During load cell calibration, a device with a standard measurement is attached to the transducer. Its reading is compared to the reading of the load cell; ideally, both the calibrating device and the transducer will have the same measurement. If not, the operator makes the necessary changes and adjustments before measuring again to ensure that the values are identical. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Strainsert Company
West Conshohocken, PA | 610-825-3310For over 40 years, Strainsert Company has been an industry leader in manufacturing calibration services. Our goal is to provide calibrating services that are thorough and accurate, and we have experience serving a variety of applications.
Micro Quality Calibration Inc.
Chatsworth, CA | 818-423-4071At Micro Quality Calibration we are considered the first western commercial laboratory designed for precision measurements. Since 1978, our calibration laboratory & repair facility has done instrument calibration & equipment calibration. Calibration is done under strict controls. ISO-9000 certified. We are successful because we provide the best service and are committed to excellence.
MSI-Viking Gage, LLC
Duncan, SC | 864-433-9771Working with measurement instruments and providing calibration services since 1967, we are the company you want to contact. We meet special gaging requirements and perform equipment calibration and repair in our A2LA 17025-accredited calibration laboratory. We look forward to your contact.
Interface, Inc.
Scottsdale, AZ | 800-948-5555Interface specializes in calibrating services including load cell calibration and gage calibration services. Our calibration services are utilized for nearly any force measurement application and this even includes custom designs. These are very easy to use and our products offer consistent results. Call us if you have questions about our calibrating services.
Trescal
Hartland, MI | 810-225-4601Internally-known, Dynamic Technology is an NVLAP®-accredited calibration services facility. We conduct vacuum and pressure calibration; mass and torque calibration; temperature calibration and electronics calibration. We have a physical/dimension laboratory and can perform repair services as well.
Load Cell Calibration - Strainsense Enterprises, Inc.This process of calibration is important because accurate and precise readings from the load cell are important and vital to its proper functioning. An incorrect measurement of the electrical signal may be a safety hazard or could lead to equipment damage. Load cells are generally part of larger systems so other decisions are made based on the reading provided by the transducer which is why they must be checked and calibrated regularly.
Regular calibration also maintains quality standards. Calibration is used not only for load cells but with a wide range of equipment and machines as well as for pressure, speedometers, temperature and torque. Load cells are frequently used for large scale weighing in hoppers, for trucks, tank level, in-line force measuring and weighing research.
Load cells are available in a variety of styles including S-beam, platform and single point, low profile, compression, compression/tension, bending beam and canister. Some are designed to read the force acting on a button while others have larger parts that are bent; all rely on the physical deformation of strain gauges.
As force is applied to the load cell, a strain gauge is bent. The strain is converted into electrical signals, which are amplified; typically one load cell will have at least four strain gauges. The output is then entered into an algorithm to calculate how much force was applied to the transducer. The gauge inside has a spring-like quality that allows it to bounce back after a load is applied. If the loads are changed abruptly, the gauge may vibrate quickly, a consequence called ringing.
During calibration, a certain load with a known exact weight is placed on the load cell. Like other devices that must be periodically calibrated, the load cell is designed to accept calibration by conducting measurements that are within engineering tolerances when used over time in certain environmental conditions. If the load cell has a flawed design then no amount of calibration can correct it.