A Load Cell or weight sensor is a highly accurate device that is used to measure weight or force in compression, tension, bending or shear. The load cell itself is a force transducer that is used to convert force into an electrical signal. This signal is usually only a few millivolts and often requires amplification before it can be used.

There are many different types of load cells available that have been designed to meet the demands of the many applications.

For example:

Single point load cells are commonly used in weighting equipment for small to medium loads up to 2 tons, often found in pricing scales, counting scales, platform scales, kitchen scales, and balance.

Shear Beam load cells are designed in high accuracy, and great for process weighing, industrial scale and general measurement applications, such as industrial floor scales, barrel scales, and low to medium capacity vessel weighing.

S-type load cells are mainly used to measure tensile forces, but also are suitable for compressive force measurement.

The bridge load cell is utilized metal foil strain gauge technology, suitable for most weighing applications.

Wheel shaped load cells have been designed for a wide range of force measurement and weighing applications where space is limited.