How does a Digital Weighing Scale work?

Usually, when you placesomething on a digital weigh scale, the load cell senses the weight and sends the signal to the indicator. The signal conditioner processes the load cell signal and displays weight. Digital weighing scale is consist of three elements:a structure,one or more load cells,signal conditioner.

Structure is the load bearing part. It transfers the weight to the load cell(s). In low capacity scales (table-top/bench/platform) the structure houses the load cell and electronic components. In higher capacity scales (floor/dormant/weigh bridge) the structure rests on load cells.

Load Cell is basically a transducer which converts force into electrical signal. Every digital weigh scale has one or more load cells. Table-top/Bench/Platform scales are single load cell weighing machines. Floor/Dormant scales have four load cells. Truck scales or Weigh bridges have 4 to 8 load cells depending on the rated capacity and length of the bridge. For all scales load cell is the part which determines the scales rated capacity. Of course the mechanical structure is designed to with stand loads well beyond the rated capacity. Load cells capacities range from 500g to 100T.

Signal Conditioner is the electronics part, it powers the load cell, receives signal from the load cell(s) and converts that signal to readable numbers. The numbers- digital output- can be made to display in desired unit of weight. Signal conditioners have extended features like RS232 or 4-20MA output which can be used for data acquisition or control other electrical equipment. An electronic weigh scale hooked up to a computer can automate many aspects of business operations like materials management or process control or billing automation.

Digial scale is automatically performed. It’s more convenient and accurate than mechanical scale.