When a load cell is read on a meter or data logger, the signal is in mV, not load. Enter the cell's capacity, rated output and excitation from its calibration certificate, then type the signals: you get load and % of capacity per reading, and the signal to expect at any target load.
Load cell
Full-scale signal: – · sensitivity: –. Nothing you type is uploaded or saved.
Signal to load
#
Signal (mV)
Load
% of capacity
Load to expected signal
–
–
Load = (signal − zero offset) / (rated output × excitation) × capacity. Calculated with the free tool at calyx-ai.net/qa/load-cell-mv-v-to-load/ (Quality Tester Solutions LLC).
How it works
A strain-gauge load cell's rated output (mV/V) is its signal at rated capacity for each volt of excitation, so the full-scale signal is rated output × excitation. The tool assumes a straight line through the zero offset: load = (signal − zero offset) / (rated output × excitation) × capacity, and expected signal = zero offset + load / capacity × rated output × excitation. Check: a 50 kN cell with 2 mV/V at 10 V excitation gives 20 mV full scale; 8 mV with zero offset 0 is 20 kN (40 % of capacity), and a 30 kN target gives 12 mV.
A straight line is an approximation. When the calibration certificate gives its own coefficients or a load table, use those; the tool does not correct for non-linearity, hysteresis, temperature or cable effects. A reading above 100 % of capacity is flagged. To compare the load cell with a tester at several points, use the tester accuracy check; for mixed units, the force unit converter; for the calibration date, the calibration due-date checker.
Record every pull test in the full workbook
The Fastener & Anchor Pull-Test Report Templates pack has a 40-row proof-test report with automatic PASS/FAIL, ultimate-load statistics, a calibration log, a unit converter, a printable procedure checklist and a standards index. $49 one-time, from Quality Tester Solutions LLC, the company behind Force-Test pull testers.