In very simple terms, a Digital Load Cell is an advanced weighing scale that uses electrical energy to measure the force of weight. Many businesses require precise weighing information on their products.
Some niches that come to mind are- precious metals and stones, CBD, chemical laboratories, and medicine manufacturers.
In industries that have been mentioned above, even a difference of 0.1 grams can prove to be a costly or dangerous mistake. For a very long time, analog load cells were being used to help businesses that require exact and accurate weights.
However, their efficacy was questionable. From being more expensive to requiring regular maintenance, analog load cells have been replaced by Digital Load Cells in leading industries.
In this article, we are going to look at Digital Load Cells. Additionally, we will be looking at some of the major benefits that businesses can expect to experience with them.
Digital Load Cells: Meaning and Definition
A digital load cell uses electrical voltage and signals to measure the pressure or weight that has been put on the cell. A digital load cell is constructed from or has three major components-
- Strain gauges that act as a resistive force
- The structure, which bears the load on the cell
- A bending beam that helps assess pressure
The process through which a digital load cell functions is by converting mechanical signals to electrical or digital outputs. Digital load cells do not have to be calibrated multiple times during their lifecycles. They are factory set in terms of calibration making them the go-to choice.
There is a strain gauge that is connected to an electrical circuit. You also have an ADC convertor that channels the final output. The strain gauge is responsible when it comes to calculating the pressure or tension. The final part of the digital load cell is the LCD screen that displays the weight.
Benefits of Using Digital Load Cells over Analog ones
In this section, we are going to discuss some of the major benefits that businesses can enjoy after using digital load cells.
1. More Accurate Readings-
There have been tons of conclusive studies that have been conducted which show how digital load cells are far more accurate than their analog counterparts. The accuracy stems from increased sensitivity that arises as a result of the electrical impulses. The capacitive nature of the cell ensures that it can track and identify even the slightest differences in weight.
2. Durable and Long-Lasting-
If you are taking care of your digital load cell, it will help you with multiple years of service. The construction is strong enough to withstand abuse and ensure that the business is not investing in weighing scales every other year. This helps bring down the overall costs of operations for a business. You can also move digital load cells easily without any dangers.
3. Recalibration is not required-
Unlike analog cells that need to be recalibrated after repair, heavy movement, or at regular intervals, digital load cells need no such recalibration. This ensures that engineers do not have to spend a lot of their precious time, energy, and effort on the process. It also means that you can move them easily across locations and areas of operation without any problems.
4. Require Lesser Maintenance and Repairs-
Most businesses are aware of how load-bearing weighing scales can break down. They also know that the costs of repairing the same can offset operational budgets. However, when it comes to digital load cells, you can rest assured that they do not break down as often. Even if they do, their wires can be easily replaced without needing to recalibrate them again.
5. Highly Versatile and Flexible in their use-
Digital load cells are great not just for calculating small weights. They can provide great help even when larger loads are concerned. Depending on the kind of requirements you have in terms of the load, you can configure them in different weight-loading configurations. Good manufacturers and brands that create digital load cells offer them in different sizes.
The Bottom Line
Whenever you choose a digital load cell, make sure you are buying from a reputed and credible brand. Experts also recommend that going after the cheapest option available should not be an option. This is because good and reliable digital load cells are not unrealistically cheap. If you are looking for quality, you need to invest in the right places.
