Low Profile Tension and Compression Load Cell | DSCRC

High Accuracy, Low Profile, with a High Frequency Response

  • Lead Time: 8 - 10 weeks
DSCRC Low Profile Tension and Compression Load Cell

At a Glance

  • Capacities: 0-200N up to 0-2000N
  • Output: 2mV/V
  • Environmental Protection: IP65
  • High Accuracy: <±0.1%/RC
  • Optional Fatigue-Rated Versions
  • Low Profile to Easily Fit Where Space is Limited
  • Perfect for both Weighing and Force Measuring
  • Ideal for Dynamic Measurements Thanks to its High Frequency Response
  • Customisation Available to Suit your Specific Application
  • Let us do the work for you – We can Supply the DSCRC as a Complete Measuring System

Description

Applied Measurements DSCRC low profile tension and compression load cell/pancake load cell is manufactured from stainless steel and is suitable for use in weighing and force measurement applications.  They can operate in both tension and compression and are commonly used in materials testing and component fatigue testing applications for axial force measurements where a high accuracy, low-profile device is required.

The high-frequency response of our DSCRC low profile tension and compression load cell also make them ideal for dynamic force and load measurement applications.   The high-speed analogue SGA amplifier is an ideal complement to the DSCRC, offering a conditioned signal output of 4-20mA, ±5Vdc or ±10Vdc with a bandwidth of up to 6kHz.

As with all our load cells, the DSCRC low profile tension and compression load cell design can be modified to suit your exact requirements, with alternative threads, custom dimensions and customer-specific capacities.

If you require a rated capacity greater than 0-2kN, the DSCC low profile load cell covers forces from 0-5kN up to 0-1000kN as standard.

Technical Specifications

Rated Capacity (RC)N0-200, 0-500, 0-1000, 0-2000
Operating ModesTension/Compression / Tension & Compression
Sensitivity (RO)mV/V2.0 nominal (1.0 on fatigue-rated versions)
Zero Balance/Offset±%/Rated Output<5.0
Output Symmetry (tension vs. compression)%/Rated Output<0.5 typical
Non-Linearity±%/Rated Output (BFSL)<0.10
Hysteresis%/Rated Output<0.08
Repeatability±%/Applied Load<0.03
Temperature Effect on Zero±%/Rated Capacity/ ˚C<0.005
Temperature Effect on Sensitivity±%/Applied Load/ ˚C<0.005
Input ResistanceOhms375 nominal
Output ResistanceOhms350 nominal
Insulation ResistanceMegohms>5000 @ 50Vdc
Excitation VoltageVolts AC or DC10 recommended (2-15 acceptable)
Operating Temperature Range˚C-20 to +80
Compensated Temperature Range˚C0 to +60
Storage Temperature Range˚C-20 to +80
Safe Overload% of Rated Capacity150
Ultimate Overload% of Rated Capacity300
Deflection @ Rated Capacitymm<0.4 nominal
Fundamental Resonant Frequency*See table
IP Rating (Environmental Protection)IP65 (2000N version) / IP52 (1000N and below)
Weight (excluding cable)kg0.75 (1.65 with base)
Fatigue Life108 cycles typical (109 cycles on fatigue-rated version)
Cable Length (as standard)metres3
Cable Type4 core screened, PUR sheath, Ø5
Electrical Connections6 Pin Bayonet Lock Connector (MIL-C-26482-10-6P) + mating cable assembly
Construction MaterialStainless Steel
Resolution1 part in 250,000 (with appropriate instrumentation)
*The resonant frequency is calculated with the body of the load cell attached to a large plate, ensuring that only the sensing element oscillates: This is vital to achieve the highest natural frequency and subsequent frequency response.

