Load Cells for Chatillon & Lloyd Instruments

Product Compatibility Matrix

Transcell load cells are engineered as drop-in replacements for the following instruments. Each product is designed to match the original load cell’s electrical and mechanical specifications, ensuring seamless integration into your test system.

How Drop-In Replacement Load Cells Work

Replacement load cells restore measurement accuracy to force gauges and testing machines without requiring recalibration of your instrument’s electronics. The load cell transduces mechanical force into an electrical signal proportional to applied load.

Direct Mechanical Fit

Each Transcell replacement load cell is engineered to mount directly into the fixture or housing of the original instrument using the same mounting geometry. No adapter plates or mechanical modification is necessary. The load cell connects to the test specimen or fixture in the same manner as the original.

Electrical Compatibility

All Transcell load cells maintain the standard impedance (350Ω) and excitation voltage (10V DC) required by Chatillon and Lloyd indicator electronics. This means your existing instrument wiring harness connects directly without modification. The electrical output signal remains calibrated to the same millivolt-per-division range.

Calibration Continuity

Each load cell ships with NIST-traceable calibration documentation. Your indicator or control system reads this signal and displays force measurement without requiring new scaling or sensitivity adjustments. If your instrument’s scaling factor was previously set to your test standards, the replacement load cell integrates into that same reference frame.

Stainless Steel Durability

Transcell replacement load cells use stainless steel construction to resist corrosion and mechanical wear. This ensures measurement stability across repeated cycles of tension, compression, or bending stress—common in materials testing, quality assurance, and manufacturing environments.

Who Uses These Replacement Load Cells

Transcell serves three primary customer segments with specialized needs for instrument restoration and maintenance:

Selecting the Right Load Cell for Your Instrument

Load cell selection depends on three factors: instrument type, required load range, and existing calibration framework.

Step 1: Identify Your Instrument

Locate the make and model name on your force gauge or testing machine. Common Chatillon models include DFE3, DFS-R-ND, DFS II-R-ND, DFS3, DFX, DFX II, CS, CS2Plus, and TCD Series. Lloyd machines are typically labeled with model and serial numbers on the frame. Verify the instrument type against the compatibility matrix above.

Step 2: Check Load Cell Mounting

The existing load cell will have a threaded or bolted connection to the test frame. Note the mounting diameter and thread size. Transcell replacements match these dimensions exactly. Do not attempt to force a load cell with incorrect mounting geometry—contact our engineering team if you are uncertain.

Step 3: Determine Load Range

Review your test specifications or calibration certificate. The load range (e.g., 0–500 lbf, 0–2000 N) determines which capacity load cell you require. Higher capacity load cells introduce lower resolution for light loads. Consult our engineering support if your application spans multiple load ranges.

Step 4: Verify Electrical Compatibility

Confirm your indicator or data acquisition system accepts 10V excitation with a 350Ω load cell impedance. This is standard across nearly all Chatillon and Lloyd instruments manufactured in the past two decades. If you operate older or custom-modified equipment, contact us before ordering.

Installation & Mounting

Installation of a replacement load cell is straightforward and requires minimal tools. The process typically takes 15–30 minutes depending on equipment accessibility.

Before You Begin

Power down your testing machine or gauge and disconnect the electrical connector from the existing load cell. If your system uses a cable connector, label it to ensure correct reconnection. For hardwired systems, photograph or document the wiring before disconnection.

Mechanical Removal

Remove the mounting bolts or threaded connectors securing the old load cell to the test frame. Gently withdraw the load cell straight out of its mounting bore. Do not apply lateral force that could damage threads or mounting surfaces. Inspect the bore for dirt, scale, or damage. Clean with a soft brush or cloth if necessary.

New Load Cell Installation

Align the replacement load cell with the mounting bore. Insert it straight in, ensuring threads or mounting features engage smoothly. Do not force the load cell—if resistance is encountered, realign and try again. Once fully seated, tighten mounting bolts or fasteners to a firm tension (typically 15–25 ft-lbf, depending on mounting style). Do not over-tighten.

Electrical Connection

Reconnect the electrical cable or harness to the new load cell. If your system uses a keyed connector, it will only fit in the correct orientation. If wired directly, match your documented wire labels or contact our support team if uncertain. Tighten any connector set-screws with a small wrench to prevent vibration-induced loosening.

Initial Checkout

Power on your instrument and allow it to stabilize for 2–3 minutes. Zero the display or indicator. Apply a known reference load and verify that the indicator reading matches your calibration curve. Small variations (±1–2%) are normal; larger deviations may indicate incorrect wiring or an incompatible load cell. Contact us if issues persist.

Calibration & NIST Traceability

Every Transcell replacement load cell includes NIST-traceable calibration documentation. This ensures your measurement results maintain compliance with ISO 7500-1 (materials testing machines) and other force measurement standards.

Calibration Certificate Contents

Your load cell’s certificate specifies the calibration point data: applied load in newtons or pounds-force (lbf), and corresponding electrical output in millivolts. The slope of this line defines the sensitivity (mV per unit load). This information allows your indicator or data system to scale the load cell output correctly.

Recalibration Intervals

Load cells drift over time due to mechanical stress, temperature cycling, and electrical aging. Industry practice recommends recalibration every 12–24 months, depending on test frequency and load severity. Transcell offers recalibration services with current NIST traceability. Return your load cell for measurement and certification.

In-Service Verification

Many testing labs use reference weights or deadweight testers to verify load cell performance between formal calibrations. Apply known weights at regular intervals and check indicator readings against your calibration curve. Drift greater than 1–2% indicates that recalibration is needed.

Pricing Overview

Transcell load cells are priced competitively based on load capacity and instrument complexity. All prices include NIST-traceable calibration, stainless steel construction, and U.S. fulfillment from our Buffalo Grove facility.

Volume pricing available for orders of 5 or more units. Contact us for a custom quote.

Related Products & Resources

Frequently Asked Questions