How Low Can My Load Cell Go? Load Cell Impact on Measurement Uncertainty

There are enough load cell intricacies impacting measurement uncertainties to write a book strictly on that subject, which Morehouse Instrument Company President Henry Zumbrun has already done.

His newest article, How Low Can My Load Cell Go? appears in Cal Lab Magazine.  He notes that management often wants to spend the least on equipment and push equipment such as load cells to their lowest operational level. Using equipment such as load cells below 5 – 10 % of their capacity or lower, such as 2 %, is a frequent practice that demands attention as it can significantly impact measurement uncertainty as a percentage of applied force.

The article examines the impact on measurement uncertainty of using a load cell as low as 2 % of its rated capacity, compliance with ISO 376 and ASTM E74 lowest force point criteria, and how to uphold the reliability necessary to maintain a specific calibration interval. What holds for these standards can apply to any load cell.

Zumbrun writes that the question “How low can my load cell go?” involves intricate considerations to maintain a  low measurement uncertainty and maintain the reliability one needs to maintain a specific calibration
interval.
The assessment of measurement uncertainty, including factors such as resolution, reference standard stability, ASTM LLF or other specifications, when applicable, and the uncertainty of the calibration standard, is vital for understanding the limitations and precision of a load cell at lower force levels.

Moreover, adherence to industry standards, such as ASTM E74 and ISO 376, provides clear guidelines and recommendations on the minimum force points for load cell usage.

Cal Lab Magazine is the international journal of metrology. Cal Lab Magazine is a quarterly publication that covers measurement science and instrument calibration for managers, engineers, and technicians. Since 1994, Cal Lab Magazine has continued to cover international standards, calibration techniques, and new technology for measurement areas: electrical, dimensional, temperature, pressure, flow, and mass.

Read the article here:  https://www.callabmag.com/how-low-can-my-load-cell-go/

About Morehouse Instrument Company

 Companies worldwide rely on Morehouse for accuracy and speed. The company turns around equipment in 7-10 business days so customers can return to work quickly and save money. 

The York, PA-based company provides force and torque measurement products and services worldwide. 

Morehouse Instrument Company, a trusted and accredited provider of force and torque measurement services for over 100 years, offers measurement uncertainties 10-50 times lower than the competition. 

Morehouse helps commercial labs, government labs, and other organizations lower their measurement risk by lowering equipment uncertainties for torque and force measurement. Contact Morehouse at info@mhforce.com.

More Information about Morehouse

We believe in changing how people think about force and torque calibration in everything we do.

This includes setting expectations on load cell reliability and challenging the "just calibrate it" mentality by educating our customers on what matters and what causes significant errors.

We focus on reducing these errors and making our products simple and user-friendly.

This means your instruments will pass calibration more often and produce more precise measurements, giving you the confidence to focus on your business.

Companies around the globe rely on Morehouse for accuracy and speed.

Our measurement uncertainties are 10-50 times lower than the competition.

We turn around your equipment in 7-10 business days so you can return to work quickly, saving you money.

When you choose Morehouse, you're not just paying for a calibration service or a load cell.

You're investing in peace of mind, knowing your equipment is calibrated accurately and on time.

Contact Morehouse at info@mhforce.com to learn more about our calibration services and load cell products.

Email us if you ever want to chat or have questions about a blog.

We love talking about this stuff.

Our YouTube channel has videos on various force and torque calibration topics here.

#How Low Can My Load Cell Go?