Page 16 - Energize May 2022

NEWS

Load cells can give you a head start on

tighter process control

oad cells aren’t all alike, and baths, but its comforting to know that Vishay Revere’s load cells are even able to hold up
taking a hard look at the to that eventuality.
Ldifferences can put users closer to Vishay Revere offers most of its load cells in solid stainless steel – a far cry from
total control. All weight–measurement simple plating. These are not just the products they sell for harsh environments – Vishay
functions start with a load cell, so it Revere says that replacing a load cell is something users shouldn’t have to think about
makes sense that a small difference more often than, say, every thirty or forty years.
there can have a large effect.
The hermetic seals that isolate Strain-gauge bonding: dimensionless isolation
the strain gauge from the harsh It’s rare for load cell manufacturers to address the bonding of the strain gauge into
outer world make a good starting the cell. This is because the ideal is so easy to define: the strain gauge should become
point. Vishay Revere seals have been an inseparable part of the metal surface, without losing its electrical isolation. Vishay
engineered and perfected to withstand Revere have spent a lot of time perfecting materials and bonding techniques, and the
severe environmental abuse. Users result is evident in the accuracy and repeatability. The result is evident in other ways,
may not always have to work in a too: the better the bond, the longer users go on without losing calibration. Many of the
caustic atmosphere, but it is reasuring Vishay Revere cells are still performing after 30 years in the field – and are still meeting
to know that Vishay Revere load cells specifications. That is rare unless the bond is very close to ideal to begin with, and stays
can – even if users just want to hose that way.
things down once in a while. A last word about bonding: it’s a very special hand operation. Only Vishay Revere’s
Sealing actually takes place at best people are bonders, and their Quality Assurance program puts special emphasis on
two critical areas – where the strain bonding techniques – thus ensuring they meet the highest standards.
gauge and element are isolated, and
where the cable is brought out of the Contact Instrotech, Phone 010 595-1831, sales@instrotech.co.za, www.instrotech.co.za
load cell – and both require special Facebook: bit.ly/3rj1SWY
attention. It’s industry norm for LinkedIn: bit.ly/3rkfKjL
manufacturers to use potting or epoxy YouTube: bit.ly/3irItiy
for the element seal. Epoxy may test Product: https://bit.ly/3uolKLF
hermetic but it can, over the long run, Hashtags: #instrotech #Weight #Force #loadcells
allow moisture to enter. Since long–
run is the name of the game, Vishay
Revere uses a precision, stainless–
to–stainless weld for the element
seal. The cable-exit seal requires
a different approach, because it
involves dissimilar materials. Here
Vishay Revere provides an extra large,
extra supportive compression seal to
make sure users load cells will be as
secure ten years hence, as on the day
of installation.

Corrosion resistance that’s more
than just skin deep
The material that goes into the load
cell is an important consideration, too.
Again users may not be expecting their
installation to take occasional acid

energize | May 2022 | 14