Load cell

Outline of Load Cell Production Processes

  • March 19 2025
  • Yoko Fukuhara

1. Strain Gauge Production Process

 

  • Bonding backing materials
    A metallic foil is bonded to a backing material (base) using adhesive. There should be no trapped air bubbles or dust. 55
  • Curing
    A jig is used to apply pressure to metallic foil and backing material. The jig is placed in a high temperature oven to cure the adhesive. 
    56
  • Pattern exposure
    The metallic foil is coated with a photosensitizing agent and shielded by a mask of the gauge pattern. When the foil is exposed to light, only the photosensitizing agent in the gauge pattern is cured. 
    57
  • Etching
    The metallic foil outside the gauge pattern is dissolved using an etching liquid
    58
  • Trimming
    The resistance of the gauge is measured and adjusted using a diluted etching liquid.
    Once the adjustment is complete, a neutralizing liquid is added to end the etching. 
    59
  • Visual inspection
    Visual inspection is performed to verify that there are no defects in the gauge pattern and the base. 
    60

2. Load Cell Production Process

 

  • Finishing the surface of the spring material
    To enhance its adhesive strength, the surface of the spring material is sandblasted to a suitable level of roughness.
    61
  • Bonding
    After the surface of the spring material is washed, the spring material and the gauge are coated with an adhesive. The gauge is then attached to the spring material.
    62
  • Curing
    A jig is used to apply pressure to the gauge and spring material. The jig is placed in a high temperature oven to cure the adhesive.
    63
  • Four-corner adjustment
    A pan is attached to the load cell. The spring material is grinded and adjusted until the output is the same when a weight is placed on any corner.
    64
  • Testing the temperature characteristics on zero balance
    The load cell is placed in a thermostatic chamber, and its output voltages are measured at a low temperature and a high temperature. If the temperature characteristic specifications are not satisfied, a resistor with a high temperature coefficient is incorporated into the bridge circuit for adjustment.
    65
  • Moisture-proof coating
    A moisture-proof agent such as silicone is applied to the gauge and the circuit. 
    66
  • Inspection
    A power supply and a multimeter are connected to the load cell, and input and output resistance, insulation resistance, etc are inspected.
    67

 

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