We offer both analogue and digital outputs, making it easy to connect to PLCs, data loggers, and IoT platforms.

    Using transducers called load cells, mechanical force or weight can be changed into an electrical signal. They are commonly used in industrial applications to measure and monitor loads or forces exerted on structures or equipment. 

    Load cells work on the principle of strain gauge technology. They typically consist of a metal element, usually called a strain gauge, which deforms when subjected to a force. This deformation causes a change in electrical resistance, which is then measured and converted into a corresponding electrical signal proportional to the applied force or weight.

    To use a load cell is typically mounted between the load-bearing structure and the load being measured. A triaxial load cell's electrical output is connected to a suitable instrument or device, such as a digital display or data acquisition system, which converts the signal into a readable format. Proper calibration and installation are crucial to ensure accurate measurements.

    The accuracy of a load cell sensor depends on various factors, including the load cell's specifications, design, and the conditions under which it is used. High-quality load cells can offer accuracies ranging from 0.1% to 0.03% of the rated capacity. Factors such as temperature variations, vibrations, and proper calibration can affect the overall accuracy of the measurements obtained. 

    The voltage output of a load cell sensor typically depends on its design and specifications. Common voltage outputs for load cells include 0-10V, ±10V, 0-5V, or ±5V. Depending on the cell's capacity, whether it is a low profile load cell and the needs of the application, the precise voltage range may change. It is essential to check the load cell's datasheet or consult the manufacturer to determine the voltage range and compatibility with your measuring system. 

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