A low profile load cell, also known as a pancake load cell or flat load cell, is a sensor that is used for force measurement and weighing applications in areas where height restrictions exist. These sensors are symmetrical and use shear rosette or linear diaphragm strain gauges to optimize performance for a range of capacities and applications.
Load cells measure strain by observing changes in the electrical resistance of a series of thin wires called strain gauges, bonded to a precision machined elastic element. When an external force is applied to the cell, it deforms slightly causing the strain gauges to stretch or compress, and this change in electrical resistance produces an output voltage that is proportional to the amount of applied force. This change in voltage is then converted into a readable quantity such as weight or force using appropriate instrumentation.
There are many different types of load cells available on the market, and selecting the right one for a given application depends on several factors including maximum capacity, accuracy requirements, environmental conditions, and physical dimensions and integration constraints. It’s important to choose a load cell that has been designed and manufactured to be compatible with the specific application, and to install it properly to ensure accurate measurements and a long service life.
Load cell manufacturers design their sensors to reduce the chance of mechanical damage, corrosion, fatigue, and environmental interference that can lead to inaccurate data and reduced performance over time. For example, a welded load cell is less likely to be damaged by exposure to chemicals or contaminants, and the elastic elements are often encapsulated in a protective sheath of plastic or metal that offers corrosion resistance and protection against damage from washdown or wet conditions.