What Is Load Cell Creep and Why It Matters - Just Measure it

What Is Load Cell Creep and Why It Matters

Introduction

You may have noticed that when a constant load is placed on a weighing system, the reading slowly drifts over time—even though nothing changes physically.

This is not a failure or signal instability.
It’s called load cell creep—a natural behavior of strain-based transducers.

In this article, we explain what creep is, what causes it, how to minimize its impact, and why it matters in high-precision applications.

1. What Is Creep in Load Cells?

Creep refers to the slow, time-dependent change in a load cell’s output when a constant force is applied.

❝ Even though the applied weight doesn’t change, the output reading “creeps” up or down slightly over time. ❞

Typically measured over 20 or 30 minutes, this drift is a result of internal mechanical and material relaxation in the load cell structure.

2. What Causes Load Cell Creep?

Several factors contribute to creep:

  • ⚙️ Elastic deformation of the strain body (metal structure relaxes under stress)

  • 🌡️ Thermal effects: Temperature affects resistance and structure simultaneously

  • 🧵 Strain gauge adhesive relaxation

  • Bridge imbalance in the Wheatstone circuit

  • 🧊 Material hysteresis (non-linear mechanical return after loading)

3. Is Creep the Same as Drift?

No.

TermDescription
CreepTime-based change under constant load
DriftLong-term change due to aging, temperature, etc.
Zero DriftOutput shift when no load is applied

4. How Is Creep Specified in Datasheets?

Creep is usually listed like this:

Creep (30 min): ±0.03% F.S.
→ After 30 minutes at full load, output may change by ±0.03% of full scale.

Some datasheets also list:

  • Return to zero (creep recovery)

  • Creep after X minutes at Y% rated load

5. When Does Creep Matter Most?

Creep has minimal impact in dynamic or short-duration loads.
But in the following scenarios, it’s critical:

ApplicationWhy Creep Matters
Gravimetric dosing systemsAffects dosing accuracy over hold periods
Tanks/silos with slow fillReading shifts during batch
Legal-for-trade scalesCompliance requires tight creep tolerance
Scientific testing machinesLong-duration tests demand stable output

6. How to Minimize Creep

Choose Low-Creep Load Cells

  • Look for creep ≤ ±0.02% F.S. over 30 min

  • Some stainless steel sensors have better stability than aluminum

Use Temperature-Compensated Sensors

  • Creep is often worse with thermal changes

Apply Load Smoothly and Gradually

  • Sudden shock loading can worsen mechanical relaxation

Wait for Stabilization Before Taking Readings

  • Some systems include a “settling delay” timer

Consider Creep Correction Algorithms

  • High-end controllers or software can linearize and correct for creep over time

7. Creep vs Hysteresis vs Nonlinearity

EffectDescription
CreepSlow change in output under constant load
HysteresisDifferent output for loading vs unloading
NonlinearityOutput curve deviates from a straight line

All are critical in precision load cell performance, but creep is the most time-sensitive of the three.

Conclusion

Load cell creep is not a defect—it’s a material reality.

By understanding its behavior and planning for it in both hardware and software design, you can ensure consistent, reliable readings even in long-duration or compliance-sensitive applications.

Creep may be slow—but if you ignore it, the consequences might not be.

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