Canister Load Cells
TC414 and DBSL series compression load cells. 25t–200t capacity. ±0.03% NIST-verified accuracy. Stainless steel 17-4 PH. Multi-cell truck scales, railroad scales, tank weighing. Ships from Buffalo Grove, IL.
Quick Facts
- Two series: TC414 base mount (25t–200t) and DBSL pancake industrial (2t–200t).
- ±0.03% F.S. accuracy, NIST-traceable calibration included.
- Hysteresis <0.02% F.S. Creep <0.02% F.S. (30 min). Rated output 2.0 mV/V.
- IP67 welded seal. Temperature −10°C to +60°C. 350Ω impedance, ±10%.
- Standard in 4–8 cell arrays for truck/railroad scales (50t–200t per cell).
At-a-Glance Specifications
25t–200t (per cell)
±0.03% F.S.
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH (TC414)
350Ω ±10%
−10°C to +60°C
10V DC ±10%
What Are Canister Load Cells
Canister load cells are compression-only transducers designed for high-capacity applications where space is constrained and structural integration is essential. The cylindrical form factor allows direct placement under tank platforms, truck frames, or hopper supports without external mounting brackets. Unlike button load cells or single-element designs, canisters provide predictable load distribution and mechanical stability in multi-cell arrays used for platform scales.
The TC414 series features a base mount configuration ideal for bolt-down installation on truck deck frames or scale platforms. The DBSL pancake variant offers a shorter profile for space-limited tank-support applications. Both deliver identical accuracy and hysteresis performance, differing only in mounting geometry and thread configurations.
How Canister Load Cells Work
Canister load cells operate on the strain gauge principle. A compression force applied to the top surface is transmitted through a stainless steel column to a fixed base. Strain gauges bonded to the column’s outer surface detect elastic deformation and generate a proportional electrical signal via a Wheatstone bridge circuit.
Mechanical Load Path
Load enters through a hardened top platen, concentrates along the column’s central axis, and exits through base pins to the underlying support structure. The IP67 welded seal protects internal components from moisture, dust, and corrosive atmospheres. This design prevents off-axis bending that would compromise accuracy.
Signal Generation & Output
The rated excitation voltage (10V DC) powers the bridge circuit. At zero load, output is nominally zero (balanced bridge). As compression increases, strain causes resistance change in the gauge elements, producing output proportional to applied force. Rated output is 2.0 mV/V, meaning a 25t cell produces 50 mV at rated capacity under 10V excitation.
Multi-Cell Array Configuration
Platform scales typically employ 4–8 cells in parallel. Each cell carries a portion of total platform weight based on relative stiffness and geometry. Load indication systems sum all cell outputs to display total weight. This distributed architecture improves creep stability and thermal compensation compared to single-cell designs.
TC414 vs. DBSL: Series Comparison
Both series deliver ±0.03% accuracy and NIST-traceable calibration. Selection depends on available space and mounting method.
| Parameter | TC414 (Base Mount) | DBSL (Pancake) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity Range | 25t–200t | 2t–200t |
| Height | ~150 mm standard | ~80 mm (compact) |
| Mount Style | M20 base threads, bolt-down feet | M16 top/bottom, spherical seat |
| Rated Output | 2.0 mV/V | 2.0 mV/V |
| Accuracy | ±0.03% FS | ±0.03% FS |
| Hysteresis | <0.02% FS | <0.02% FS |
| Creep (30 min) | <0.02% FS | <0.02% FS |
| Common Applications | Truck scales, railroad deck scales, fixed platforms | Tank scales, hopper mounts, portable platforms |
TC414 cells are standard in heavy-truck checkweigh systems. DBSL cells excel in space-constrained tank and silo applications where height above the support beam must be minimized.
Key Features & Performance Metrics
NIST-Verified Accuracy
±0.03% full-scale accuracy with NIST-traceable calibration certificate. Lab-verified nonlinearity and hysteresis ensure consistent truck scale operation across seasons and load ranges.
IP67 Sealed Design
Welded stainless steel housing with sealed connector blocks internal moisture and contaminants. Rated for wash-down environments and outdoor installations. No recalibration drift due to water ingress.
Exceptional Creep Stability
Creep <0.02% F.S. over 30 minutes ensures stable reading even when vehicle dwells on scale. TC414 base mounts eliminate flexing that causes false weight gain in older systems.
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH
Corrosion-resistant material withstands salt spray (truck scales near roads) and chemical spill environments. Service life exceeds 10 years with minimal maintenance.
Temperature Compensation
Temp coefficient ±0.002% F.S./°C from −10°C to +60°C. Maintains accuracy in unheated outdoor installations. No seasonal recalibration required.
350Ω Standardized Impedance
Compatible with all industrial load cell indicator systems (Lonestar, Pennsylvania Scale, Avery Weigh-Tronix). Drop-in replacement for equivalent-generation cells.
Who Uses Canister Load Cells
Truck scales for permit verification, axle-load compliance, and revenue control. Multi-cell TC414 arrays standardized by DOT testing labs across the U.S.
Train weighing systems where 50t–100t per cell capacity is standard. DBSL variants in modern railhead scales for real-time car-weight reporting.
Tank scales and hopper mounts for inventory control. Pancake design minimizes dead-load error under deep silos.
Embedded into crane hook assemblies for lift verification. TC414 stainless steel withstands marine environments and steel mill wash-down.
Compression testing of structural materials (concrete, composites, metals) where repeatability and low creep are critical for ASTM E4 compliance.
Capacity Selection Guide
Choosing the correct canister capacity requires calculating total platform load and dividing by the number of load cells in your design.
