Professional Load Cell Mounts for Precision Weighing
Engineered Solutions for Reliable Force Measurement and Industrial Weighing Systems
Proper load cell mounting is critical to achieving accurate force measurements and ensuring the longevity of your weighing infrastructure. VPG Force Sensors provides comprehensive mounting solutions designed for industrial weighing applications, scales, and force measurement systems. Our mounting kits and assemblies are engineered to eliminate measurement errors, reduce installation complexity, and provide stable support across demanding environments.
Whether you're designing a portable scale, constructing a weighbridge, or implementing a multi-cell weighing platform, our load cell mounts deliver the mechanical stability and alignment precision your operation depends on. With over 50 years of manufacturing expertise, VPG Force Sensors understands the real-world challenges of load cell installation and has designed mounting solutions that address them directly.
From rocker pin mounts that accommodate structural movement to weighbridge-specific assemblies that ensure perpendicular load distribution, our product range supports the full spectrum of industrial force measurement applications. We eliminate guesswork from installation, reduce calibration time, and help you achieve repeatable, traceable measurements right from day one.
What is a rocker pin mount and when should I use it?
A rocker pin mount (also called a pivoting mount) allows a load cell to accommodate minor structural movements, thermal expansion, or misalignment. The rocker design permits slight angular adjustment without introducing measurement errors. Use rocker pin mounts when your structure experiences:
- Seasonal thermal expansion and contraction
- Vibration or dynamic loading
- Structural settlement over time
- Applications where perfect alignment is difficult to achieve
VPG mounting assemblies incorporate self-checking, rocker-style designs that provide this flexibility while maintaining measurement integrity. They're ideal for real-world installations where perfect rigidity is impractical.
Core Features & Benefits
Precision Alignment
Engineered mounting surfaces ensure load cells are positioned perpendicular to mounting plates, eliminating side-load errors and improving accuracy. Eccentric washers and adjustment provisions guarantee optimal vertical alignment even in retrofit applications.
Thermal Stability
Self-checking designs with provisions for thermal expansion and contraction maintain measurement integrity across temperature fluctuations. Hardened stainless steel components resist corrosion and dimensional drift in challenging environments.
Multi-Cell Load Distribution
Mounting assemblies support matched-output load cell configurations for distributed weighing systems. Even force distribution prevents unbalanced loading and extends cell lifespan in high-capacity applications.
Structural Independence
Mounting kits isolate load cells from frame bending moments and side loads, ensuring only vertical compression forces are transmitted. This design reduces measurement noise and improves signal stability during dynamic loading conditions.
Robust Material Construction
Available in nickel-plated alloy steel for general applications and stainless steel for washdown or outdoor environments. All components meet stringent corrosion and durability standards for 20+ year service life.
Compliance & Certification
Mounting assemblies are rated for Factory Mutual (FM) approval, intrinsic safety certification, and compliance with hazardous area requirements. IP67-rated sealing protects against moisture, dust, and high-pressure washdowns.
How to properly mount a load cell?
Proper load cell mounting requires five critical steps:
- Perpendicular Alignment: The load cell's sensing axis must be aligned perpendicular to mounting surfaces. Misalignment greater than 2-3 degrees introduces side-load errors. VPG mounting assemblies include eccentric washers and adjustment provisions to achieve precision alignment during installation.
- Isolation from Structural Movement: Mount the load cell on a stable platform isolated from frame bending and vibration. Avoid rigid attachment to moving structures. VPG's rocker pin mounts and self-checking assemblies allow for minor structural movement without affecting measurement accuracy.
- Even Load Distribution: For multi-cell systems, ensure each load cell receives equal load. Use matched-output cells (typically within ±0.1%) and mounting assemblies that provide symmetrical support. VPG TWA-Mount and other assemblies are designed for balanced multi-cell configurations.
- Environmental Protection: Protect load cells and wiring from moisture, dust, and temperature extremes. Use stainless steel mounting kits in corrosive environments and ensure IP67-rated sealing on electrical connections. VPG assemblies include provisions for cable conduit and weatherproof design.
