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.
Precision You Can Rely On: What Are Canister Load Cells?
Canister load cells are high-capacity compression sensors built to withstand extreme loads over long periods — without drift, deformation, or failure. Their cylindrical, columnar shape allows for superior axial load handling and makes them a staple in silo weighing, tank systems, weighbridges, and structural monitoring.
Unlike shear beam or disk sensors, canister load cells are designed exclusively for compression, making them the preferred solution for permanent or semi-permanent vertical loading applications where stability, capacity, and longevity are essential.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- Their compression-only design advantage
- Long-term calibration integrity
- Stainless steel housing & sealing
- Load capacity options & mounting considerations
Compression-Only Design: Built to Handle Vertical Force with Confidence
Canister load cells are axially loaded sensors, meaning they’re specifically engineered to measure downward vertical force. This focus on compression-only functionality ensures minimal sensitivity to lateral loads or off-axis stress, making them highly stable in tall or heavy structures.
Why compression-only matters:
- ✅ Maintains calibration even under long-term static loads
- ✅ Reduced error from side forces, vibration, or wind sway
- ✅ Compact, centered force path enhances mechanical integrity
- ✅ Excellent repeatability for batching, storage, or transfer
Their column design is ideal for installations where constant heavy loads are present — think full silos, elevated water tanks, or permanent weigh modules under structure bases.
Long-Term Accuracy You Can Trust
What sets canister load cells apart from other types is their durability under constant stress. These sensors are built to retain calibration over years of continuous load — something beam and S-type sensors often struggle with when used in similar conditions.
Typical features enhancing long-term accuracy include:
- ⚙️ Hermetically sealed diaphragms – block moisture and gas infiltration
- ⚙️ Welded stainless steel enclosures – prevent mechanical creep and corrosion
- ⚙️ Full-bridge strain gauge circuits – minimise signal drift and improve thermal stability
- ⚙️ Internal overload protection – safeguards sensor core from shock loads
Whether you’re storing grain, chemicals, liquids, or aggregates, load stability over time = inventory accuracy and safety.
Stainless Steel Construction: Engineered for Harsh Australian Conditions
Canister load cells supplied by Sands Industries are made from high-grade stainless steel, offering IP68-rated sealing to withstand the toughest environmental challenges — from outback heat and red dust to coastal moisture and industrial washdowns.
✅ Resistant to rust, corrosion, and chemical exposure
✅ Handles outdoor weather extremes
✅ Compatible with ATEX/IECEx-rated systems (optional)
✅ Suitable for hazardous, wet, or food-grade environments
This robust construction ensures long-term reliability, whether installed under a grain silo in NSW or a chemical tank in WA.
Capacities & Mounting Types: What to Expect
Canister load cells are available in a wide range of capacities, making them suitable for:
- Micro load test frames (from 500 kg)
- Industrial tanks and bins (up to 100 tonnes+)
- Vehicle scale foundations (30–50 tonnes per cell)
- Structural bearing applications (custom-rated units)
Mounting Options:
- Base plate mounting – bolted to concrete or steel foundations
- Floating mounts with rocker assemblies – absorb vibration or misalignment
- Self-aligning modules – reduce installation error, improve vertical load alignment
- Pre-assembled kits – simplify on-site installation and calibration
💡 Pro Tip: Proper mounting is non-negotiable. A poorly aligned canister load cell will experience bending forces, dramatically shortening its lifespan and skewing weight data.
Why Choose Sands Industries?
At Sands Industries, we supply engineered canister load cell solutions for permanent and mobile installations across mining, agri-storage, food manufacturing, and structural load monitoring.
Here’s why Australia trusts us:
✅ Capacities from 500 kg to 100+ tonnes
✅ Pre-wired or wireless-ready options available
✅ Designed to integrate with indicators, PLCs, batching systems
✅ Local technical advice + fast dispatch from our NSW facility
🔗 Browse Load Cells, Sensors & Gauges
📞 Speak With a Load Cell Specialist
External References
🔗 VPG – High Capacity Canister Load Cells
📍 Sands Industries – GMB Listing
📍 Sands Industries – Contact Details
📌 Unit 16/191, McCredie Avenue, Smithfield, NSW 2175
📞 +61 4415 9165 | +61 477 123 699
✉️ sales@sandsindustries.com.au
The Sensor of Choice for Permanent High-Capacity Loads
When failure isn’t an option, and stability is non-negotiable, canister load cells offer the rugged reliability and long-term precision needed for large industrial weighing systems.
➡️ Explore Our Canister & Compression Load Cells
📩 Request Technical Data or Custom Mounting Kit Advice