Load Calculation Methodology
Add platform/structure weight, maximum expected load, and a safety margin (typically 25–35%). Divide by the number of cells. For example, a 60-ton truck scale with 4 cells should use 25t–30t rated cells (60 tons ÷ 4 = 15 tons per cell; select 25t for headroom).
Capacity Matrix by Application
- Portable truck scales (2–4 cells): 50t–100t per cell (total scale 100t–400t).
- Fixed truck scales (8 cells): 25t–50t per cell (total scale 200t–400t).
- Tank/hopper scales (3 cells, DBSL): 50t–100t per cell (total scale 150t–300t).
- Railroad car scales (16 cells, mixed): 25t–50t per cell (total scale 400t+).
- Material test rigs: 50t–100t per cell depending on sample size and test type.
Overspeed & Shock Loading
Avoid running scales at rated capacity continuously. Select cells with at least 20% headroom above your maximum expected load. This preserves creep stability and extends calibration life between verifications.
Installation & Maintenance
Base Mounting (TC414)
Bolt TC414 cells to the scale platform using the factory-drilled mounting holes. Ensure the top platen is perpendicular to the mounting surface (check with a spirit level). Use lock washers and Loctite 243 (medium strength) to prevent vibration-induced loosening under heavy truck traffic.
Pancake Mounting (DBSL)
Position DBSL cells under the tank or hopper with spherical seats properly engaged. Allow slight lateral play (1–2 mm) to accommodate platform deflection. Excessive side load will cause erroneous readings and accelerated creep.
Cable Routing & Connector Protection
Route load cell cables in conduit away from engine compartments and high-current power lines. Connector blocks must remain above splash level when installed on truck scales. For outdoor installations, apply dielectric grease to connector pins to prevent corrosion.
Periodic Inspection
Every 6 months, visually inspect cells for cracks (rare but possible under extreme shock) and verify cable continuity with an ohmmeter. Look for salt deposits or rust spots on stainless surfaces; clean with mild detergent and dry promptly. Check that base bolts remain tight (do not exceed 80 Nm torque).
Recalibration Intervals
Recalibrate every 12 months for static truck scales, every 6 months for heavily used railhead systems, and every 24 months for storage tank applications with minimal traffic. Environmental factors (temperature swings, vibration, chemical exposure) accelerate drift; adjust schedules accordingly.
Detailed Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Accuracy (Nonlinearity) | ±0.03% F.S. (NIST-verified) |
| Hysteresis | <0.02% F.S. |
| Repeatability | ±0.01% F.S. |
| Creep (30 min) | <0.02% F.S. |
| Creep (24 hrs) | <0.05% F.S. |
| Rated Output | 2.0 mV/V (typical) |
| Output Impedance | 350Ω ±10% |
| Input Impedance | 380Ω ±10% |
| Excitation (Rated) | 10V DC ±10% |
| Maximum Excitation | 15V DC (brief pulses) |
| Operating Temperature | −10°C to +60°C |
| Temp Coefficient | ±0.002% F.S./°C |
| Storage Temperature | −20°C to +70°C (no excitation) |
| IP Rating | IP67 (welded seal) |
| Material | Stainless Steel 17-4 PH (TC414), Stainless Steel (DBSL) |
| Weight | TC414: ~3.5 kg (50t), ~5.2 kg (100t), ~6.8 kg (200t) |
| Cable | 4-conductor shielded, 28 AWG, 5 m standard |
| Connector | DIN 43650C (standard plug-in), sealed blocks available |
| Calibration | NIST-traceable certificate included with all units |
| Warranty | 2 years parts and labor |
Standards & Compliance
Calibration & Verification Standards
All TC414 and DBSL units are calibrated to NIST standards using deadweight rigs certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Calibration methodology follows ASTM E4-19 (compression) and IEC 60068-2 environmental stress testing protocols.
Scale System Certifications
Cells are suitable for OIML R60 (scales of automatic operation), ISO 6715 (truck scale design), and ISO 6726 (load cell classifications). When integrated into a complete scale system, the system installer is responsible for final certification by an authorized weights-and-measures official or third-party lab.
Environmental & Safety Standards
Stainless steel construction and sealed design comply with RoHS 2 (no lead, mercury, or restricted substances). IP67 rating meets IEC 60529 submersion requirements. All solder joints and circuit traces conform to IPC-A-610 electronics assembly standards.
Replacement Calibration Service
Transcell offers recalibration services for in-service cells. Turnaround is typically 5–7 business days. Verify accreditation at your local metrology institute for regulatory compliance in your jurisdiction.
How Transcell Canister Cells Compare
| Attribute | Transcell TC414/DBSL | Typical Market Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.03% (NIST-verified) | ±0.05%–±0.1% (certificate often lab-stated, not NIST) |
| Creep (30 min) | <0.02% FS | ±0.05% (higher drift = shorter scale life) |
| Stainless Material | 17-4 PH or 300-series (corrosion-resistant) | Carbon steel with paint (rust risk in humid climates) |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.002% F.S./°C (tight compensation) | ±0.005%–±0.01% /°C (requires seasonal adjustment) |
| Lead Time | 1–2 weeks (domestic stock) | 6–12 weeks (import from Asia) |
| Support | Buffalo Grove engineering + calibration in-house | Offshore support + 2–3 week turnaround for calibration |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Upgrade or Deploy Canister Load Cells?
Request a quote, verify compatibility with your existing scale, or discuss your specific capacity and environmental requirements.
Engineering Support
Questions about canister cell selection, multi-cell array design, thermal compensation, or retrofit feasibility?
Our applications team provides fixture design reviews, environmental assessments, and load-path validation.
sales@transcell.com