Single-Ended Beam Load Cells Built for Accuracy and Strength
Single-ended beam load cells are one of the most common designs used in industrial weighing. Secured at one end with the load applied to the other, they provide high accuracy and reliability for floor scales, hoppers, tanks, and industrial platforms.
At American Scale Supply, we stock Rice Lake, Coti Global, VPG Revere, and other leading brands in alloy steel and stainless steel, with capacities from a few hundred pounds up to tens of thousands of pounds. Many models are NTEP certified and IP-rated for harsh environments.
Single-ended beam load cells are best for
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Floor scales and pallet scales
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Hopper, tank, and vessel weighing systems
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Medium to high-capacity platform scales
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Batching, mixing, and process weighing applications
Understanding Single-Ended Beam Load Cells
Single-ended beam load cells are low-profile, high-accuracy sensors mounted at one end while the other end is free to flex as weight is applied. This bending action is measured by strain gauges bonded to the beam, converting mechanical force into an electrical signal.
Because of their compact size, high capacity range, and straightforward mounting, single-ended beams have become a standard choice for industrial floor scales, tank and hopper systems, platform scales, and many Legal-for-Trade applications.
Where Single-Ended Beam Load Cells Are Used
Common applications include:
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Floor and platform scales in warehouses and factories
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Hopper and tank weighing for batching, mixing, and level monitoring
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Drum and barrel scales
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Small to medium silo and vessel systems
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Bagging, filling, and packaging equipment
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Agricultural, feed, and fertilizer weighing
If you need a sturdy, low-profile load cell for a platform, hopper, or floor scale, a single-ended beam is usually the right place to start.
How to Choose the Right Single-Ended Beam Load Cell
When selecting a single-ended beam load cell, keep these points in mind:
1. Capacity
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Add up the maximum live load plus the weight of the structure/platform.
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Divide by the number of load cells (for multi-cell systems), then add 25–50% safety margin for shock, motion, and overload.
2. Material & Environment
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Alloy steel: Excellent for dry industrial environments, very common on floor and pallet scales.
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Stainless steel: Better for washdown, outdoor, corrosive, food, and chemical environments.
3. IP Rating & Sealing
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IP65–IP67: Adequate for many indoor industrial uses with occasional splashing or dust.
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IP69K / Hermetically sealed: Recommended for high-pressure washdown, constant moisture, or harsh chemical exposure.
4. Legal-for-Trade Requirements
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For commercial applications, choose models that are NTEP certified in the capacity range you need. The complete scale system still has to be approved, but you must start with compliant load cells.
5. Mounting & Assemblies
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Use the proper mounting hardware to control uplift, side load, and thermal expansion. The right assembly improves safety and accuracy and reduces installation time.
Single-Ended Beam Load Cell FAQ
Are single-ended beam load cells Legal-for-Trade?
Yes — many single-ended beam load cells are NTEP certified over specific capacity ranges. Check the product specifications for NTEP approval if the scale will be used in commercial trade.
What capacity range do single-ended beam load cells cover?
Single-ended beam load cells are typically available from a few hundred pounds up to tens of thousands of pounds, making them suitable for everything from small platforms to large industrial floor scales and vessels.
Can single-ended beam load cells be used outdoors?
Yes. For outdoor or washdown environments, choose stainless steel or hermetically sealed models with at least IP67, and preferably IP69K in very wet or high-pressure washdown applications.
Do I need special mounting hardware?
Yes. Proper mounting assemblies help handle side loads, thermal expansion, uplift, and shock. They also make it easier to install and maintain multi-cell systems such as hoppers and tanks.
When should I choose a single-ended beam vs. a single-point load cell?
Use a single-ended beam when you have larger platforms, higher capacities, or multi-cell systems like floor scales, tanks, and hoppers. Single-point load cells are better for small platforms and bench scales where a single cell supports the entire platform.
