Which load cell material is best for my application: alloy steel, aluminum, stainless steel, or alloy steel?
Many factors can affect the decision to purchase a load cell, such as cost, weighing application (eg, object size, object weight, object placement), durability, environment, etc. Each material used to make load cells has advantages over the others for each factor. However, the main factors influencing material selection should be the environment of the application, as well as the material’s responsiveness to load stress (elastic modulus) and its elastic limit relative to the maximum load it is required to withstand.
For example, chemical processing facilities find stainless steel load cells to be more practical; aluminum is more durable and responsive to pressure than stainless steel; aluminum is less expensive than alloy steel; stainless steel load cells hold heavier weights than aluminum or alloy steel load cells; Tool steel is best for dry conditions; alloy steel is more durable than aluminum and can withstand higher load capacities; stainless steel load cells are more expensive than tool steel or aluminum.
Some additional benefits of Alloy Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Tool Steel are as follows:
Alloy steel is the most common material for load cells. It is suitable for single and multiple load cell applications and limits creep and hysteresis.
Aluminum is generally used for low capacity single point load cells and is not suitable for wet or harsh environments. It is best suited for these small range applications as it has the greatest response to stress compared to other materials. The most popular aluminum is alloy 2023 because of its low creep and hysteresis.
Stainless steel is a more expensive option, but it performs best in harsh conditions. It can withstand aggressive chemicals and excess moisture. Stainless Steel Alloy 17-4 ph has the best overall properties of any stainless steel alloy. Some pH levels can even attack stainless steel.
Alloy steel is a good material for load cells, especially for large loads due to its hardness. Its price/performance ratio is superior to other load cell materials. Alloy steel is suitable for single and multiple load cell applications and limits creep and hysteresis.
Post time: Jun-25-2023
