Shear Beam Load Cells

A shear beam load cell measures weight by converting the shear stress generated in a beam into an electrical signal, using strain gauges bonded to the beam. It’s supported at one or two points and loaded in a way that produces shear in the sensing element.

The strain gauges bonded to the beam change resistance as the beam deforms under load. A Wheatstone bridge circuit then translates those resistance changes into a millivolt signal proportional to the applied force, which is amplified and converted into a weight reading by an indicator or controller.

They’re commonly found in silos, tanks, hoppers, platform scales, batching systems, and process weighing applications. Their robustness makes them ideal for industrial environments requiring reliable performance across medium to high capacity ranges.

Key benefits include mechanical robustness, good resistance to off-axis or side loads, long-term stability, and suitability for harsh industrial environments. They also offer a strong cost-to-performance ratio for a wide range of scale and process applications.

Shear beam load cells come in a wide range of capacities, commonly from a few hundred kilograms up to tens of tonnes. It’s best to choose a cell rated close to your expected maximum load while allowing some headroom for overload scenarios.

Proper mounting is crucial. Many shear beams use a single or double-ended configuration with dedicated mounting hardware, such as pins, pivot pads, or load buttons, to accommodate thermal expansion and avoid introducing bending moments. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s mounting instructions and use the recommended accessories.

Yes, calibration is essential for accuracy. An initial calibration is carried out during installation, and periodic recalibration is recommended depending on usage, process criticality, and any regulatory requirements that apply.

Many models are available in stainless steel and sealed to IP66/67 or higher, making them suitable for outdoor and washdown applications. It’s worth confirming the cell’s ingress protection rating and material specification for your intended environment.

Accuracy depends on the model and capacity. Typical industrial shear beams offer good repeatability and accuracy suitable for process control and commercial weighing, while high-accuracy applications may call for a C3, C4, or better accuracy class.

Typical issues include incorrect mounting, side loads, electrical noise, damaged cables, and environmental ingress. Using proper mounting hardware, checking wiring and shielding, and scheduling regular inspections all help avoid these problems.

MWS supplies a wide range of shear beam load cells to suit different applications and capacities, including the CE-M approved RSBT double shear beam, the stainless steel T85, and the SB5, SB8, SLB, SB14, and SBX beam load cells, covering capacities from as little as 10kg through to over 10 tonnes.

Absolutely! If you’re unsure which model or capacity suits your weighing system, our team is happy to talk through your application, whether it’s a tank, hopper, platform scale, or bespoke process weighing setup, and recommend the right load cell for the job.