CANISTER LOAD CELLS
High-Accuracy Canister Load Cells Made in the USA for Industrial Force Measurement
FEATURES
MSNST #11XXXXX & #12XXXXX Load Cell Highlights:
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Capacities from 100 pounds all the way to 10,000,000 LBS
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Models available for measuring both compression and tension
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Optional connector, dual-bridge, or integral cable configurations
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
A canister load cell is a cylindrical force sensor designed to measure high-capacity compression and, depending on the configuration, tension loads in demanding industrial applications. Their robust construction and ability to withstand repetitive loading make canister load cells well suited for applications requiring high capacity, durability, and reliable force measurement.
MSNST manufactures canister load cells and column-style load cells with capacities ranging from approximately 100 lbf to 10,000,000 lbf. Models are available for compression and tension measurement, with configurations engineered for applications ranging from heavy-duty presses and structural testing to pile testing and industrial weighing systems.
Canister load cells can be manufactured from 17-4PH stainless steel, 4340 carbon steel, or A36 alloy steel, with optional hermetic sealing available for applications requiring additional protection against water and demanding environmental conditions. MSNST can also provide connector, integral cable, and dual-bridge configurations depending on application requirements.
For applications that cannot be served by a standard sensor, MSNST's engineering team can customize the canister load cell around the required capacity, dimensions, mounting arrangement, bridge resistance, excitation, electrical output, cabling, and operating conditions. MSNST can also provide replacements for discontinued or obsolete canister and column-style load cells.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Canister load cells are commonly used where high forces, repetitive loading, and demanding operating conditions require a durable force measurement solution. Their cylindrical construction makes them particularly well suited for heavy industrial equipment, testing systems, and high-capacity weighing applications.
Common applications include:
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Pile & Structural Testing – Measure compression forces during pile load testing, structural qualification, and other high-capacity testing applications.
Industrial Presses – Monitor compression and forming forces in hydraulic, mechanical, and other heavy-duty press systems
Material & Component Testing – Measure compression or tension forces during product qualification, fatigue testing, and other test applications.
Heavy Industrial Equipment – Integrate high-capacity force measurement into steel, manufacturing, construction, and other industrial machinery.
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High-Capacity Weighing – Measure large loads in industrial weighing systems where capacity, durability, and repeatability are critical.
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Custom & Replacement Applications – Replace discontinued or obsolete canister load cells or engineer configurations around specialized equipment, mounting requirements, and electrical specifications.
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Tank Systems – Monitor and measure loads in industrial storage tanks, silos, and vessels to support accurate weighing, inventory management, and process control.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT Canister Load Cell
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Capacity & Load Direction
Determine the maximum force the load cell will experience and select a capacity that provides an appropriate safety margin for overloads and shock loads. MSNST can manufacture canister load cells from approximately 100 lbf to 10,000,000 lbf, with configurations available for compression and tension measurement.
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Mounting & Load Conditions
Evaluate how the load will be introduced into the sensor, including mounting surfaces, alignment, available space, and potential side loads. Canister load cells are designed primarily for axial loading, so proper installation and alignment help minimize bending and off-axis forces that can affect measurement performance.
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Accuracy & Environment
Consider the required accuracy, repeatability, temperature range, moisture exposure, corrosion, and other operating conditions. Construction material, hermetic sealing, cabling, bridge resistance, electrical output, and other specifications can be selected or customized to support the application.
SPECIFICATIONS
Construction | 17-4PH Stainless Steel, 4340 Carbon Steel, or A36 Alloy Steel |
Example Capacities US LBF | 300 LBF ; 1K LBF ; 10K LBF ; 50K LBF ; 100K LBF ; 500K LBF ; 1M LBF ; 2M LBF |
Example Capacities Metric kN | 1 kN ; 4 kN ; 44 kN ; 222 kN ; 444 kN ; 2224 kN ; 4448 kN ; 8896 kN |
Excitation Voltage | 10V–15V |
Excitation Voltage
AC / DC | 2 mV / V | 3 mV / V, 0V–5V, 4mA–20mA (customer preference) |
Temperature Range
(additional ranges optional) | 10°F — 110°F | (-12°C — 43°C) |
Bridge Resistance | 450Ω / 480Ω | 350Ω, 1000Ω, 5000Ω (customer preference) |
Insulation Resistance | 5000 MΩ |
Accuracy & Precision | Linearity: 0.05% FS | Repeatability: 0.03% FS |
Maximun Load | Safe: 150% | Ultimate: 400% |
Please note that specifications or results may vary as we strive to improve our products. Additional information including dimensions and technical drawings available upon request.