How to mount load on a single point load cell? 2

[ircian]

I need to measure the force produced by a thruster. I bought a single point load cell and I intend to use a pin fixed in the thruster to press on the load cell and perform strain. This is the load cell I have:

http://www.amcells.com/Products_Detail_pages/Single_Point/SPS/SPS.html

The problem is that I don't know where to place the load pin on the load cell. I don't have a user manual (nor a calibration chart!). An arrow shows the "direction" of applying load, I need to know the "location" of applying the load.
There are 4 places for bolts distributed 2 at each side. Should all these be used to fix the load cell in the test stand and then apply the load at the center? This doesn't seem right as there is a soft material in the middle (that is probably used to cover the strain gauges).
Should I fix the load cell from one end and apply the load from the other end (i.e. cantilevered style)?
In either cases should the load be concentrated or should I try to distribute the load over the applied area?

Thank you

M Attal

 

[Goahead]

Why would you not contact the manufacturer with a query on the right method of loading?
American Load Cell Corporation
3121 Scott Street, Vista, CA 92081, U.S.A
Phone: (USA & CANADA) : 1-888-AMCELLS (1-888-262-3557)
+1-760-727-6666
FAX : +1-760-598-6666
e-mail : sales@AmCells.com

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[ircian]

I wouldn't have asked that question unless I lost hope in getting a response from the manufacturer for the correct method of loading.

 

[ivymike]

yours looks like one of the "binocular" style shown on this site:

http://www.omega.com/prodinfo/loadcells.html

(see load application diagram at left of page)

another site w/diagram:

http://www.sunshineloadcell.com/single-point-platform-load-cells.htm

another site w/diagram:

http://www.smdsensors.com/detail_pgs/s230.htm

 

[desertfox]

Hi ircian

Why don't you contact the load cell makers they should be
able to give you all the information you need.

regards desertfox

 

[GregLocock]

Looks like a tensile load gauge to me. Anyway, wire it up, apply a known load in various places and see where it works. I'd steer clear of the potting myself.





Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[ircian]

Thank you all for your valuable help

ivymike : I think you are right. That one mentioned in this site

http://www.sunshineloadcell.com/single-point-platform-load-cells.htm

is very close to the one I have. Do you see that arrow that is tagged "Load". I am confused of how to fix the load cell and apply the load. Should it be a cantilever and the load will be applied above that arrow ?

desertfox : I already did but got no response !

GregLocock : I read outpout signal when I applied load both at the middle and at the end that is tagged load. i.e. when it is held as a cantilever and when it is fixed from both ends; both cases produced output. I know the load but I can't correlate it to a known output voltage as I don't have a calibration chart.