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    Miniature S-Beam Load Cell | Z-Beam Force Sensor | DBBSMM

    Tiny, Accurate and Easily Adaptable, Only 35mm High

    At a Glance

    • Capacities: 0-1kg up to 0-50kg
    • Output: 2mV/V nominal
    • Accuracy: <±0.03%/RC
    • Only 35mm High
    • IP51 Environment Protection
    • Custom Versions Available
    • Miniature and Compact – Easily fits in your application.
    • Guaranteed High Performance – Dual bending beam design.
    • Optional IP67 Gel-Filling – Ideal for wave tank monitoring.
    • Fast and Simple Installation – With standard or customised mounting bases and fixtures.
    • Improved Accuracy -With our specially designed rod end bearings.
    • Submersible Versions Available – For marine and underwater applications.
    • Customisation Available to Suit Your Specific Application

    Description

    Applied Measurements DBBSMM miniature S-Beam load cell (or Z-Beam load cell) is suitable for use in tension and compression and lends itself to both force and load measurement applications where the space to mount a standard size load cell is not available.

    All of our miniature S-Beam load cells offer high accuracy of better than ±0.03% of their rated capacity and can be optionally gel-filled to provide a waterproof device suitable for applications such as wave tank monitoring.

    Rod end bearings and load buttons are available (see gallery images) to provide optimum loading conditions.

    If you require a miniature S-Beam load cell with a capacity greater than 50kg, Applied Measurements can manufacture special versions of the DBBSMM with measuring ranges of 100kg, 150kg, 200kg and upwards on request.  Please contact your Applied Measurements expert sales team using the form in the sidebar to discuss your miniature s-beam load cell requirement in detail.

    If you are not space-restricted, our DBBSM series of load cells covers load ranges up to 0-30,000kg (300kN).

    Our s-beam load cells can be supplied with our Load Cell Instrumentation.

    Technical Specifications

    Rated Capacity (RC)kgf0-1, 0-2, 0-5, 0-10, 0-25, 0-50
    Operating ModesTension/Compression / Tension & Compression
    Sensitivity (RO)mV/V2.0 nominal
    Zero Balance/Offset±%/Rated Output<1.0
    Zero Return after 30 mins±%/Applied Load<0.03
    Output Symmetry (tension vs. compression)±%/Rated Output<0.10
    Non-Linearity±%/Rated Output (BFSL)<0.03
    Hysteresis% / Rated Output<0.02
    Output Symmetry±%/Rated Output<0.10
    Repeatability±%/Rated Output<0.02
    Temperature Effect on Zero±%/Rated Output/˚C<0.005
    Temperature Effect on Sensitivity±%/Applied Load/˚C<0.005
    Input ResistanceOhms375-420 nominal
    Output ResistanceOhms340-360 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 +70
    Storage Temperature Range˚C-20 to +80
    Safe Overload% of Rated Capacity150
    Ultimate Overload% of Rated Capacity200
    Maximum Safe Side Load% of Rated Capacity30
    Deflection @ Rated Capacitymm (nominal)1kg = 0.50, 2kg = 0.30, 5kg = 0.26, 10kg = 0.19, 25kg = 0.12, 50kg = 0.08
    Fundamental Resonant Frequency*Hz1kg = 200, 2kg = 300, 5kg = 600, 10kg = 950, 25kg = 1900, 50kg = 3000
    IP Rating (Environmental Protection)IP51 (IP67 optional)
    Weight (excluding cable)grams25
    Fatigue LifeConsult Sales
    Cable Length (as standard)metres2
    Cable Type 4-core screened, PVC sheath, Ø3.5
    Construction MaterialAluminium Alloy
    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 (mm)

    DBBSM Outline
    CAPACITY (kgf)
    H
    L
    W
    W1
    G
    G1
    Threads T
    1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50
    35
    24
    12
    16
    17.5
    6
    M6x1

    Wiring Details

    WireDesignation
    Red+ve excitation
    Blue-ve excitation
    Green+ve signal (tension)
    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
    DBBSMM1kg002000DBBSMM-1kg-002-000
    DBBSMM2kg002000DBBSMM-2kg-002-000
    DBBSMM5kg002000DBBSMM-5kg-002-000
    DBBSMM10kg002000DBBSMM-10kg-002-000
    DBBSMM25kg002000DBBSMM-25kg-002-000
    DBBSMM50kg002000DBBSMM-50kg-002-000

    How to Install an S-Beam Load Cell

    Our Applied Measurements experts have put together a 5-step guide to demonstrate how to correctly install an S-beam 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 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 S-beam load cell.  As this can cause damage to the load cell.

    Step 3 – Always Leave a Gap

    Ensure that the rod ends and load buttons do not touch the central beam.  If a gap is not maintained, the central beam will not be able to move freely when tension or compressive force is applied.

