Digital Dynamometers

In the world of weighing during lifting, few tools are as handy as the digital dynamometer. Also known as an electronic dynamometer, this is a type of digital force gauge that’s used to measure weight, force, or tension in lifting or tension applications.

But don’t get confused by the name—digital dynamometers are just one variety of the many types of dynamometers that exist. 

Digital dynamometers that are used for lifting, weighing, and load monitoring in industrial settings are quite different from for instance a handheld dynamometer, which might be used to test grip strength in a clinical setting. Further, they shouldn’t be confused with compression dynamometers, which, though also used in industrial settings, are quite different from electronic dynamometers that measure force, weight, or tension. 

Also, be sure not to confuse them with a digital torque meter—measuring torque is quite different from measuring weight or tension and calls for a different type of device. 

To clarify things, let’s take a quick look at just how digital dynamometers work.

How do digital dynamometers work?

When we say “dynamometer,” we mean the entire system including the load-bearing element and the indicator for reading the measurements. The load-bearing part of the system is called a digital load cell.

Tension load cells work by having a digital force transducer attached to the load cell body. Specifically, the type of digital force transducer used is a strain gauge, so you might also hear the term “strain gauge dynamometer.” 

A strain gauge works by measuring the deformation or “strain” of the load cell body when a force is applied, changing the gauge’s electrical resistance. This change in resistance is converted into a digital signal, which is processed by the load cell's digital electronics to determine the applied load. This signal can be displayed in any standard unit of measurement including pounds, kilograms, or any other unit that a particular load cell supports. 

In standard dynamometers, the measurement data is transferred to the display or hand-held indicator via a wire or cable. This works fine in many applications, but in others, a wireless connection is preferable or even necessary.

Wireless dynamometers

In order to transfer the measurement data from the load cell to the display, wireless dynamometers make use of advanced radio frequency technology. Or, some systems use Bluetooth technology to broadcast the measurement to a remote receiver. This type of radio frequency or Bluetooth dynamometer has several advantages over wired systems. 

Because there are no wires to get caught up in, wireless load cells are less of an on-site hazard. This, coupled with the fact that they allow the operator to be further from the lifted load, shows how they can easily increase safety.

Wireless dynamometers are also more convenient to use since the operator has increased freedom of movement and isn’t tethered by a cable or wire.

Why you need a digital dynamometer

Now that we’ve established just what a digital or electronic dynamometer is, let’s look at some of the top benefits and reasons to choose one.

Accuracy

If you’re in need of a high-quality precision dynamometer, then you absolutely have to go digital. When compared to analog scales, a digital dynamometer is much more accurate. 

For example, a standard analog crane scale will have an accuracy of 0.5% of the full scale. Compare that to Ron Crane Scales with a standard accuracy of 0.1% of full scale.

Convenience

When it comes to operating the dynamometer, there are several advantages to having a digital dynamometer.

For starters, a digital system allows for a variety of display sizes: from small handheld indicators to large LED screens that can be seen from afar. 

Also, having a wireless or Bluetooth dynamometer allows operators more freedom of movement, meaning they can comfortably read the measured weight using a handheld display from up to 150 yards away.

Durability

Digital dynamometers are highly durable. For example, all Eilon Engineering load cell bodies are made of aerospace-grade steel. We also ensure that all of our load cells are fatigue-rated. This means the system can withstand an unlimited number of load cycles, so long as it has never been overloaded.

Further, our R&D, manufacturing, and calibration laboratory are certified according to the ISO 9001 total quality management standard and audited on-site by Lloyd’s Register LRQA.

With Eilon, you can be sure you’ll get a reliable and durable system that will last for years.

Portability

Another advantage to Eilon digital dynamometers is their compact size.

All Eilon dynamometers are lightweight and portable for their maximum lifting capacity.

For example, while a typical 10-ton analog dynamometer might weigh about 50 pounds, an equivalent capacity Ron Crane Scale weighs about 35 pounds. This makes it much easier to transport to and from the job site.

Advanced features

Having a digital dynamometer allows for many features that simply aren’t possible on a mechanical system.

• Data logging (manual and automatic) — Lets users record measurements for later analysis or record keeping.
• Totalizer — Automatically sums up accumulated loads.
• Changeable units of measurement — Easily scroll through various units of measurement like lb, kg, metric tons, short tons, American tons, and kilo newtons.
• Peak hold — display the maximum value.
• RS-232 for connecting to computers and printers.
• Many more.

Variety of maximum capacities

Eilon Engineering digital dynamometers are available in a wide range of capacities—from a half-ton all the way up to 300 tons. That means you’re free to choose the capacity that best suits your intended application.

Get in touch today

To learn more about our line of dynamometers, crane scales, and load cells, get in touch with a sales representative today. With more than 45 years of experience in the field, we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect digital weighing system for your unique weighing application.

US/Canada/Int'l: 1-888-778-8064
UK: 0800 8620354

Write to us at:
sales@eilon-engineering.com

Or use our contact form.