A Comparison of Tacuna Systems Load Cell Mounts and Modules

Tacuna Systems sells over 20 weighing modules and mounts from ANYLOAD to support over 60 types of compatible load cells in various processes such as tank systems, silo measuring systems, hopper and bin weighing, truck scales, railroad track scales, and production line systems.  These modules form the mechanical structure of a weighing assembly in these applications. Pairing a weigh module with a compatible load cell builds an integrated weighing system that gives more accurate data results and substantially increases safety.

This article provides a load cell module buying guide. It compares Tacuna Systems’ load cell module and mount offerings in two tables. list each product with their material composition, features and usage to make the selection process a bit simpler. The first table compares mounts designed for tension loads. The second table compares compression load mounts and modules. A third table at the very end of this document quickly summarizes the comparison of all load cell module features.

For any specific questions or any clarifications of the information in this document, please contact Tacuna Systems.

A Comparison of Tension Modules and Mounts

The table below lists the important features of each ANYLOAD load cell module or mount sold by Tacuna Systems for tension applications. Note: For more complete information, all thumbnail images link to the specification sheet for each product. All product numbers link to the product pages in our online store.

Weigh Module	Capacities	Compatible Load Cell	Material	Environmental Rating	Features	Applications
101NHM2	50 lb-20K lb	101NH S-Beam	Alloy Steel	IP67	Grounding strap lets stray currents bypass load cell. Provides high accuracy tension loading.	Tank weigh systems, silos, hoppers, production line weighing
535AHM2	5,000 kg, 10,000 kg, 15,000 kg, 20,000 kg, 30,000 kg, 50,000 kg, 100,000 kg	NA	Alloy Steel	IP67	Load pin load cell and shackle are integrated. Bobbin design provides high accuracy and high repeatability. Meets ISO2415-2004 requirements.	Tension measuring, overload monitoring, suspended vessels
110BHM3	500 kg – 10t	110BH Tension Link	Alloy Steel	IP67	Self-checking and patented hole design provide high repeatability. Allows multi-directional movements. Tension loading design with no threaded connection to load cell.	Suspended vessels

A Comparison of Compression Modules and Mounts

The table below lists the important features of each Anyload load cell module and mount sold by Tacuna Systems for compression applications. Note the table is divided by load cell type. Also note the use of a tension load cell (the ANYLOAD 110BH load cell) in a compression application through the use of a suspended link mount design.

For more complete information, all thumbnail images link to the specification sheet for each product. All product numbers link to the product pages in our online store.

Weigh Module	Capacities	Compatible Load Cell	Material	Environmental Rating	Features	Applications
Miniature Load Cell
106MHM1	500kg, 1t, 2t, 5t, 10t, 1Klb, 2.5Klb, 5Klb, 10Klb, 20Klb	106MH-F Fatfoot	Alloy Steel	IP67	Center-pivoted and self-checking 50% rated load anti-lifting protection All directions for thermal expansion and contraction	Medical beds, veterinary benches, hopper scales, tank weighing, container weighing.
Single-Ended Shear Beam
563RSM5	5 kg – 500 kg	563RS	Stainless Steel	IP68	Self-checking 50% rated load anti-lifting protection Multidirectional overloading isolation Lateral stops	Bagging machines, conveyor scales, small industrial measuring systems such as hoppers and tanks
563YHM2	100lb-10Klb 100kg-5t	563YH	Alloy Steel	IP68	Center-pivoted Self-checking 50% rated load anti-lifting protection	Broad range of industrial weighing including hoppers and tanks
563YHM4	100lb-20Klb 100kg-10t	563YH	Alloy Steel	IP68	Center-pivoted Self-checking Rocker pin loading design 50% rated load anti-lifting protection Lateral stops Overload protection	Broad range of industrial weighing including hoppers and tanks
563YHM5	100lb-1Klb 100kg-500kg	563YH	Alloy Steel	IP68	Center-pivoted Self-checking 50% rated load anti-lifting protection Multi-directional movements	Broad range of industrial weighing including hoppers and tanks
563YSM2	100lb-10Klb 100kg-5t	563YS	Alloy Steel	IP68	Center-pivoted Self-checking 50% rated load anti-lifting protection	Industrial weigh systems such as hoppers and tanks
563YSM3	500lb-20Klb 250kg-10t	563YS	Stainless Steel	IP68	Overload protection Rocker pin loading design 50% rated load anti-lifting protection Lateral stops	Broad range of industrial weighing including hoppers and tanks
Double-Ended Shear Beam
102BHM1	10Klb-200Klb 5t-35t	102BH	Alloy Steel hot-dipped galvanized	IP67	Center-pivoted Self-aligning suspension link design Allows multi-directional movements No check rods required	Truck scales, railroad track scales, weigh bridges, tank, bin silo measuring systems, production line systems.
102DHM3	5Klb-200Klb	102DH	Alloy Steel	IP67	Center pivoted and self-checking with anti-lifting protection Sliding pin design compensates for thermal expansion and contraction	Tank, silo, hopper measuring systems, production line systems
102DSM3	5Klb-250Klb	102DS	Stainless Steel	IP68	Center pivoted and self-checking 50% rated load anti-lifting protection Sliding pin design compensates for thermal expansion and contraction Side force protection	Tank, bin, silo weighing systems
102EHM2	1Klb-75Klb	102EH	Alloy Steel	IP67	Center pivoted and self-aligning suspension link design Allows multi-directional movements	Tank, bin, silo, hopper measuring systems, production line systems, scales
102ESM2	1Klb-25Klb	102ES	Stainless Steel	IP67	Self-checking 50% rated load anti-lifting protection Side force protection	Tank, silo, hopper measuring systems
102THM5	50-75Klb	102TH	Alloy Steel	IP67	Center-pivoted, end-loaded and completely self-centering Link design provides multi-directional movements in the horizontal plane No check rods required	Weigh bridges, truck scales, large-capacity horizontal tanks
Tension Link
110BHM1	1t-75t	110BH	Alloy Steel	IP67	50% rated load anti-lifting protection Allows free swaying movements for high accuracy readings	Tank, silo, hopper measuring systems, production line systems, weigh bridges
110BHM2	1t-75t	110BH	Alloy Steel	IP67	Same as previous with hole for easier load cell replacement	Same as previous
Compression/Disk Type
276EHM1	50t, 100t	276EH	Alloy Steel	IP67	Self-checking 50% rated load anti-lifting protection Allows for multi-directional movements Low headroom Lateral stops	Ideal for tank and silo weighing applications Hopper weighing Production line systems
Test Module
TMA-108B	6kg, 20kg Capacities of 3kg, 7kg, 10kg 15kg and 30kg are available upon request	Single-Point	Aluminum	N/A	Four points overloading protection Anti-lifting protection	Demonstration or testing of scale indicators, remote displays, printers, computers, PLC, etc.