- Calibration & Verification: After installation, perform initial calibration with the full mounting assembly in place. Recheck accuracy after the first 24 hours of operation to account for any settling. Document baseline readings to detect drift over time.
Industry Applications
Weighbridge & Platform Scales
Weighbridge-specific mounting solutions like the ASC2/DSC2 assemblies are engineered for floor-mounted installations without stay or check rods. These mounting kits excel in vehicle weighing, commodity measurement, and industrial platform scales where structural vibration and thermal cycling are constant challenges.
Tank, Bin & Hopper Weighing
Large-capacity storage containers require stable mounting that prevents structural movement from affecting weight readings. VPG load cell mounting assemblies provide the isolation and precision needed for inventory management, level control, and batching operations.
Batching, Blending & Mixing Operations
Process industries rely on precise, repeatable measurements for formulation consistency and regulatory compliance. Rocker pin mounts and multi-cell assemblies accommodate the vibration, thermal cycling, and frequent calibration demands of continuous production environments.
Silo Weighing & Level Monitoring
Large storage silos subject to eccentric loading and structural deflection require mounting solutions that ensure consistent measurement regardless of fill pattern. VPG mounting assemblies maintain accuracy even when material distribution within the container is uneven.
Hazardous Area Applications
Industries handling explosive atmospheres or flammable materials require FM-approved, intrinsically safe equipment. VPG mounting assemblies meet Factory Mutual certification requirements, enabling safe deployment in Class I, II, and III hazardous locations.
What mounting kit should I use?
Selecting the correct mounting kit depends on your application, load cell type, and operating environment. Consider these factors:
- Load Capacity & Cell Type: Match your mounting kit to your load cell's capacity and geometry. Single-point load cells require different support than shear beam or canister designs. VPG offers mounting assemblies for capacities ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds.
- Floor-Mounted vs. Suspended: TWA-Mount assemblies are designed for floor mounting and provide structural support. ASC2/DSC2 assemblies are optimized for weighbridge applications without stay rods. Choose based on your mechanical design.
- Single-Cell vs. Multi-Cell: Multi-cell systems require mounting assemblies that distribute load equally among all cells. VPG's matched-output systems and symmetrical mounting designs ensure each cell operates at identical compression levels.
- Environmental Conditions: For indoor, climate-controlled environments, nickel-plated steel assemblies offer excellent performance. For outdoor, washdown, or corrosive settings, invest in stainless steel components. ASC2 (standard) and DSC2 (stainless) versions are available for weighbridge applications.
- Vibration & Thermal Cycling: If your application experiences significant vibration (foundries, mills) or extreme temperature swings, select mounting assemblies with provisions for thermal expansion and vibration damping. Self-checking designs automatically compensate for thermal effects.
- Contact a VPG Expert: Your specific application may have unique requirements. VPG Force Sensors provides technical consultation to select the optimal mounting kit for your system. Use our online shop's expert support or reach out to our sales team with your load cell model and application details.
What is a weighbridge mount and what makes it different?
A weighbridge mount is specifically engineered for floor-mounted,
large-scale weighing applications like vehicle scales or commodity platforms.
Key differences include:
Design Features
Weighbridge mounts (such as VPG's ASC2/DSC2 assemblies) are designed to mount directly to the weighbridge structure without stay or check rods, simplifying installation and reducing infrastructure costs.
Multi-Cell Support
Weighbridge applications typically use 4-8 load cells to support large platforms. The mounting assemblies ensure equal load distribution and minimize deflection of the weighing surface.
Environmental Durability
Weighbridge mounts often operate outdoors and experience weather exposure. VPG offers stainless steel options (DSC2) rated for washdown and harsh environments.
Adjustment Capability
Eccentric washers allow technicians to align load cells during installation without complex shimming or drilling. This reduces commissioning time significantly.
Get Expert Guidance for Your Application
Finding the right load cell for your system requires careful consideration of capacity, accuracy, environment, and installation factors. Our experienced engineers are ready to help you choose the optimal solution.
