Load Cell Selection Guide
Selecting the right load cell is key to dependable and accurate weighing performance. Whether you’re specifying equipment or installing it in the field, the right choice can make setup smoother, improve system reliability, and reduce maintenance over time.
When selecting load cells, consider the following:
- Capacity: Choose load cells that can safely handle the combined live and dead loads, plus a safety margin for overload or shock.
- Type and Direction of Load: Identify whether the load is in tension, compression, shear, or bending. Each load cell style — such as single-point, S-beam, double-ended beam, or canister — is designed for specific applications.
- Mounting Requirements: The correct weigh module or mounting assembly helps ensure consistent load transfer, repeatability, and protection from vibration or side forces.
- Environment: Factors such as moisture, washdown, dust, temperature swings, and chemical exposure can influence material selection, sealing, and cable protection.
- Output and Compatibility: Confirm that the output signal (mV/V or digital) and electrical connections match your instrumentation or controller requirements.
- Maintenance and Serviceability: Consider accessibility for calibration, wiring, and replacement to minimize downtime.
How to Use This Guide to Pick a Load Cell
- Write down your specs (maximum load, whether the force is in tension or compression, environmental hazards, mounting constraints).
- Scroll through the catalog below and look for models whose ‘Typical Applications’ and capacity range match your specs.
- Use the ‘Application Examples’ section as a quick reference — if your system is a tank, hopper, or platform scale, start there first.
When in doubt, contact us for help narrowing your choices.
Model & Type
Capacity Range
Typical Applications
Certifications & Notes
25 to 40,000 lbs
- Mechanical to Electronic Scale Conversions
- Tank and Hopper Weighing
- Batching Systems
- Conveyor Systems
Stainless Steel Available
250 to 20,000 lbs
- Floor Scales
- Barrel Scales
- Tank and Hopper Weighing
- Batching Systems
Stainless Steel Available
1,000 to 40,000 lbs
- Floor Scales
- Tank and Hopper Weighing
Hermetic Seal
Tool Steel Available
100 to 2,000 lbs
- Bench Scales
- Moderate Capacity Platform Scales
10 to 100 lbs
- Conveyor Systems, Check Weighers
- Corrosive Environment Applications
Safety Stops Standard
5,000 to 250,000 lbs
- Tank, Hopper and Silo Weighing
- Truck and Track Scales
- Batching Systems
Stainless Steel Available
10,000 to 200,000 lbs
- Tank and Hopper Weighing
- Truck and Track Scales
- Batching Systems
Stainless Steel Available
1,000 to 125,000 lbs
- Tank and Hopper Weighing
- Batching Systems
Stainless Steel Available
10,000 to 500,000 lbs
- Truck and Track Scales
- Tank, Hopper and Silo Weighing
- Batching Systems
Stainless Steel Available
Hermetic Seal
10,000 to 500,000 lbs
- Truck and Track Scales
- Tank, Hopper and Silo Weighing
- Batching Systems
Stainless Steel Available
Hermetic Seal
100 to 100,000 lbs
- Tank and Hopper Weighing
- Scale Conversions
- Batching Systems
Stainless Steel Available
Hermetic Seal
Application Examples
Truck & Track Scales
High capacity load cells designed specifically for heavy-duty vehicle weighing applications. Our canister and shear beam models provide superior accuracy and durability in demanding commercial weighing environments.
Tank & Hopper Weighing
Precision weighing solutions for industrial storage and processing applications. Available in both standard and stainless steel versions for challenging environments including food processing and chemical industries.
Batching Systems
Accurate measurement and control for automated batching and material handling processes. Our load cells ensure consistent quality in manufacturing and processing operations.
Platform & Floor Scales
Versatile weighing solutions for general industrial and commercial applications. From small bench scales to large platform systems, our single-point and shear beam load cells deliver reliable performance.
- Stock items ship within 24 hours
- Same-day shipping available (orders before 12:00 PM PST)
- Extensive inventory levels maintained
- Technical support and troubleshooting assistance
- Custom engineering solutions available
- Two-year limited warranty on all products
- NIST traceable calibration services
- Complete in-house design and fabrication
Artech’s calibration is traceable to the National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST).
We stand by our products with a limited two-year warranty. All products are designed and manufactured in our California facility to ensure consistent quality and performance.
