Load Cell Calibration Services

At AML Instruments we offer a load cell calibration service at affordable prices with a fast turnaround time and fantastic customer service.  We can calibrate almost all types of load cells, ranging from a few grams to 300 tonnes. So, if your load cell requires calibrating, please get in touch. During regular working hours, you can call or use our Live Chat, which is in the bottom right-hand corner of this website. Outside of the UK's regular working hours, you can get in touch by using our contact form. AML Instruments will have your load cells calibrated using UKAS calibrated calibration standards and we will issue a traceable calibration certificate. If it fails its calibration test, we can, with your authorisation, make adjustments or repair and re-test it where appropriate. In the event, you require new or replacement equipment we can help there. We have partnered with several manufacturers of force measuring equipment.  We offer our calibration services either at our state of art laboratory or onsite. 

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Onsite Load Cell Calibration

Where you have several load cells or other force measuring equipment we can visit you. This ensures the very minimum downtime and alleviates the time and risk taken to ship expensive force measuring equipment.

Our engineers come equipped with industry-leading force calibration equipment that is capable of calibrating load cells and other force measuring equipment up to 50 tonnes. Our test frame is large (approx 1 tonne) however it has been designed with portability in mind. We can accommodate larger load cells to 300 tonnes back at our laboratory.

Onsite force calibration can work out very cost-effective when you have 5 or more load cells. This calibration service is available UK-wide and also in Europe.

To book your onsite load cell service, get in touch by Tel: 01522 789 375.

Laboratory Based Calibrations  

Of course, you are very welcome to send in your force measuring equipment to our lab. As standard we offer a 5-day turnaround there is an option for an express 24 / 48-hour calibration service. This express service needs to be pre-booked and the date agreed. 

Why Is Calibrating Your Load Cell Important?

All measuring instruments lose accuracy over time and are prone to measurement errors. Heavy or miss-use may speed up the deterioration in a load cell system’s inaccuracy in its measurement system. Load cells can be physically bent or twisted by overloading off-centre loading. 

With time and use, there is a difference between the value indicated at the sensor output and the actual value of a known load or force that will change. 

Errors in measurement can be caused by several factors:

  • Physical damage
  • Using the load cell in poor conditions
  • Poor electrical connections 
  • Errors on the indicator reading the electrical signals from the load cell
  • Incorrect span, offset or zero settings on the load cell indicator

How Often Should A Load Cell be Calibrated?

We, along with leading load cell manufacturers recommend a yearly calibration interval. However, when used in harsh environments or for critical measurements, then it will require calibrating more often. Likewise in some applications, a 24-month calibration period might be more appropriate. 

We will provide a traceable calibration certificate with all equipment calibrated. 

Load Cell Designs

Our Force Calibration engineers have the experience and diligence to calibrate the vast range of load cells. Listed below are the types they commonly calibrate.

Compression Load Cells

Tension Load Cell

Compression/Tension Force Sensors

Load Measuring Pins

Link Load Cells

S Or Z Beam

Bending Beams

Shear Beams

Pancake

Canister

Low Profile Force Sensor

Miniature Load Cells

Load Cells Calibration Procedure

Before starting the load cell calibration, an inspection of the mechanical & electrical systems and installation (where applicable) must be carried out.

Cables – Physically check the load cell cables and coil and protect them from damage

A master load cell is then put in line with the load cell being calibrated, however, it must be at least the same accuracy class or ideally three times more accurate than the accuracy expected from the calibrated system. For small capacity load cells a mass set is used. 

A number of specialist adaptors are used to ensure perfect alignment of the force measuring device is calibrated and the calibration master in use. Misalignment errors can be very large and must be eliminated. The design of these adaptors is set out in ISO 376. 

The load cell calibration procedure involves loading the load cell system in small increments and evaluating each output signal or displayed reading. Typically between 5 and 10 points are selected across the range of the load cell.

Troubleshooting Force Measuring Systems  

If the system is problematic, you could carry out the following four tests:

Mechanical Inspection – Check the load and cables for damage. If it is deformed, bent or stretched from its original shape, it will need replacing. 

It is imperative a load cell cable is never shortened as this changes the resistance of the cable and therefore the accuracy of the load cell system. Any change in cable length would invalidate any calibration. 

Electrically the connections must be clean and tight and corrosion must be removed again any change in resistance will mean inaccurate readings or outputs. 

Zero Balance – Through overloading the load cell there could be a shift in the zero balance tolerance band. Using a voltmeter, measure the load cell’s output when there is no Force on the cell. It should be within the manufacturers’ tolerances of the specified zero output signal. If it is outside the zero-tolerance band, the load cell is damaged

Bridge Resistance – Measure the resistance of the input and output leads and compare them against the load cell specification. Any out-of-tolerance readings are caused by more than one element, typically due to an electric spike.

Best Practices For Looking After Your Load Cell

A load cell is a delicate precision measuring instrument, requiring careful handling and care to avoid damage. Below are AML Instrument’s recommendations for keeping your load cell in good working order between annual calibrations.

  1. Choose the correct load cell for the appropriate test.
  2. Avoid overloading the sensor by remaining within the capacity and or range.
  3. Guard against off-centre loading.
  4. Only use it in an appropriate testing environment.
  5. Calibrate the load cell at least annually to UKAS traceable standards.
  6. Use only within the specified operating temperature range and ensure it is stored correctly.
  7. Install the load cell correctly or as directed by the manufacturer.
  8. When tightened bolts ensure they are torqued correctly and to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be very careful not to introduce torsional forces this is especially true for S Beam load cells. 

What Are The Standards Used In The Calibration of Load Cell?

Since 1st Jan 12, the correct standard for calibrating force-proving instruments is ISO 376: 2011, replacing ISO 376:2004. Or ASTM E8 04. However many industrial force measuring systems are calibrated to the manufacturer’s specifications and maximum permissible errors. 

A Full Spectrum Calibration Company

AML Instruments are a full spectrum calibration company and are able to calibrate a vast range of testing equipment. Such as:

Our Quality Systems

AML Instruments quality systems are certified to ISO 9001 by BSI and accredited to UKAS ISO 17025 click here for our current calibration scope.

Get In Touch With Our Team

If you would like more information or a quote for any of our services, please contact.

You could email us at [email protected]

Call us on Tel: 01522 789 375 

Or use our enquiry form by clicking here.

We’re here to help

Let us help you

+44 01522 401375
[email protected]
Live Chat

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