    Step 4 – Mount on a Flat Surface

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

    Step 5 – Contact with Active Area Only

    When installing the S-beam load cell ensure the load is applied to the active end area only.

    s-beam infographic installation guide on how to install an s-beam load cell
    Graphic by Wendy Jeffery

    Mounting And Installation Accessories

    Load Buttons and Rod End Bearings

    Designed to align forces through the principle 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 TM6 x 1
    D12.5
    H6
    L9
    R200

    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.

    • 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, consult sales.
    • Zinc plated for corrosion resistance.
    • Are maintenance-free.
    • Fitted with radial spherical plain bearings GE..UK
    • Hard chromium/PTFE composite sliding contact surfaces.
    • Enables compact adjacent construction thanks to its thin walled design of the eye housing.
    Rod End Bearing

    GAR..UK
    (right hand thread)

    To ISO 12 240-4, dimension series E, type M
    Shank with external thread

    Maintenance-free
    ISO 12 240-4, dimension series E, type M
    Sliding contact surface: hard chromium/PTFE

    Series GAR..UK
    Sliding material: PTFE composite

    Rod End Bearings GAR UK 2RS
    LOAD CELLSHAFT DIAMETERORDERING CODEMASSDIMENSIONS
    dWITHOUT SEALSWITH SEALS≈ kgdDBdKd1d2d3
    DBBSMM6GAR 6 UK-0.0176-0.008146-0.1210821M6
    LOAD CELLDegreesChamfer DimensionBasic Load RatingsRadial Internal ClearanceShaft Diameter
    hC1αl1l2l7r1s min.dyn. Cr Nstat. C0r Nd
    DBBSMM364.4131846.5120.33 6006 9200 - 0.0326

    Published Sensor Application Articles

    Below is a selection of published sensor application papers and journals that show you how the DBBSMM miniature s-beam load cell could be used in specific applications.  See our published sensor application articles page for many more.

    The importance of abductor pollicis longus in wrist motions: A physiological wrist simulator study

    Darshan S.Shah, Claire Middleton, Sabahat Gurdezi, Maxim D.Horwitz, Angela E.Kedgley, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom, Department of Hand Surgery, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Journal of Biomechanics Volume 77, 22 August 2018, Pages 218-222. Available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.

    Bovine and degenerated human annulus fibrosus: a microstructural and micromechanical comparison

    Claudio Vergari, Daniel Chan, Andrew Clarke, Jessica C. Mansfield, Judith R. Meakin, Peter C. Winlove. Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology. August 2017, Volume 16, Issue 4, pp 1475–1484. Available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.

    Downloads

    CAD Model Files

    Our 3D models are provided in STEP format and can be viewed using FreeCAD. Other formats can be provided on request.

    The .zip file below contains a separate model for each product variant.

    Instant Price & Part Code Builder

    You can now buy this product in our online shop. Alternatively, you can find the ordering code, price* and lead time below.

    • Product Details

    • Price*
    • Lead Time
    • Part Code

    *Please note: The prices shown are valid in the UK only and do not include carriage charges. For overseas pricing please contact a member of our sales team or your local distributor.

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      Case Studies

      Tilly the Golden Eagle - Measuring grip force

      How to measure grip strength of an eagle for BBC Natural World

      Last year, we were asked to design a sensor to measure the grip strength of a golden eagle named Tilly, for the award-winning BBC documentary series, Natural World. Challenge - to find a load cell that could withstand the estimated grip strength of an eagle. As Tilly had been trained to catch and grip a tennis ball, the load cell needed to be small enough to fit inside a similar-sized measuring device yet withstand Tilly's tremendous grip strength. Thanks to their unique design, our DBBSMM miniature s-beam load cells were ideal for the job.  Not only are they very compact but their s-shaped design offers superior side-load rejection and high accuracy.

      Read more...

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      The Challenge - Accurately Measure Fabric Tension on Any Style of Furniture. Fabric strength testing guarantees the fabric being used on furniture meets the high quality needed for durability, comfort and support. Choosing the wrong type of fabric can lead to fabric tearing, loss of customer satisfaction and a decrease in sales and profit. Find out how our miniature s-beam load cell, intuitive4-L digital indicator and industrial LVDT displacement sensors were used to determine fabric strength.

      Read more...

      Equine Tension Load Cell

      Force Measurement Determines The Effect of Girth Tension on Horse Gait

      Using electrical systems for the measurement of mechanical forces is by no means limited to machines and laboratory based applications. In her recently completed research thesis ‘Girth Tensions and their Effects on Equine Stride Characteristics’, Sue Wright of Moulton College Northampton used load cells, motion sensors and GPS amongst other technologies to measure and record the tension within the girth strap used to hold the saddle in place.

      Read more...

      Interested in this product? Send us an enquiry...

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