Product Dimensions

DSCRC Low Profile Tension and Compression Load Cell Outline Drawing
Capacity (N)
ØD
H
G
K
T
ØP
R
Natural Frequency (kHz)
200
76
25
60
6 off Ø7
M10 x 1.0
11
7
1.5
500
76
25
60
6 off Ø7
M10 x 1.0
11
7
2.2
10007625606 off Ø7M10x1.01173
20007625606 off Ø7M10x1.01174

All dimensions are in mm

Wiring Details

WireDesignation
Red+ve excitation
Blue-ve excitation
Green+ve signal (compression)
Yellow-ve signal
ScreenTo ground - not connected to load cell body

Ordering Codes & Options

Core ProductCapacity (inc Engineering Units)Cable Length (m)Specials CodeExample Result
DSCRC200N003000DSCRC-200N-003-000
DSCRC500N003000DSCRC-500N-003-000
DSCRC1000N003000DSCRC-1000N-003-000
DSCRC2000N003000DSCRC-2000N-003-000

How To Install A Pancake Load Cell Guide

Our Applied Measurements experts have put together a 5-step guide to demonstrate how to correctly install a pancake load cell.

Step 1 – Keep the Forces Centrally Aligned

To reduce any off-axis loading, forces must be centrally aligned through the centre of the pancake load cell.  We can supply optional load buttons and rod ends which work to reduce any side loading.

Step 2 – Do Not Overtighten the Rod Ends and Load Buttons

When using rod ends and load buttons be sure not to overtighten them when attaching them to the pancake load cell.  As this can cause damage to the load cell.

Step 3 – Always Leave a Gap

Ensure that the threads of rod ends or load buttons do not exceed the length of the internal thread in the load cell or mounting base. If a gap is not maintained, the sensing section of the load cell will not be able to move freely when tensile or compressive force is applied, leading to erroneous readings and potential damage.

Step 4 – Mount on a Flat Surface

Always secure the pancake load cell to a clean, flat surface of better than 0.005mm surface flatness.

Step 5 – Contact with Loading Area Only

When installing the pancake load cell ensure the load is applied to the loading area only.

Pancake load cell infographic installation guide on how to install an pancake load cell

Mounting And Installation Accessories

Load Buttons and Rod End Bearings

Designed to align forces through the principal axis of the load cell thus reducing the effects of extraneous forces, hence offering improved performance from the cell.

Load buttons are used where compressive forces are applied.
Rod End Bearings are used where tensile forces are being applied.

Load Buttons for Compressive Use

Load Button Diagram
THREAD TM10x 1.0
D16
H6
L10
R150

Rod End Bearings for Tension Use

Maintenance-free rod ends are a complete units made up of a housing with both an integral shank (with an internal or external thread) and a maintenance-free spherical plain bearing, located within the housing.

Key Features:

  • Supports radial loads in a tensile or compressive direction.
  • Suitable for unilateral loads – can support alternating loads and alternating loads in combination with bearing GE..UK-2RS, please consult sales.
  • Are maintenance-free.
  • Hard chromium/PTFE composite sliding contact surfaces.
  • Enables compact adjacent construction thanks to its thin-walled design of the eye housing.

Series GAXSW..MS

GAR UK rod ends

Rod ends with male thread made from heat-treated steel, nickel plated with PTFE liner, maintenance free.

Preloaded bearing.

Specifications
HousingHeat-treated steel to 42CrMo4, Aisi 4140, forged, polished, nickel plated with high polish finish.
InsertStainless Steel to 1.4571, Aisi 316Ti with PTFE liner bonded to inner surface.
BallBearing steel to 100Cr6, Aisi 52100, hardened, ground, polished, hard chrome plated on the running surface.
ClearancePreloaded, zero tollerance.
On RequestWith left hand thread, threaded bolt and further sizes are available
Rod End Bearing GAXSW
Load CellOrdering CodeDH7BMAFLOGGLStatic radial load C0 kNDynamic radial load C0 kNTorque Ndmαweight gr
DSCRC 200N to 2000NGAXSW 10x1 MS101410.528486212.9M 10x12931.428.16-1613°56

Published Sensor Application Articles

Below is a published sensor application paper that shows you how the DSCRC low profile tension and compression load cell has been used in a specific application.  See our published sensor application articles page for many more.

Shape Control for Experimental Continuation

https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.254101
By Robin M. Neville, Rainer M. J. Groh, Alberto Pirrera, and Mark Schenk, Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 254101 – Published 21 June 2018. Available as open access.

Abstract: An experimental method has been developed to locate unstable equilibria of nonlinear structures quasistatically. The technique involves loading a structure by the application of either a force or a displacement at a main actuation point while simultaneously controlling the overall shape using additional bidirectional probe points.[…]