Product Description

HC-LB high capacity load button overview

The HC-LB is a high-capacity stainless steel compression-only load button load cell designed for demanding industrial force measurement applications where a compact, low-profile sensor must handle very high loads reliably over time. Its fully hermetically sealed stainless steel construction and IP68 environmental rating make it suitable for use in tank and vessel weighing, hydraulic press monitoring, reactor systems, and industrial automation where exposure to moisture, chemicals, or demanding process environments is unavoidable. The central loading dome provides self-aligning, repeatable force transfer regardless of minor surface irregularities, and four mounting threads on the underside flange allow the HC-LB to be surface-mounted directly to a machine structure or load transfer plate. Available in four capacities from 15,000 lbf (75 kN) to 65,000 lbf (300 kN), all shipping with a 5 m braid-shielded TPR cable.

Capacity range
15K lbf
up to 65K lbf (300 kN)
Construction
SS / IP68
hermetically sealed
Loading
Compression
central dome, self-aligning
Nonlinearity
±0.05%
of full scale

Typical applications

The HC-LB is commonly specified for high-capacity compression force measurement in industrial process and automation environments where a low-profile, flange-mounted sensor with superior environmental protection is required.

Tank, hopper, and reactor weighing
The HC-LB is well suited for weighing large tanks, pressure vessels, and reactor systems where very high compressive loads are applied to support legs or mounting points. The IP68 hermetic seal protects against process fluids, steam, and chemical cleaning agents that are common in these environments.
Pressing force verification
Used beneath press platens and clamping fixtures to verify and monitor the actual compressive force being applied during pressing, forming, and joining operations. The self-aligning loading dome ensures consistent contact and repeatable readings even when platen surfaces are not perfectly parallel.
Industrial automation and process monitoring
The HC-LB's analog mV/V output connects directly to PLCs, DAQ systems, and force indicators for real-time high-capacity compression monitoring in industrial automation systems. Its robust construction handles the continuous duty cycles and demanding conditions typical of heavy manufacturing environments.
Spot check of industrial process forces
The compact low-profile form factor and flange-mount design allow the HC-LB to be temporarily or permanently installed at process force measurement points for spot checking, validation, and troubleshooting of high-force industrial processes without disrupting the surrounding structure.
OEM machine integration
The standardized flange geometry and threaded mounting pattern allow the HC-LB to be integrated directly into OEM machines, test equipment, and structural assemblies requiring a high-capacity, hermetically sealed compression sensor in a small footprint. OEM customization is available on request.
Harsh and washdown environments
The IP68 hermetic seal and all stainless steel construction make the HC-LB suitable for permanent installation in environments subject to immersion, high-pressure washdown, chemical exposure, and aggressive cleaning procedures where standard load cells would corrode or fail over time.

Technical notes

Installation and mounting

The HC-LB is compression-only and must not be used in tension. Mount via the four threaded holes on the underside flange — M8 x 16 mm deep on the 15K, 25K, and 35K lbf models, and M12 x 24 mm deep on the 65K lbf model. Apply load centrally to the loading dome only to maintain rated accuracy. The self-aligning dome design accommodates minor surface irregularities, but the mounting surface and load transfer plate should still be as flat and rigid as possible. Do not apply load outside the dome area.

System integration

The HC-LB produces a 1.6 to 2.0 mV/V analog output signal and is compatible with any standard force indicator, PLC analog input, or DAQ system accepting a mV/V bridge signal. All models ship with a 5 m braid-shielded 4-conductor 24 AWG TPR cable, providing excellent noise rejection in electrically demanding industrial environments. Insulation resistance exceeds 5 GΩ at 50V DC.

Cable wiring

All HC-LB models ship with a 5 m braid-shielded 4-conductor 24 AWG TPR cable. Standard color code:

■ RED +Excitation
■ BLACK −Excitation
■ GREEN +Signal
■ WHITE −Signal
Ordering notes

Specify the model number corresponding to your required capacity. OEM customers are welcome to request customizations including cable length, connector type, and capacity.

HC-LB-15KLBF (15,000 lbf / 75 kN)
HC-LB-25KLBF (25,000 lbf / 100 kN)
HC-LB-35KLBF (35,000 lbf / 150 kN)
HC-LB-65KLBF (65,000 lbf / 300 kN)

Specifications

Model HC-LB-15KLBF HC-LB-25KLBF HC-LB-35KLBF HC-LB-65KLBF
Rated capacity 15,000 lbf (75 kN) 25,000 lbf (100 kN) 35,000 lbf (150 kN) 65,000 lbf (300 kN)
Rated output 1.8 mV/V 1.6 mV/V 1.6 mV/V 2.0 mV/V
Nonlinearity / Hysteresis ±7.5 lbf ±12.5 lbf ±17.5 lbf ±32.5 lbf
Safe overload (central) 18K lbf (80 kN) 30K lbf (120 kN) 42K lbf (180 kN) 78K lbf (360 kN)
Mounting threads M8 x 16 mm (x4) M8 x 16 mm (x4) M8 x 16 mm (x4) M12 x 24 mm (x4)
Outer flange diameter 4.47 in (113.5 mm) 4.47 in (113.5 mm) 5.18 in (131.5 mm) 6.20 in (157.5 mm)
Overall height 1.77 in (45.0 mm) 1.77 in (45.0 mm) 1.85 in (47.0 mm) 2.13 in (54.0 mm)
Input impedance 770 ± 35 Ω (all models)
Output impedance 700 ± 5 Ω (all models)
Insulation resistance >5 GΩ at 50V DC (all models)
Compensated temp. range −10 to +40°C (all models)
Safe temp. range −30 to +70°C (all models)
Environmental protection IP68 (all models)
Cable 5 m · 4 × 24 AWG · braid-shielded TPR (all models)

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