Let’s face it; all load cells look pretty much alike. However, if a load cell is critical to your manufacturing process, you know that the differences between different load cells can make your process more or less accurate and reliable.
Therefore, it is critical that you choose the right load cell for your application. Choosing the right load cell manufacturer is important as well, as not all manufacturers offer a wide enough range of products to suit every customer’s needs.
Some of the major items to consider when choosing load cells include:
- Accuracy – Accuracy in recording weight is critical. Some manufacturers make products to higher specifications than others, meaning some manufacturers’ accuracy standard is higher than others. Choose your load cell from a manufacturer with tight accuracy standards. The accuracy of your business is only as good as that of your scale.
- Moisture Protection – Load cells are easily damaged by moisture. Look for a product that is sealed to high standards to prevent moisture damage. This is a particularly important feature, since almost all scales will get wet at some point.
- Integration – Your scale will need to integrate into your business systems seamlessly and easily. There are many load cell manufacturers on the market, but only a few of them make this integration easy for the customer.
- Multiple Options – Your business needs the opportunity to balance features and price so that you can choose a load cell that fits your needs all around. Some load cell manufacturers offer only a few products, so you may not be able to get all the features you need at a price you can afford.
- Service from the Manufacturer – You need support after the sale. When a problem arises, or your load cell needs calibration, you should not have to be self-reliant. Choose a company with a reputation for service and responsiveness.
Before you choose a load cell, it’s important to have a good handle of what you will be weighing, as well as other specifications you need in your system. Some load cells are designed for heavier items than others, and some have more sophisticated integration capabilities.
Once you’ve answered a few simple questions about how you’ll use your system, your load cell manufacturer can narrow down the choices for you. You’ll then be well on your way to choosing the right load cell for your business.
