Maximum Operating Load

Determine the maximum load, force, or weight that the load cell will withstand in the actual application. This parameter ultimately determines the nominal capacity of the load cell.

Maximum Measurable Load

Specify the maximum load, force, or weight that the load cell must measure in the application. This value may not necessarily be the maximum physical load and affects accuracy requirements.

Load Application Mode

Determine how the load is applied to the load cell: tension, compression, or a combination of both.

Measurement Units

Specify the desired engineering units for measurement. Common options include: tonne (te), kilonewton (kN), meganewton (MN), gram (g), kilogram (kg), and pound (lb).

Loading Accuracy

Determine the required accuracy for non-linearity and repeatability. This is typically expressed as ±% of full scale output (±%FSO).

Thermal Errors

For high-accuracy applications across a wide temperature range, load cell temperature compensation may be required. Thermal error is typically expressed as ±% of full scale output per degree Celsius or Fahrenheit (±%FSO/°C or ±%FSO/°F). The standard thermal shift in most load cells is less than ±0.01%FSO/°C.

Overload Conditions

Could the applied load exceed the maximum allowable load? If so, by how much? This determines the required overload capacity and the proof load level of the load cell.

Overload Capacity

Are there additional safety factors for the intended application? This determines the required overload capacity and the proof load level of the load cell.

Attachment Options

There are various methods for mounting and attaching load cells that may affect the selection. These methods include:

• Threaded joints
• Clevis pin
• Flange mounting
• Load buttons
• Clevis tongue
• Linkage hole
• Pulley bearing