Compression Scale vs Force Gauge vs Load Cell: Which Do You Need?
Compression scale vs force gauge vs load cell: a load cell is the bare sensor, a compression scale pairs one with a display from 1,000 lb to 100,000 lb, and a force gauge such as the Dillon GL-050 handles small push and pull forces at $569.00, in stock.
Short answer: a load cell is the sensor only; it needs an indicator and a frame before it shows a number. A compression scale is a load cell already paired with a display, ready to read pushing force out of the box, from 1,000 lb up to 100,000 lb. A force gauge is a handheld instrument for small push and pull forces, such as the Dillon GL-050 (50 N / 11 lbf), with peak hold and attachments for testing parts. Pick a force gauge for forces under about 11 lb, a compression scale to read large forces without building anything, and a bare load cell when you are building the force into a machine, press or fixture.
Customers often call us asking for a “compression scale” when they really need a force gauge, or the other way around. All three products measure force with a strain-gauge sensor, but they are built for very different jobs. MNM Scales is one of the largest scale distributors in the country, with over 30 years in business, and we stock complete compression scales, force gauges and replacement load cells. Here is how to tell them apart.
Compression scale vs force gauge vs load cell at a glance
| Load cell | Compression scale | Force gauge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Sensor only | Load cell + indicator, calibrated as a set | Handheld sensor + display in one unit |
| Typical range | Grams to 100,000 lb and more | 1,000 to 100,000 lb | A few ounces to about 11 lbf (50 N) on the GL-050 |
| Reads out of the box? | No, needs an indicator and wiring | Yes | Yes |
| Direction | Compression, tension or both | Compression (the 10,000 lb tension/compression model reads both) | Push and pull |
| Best for | Building presses, tanks, fixtures and repairs | Press loads, jacks, springs, bearings, structural tests | Spring, switch, connector and product QC |
| Example | IDS-672-10K, A&D CP-1 10 kN | 10,000 x 1 lb compression scale | Dillon GL-050 |
Load cells: the sensor inside everything
A load cell is a machined steel or aluminum element with strain gauges bonded to it. Force bends the element slightly, and the gauges change a small millivolt signal that an indicator converts into a reading. By itself it shows nothing, so you need a scale indicator, cable and a mounting that loads it straight. Choose a bare load cell when you are building the measurement into a press, a test fixture or a tank, or replacing a failed cell. Options include the MNM Scales IDS-672-10K pancake cell (10,000 lb, tension and compression, with certificate), the LPD-CT-100K low-profile disk (100,000 lb compression) and the A&D CP-1 10 kN compression cell. Our load cell buying guide covers shapes, capacities and wiring in detail.
Compression scales: ready-to-read force systems
A compression scale pairs a low-profile compression load cell with a portable indicator and power cord, calibrated together so you can set it under a press, jack or test load and read force right away. Our complete sets cover a wide range:
- 5,000 x 1 lb and 10,000 x 1 lb low-profile compression scales for presses, jacks and component tests.
- 25,000 x 2 lb, 50,000 x 2 lb and 100,000 x 10 lb sets for heavy press, structural and bearing loads. Our 100,000 lb load cells and systems also serve military, defense and aerospace customers.
- 1,000 x 0.1 lb S-type compression scale with indicator for finer readings at lower loads.
- 10,000 x 0.5 lb tension/compression scale, calibrated and ready to use, with RS-232C output and a rechargeable battery, for pulling and pushing tests.
- Coil spring compression scale, 1,000 x 0.2 lb with an S-type load cell, for race car and suspension springs.
For spring testing, divide the force by the distance the spring compressed to get the spring rate. A spring that reads 450 lb at 1.5 in of travel has a rate of 300 lb/in. Measure at two or three heights to confirm the rate is linear.
Force gauges: small forces, peak readings
A force gauge is built for the bench and for small forces. The Dillon GL-050 reads 50 N x 0.02 N (5 kgf x 0.002 kgf, 11 lbf x 0.005 lbf) with accuracy of ±0.4% of capacity. It measures tension and compression, has a peak mode for break and release tests, outputs data over RS-232, and runs about 10 hours on its rechargeable battery. It ships in a case with a hook, flat plate, cone point, chisel, inverted chisel, extension rod, charger and calibration card.
Hand-held readings vary with how straight you push. For repeatable results, mount the gauge on a test stand such as the MNM Scales CT Test Stand (Dillon part 52751-1885), sold separately and not included with the gauge.
How to choose: force range, direction and setup
- Find your maximum force and add a margin. Choose a capacity about 25 to 50% above your highest expected load, but not so large that your smallest reading loses resolution (see capacity and readability explained).
- Convert units. 1 lbf = 4.448 N, 1 kgf = 9.807 N, and 10 kN is about 2,248 lbf.
- Decide the direction. Pushing only calls for a compression scale or cell; pulling, or both, calls for a tension/compression S-type scale or a force gauge. For lifting loads overhead, use a crane scale instead (see how to choose a crane scale).
- Load it straight. Center the load on the loading button, use flat, parallel platens, and avoid side loads, which cause errors and can damage the cell.
- Plan the readout. Need records? Look for RS-232 output. Need a ready answer on the shop floor? A complete compression scale saves building time.
Calibration and repair
Force systems drift like scales do, especially after overloads or side loads. MNM Scales calibrates load cell systems and compression scales, repairs all brands and types of scales and stocks replacement load cells and indicators (see indicator calibration). Call us with your capacity and readout for a calibration quote, and see what scale calibration costs, NIST-traceable vs in-house certificates and how often to calibrate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a load cell and a compression scale?
A load cell is only the sensor and needs an indicator, wiring and mounting to show a reading. A compression scale is a load cell already paired with a display and calibrated as a set, so it reads force out of the box.
When should I use a force gauge instead of a compression scale?
Use a force gauge for small push and pull forces, such as springs, switches and connectors. The Dillon GL-050 reads up to 50 N (11 lbf). Use a compression scale for large forces from 1,000 lb up to 100,000 lb.
What capacity compression scales does MNM Scales carry?
MNM Scales carries complete compression scales of 1,000 lb, 5,000 lb, 10,000 lb, 25,000 lb, 50,000 lb and 100,000 lb, plus a 10,000 lb tension and compression scale.
How do I measure spring rate with a compression scale?
Compress the spring a known distance and divide the force by that distance. A spring that reads 450 lb at 1.5 inches of travel has a rate of 300 lb per inch.
Is a test stand included with the Dillon GL-050 force gauge?
The MNM Scales CT Test Stand (Dillon part 52751-1885) is sold separately and not included. The gauge ships with a hook, flat plate, cone point, chisel, inverted chisel, extension rod, case, charger and calibration card.
Can MNM Scales calibrate my compression scale or load cell system?
Yes. MNM Scales calibrates load cell systems and compression scales and repairs all brands and types of scales. Call (832) 290-3120 with your capacity and readout for a quote.