Load cells are the foundation of every weighing system, but not all load cells are created equal. With a variety of types designed to handle specific mounting, force direction, and capacity requirements, choosing the right load cell is crucial for performance, accuracy, and longevity. In this guide, we break down the major load cell types, what they’re best suited for, and how to select the right one for your use case.
Load Cells by Sands Industries
Precision Force Measurement from Milligrams to Megatons
Sands Industries supplies high-accuracy load cells for industrial, OEM, and research applications. From crane overload protection to automated filling systems and sim racing pedals, our load cells are designed for performance, repeatability, and integration. We offer custom engineering and local support for projects across Australia.
Compare Load Cell Types
| Type | Capacity Range | Mounting | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Point | Up to 200 kg | Platform Center | Retail & Bench Scales |
| Single Ended Shear | 200–5,000 kg | Side Mount | Hoppers & Floor Scales |
| Double Ended Shear | 2–50 tonnes | Dual Support | Truck & Tank Scales |
| S-Type | 50–5,000 kg | Suspended | Tension/Compression Systems |
| Disk | 500–100,000 kg | Inline/Flat Mount | Presses & Test Benches |
| Canister | 1–100+ tonnes | Base Plate | Silos, Tanks, Weighbridges |
| Digital | 5–50,000 kg | Smart Mount | Automated Weighing & PLCs |
| Damped | 10–50,000 kg | Shock Resistant | Vibration/High-Speed Environments |
Single Point Bending Beam Load Cells
Best for: Retail scales, checkweighers, benchtop balances
These are compact, high-precision sensors commonly used in low-capacity applications. Designed to be mounted under a single platform, they can measure the entire load even when weight distribution isn’t perfectly centered. Their mechanical simplicity makes them cost-effective and easy to install.
Key Features:
- Capacity Range: Up to 200 kg
- Mounting: Center under a platform
- Use Case: Ideal for compact, small-footprint systems
Learn more about Single Point Bending Beams →
Single Ended Shear Beam Load Cells
Best for: Hoppers, tanks, medium-capacity platforms
These load cells are designed to measure force applied to one end of a fixed beam. Their rugged construction and side-mounting options make them ideal for floor scales and industrial batch systems. They handle moderate capacities with excellent repeatability.
Key Features:
- Capacity Range: 200–5,000 kg
- Mounting: Bolted at one end
- Use Case: Ideal for side-loaded industrial systems
Explore Single Ended Shear Beams →
Double Ended Shear Beam Load Cells
Best for: Truck scales, tanks, silos
Mounted at both ends and loaded in the center, these load cells are perfect for large, heavy-duty weighing systems. The dual-support design provides mechanical stability and minimizes errors caused by side loading or uneven force distribution.
Key Features:
- Capacity Range: 2–50 tonnes
- Mounting: Bolted at both ends
- Use Case: Built for large platforms and dynamic loads
Discover Double Ended Shear Beam Load Cells →
S-Type Load Cells
Best for: Hanging scales, tension/compression applications, batching
Named after their “S” shape, these bidirectional sensors are ideal for systems that experience both tension and compression. They’re widely used in suspended weighing and test rigs where force direction can vary.
Key Features:
- Capacity Range: 50–5,000 kg
- Mounting: Inline suspended or compressed
- Use Case: Tension/compression versatility
See S-Type Load Cells in Action →
Tension / Compression Disk Load Cells
Best for: Material testing, presses, force measurement in machines
These low-profile sensors are designed for inline force measurement in both tension and compression. Their compact footprint allows for integration into mechanical structures like press machines and automated testing systems.
Key Features:
- Capacity Range: 500–100,000 kg
- Mounting: Inline or embedded
- Use Case: Industrial machine integration
View Tension / Compression Disk Load Cells →
Canister Load Cells
Best for: Silos, bridges, long-term structural monitoring
With cylindrical bodies and high compression tolerance, canister load cells are perfect for static loads over long periods. They are ideal for installations where space is vertical and load is centralized.
Key Features:
- Capacity Range: 1–100+ tonnes
- Mounting: Vertical compression base plate
- Use Case: Structural and vessel weighing
Digital Load Cells
Best for: Automated weighing, process control, smart weighing systems
These advanced sensors have built-in electronics that convert analog signals into digital output. They simplify integration into modern systems and offer better noise resistance and calibration stability.
Key Features:
- Capacity Range: 5–50,000 kg
- Mounting: Application-specific
- Use Case: PLC integration and automation
Explore Our Digital Load Cell Range →
Damped Load Cells
Best for: High-speed operations, vibrating environments
Designed to suppress vibration and signal noise, damped load cells ensure stability in fast-response systems. Ideal for conveyor scales, packaging lines, and dynamic testing environments.
Key Features:
- Capacity Range: 10–50,000 kg
- Mounting: Vibration-resistant configuration
- Use Case: High-speed weighing and motion control
Learn About Damped Load Cells →
Conclusion Choosing the right load cell depends on your application’s mechanical structure, force direction, operating environment, and measurement precision. At Sands Industries, we offer a complete range of load cell solutions built for accuracy, ruggedness, and reliability in Australia’s toughest industries.
Ready to choose the right sensor? Talk to Our Load Cell Experts →
📍 Unit 16/191, McCredie Avenue, Smithfield, NSW 2175
📞 +61 4415 9165 | +61 477 123 699
✉️ sales@sandsindustries.com.au
Also explore: Load Cells, Sensors & Gauges
VPG – Global Leader in Force Sensing
Find Us on Google Maps