Understanding Load Cells — The Heart of Every Weighing System
Load cells are the unsung heroes of every weighing system. These highly sensitive transducers convert force or weight into measurable signals, forming the essential heart of industrial and commercial weighing applications across countless industries.
At Diverseco, we work with a wide variety of load cell types — each designed for specific weighing environments, conditions, and performance needs. From precision bench-top systems to large-scale weighbridges, selecting the right load cell is key to ensuring accuracy, reliability, and longevity in your weighing setup.
Here’s an overview of the most common load cell types and their typical applications.
Compression Load Cells
Compression load cells measure weight by detecting the force applied to them from above. They’re available in many sizes and mounting options, with capacities ranging from a few kilograms to well over 100 tonnes. Common uses include weighbridges, silos, and large industrial platform scales — particularly where a small amount of “give” is acceptable during weighing.
Shear Beam Load Cells
Among the most versatile and widely used types, shear beam load cells are ideal for rigid weighing platforms and containers such as weigh hoppers, bins, and platform scales. They offer excellent accuracy and reliability — provided the load is applied in one consistent direction.
Double-Ended Shear Beam Load Cells
Designed for applications with uneven, off-centre, or unpredictable loading, such as onboard vehicle weighing systems. Their dual mounting points provide enhanced stability and performance under variable conditions.
Folded Shear Beam Load Cells
Although they resemble S-type load cells, folded shear beams operate in compression rather than tension. They’re often used in dynamic weighing applications when paired with the correct mounting assembly.
Single Point Load Cells
Commonly found in platform scales and smaller top-loading weighing systems, single point load cells deliver outstanding accuracy even when loads are not perfectly centred. This off-centre performance makes them a popular choice in retail and industrial weighing alike.
S-Type Load Cells
Named for their distinctive “S” shape, these load cells are designed for tension (pulling) rather than compression. They’re typically used in suspended weighing applications — for example, where the weighing platform or container hangs below the load cell. S-type load cells usually include eyebolts for secure top and bottom mounting.
Canister Load Cells
Built for heavy-duty performance, canister load cells are used in large-scale industrial weighing systems such as weighbridges, silos, and high-capacity platforms. With load capacities from 7.5 tonnes up to 200 tonnes, these stainless steel, hermetically sealed units are engineered for outdoor or wash-down environments and can be trade-approved for legal-for-trade use.
Specialist and Precision Load Cells
Some applications call for more specialised load cells — for example, in-motion weighing or off-centre loading situations. Precision transducer load cells can be used for both tension and compression applications, and many are trade-approved, cost-effective, and robust enough for agricultural or harsh environments.
Choosing the Right Load Cell
With so many options available, selecting the correct load cell for your application requires both technical knowledge and practical experience.
A reputable supplier should be able to recommend a load cell that balances performance, cost, and compatibility with your existing system.
At Diverseco, we stock and support a wide range of premium load cell brands — including A&D, Thames Side Sensors (UK), PT Global, HBM, and our proprietary AccuCell digital and analogue load cells.
All are certified for trade use in Australia, sealed to IP68 for wet or harsh environments, and designed for reliability and minimal signal loss — even over long cable runs.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or designing a new one, our team can help you identify the best load cell solution to meet your specific requirements.
Need advice or a quote?
Get in touch with the Diverseco team today — our experts can guide you through selecting, installing, and maintaining the right load cell for your application. Alternatively, click here to find out more about our Load Cell solutions.
