Crane Scale vs Load Cell

Understanding the Differences

Crane scales and load cells are both used to weigh heavy loads, but they have distinct differences that make them ideal for different applications. Crane scales hang from a crane and can weigh loads up to 300 tons, while load cells are sensors that can measure weight when integrated into equipment. This blog post will explore the differences between these two tools and help you understand the key differences.

Understanding Crane Scales

Heavy duty crane scales, also known as hanging crane scales, are industrial crane scales used to weigh heavy loads suspended from a crane. These scales are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of industrial environments and are typically constructed with heavy-duty materials such as steel or aluminum. Heavy duty crane scales are available in a variety of weight capacities and can be used in a variety of applications.
Industrial crane scales are used in a variety of industrial applications, including manufacturing, transportation, and logistics. These scales are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of industrial environments. Industrial crane scales are available in a variety of weight capacities and can be used to weigh a wide range of objects.
Digital crane scales are a type of industrial crane scale that uses digital technology to provide accurate weight readings. These scales are typically equipped with an LCD display that shows the weight of the object being weighed, and many models offer additional features such as tare and hold functions.

Understanding Load Cells

Crane scales use load cells with an indicator to measure the weight of the load and can be equipped with wireless load cell technology for remote monitoring and data collection. One type of load cell is the Multi Point Load Cell, which is designed to provide accurate weight measurements even when the load is not evenly distributed. This type of technology uses multiple load cells to measure the weight of the load at several points, and also calculates the total weight based on these measurements.
Another type of load cell used in crane scales is the Shackle Load Cell, which is designed to be attached to a hook or other lifting device. This type of load cell can be used to weigh loads up to several tons and is often used in live events or in industrial settings where heavy equipment and machinery need to be moved or lifted.
Load cell systems for crane scales can be customized to meet the specific needs of the application. For example, some load cell systems may include digital displays for real-time weight readings, while others may be equipped with wireless load cells technology for remote monitoring and data collection. Load cell systems can also be designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, etc.

Proof Load Tests

It’s important to conduct proof load testing as it’s meant to verify the capability of a load bearing structure or hardware to handle their rated loads without achieving failure or deformation. Here are few key points on how proof load tests work:

A proof load test is typically done by placing force for a particular amount of time, usually 1.1 to 1.5 times of the designated load of the structure or hardware being tested.
Certified weights or a load indicating device such as dynamometer or load cell must be used to verify loads during the test.
In some cases, large water bags are used to provide the required weight for valid proof load tests, which require the use of a load cell, crane scale, or dynamometer to verify the applied load.

Multi-Point Load Monitoring

Multi Point Load Monitoring is a crucial aspect of heavy complex lifting, safe stage rigging, and advanced logistics and stock management. By using load monitoring systems that display all measurements on a real-time load map, it is possible to ensure appropriate load distribution and keep the weight of a heavy object evenly distributed during lifting. This helps in the safe completion of a complex lift, protecting expensive equipment and, most importantly, the lives of the people around it. Here are just some of the benefits of multi-point load monitoring:

Multi Point Load Monitoring is important in several applications, such as heavy complex lifting, safe stage rigging, and advanced logistics and stock management.
Any load suspended from 3 or more points requires the use of a load monitoring system to ensure appropriate load distribution.
A real-time load map with continuous measurements can help keep the weight of a heavy object evenly distributed during lifting, aiding in the safe completion of a complex lift.
Multiple point load monitoring systems can provide real-time indication of resource utilization of multiple sites, automate routing of transportation fleets, and lead to a dramatic reduction in costs by helping to avoid spoilage, slack time, and poorly scheduled and routed transportation runs.

Practical Applications

Eilon Engineering's Ron CraneMaster and Ron Crane Scales are two major systems that are being used by NASA and Boeing on numerous joint ventures of highly technical and futuristic partnerships. These systems are used for multiple point load monitoring and single point load monitoring, respectively.
One practical application of these systems is in the construction of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner capsule. During the construction of the capsule, highly sophisticated and accurate scales were required to lower the upper capsule precisely onto the lower capsule and be successfully joined together. In this case, the Ron Crane Master load cells were used with easily readable handheld displays, showing a real-time load map of all loading points. Minute adjustments were made as needed during the operation, demonstrating the precision and accuracy of these load cells.

Conclusion – Crane Scale vs. Load Cell

In conclusion, both crane scales and load cells play a crucial role in heavy lifting and weighing operations. They are designed to provide accurate and reliable weight readings, with each having its own unique features and advantages. Generally speaking, a crane scale includes a load cell and an indicator. Load cells can be used as a stand alone or as a part of multipoint system
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