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Pancake (low profile) load cells
Pancake (low profile) load cells are precision devices designed for accurate force and weight measurements in space-constrained applications. Their flat design allows for easy integration into tight installations, making them ideal for industrial scales, robotics, and packaging machinery. Our range combines advanced sensing technology with robust construction for reliable performance in various environments.
Tailored solutions for your needs
These load cells deliver exceptional accuracy and sensitivity without compromising durability. Despite their compact size, they can handle various load capacities, making them versatile for different measurement needs. With multiple configurations and output options, our pancake load cells easily integrate into existing systems, enhancing operational efficiency. Whether you need to monitor forces in manufacturing or perform precise measurements in limited spaces, we have the right solution for you.
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Space-saving designWith their low-profile construction, pancake load cells easily fit into tight spaces, making them perfect for applications such as industrial scales, robotics, and packaging.
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Exceptional precisionThese load cells offer high accuracy and sensitivity, ensuring reliable force and weight measurements, even in critical settings.
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Durable versatilityBuilt to handle a variety of load capacities and endure harsh conditions, pancake load cells ensure long-lasting performance and reliability across industrial and controlled environments.
Considerations for selecting pancake (low profile) load cells
When choosing pancake (low profile) load cells for your application, several important factors should be taken into account to ensure optimal performance and compatibility:
- Measurement range: Ensure the load cell can capture the full range of expected forces, including any variations during operation.
- Load capacity: Identify the maximum load the load cell will measure. Choosing a pancake load cell with the correct capacity is essential for accurate readings.
- Accuracy and sensitivity: Review specifications for accuracy and sensitivity, as higher precision is crucial for detailed measurements.
- Physical dimensions and mounting: Verify that the load cell’s dimensions fit your installation space and that it can be easily mounted in your specific setup.
- Environmental conditions: Assess the operating conditions, including temperature and humidity, and select a load cell designed to withstand these factors.
- Output type: Check the output signal format (analog, current, or digital) to ensure compatibility with your data acquisition systems for seamless integration.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select the most suitable pancake (low profile) load cell for your needs, ensuring reliable operation and accurate measurements in your application.
Contact us today to learn more about our pancake load cells and discover the perfect solution tailored to your specific measurement needs.
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Frequently asked questions about pancake (low profile) load cells
Answers to the most important technical Questions
How is even load distribution ensured when using multiple low-profile load cells?
Even load distribution across multiple measuring points depends on the mechanical design of the entire weighing system. This includes a sufficiently rigid structure, flat and parallel support surfaces, central force introduction, and low-stress mounting of the individual low-profile load cells.
In applications with multiple load cells, such as platforms, modular scales, tanks, or structural and load monitoring systems, the measuring points should be positioned so that the load is distributed as symmetrically as possible. Differences in installation height, mechanical stress, misalignment, or lateral forces can cause individual load cells to be overloaded or underloaded and distort the measurement results.
Electrical evaluation is also important. The signals from individual load cells can be combined, balanced, and calibrated using suitable connection and evaluation electronics. This helps ensure reliable total-load measurement and can also identify uneven load distribution or critical loads at individual measuring points.
The system should therefore be designed for the specific application, taking into account the measuring range, rated load, mounting method, force introduction, environmental conditions, and required signal processing.
How does the low height of low-profile load cells affect measurement dynamics?
The low height of low-profile load cells allows compact, rigid integration directly into the force path. This can reduce additional installation components, lever arms, and mechanical compliance, which may improve repeatability and dynamic measurement behavior.
However, height alone does not determine measurement dynamics. The entire mechanical installation, structural stiffness, force introduction, measuring range, possible peak loads, signal conditioning, and data acquisition are also important.
For rapidly changing forces, press applications, joining processes, test benches, or automation applications, the load cell should therefore be selected not only by height but also by measuring range, accuracy, mounting method, and output signal. A low-profile design can support fast and stable force measurement when the load cell is correctly integrated into a rigid and centrally aligned force path. For highly dynamic applications, the complete setup should be evaluated for the specific application.
Are low-profile load cells suitable for very high static loads, such as silos and tanks?
Yes. Suitable low-profile load cells are available for very high static loads. In particular, low-profile compression load cells are suitable where high forces or weights need to be measured reliably with limited installation height, for example in silo weighing, tank weighing, large vessels, platforms, or foundation-integrated weighing systems.
Althen offers high-capacity load cells with rated loads of up to 100 tonnes or up to 750 tonnes. These load cells are designed for static heavy-duty weighing applications and feature robust stainless-steel construction, high protection ratings such as IP68, and, depending on the version, overload reserves, redundant measuring bridges, or ATEX/IECEx options.
For these applications, the rated load, load distribution, installation conditions, force introduction, environmental conditions, possible peak loads, and required accuracy must all be considered. The load cell, mounting accessories, and signal processing should therefore be matched to the specific installation.