Introduction
When designing a weighing or force measurement system, selecting the right load cell is only part of the process.
Choosing the correct mounting kit is equally important to ensure accurate, stable, and reliable operation.
A poorly chosen or installed mounting system can lead to significant errors, mechanical failures, or even permanent sensor damage.
This article explains what a load cell mounting kit is, why it matters, and how to choose the right one for your application.
1. What Is a Load Cell Mounting Kit?
A mounting kit includes the mechanical hardware needed to securely install a load cell while allowing it to perform accurately under real-world forces.
Mounting kits typically consist of:
Load introduction plates or fixtures
Anti-lift-off, anti-rotation, or sway control components
Rocker pins, spherical washers, or elastomeric elements
Alignment tools for minimizing side loads
They help ensure the force is properly aligned along the load cell’s primary axis while protecting against external disturbances like vibration, thermal expansion, or mechanical shock.
2. Why Is the Mounting Kit Important?
Without proper mounting:
Side loads can introduce significant errors
Torsion and bending moments may cause signal drift or sensor damage
Vibration and uneven settling may lead to unstable readings
Installation may violate sensor calibration assumptions
A well-designed mounting kit preserves the calibrated accuracy of the load cell in real-world conditions.
3. Types of Load Cell Mounting Kits
| Kit Type | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| Compression Mount Kits | Tanks, hoppers, silos weighing |
| Tension Mount Kits | Suspended weighing, crane scales |
| Universal Mount Kits | Systems that experience both tension and compression |
| Anti-vibration Mounts | Dynamic or vibrating environments (e.g., mixers) |
| Self-aligning Bearing Kits | Systems with slight structural movement |
4. Key Selection Criteria
✅ Load Direction
Compression Only → Use compression-specific kits
Tension Only → Use tension kits with clevis or eye bolt fittings
Bidirectional → Consider universal or hybrid kits
✅ Capacity Range
The mounting kit must match or exceed the load cell’s full-scale rated capacity.
✅ Environmental Conditions
Outdoor installations may need stainless steel hardware and IP-rated sealing
Dynamic environments benefit from shock-absorbing or elastomeric bases
✅ Movement Constraints
Hopper systems or high-vibration machinery should use kits with:
Lift-off protection
Sway restraints
Thermal expansion accommodation
✅ Installation Space
Some kits require additional vertical or lateral clearance.
Check dimensions to ensure proper integration into your machine or structure.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using rigid bolting without allowing slight movement (leads to binding and side loads)
Mismatching mount types to the load direction
Underestimating dynamic loads and vibration
Ignoring thermal expansion in outdoor or high-temperature sites
Improper torque or preload settings during installation
6. Pro Tips for Installation
Always align the force path with the load cell axis
Hand-tighten and use specified torque values to avoid preloading errors
Use dummy weights or simulation during mechanical integration checks
Review the load cell and mounting kit as a complete mechanical system—not as isolated components
Conclusion
Selecting the right load cell mounting kit is crucial for maintaining measurement accuracy, protecting your sensors, and ensuring system longevity.
By carefully considering your load type, environment, and application dynamics, you can design a weighing or force measurement system that is both robust and highly accurate.
A few extra minutes spent on choosing the correct mounting kit can save you hours of troubleshooting and thousands in maintenance costs later.