We calibrate all our iLoad Series capacitive load cells in house using either a deadweight tester (usually up to 100 lbs) or using a high quality reference load cell that has been calibrated within the last one year and is traceable to NIST standards.

We calibrate each of our capacitive load cells (iLoad Series) using a 9 point calibration usually at or close to the following load levels (as % of full scale loads):

0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%

A typical calibration run looks like this:

Capacity: 100 lb.

We fit cubic best fit curves and compute the load as follows:

Raw Weight = A*Count^3+B*Count^2+C*Count+D

Computed Weight = Raw Weight – Tared Weight

We provide a calibration certificate with each of our shipped sensors showing applied loads vs. computed loads.

You can view a Sample Digital Calibration Certificate here.

We recommend that users recalibrate at least once a year and sooner if the sensor seems to be have been overloaded or damaged during use. Loadstar Sensors provides economical recalibration services for your convenience. Please contact one of our sales representatives for help with calibration services.

Analog Calibration

When a customer requests an analog calibration we apply loads at nine points (five with loads increasing to full scale from zero) and four with loads decreasing down to zero load.

At each load position, we read the voltage value in the 0.5 to 4.5 V DC range and fit a linear curve with Force as the calculated parameter and voltage as the varying parameter. The equation looks like:

Force = A * Voltage + B

We provide this calibration equation to the customer who can then use it to compute the appleid force in their own application.

You can view a Sample Analog Calibration Sheet here.

A word about calibration

The load cells are calibrated under ideal lab conditions in our facility in California. Calibrated values can differ due to a variety of factors such including variations in gravitational fields at different locations, altidtude, environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, vibration in contacting surfaces etc.

For best results, users should calibrate the sensor in place after mounting it into their particular setup. We suggest that you ask a professional calibration shop to come to your facility and provide calibration service at your location for best results.

Calibration Options

Digital Calibration

Compression Calibration: DCAL *C01
Tension Calibration: DCAL *C02
Universal Calibration: DCAL *C03

Analog Calibration

Compression Calibration: ACAL *C01
Tension Calibration: ACAL *C02
Universal Calibration: ACAL *C03

With our iLoad Series load cells, we offer both Digital and Analog calibration from the same sensor simultaneously with our HX-100 Hybrid Adapter board. Please contact your sales representative for help in getting your sensors calibrated in digital and analog mode.