Rice Lake RL32018 Load Cell: Proven Reliability in Single-Ended Beam Design
- Cody
- 14 minutes ago
- 4 min read
When your weighing system demands dependable accuracy, rugged construction, and long-term stability, the Rice Lake RL32018 load cell is a trusted choice. Designed as an alloy steel single-ended beam load cell, the RL32018 is known for its durability and consistent performance across a wide range of industrial and commercial applications — from floor scales and hopper systems to batching and process control.
Built for precision and designed to last, this load cell has become a favorite among technicians, OEMs, and scale owners who rely on consistent, legal-for-trade results.
Engineered for Industrial Durability
The RL32018 features nickel-plated alloy steel construction for strength and corrosion resistance. It’s IP66-rated, meaning it’s sealed against dust and protected against water jets — a must for environments where exposure to moisture or debris is inevitable.
Each unit provides a safe overload capacity of 150% full scale and can handle side-load forces up to 100% of rated capacity without compromising accuracy. This ruggedness makes it ideal for heavy-use industrial weighing where minor installation variations or dynamic loads are common.
Temperature compensation from –10°C to +40°C (14°F to 104°F) ensures reliable performance across a wide range of conditions, while its rated output of 3.0 mV/V delivers precise and repeatable measurements day after day.
Certified Accuracy and Compliance
The Rice Lake RL32018 load cell is NTEP certified (National Type Evaluation Program), confirming it meets strict legal-for-trade requirements. Many capacities also hold FM approval, verifying safety and reliability for industrial environments, including potentially hazardous locations.
With its 350-ohm output resistance and 400-ohm input resistance, the RL32018 integrates seamlessly with most modern weighing indicators and junction boxes. These specifications make it easy to install in multi-cell configurations while maintaining consistent output and calibration.
Wide Range of Capacities
The RL32018 is available in a broad range of capacities — from 250 lb to 20,000 lb — giving it unmatched versatility in small to mid-range weighing systems.
Common applications include:
Floor and platform scales used in warehouses and manufacturing
Hopper and bin weighing in agriculture or process industries
Batching systems in food processing or material blending
OEM equipment that requires compact, durable load cells
Its single-ended beam design makes it easy to install, requiring support at one end while the other end connects to the load. This simplifies mounting and reduces installation time compared to double-ended or compression-style cells.
Performance and Electrical Stability
On the electrical side, the RL32018 offers a 3.0 mV/V rated output, excellent non-linearity, and repeatability. These performance specs ensure your weighing system remains accurate even with frequent use or minor temperature shifts.
The load cell is designed for easy field calibration, making it a go-to choice for technicians looking for consistent, plug-and-play functionality. The standard configuration includes a 20-foot shielded cable to protect against signal interference — critical for reliable measurements in industrial environments.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Proper installation is key to getting the most from your RL32018 load cell. Here are some best practices followed by experienced scale technicians:
Ensure flat mounting surfaces to avoid twisting or bending stresses that can cause drift.
Use correct torque settings on all bolts to maintain proper load distribution.
Avoid lateral loading — ensure the applied force is perpendicular to the cell body.
Protect cables from sharp bends, pinch points, and exposure to chemicals.
Check grounding and shielding to prevent electrical noise interference.
Routine inspection and calibration verification will help extend the load cell’s lifespan and maintain measurement accuracy.
RL32018 vs. Other Single-Ended Beam Load Cells
While the Rice Lake RL32018 is one of the most widely recognized models in the single-ended beam category, there are several comparable options available. Many operators and service companies use the Rice Lake RL30000i series as a direct replacement for the RL32018.
The Rice Lake RL30000i series offers the same key features:
Alloy steel construction
IP67 environmental sealing
NTEP certification
Interchangeable mounting dimensions
This makes it a seamless drop-in replacement for systems originally equipped with the RL32018 — no hardware modifications required.
By choosing a Rice Lake replacement, you can maintain the same level of precision and reliability while often benefiting from faster availability and competitive pricing. For many industrial operators, this flexibility helps reduce downtime and keeps weighing systems operating at peak efficiency.
Real-World Applications
The RL32018 is a workhorse in multiple industries because of its durability and accuracy. Common real-world uses include:
Manufacturing plants: Floor and bench scales for parts counting and material handling
Agriculture: Hopper and grain bin scales exposed to outdoor conditions
Food processing: Ingredient batching and packaging line weighing
Logistics and shipping: Pallet and platform scales in high-traffic docks
Recycling and waste management: Container and compactor weighing systems
Its combination of accuracy, sealing, and rugged design makes it an ideal all-around performer across these diverse applications.
Why the RL32018 Remains a Top Choice
The Rice Lake RL32018 continues to be a cornerstone of industrial weighing for a reason — it’s reliable, easy to install, and designed for long-term performance. From OEM equipment builders to maintenance technicians, anyone looking for a high-quality single-ended beam load cell can rely on the RL32018 to deliver consistent results year after year.
With its wide capacity range, proven engineering, and trusted brand reputation, it’s no surprise that this model remains one of the most specified and supported load cells in North America.
Comments