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3. How many load cell types are there?

How many load cell types are there?

There are different types of load cells, each designed to meet specific weighing needs. In conveyor belt scales, which are devices used to automatically weigh and classify products during the production or packaging process, two main types of load cells are generally used:

 

1. strain gauge load cells, which use strain gauges to measure the deformation caused by the weight of the product. This deformation is converted into an electrical signal proportional to the weight. Strain gauge load cells are the most commonly used in checkweighers due to their accuracy, reliability and ability to handle variable weights at high speeds. They allow to maintain high precision even in industrial environments with vibrations and interference. In addition to the high precision, among their advantages are the robustness and the ability to easily integrate the signal with the sorting machine’s control systems; 
2. piezoelectric load cells, whose functioning is based on the piezoelectric phenomenon, which measure weight by generating an electrical charge proportional to the force applied to the sensor. Less common, more expensive and more delicate than strain gauge cells, they can be used in situations where high sampling speed is required. High response speed and sensitivity are the main advantages of this type of load cell. 

Strain gauge load cells are typically the primary choice for most checkweighers because of their combination of precision, cost and robustness. In contrast, piezoelectric load cells can be used in special applications but are less common in standard checkweighers.