Resistive Load Cells (Strain Gauge) | Industrial weighing, lab equipment, automotive diagnostics | Capacity up to 50kg (GML671 model) ▲ (exceeds standard 20kg), accuracy ±0.1% (ISO 376), analog output (IEC 60770) | Cost-effective, durable in harsh environments ▲ (stainless steel housing) | Requires periodic calibration, temperature sensitivity (±0.05% per °C) |
Capacitive Load Cells | High-precision labs, aerospace testing | Resolution 1/10,000th of capacity (ASTM E4), digital output (RS-485), 1kHz response (IEC 61326) | Immune to EMI, high sensitivity ▲ (detects micro-forces) | Complex calibration, higher cost (▲ $200–$500/unit vs resistive) |
Piezoelectric Force Sensors | Impact testing, vibration analysis | 1000Hz frequency response (IEC 60068-2-6), dynamic force tracking ▲ (captures rapid changes) | Fast response (<1ms), no drift under static loads | Not for static measurements, requires charge amplifiers (▲ adds complexity) |
Hydraulic Load Cells | Harsh industrial environments, tank weighing | IP68 waterproof ▲ (submersible), 50-ton capacity ▲ (industry standard max 20 tons), hydraulic output (ISO 17025) | Operates in extreme temps (-40°C to 85°C), explosion-proof | Bulky design, fluid maintenance required (▲ 1–2% annual leakage risk) |
Pneumatic Load Cells | Sanitary food/pharma, cleanroom settings | ATEX Zone 1 explosion-proof, no moving parts ▲ (zero contamination risk), pneumatic output (ISO 6358) | Hygienic, no lubricants needed | Limited accuracy (±2% of span), slower response (▲ 0.5–1s delay) |
Digital Load Cells | IoT systems, automated manufacturing | RS-232/USB output ▲ (direct data streaming), 1/30,000th resolution (NIST traceable), real-time logging | Easy integration, high precision ▲ (0.01% repeatability) | Higher cost (▲ $300–$800/unit), EMI susceptibility without shielding |