Z-Beam Load Cell | S-Beam Load Cell | High Accuracy | DBB

Tension and Compression with IP67 Immersion Protection to 1m

  • Lead Time: 3 - 5 days
DBB S-Beam Load Cell

At a Glance

  • Capacities: 0-50kg up to 0-6,000kg
  • Output: 2mV/V
  • Environmental Protection: IP67
  • Accuracy: <±0.03%/RC
  • Simple To Install
  • Guaranteed High Performance – With dual bending beam and shear web designs.
  • IP67 Immersion Protection as Standard to 1m
  • Fully Submersible Versions Available – Ideal for permanent marine and offshore applications.
  • Improved Accuracy – Specially designed rod end bearings which reduce extraneous forces.
  • Fast and Simple Installation – With standard or customised mounting bases and design fixtures.

Description

Applied Measurements DBB Z-beam load cell / S-beam load cell is suitable for use in tension or compression with IP67 immersion protection to 1m.  The design lends itself to both force and load measurement applications such as those found on tensile testing machines, suspended hoppers and geotechnical test equipment, as well as a wide range of other general-purpose applications.

The sensing principle employed on our Z-Beam load cell varies, with a dual bending beam design on the DBBE model which covers capacities from 50kg up to 1000kg and a shear web design on the DBBWAS model which cover ranges from 0-1500kg to 0-6000kg.  Both sensing principles offer inherently high accuracy and enable us to guarantee performance of better than ±0.03% of rated capacity.

All our DBB models are constructed from nickel-plated alloy steel.

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

If you require a Z-Beam load cell with capacities of less than 50kg or greater than 6,000kg, Applied Measurements DBBSM series of S-Beam load cells covers load ranges from 0-1kg (10N) up to 0-30,000kg (300kN).  Meanwhile, if you need to fit into a restricted space, our DBBSMM range of miniature S-Beam load cells will fit the bill.

Technical Specifications

DBBEDBBWASUnits
Rated Capacity (RC)0-50, 0-100, 0-150, 0-200, 0-300, 0-500, 0-10000-1500, 0-2000, 0-3000, 0-5000, 0-6000kg
Operating ModesTension/Compression/Tension & Compression
Sensitivity (RO)2.0 ±0.1%mV/V
Zero Balance/Offset<2±%/Rated Output
Total Error<0.03±%/Rated Output
Zero Return after 30 mins<0.03±%/Applied Load
Output Symmetry
(tension vs. compression)
<0.2 typical±%/Rated Output
Temperature Effect on Zero<0.003±%/Rated Load/˚C
Temperature Effect on Sensitivity<0.0015±%/Applied Load/˚C
Input Resistance400 ±20Ohms
Output Resistance350 ±3Ohms
Insulation Resistance>2000Megohms @ 50Vdc
Excitation Voltage10 recommended (2-15 acceptable)Volts AC or DC
Operating Temperature Range-30 to +70˚C
Compensated Temperature Range-10 to +45˚C
Storage Temperature Range-30 to +70˚C
Safe Overload150% of Rated Capacity
Ultimate Overload300% of Rated Capacity
Deflection @ Rated Capacity<0.4mm
Fundamental Resonant Frequency*200 to 1000 typical depending on capacityHz
IP Rating (Environmental Protection)IP67
Weight (excluding cable)0.7kg
Fatigue LifeConsult Sales
Cable Length (as standard)6metres
Cable Type6-core screened, PUR sheath, Ø6.3
ConstructionNickel Plated Alloy Steel
Resolution:1 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

DBB Outline
Model
Capacity (kgf)
H
L
W
W1 (nom)
H1
Threads T
DBBE
0-50 to 0-1000
80
62.1
18
22
15
M12 x 1.75
DBBWAS
0-1500, 0-2000
90
70
32
36
19
M16 x 2.0
DBBWAS
0-3000, 0-5000, 0-6000
120
100
45
45
26
M24 x 2.0

All dimensions are in mm

Wiring Details

WireDesignation
Red+ve excitation
Black+ve sense
Blue-ve excitation
White-ve sense
Green+ve signal (tension)
Yellow-ve signal

Ordering Codes & Options

Core ProductCapacity (inc Engineering Units)Cable Length (m)Specials CodeExample Result
DBBE50kg006000DBBE-50kg-006-000
DBBE100kg006000DBBE-100kg-006-000
DBBE150kg006000DBBE-150kg-006-000
DBBE200kg006000DBBE-200kg-006-000
DBBE300kg006000DBBE-300kg-006-000
DBBE500kg006000DBBE-500kg-006-000
DBBE750kg006000DBBE-750kg-006-000
DBBE1000kg006000DBBE-1000kg-006-000
DBBWAS1500kg006000DBBWAS-1500kg-006-000
DBBWAS2000kg006000DBBWAS-2000kg-006-000
DBBWAS3000kg006000DBBWAS-3000kg-006-000
DBBWAS5000kg006000DBBWAS-5000kg-006-000
DBBWAS6000kg006000DBBWAS-6000kg-006-000

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 Compression Use

Load Button Diagram
THREAD TM12 x 1.75M16 x 2M24 x 2
D223226
H61014
L121626
R150180200

Rod End Bearings for Tension Use

  • Supports radial loads in a tensile or compressive direction.
  • Transmit slow movements with small or moderate swivel angles.
  • Suitable for unilateral loads – can support alternating loads and alternating loads in combination with bearing GE..UK-2RS.
  • Zinc plated for corrosion resistance.
  • Are maintenance-free.
  • Sealed maintenance-free rod ends use lip seals to protect against contaminants and water spray.
  • Fitted with radial spherical plain bearings GE..UK
  • Hard chromium/PTFE composite sliding contact surfaces.
  • Right hand or left hand internal or external thread.
  • Enables compact adjacent construction thanks to its thin walled design of the eye housing.
Rod End Bearing

GAR..UK
(right hand thread)

GAL..UK
(left hand thread)

To ISO 12 240-4, dimension series E, type M
Shank with external thread
For shaft diameters from 6mm to 30mm

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
TYPESHAFT DIAMETERDESIGNATION 1)MASSDIMENSIONS
dWITHOUT SEALSWITH SEALS≈ kgdDBdKd1d2d3
DBBE-50-1000kg12GAR 12 UK-0.08612-0.0082210-0.121814.934M12
DBBWAS-1500-2000kg17GAR 17 UK-0.1917-0.0083014-0.122520.746M16
DBBWAS-3000-6000kg25GAR 25 UK-0.5625-0.014220-0.1235.529.364M24 x 2
TYPEDegreesChamfer DimensionBasic Load RatingsRadial Internal ClearanceShaft Diameter
hC1αl1l2l7r1s min.dyn. Cr Nstat. C0r Nd
DBBE-50-500kg548112871180.311 40030 1000 - 0.03212
DBBW-1500-2000kg6911103692230.322 40056 5000 - 0.0417
DBBW-3000-6000kg9417753126320.651 000104 0000 - 0.0525
1) For a left hand thread, the R is replaced by an L (example: GAL..).

Case Studies

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...