Load Cell Selection Guidelines

When you measure forces or loads, in addition to the capacity and size of the Load Cell, a number of application requirements need to be carefully considered. These include:

Operating Temperature Conditions (Well controlled, room temperature or outdoor, harsh environments with changing humidity and temperature)
Duration of measurement (Short term measurement with a Tare or longer term measurements where Tare is not feasible)
Absolute Accuracy Required (as a percentage of full scale output or as a percentage of reading)
Direction of loading (tension or compression or both)
Certifications Needed (for trade applications needing NTEP or OIML certifications or test and measurement needing ASTM E-74 OR R & D)
Mounting Options (Fasten sensor on both sides or no need for fastening at all)
Output required (Analog mV/V, 0-5V, 4-20mA, Digital USB, Digital Wireless, Digital RS-232/485)
Measurement Speed (1Hz or up to 100Hz or faster than 100Hz)
Total cost of operation (small quantity or large volumes)