Do load cell sensitivity values need to match?

Hardy Process Solutions weight controllers support load cell sensitivity ranges 0.9 mV/V to 3 mV/V. Using a combination of sensitivity ranges in a system will lead to inaccurate weight readings. Using matched sensitivity values is the preferred method.

If you use load cells with different sensitivity you will probably experience symptoms that would look like uneven weight readings from corner to corner. If you had two 100 lb 2 mV/V load cells on one side and two 100 lb 3 mV/V load cells on the opposite side.  With 5 volts excitation 100 lbs on the 2 mV/V side the signal out would read 10mV, on the 3mV/V side 15mV.  Shifting a load off center would cause large weight reading shifts.

Another view is 100lb on a 100 lb 1mV/V load cell signal output equals a 200 lb 2 mV/V load cell or a 300 lb 3 mV/V load cell in millivolt output.  The signal output is the same with the same weight applied due to the Mv/V rating.  
100lb 1mV/V load cell with 100lb applied = 5mV
200lb 2mV/V load cell with 100lb applied = 5mV
300lb 3mV/V load cell with 100lb applied = 5mV.

There are load cells with ranges outside the range mentioned above.  The maximum input range for the Hardy weight controller is -.5 mV to +15.5 mV.  4 mV/V type load cells can be used, but only the first 75% will register on the controller. 
The HI 3030 weight controller has a selectable expanded ranges to +/- 120 mV/V. The HI 3030 can use LVDT load cells.

The HI6300 series range is selectable from 0.1mV/V to 5mV/V ranges.

The load cell serial number is your link to identify and associate the correct load cell with it's certificate. Hardy Advantage series Load Cell certificates can be found online in most cases.  We are tracking all load cells equipped with C2 technology since 1999.  Load cells older than that may not be stored.

Go to hardysolutions.com/online-certification-tool and enter the serial number on your Hardy Load Cell.