Platform / single point load cells

Platform or single point load cells are ideal for precise weight measurement in scales, dosing systems and industrial platform applications. Thanks to their flat design they can be integrated in a small space and deliver reliable results even under demanding operating conditions. As standard they are available for rated loads up to 2 t.

How platform or single point load cells work

As the name suggests, platform load cells are particularly suited for use in platform scales. The properties of a load cell are determined by its spring element. This spring element is made of metal and deforms under a compressive force. The deformation, and the return of the spring element to its original shape once the load is removed, are registered by a strain gauge and converted into an electrical signal. Like most other load cells, platform load cells are calibrated in grams, kilograms or tonnes.

Fields of application

Platform load cells are found in weighing equipment for small to medium loads of up to 2 tonnes. Platform or single point load cells are used in platform scales, belt scales, filling scales and dosing scales. They can also be used to measure overload in elevators or to measure contact pressure.

Technical principle

Like most load cells, platform load cells meet the high demands of industry for robustness. That is why load cells are usually offered with protection ratings of IP65 and above. In terms of design, platform load cells are in fact double bending beams. Their advantage over other load cells is that they are optimized and calibrated for off-center loading. This means the platform load cell works very accurately even when the load sits on only one corner of a platform. The data sheet contains all the information needed to design a weighing system with platform load cells, including the rated load, the minimum verification interval for calculating the maximum tare weight, and the limit load. With a platform load cell, a platform scale can be built very quickly: all you really need is the platform load cell and two metal plates to which the cell is attached. In most cases weighing equipment is subject to legal verification, which is why platform load cells are generally approved for legal-for-trade use.