Definition of Load Cell Mount and Module Features

This section defines the product features of the load cell modules and mounts listed in each table.

Anti-lifting protection:

At times, wind and other forces can lift a load (such as a tank weighing assembly), causing tension or side forces on a compression load cell. Mounts with this feature prevent this lifting force, usually up to half the rated normal load of the mount.

Center pivoted:

Center pivoted means the load bearing bolt or pin is able to pivot with the natural movement of the weighed object while maintaining the load in the intended axial direction and load point. Two designs typically accomplish this: a suspended trunnion or a rocker pin.

The suspended trunnion design directs the applied force at a specific point on the load cell through a center loading bolt connected to a hanging trunnion that can pivot in all directions on a set of spherical washers. The trunnion connects to the loading platform though a suspension link. This allows the weigh module’s loading platform to swing with side loads but self-correct to the original steady state position, while the load direction remains consistently parallel to the intended load direction and at the intended load point. It avoids twisting the load cell and enables the load cell to be replaced without moving the weighed vessel. The rocker pin design is described below.

Check rods not required:

Check rods, or restraint rods are structures external to the weigh module/load cell assembly used to minimize horizontal movement and prevent overturning in compression designs or to serve as back up hangers in tension designs. These structures can introduce force shunts that can alter measurements. Mount designs with this feature can eliminate the use of check rods, thus increasing accuracy of measurements.

Four-points overloading protection:

The mount is designed with rigid supports on the four corners that limit the downward force of the weighed object, to prevent the load cell from bearing more weight than its overload limit. These typically apply to beam load cells that measure with bending forces.

Free swaying motions:

With these designs, the top mounting plate is free to move laterally. This cushions side forces from the load cell and maintains accuracy of load cell readings.

Insensitive to side loads and bending moments:

This is a feature of center-pivoted and self-checking designs. The side load decreases while the platform swings, ensuring the force is axial to the load cell and its reading is stable. It is particularly useful in applications with rotating equipment in production activity such as blenders, or mixers, high degree of expansion due to temperature, or any other application where twisting forces to the load cell would otherwise repeatedly occur over time.

Lateral stops:

Lateral stop structures prevent side loads from moving the top plate of weigh module out of place, ensuring a more accurate reading by maintaining the load in optimal position. They also prevent damage to the load cell and increase safety of the weighing system. Typically with this design, the base plate of weigh module is fixed through welds to the base of the supporting structure. Lateral stops are a good feature for conveyor systems since they prevent horizontal drift of the conveyor. They are also ideal for vessel weigh systems that require limited lateral movement.

Multi-directional movement:

This design offers some protection to the load cell from shock loading regardless of the direction of the load. With compression modules this feature is accomplished by low friction pads that allow the mounting plate to move freely horizontally and provide some cushioning.

Overload protection (Overload stops):

Overload stops prevent excessive loads from damaging the load cell with rigid supports that limit the downward force of the weighed object, to prevent the load cell from bearing more weight than its overload limit. These typically apply to beam load cells that measure with bending forces.

Rocker pin loading design:

The rocker pin design consists of a vertical pin bearing the weight of the loading platform, whose ends are curved and can therefore pivot around a fixed point. This fixed point on its bottom end makes contact with the loading point of the load cell. This increases load cell reading accuracy by preserving the axial direction of the load even if the load is slightly off vertical.

Self-aligning/self-checking:

These are the same concept. This type of mount keeps the load aligned with the intended direction and center position of the load cell at all times while simultaneously allowing free horizontal movement of the mounting plate with temperature expansion or contraction and side loads. This design also lets the mounting plate self-correct to the original steady state position. Several load pin designs accomplish this. A rocker pin mount design directs the applied force at a specific point on the load cell via a pin with rounded ends. With a fixed pin design, the mounting plate moves freely over the pin by sliding along a pad.

Side force protection:

This design prevents lateral movements of the mounting plate from altering readings (lateral stops). It also prevents damage to the load cell from side loads.

Summary of Key Features

In the table below, the top row abbreviates the features listed above, in order. The “x” marks indicate the feature is present in the load cell module product.

References

[1] ANYLOAD (anyload.com)