Load Cells Calibration Basics

Load cells calibration basics and why is it important? What are the best methods and instruments to use? What industry standards or best practices should I follow?

If you are new to force calibration or metrology, the information can be overwhelming. Since force calibration is mechanical in nature, there are many factors to consider.

Load Cells Calibration Basics - What is load cell calibration?

Load cell calibration is the comparison of an unknown device to a device known within a certain error, with the purpose of characterizing the unknown. A load cell converts mechanical energy into electrical signals. As compressive or tensile force is exerted on a load cell, the mechanical energy is converted into equivalent electrical signals. When a meter or indicator is hooked up to a load cell, it displays the force measurement value.

Load Cells Calibration Basics Figure 1: Load cell calibration in compression (left) and tension (right)

Load Cells Calibration Basics -Why is load cell calibration important?

The measurement of force is performed so frequently and routinely that we take these measurements for granted. Almost every material item is tested using some form of traceable force measurement. Manufacturers are often required to do sample testing on the products they manufacture. When measurements are not done correctly, the results can be product failure, financial loss, product recall, or loss of life.

Load Cells Calibration Basics Figure 2: Bridge failure, one of the risks associated with incorrect force measurement

Morehouse has ten blog posts, which provide a basic understanding of force calibration, the methods and instruments used, industry standards, and best practices. They provide a foundation of learning for anyone involved in force calibration and can save a lot of time for beginners. These 10 topics will help anyone in your organization familiarize themselves with calibration and the use of load cells including troubleshooting and understanding basic metrological concepts.

Force Calibration Back-to-Basics:

1. Force Calibration and its Importance
2. How a Transducer Measures Force
3. Compression and Tension Force Calibration
4. Calibration versus Verification
5. Measurement Uncertainty
6. Load Cell Terminology
7. Types of Load Cells
8. Load Cell Troubleshooting
9. Load Cell Indicator Basics
10. Force Measurement Glossary of Terms

We have compiled these posts into a guidance document Force Calibration Guidance for Beginners. For more advanced force calibration topics, we have a guidance document Conditions, Methods, and Systems that Impact Force Calibration, which provides advanced force calibration guidance for Technicians and Quality Managers.

Load Cells Calibration Basics - Conclusion

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I take great pride in our knowledgeable team at Morehouse, who continue to work with everyone, clarify complex topics, and provide tools such as free guidance documents, excel sheets, and products to help you make better force measurements. We want to make sure everyone understands Load Cells Calibration.

At Morehouse, we educate our customers and provide solutions to you. Most of these solutions are available for free to help you make better measurements and can be found here.

We have been in business for over a century and focus on being the most recognized name in force sensor calibration. That vision comes from educating our customers on what matters most and having the proper discussions about force and why force is essential so everyone understands the concepts.

We believe in changing how people think about force and torque calibration in everything we do. We challenge the "just calibrate it" mentality by educating our customers on what matters, what causes significant errors, and how to focus on reducing them.

In addition, Morehouse makes simple-to-use calibration products. We build excellent force equipment that is plumb, level, square, and rigid. Morehouse provides unparalleled calibration service with less than two-week lead times. Now that we answered What is Force, it might make sense to check out our other article on Why Force is Important 

Want to watch the video on why you should use Morehouse for your load cell calibration? That can be found here.

If you have more questions about load cells or other questions, don't hesitate to contact us at 717-843-0081 to talk to a live person or email info@mhforce.com. You can also visit us on the web at mhforce.com.

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