Load Cells

What is a load cell ?

People often refer to load cells by other names, such as force sensors, force transducers, load sensors, or pressure sensors. It all depends on the industry. However, they all operate on the same principle. Understanding load cell working is key to selecting the right sensor for the job.

Load cells convert mechanical force into an electrical signal, allowing for precise measurement of force or weight. Engineers often use them to measure force, tension, compression, or shear.  Critical in applications such as weighing scales, process control, and material testing.

How do they work?

FUTEK’s load cells use a metal body with strain gauges set up in a Wheatstone Bridge.  For accurate, high-capacity measurements.  Experts refer to this design as metal foil strain gauge load cell technology. When force is applied, it slightly deforms the load cell, changing the resistance in the strain gauges.

The system then converts this change into an electrical output signal, which can be measured, recorded, and displayed using computers, data loggers, signal conditioners, or panel meters. This signal forms the basis of readings in many weighing systems.

What are the benefits of FUTEK Load Cells?

• High Accuracy: Ensures precise readings in critical and sensitive applications.

• Compact Design: Easy to integrate into a variety of systems.

• Multiple Capacities: A wide measurement range supports diverse application requirements.

• Durability: Built to withstand harsh environments, with corrosion resistance.

• Fast Response Time: Enables quick, accurate measurement of dynamic forces.

• Customisation: Can be tailored to meet specific application needs, improving cost effectiveness.

• Digital Output: Simplifies integration with FUTEK instruments and data systems.

• Wide Operating Temperature Range: Ideal for use in extreme environments.

• Local Service and Support: Metromatics, FUTEK’s trusted partner, offers expert local sales, service, and support in Australia and New Zealand.

Proper calibration procedures are available to ensure long-term accuracy and repeatability across all applications.

Review the Load Cell Sensors below

or contact us for more information or to buy load cells.

Bi-Axial Force / Torque Sensor MBA Series Compact and powerful.  It measures force and torque in all directions with up to 6 degrees of freedom—ideal for research and precision control tasks.
Cantilever Bending Beam LBB Series Firstly, the LBB Series is a slim design, stainless steel Bending Beam loadcell used for compression applications. It can measure force, surface pressure and displacement in tight environments.
Donut Load Cells / Thru Hole Load Washer LTH Series The LTH Series is low profile, compression Donut load washer. Also known as a Thru Hole loadcell or Washer Type Load Cell. The thru hole load cell design is suitable for those applications which require the load structure to pass through the sensor. Typical applications include: bolt loading, clamping forces, rolling mill systems
Flat Plate Force Sensor FFP Series Firstly, the FFP Series is a sensitive flat plate force sensor. It measures force, surface pressure and displacement. Ideal for OEM high volume applications. Used in process control, medical instrumentation and robotics.
Grip / Pinch Force Sensor LMD Series The LMD Series of Grip or Pinch Force sensors used in the medical and automotive industries. Used in automotive and medical applications for pinch and grip strength measurement, such as testing car window safety systems
Inline Load Cell Male / Female Threaded Rod End LCB Series Provides reliable tension measurement up to 22,000 kg. Common in hydraulic systems and actuator testing. Therefore, providing an excellent solution for inline Actuators or Hydraulic Jack with Male/Female thread (Hydraulic Load Cells) applications.
Load Button LLB Series Firstly, the LLB Series are small load button load cells for compression applications in tight and limited spaces. Available in a wide range of capacities up to 0.45 to 45,000 kg with an outside diameter from 6mm to 76mm. Often used Medical and Automation industries.
Low Profile Female Threaded LRF Series Firstly, LRF Series are female threaded, low profile, load cells. With a fully welded body to ensure durability. Measures forces up to 453kg with overload protection. Often used inline loading applications, durability testing, material fatigue testing and general structural testing.
Low Profile Thrust and Moment Multi Axis Sensor MTA Series Firstly, the MTA Series are a low profile, thrust multi axis sensor. In addition, available in triaxial varieties. Measures combinations of loads such as Mx, My, Fz or Fx, Fy, Fz in compact applications
Male Threaded Inline LCM Series LCM Series are male threaded in line load cells. Used in inline tension and compression applications—from medical robotics to Defence aircraft parachute deployment systems..
Miniature Load Column LCA Series Firstly, the LCA Series are Canister load cells. In addition, known as a column type load cell. Designed to measure high-capacity compression applications up to 13,600 Kgs. Making them ideal for hydraulic/pneumatic press force, aeroplane landing gear drop test as examples.
Pedal Force Sensors LAU Series The LAU Series are pedal force sensors for the automotive industry. Used for testing and verification purposes. In addition, from component testing to full assembly. Examples include: accelerator testing, seat belt sensor, and spike resistant pedal force sensor.
S Beam LSB Series Also known as S-type load cells, they support both compression and tension measurements. Easily connectable to PLCs and DAQs for weighing scale and structural test setups.
Side Mount OEM LSM Series Often referred to as shear beam load cells or parallelogram sensors.  Built for precision OEM integration and feature built-in overload protection.
Stick Shift / Gear Shift Knob Biaxial MAU Series Firstly, the MAU Series is a stick shift sensor for the Car Industry. It measures Fx and Fy loads taking placing when shifting gear and contains an ergonomic cover with anti-slip notches. Made from 2024-T4 Anodised Aluminium and weighs 0.13 Kgs.
Universal Pancake LCF Series The LCF Series are Pancake Load Cell sensors have a low profile and flat shape. Featuring a central threaded hole for measuring tension or compression loads with the ability to compensate off centre loading. Ideal for applications with high capacity, endurance, fatigue inline measurements