Cylindrical load cells

Cylindrical load cells are designed for high loads and demanding operating conditions and can provide reliable measurement results in static applications. Under continuous load, however, strain-gauge-based load cells may be affected by creep, zero-point drift, or temperature-related signal changes.

The extent of these effects depends on the specific design, rated load, duration of loading, installation conditions, and environmental conditions. For applications with permanently applied loads, the load cell should therefore not be operated continuously at the upper end of its measuring range.

Important factors include sufficient reserve relative to the rated load, central force application, stable mounting surfaces, suitable environmental conditions, and regular calibration or zero-point checks. Certain Althen versions are specifically designed for industrial high-load weighing applications and stable, repeatable measurement results.

For precise statements regarding long-term stability under continuous load, the technical specifications of the respective load cell and the actual installation conditions should be evaluated together.

Cylindrical load cells should be mounted so that the force is introduced centrally and axially into the load cell. Flat, parallel, and sufficiently rigid mounting surfaces are required. The load cell must be installed with minimal mechanical stress and must not be subjected to additional loads caused by misalignment, offset, or uneven support.

In compression applications, suitable pressure pads, load buttons, spherical seats, or self-aligning force-introduction elements can help compensate for small angular errors and apply the force as centrally as possible. For tension/compression versions, rod ends or suitable adapters can be used to ensure proper alignment of the force axis.

Eccentric loads are often caused by off-center force introduction, non-parallel surfaces, lateral forces, or bending moments. They can distort the measurement signal and place greater mechanical stress on the load cell. The mounting should therefore always be matched to the specific installation conditions, measuring range, and expected load cases.

Cylindrical load cells initially behave elastically under load peaks as long as the load remains within the permissible overload limits of the respective design. Depending on the model, short-term peaks above the rated load can be tolerated without permanently damaging the load cell.

Typical specifications for Althen load cells, for example, are around 150% proof or safe overload and approximately 300% breaking load or maximum overload. If these limits are exceeded, the load cell may be permanently deformed or damaged, which can lead to zero-point shifts, changes in characteristic values, measurement errors, or, in extreme cases, mechanical failure.

Dynamic load peaks, impacts, eccentric loads, lateral forces, or bending moments are particularly critical because they place additional stress on the sensor and are not always directly apparent in the measured value.

For applications with high or frequent load peaks, the load cell should therefore be selected with sufficient reserve relative to the rated load. In addition to the measuring range, force introduction, mounting, dynamics, signal processing, environmental conditions, and, where appropriate, mechanical stops or protective structures should also be considered.