Harvesting Load Cell from Food Scale

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on sourcing affordable load cells for building a dynamometer for small electric motors. The participant, Kerry, highlights the challenge of finding economical load cells, noting a $75 option from Omega that requires additional conditioning. Kerry suggests using inexpensive food scales, available for around $5 on Amazon, as potential sources for load-sensing elements and conditioning. The conversation also touches on the feasibility of repurposing load cells from digital scales and the possibility of using Arduino-compatible strain gauges for DIY projects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of load cell technology and its applications
  • Familiarity with digital scales and their internal components
  • Basic knowledge of Arduino and its interfacing with sensors
  • Experience with conditioning circuits for load cells
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to disassemble and repurpose load cells from digital food scales
  • Explore Arduino strain gauge projects for practical implementation
  • Investigate load cell conditioning techniques and circuits
  • Compare different types of load cells for dynamometer applications
USEFUL FOR

Hobbyists, engineers, and makers interested in building low-cost measurement devices, particularly those focused on small electric motor applications and DIY electronics projects.

KLoux
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Hello,

I've been toying with the idea of making a cheap dynomometer for small electric motors, but one of the obstacles I'm encountering is finding a cheap load cell. The best I've done so far is a $75 sensor from Omega, which still requires conditioning. Then it occurred to me that you can get food scales from Amazon for cheap (around $5), which must have some load-sensing element as well as the required conditioning.

So I guess this is really two questions: 1) Any good sources for cheap load cells (I don't really want to buy a strain gauge and make my own - I don't think this would necessarily be cheaper anyway)? or 2) Has anyone pulled apart a digital scale and re-used the load cell? See any problems with this approach?

Thanks!

-Kerry
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
A strain gauge should not be a problem. Search for "arduino strain gauge" and you'll find lots of projects, and project hardware at reasonable cost.
 

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