custom load cell

The most useful information includes the load range you expect (maximum and working loads), the physical constraints of the installation (bolt pattern, clearance, expected borehole diameter if applicable), the output signal your logger accepts, and any environmental conditions like submersion, temperature swings, or chemical exposure. If you have a sketch or a photo of the mounting arrangement, that helps us suggest the right mechanical interface.

Not necessarily. We do have minimum order values that depend on the complexity of the customization, but we have produced small batches for specialized applications—for example, ten cells for a bridge bearing monitoring trial, or a single cell for a university research setup. We’ll be upfront about what makes economic sense based on the engineering work involved.

Yes, we integrate digital signal conditioning on request. The most common is RS485 with Modbus RTU, but we have also built load cells with CANopen output for integration into vehicle or crane monitoring systems. Just let us know which protocol your data acquisition runs on.

We focus on three things: the strain gauge bonding technique, the choice of materials, and the sealing method. Our vibrating wire load cells, for instance, are known in geotechnical circles for negligible zero drift over decades because the wire operates well below its elastic limit. For foil-based designs, we use proven temperature compensation and moisture barriers. Realistic long-term accuracy depends on installation quality too—we often include guidance on bedding and load distribution to avoid off-axis loading that shortens sensor life.

We diagnose remotely first—often the issue isn’t the sensor itself but a wiring fault or a data logger setting. If we confirm a manufacturing defect, we replace it at no cost. For installations where downtime is costly, we can typically ship a replacement within a week if the design is already on file.