How Load Cells Work in Vehicle Scales & More

At its simplest, a load cell is a device that converts energy from one form to another. In scales, a load cell converts force into a measurable output, such as a digital reading, that allows you to determine the weight of something. A common example of a load cell is a weighbridge, or vehicle scale, that measures the amount of vertical flexing of a platform when a vehicle drives onto it and converts it into a digital readout.

If you’re looking for reliable scale accessories, including load cell mounts, check out the selection available from Accurate Western Scale.

How Load Cells Work

How a load cell converts force into a measurable number, or reading, will depend on the type of load cell being used. There are several types:

• Hydraulic load cells
• Pneumatic load cells
• Strain gauge load cells

In the latter, strain (weight) creates voltage irregularities that are then converted into a digital reading. In Red Deer and across Alberta, strain gauge load cells are often found in vehicle scales, industrial scales, medical scales, and even retail scales.

Accurate Western Scale provides professional services such as scale load cell repair and vehicle scale calibration in Calgary and surrounding areas, ensuring your equipment functions at peak performance.

Choosing the Right Load Cell

As with any job, using the correct tools and equipment is the key to accurate weighing. Since load cells are designed for various loads, environments, and tasks, choosing the right one for your weighing needs is essential. The following table outlines some of the most common types of load cells available in Red Deer and across Alberta, as well as their characteristics and their applications.

Type of Load Cell	Characteristics	Application
S-Beam	High accuracy Tension and compression for low to medium capacity of 25 – 20,000 lbs.	Suspended hopper and tank Crane Scale Dynamometer Lever arm conversion Track scales Test machines
Single or Double ended Beam	Load capacity ranging from 500 – 35, 000 lbs. Double-ended are secured at both ends; force is applied in the centre Heavy capacity over 5t to 100t	Floor scales Light-duty platform scales Hopper scales Tank weighing Track scales Process weighing
Tension Link	Measuring pulling force  Range in size from coin-sized load cells to load pins capable of weighing over 100t	Crane scales Tension measurement
Compression Load Cell	Designed to withstand harsh environments High-capacity scales from 7.5t to 200t	Truck scales Railroad scales  Silo weighing systems Vehicle scales

Finding Load Cells in Alberta

Whether you need new load cells or require scale load cell repair or vehicle scales calibration in Calgary, Accurate Western Scale has you covered.

We supply a variety of scales, including vehicle scales, scale accessories, and software, in Red Deer and across Alberta. We also offer 24/7 service and scale inspection and certification on behalf of Measurement Canada.