A load transducer or load cell is a load-measuring device that possesses transducer techniques. A load cell converts the force applied on it into an electric signal. Based on this signal, an algorithm calculates the amount of force applied. Load transducers come in a number of types such as double-ended beam, single ended beam, S-type, single column, multi column and pancake.

Some of the industries that use load transducers are the automotive, aerospace, metalworking, cable, spring, biomedical testing, medical testing and food industries.

Some important parameters you must consider before buying a load transducer are:

1. The application for which you want to use a load cell transducer
2. The measuring range of the load transducer
3. The accuracy and sensitivity of the load transducer
4. The type of the load transducer

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy load transducers from reputable manufacturers

Once you identify your requirements regarding load cell transducers, you can buy a load transducer from leading manufacturers.

I recommend: Honeywell International, a leading manufacturer of industrial goods and accessories including measuring instruments and sensors, provides a range of load transducers. Another leading manufacturer of load cells is Transducer Techniques that also supplies electrical accessories and mechanical accessories for the load cells. In addition, you can check out the product line of Cooper Instruments, another major load transducer manufacturer.

Buy a load transducer from reputable distributors

After comparing products based on their features and prices at some reputable distributors, you can buy load transducers online.

I recommend: You can buy load transducers online from Rice Lake, one of the leading load transducer distributors. Carolina Scales provides a wide variety of load cells including heavy-duty truck scale and tank weighing assemblies. In addition, you can check out the product line of Acme Scale Co, another major load transducer supplier.

Buy a load cell transducer from reputable custom manufacturers

If you have some specific requirements regarding load transducers and the standard products do not meet those requirements, then try buying customized load cell transducers from reputable custom manufacturers.

I recommend: FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology is one of the leading custom manufacturers of load cells and provides both standard and customized products. Another major custom manufacturer of load transducers is Interface Advanced Force Management. In addition, you can also go to Loadstar Sensors, who can customize a product to meet your requirements.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure the load you are measuring is within the load measuring range of your load transducer.
• •  Perform regular maintenance of your load cell to obtain accurate results