Hi, I’m curious as to the max allowable weight that can be applied to the TAS606 50kg sensor before it would be damaged? (missed it on the spec sheet if it was there)
Also, I’ve not mounted this yet, but I assume that the pin on the top will carry all of the weight?
Thanks
The maximum allowable weight of this one https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13331 is 50 Kg as per the name suggests. The load cannot exceed 50kg.
The spec sheet calls out an ultimate overload value of 150% of capacity. If you think you’ll be routinely loading the cell beyond the rated capacity, it’s best to select a more suitable load cell. Sparkfun carries a 200 kg version of TAS606.
Spec sheet:
That’s useful, thanks
The 150% ultimate overload mentioned above is usually the point where permanent damage becomes a real risk, not a recommended operating range. For a 50 kg TAS606, staying at or below the rated capacity is the safest approach if you want to maintain long-term accuracy and repeatability. Load cells are designed to perform best within their specified working range.
Regarding the mounting, the top pin is generally intended to transfer the applied force through the load cell, but it’s important that the load is centered and introduced as the manufacturer intended. Any side loading, twisting, or shock impacts can affect both accuracy and the lifespan of the sensor.
While reading through the load cell guides one point that stood out was the importance of matching the load cell capacity to the application rather than relying on overload tolerance. That approach usually provides more reliable measurements and helps avoid premature damage over time.
All true but it’s also true that the gap between the rated capacity and the other overload figure(s) is HUGE and temptingly attractive, potentially suitable for operation, and what people really want to talk about.
An application that might occasionally hit 52 kilograms will probably be ok with that 50 kg load cell and might even benefit from the higher resolution offered by the 50 vs 200 kg version. The designer might have to loosen their expectations in other ways and ratings like, say, temperature stability, off center loading, time to stable weight result at those higher loads.
Here’s a load cell datasheet that has three maximum figures: Rated Cap, safe and destruction.
