Pancake, Button, Washer, Ring and In-Line Load Cells Explained

Quick answer: load cells come in several physical shapes, and the shape decides where they fit and what they can measure. Compression types (canister or column, pancake and disk, button, washer) are pushed. Tension types (S-type, in-line and load pins) are pulled. Some, like S-type and universal cells, handle both. Ring torsion and washer cells suit low-profile and through-bolt jobs. Choose by the direction of force, the space available, the capacity and the environment. This guide explains each shape in plain language, shows which of our load cells fit each, and gives a simple table for choosing between them. For the main weighing types, also read load cell types.

Tension and compression: the first question

Every load cell measures force along a particular direction. Before choosing a shape, decide how the force acts.

• Compression: the load squeezes the cell. A tank sitting on a cell, or a truck on a weighbridge, is compression.
• Tension: the load pulls the cell apart. A hopper hanging from a rod, or a crane scale, is tension.
• Both: some cells, such as S-types and universal cells, measure pull and push, which is useful for testing machines.

A cell used in the wrong direction or loaded off-axis gives wrong readings and can be damaged. Our load cell installation guide covers load alignment.

Canister (column) load cells

A canister or column cell is a sturdy cylinder that carries heavy compression loads straight down its axis. It is the workhorse for weighbridges, silos and heavy tanks. Many have a domed or self-aligning top that tolerates small misalignment and side forces. Examples in our range include the Revere ASC2 (30, 40 and 50 t, stainless steel, hermetically sealed, IP66, IP68 and IP69K), the Tedea-Huntleigh Model 120 (3 to 50 t) and the Revere CSP multi-column design. Browse the canister load cells category.

Pancake, disk and low-profile load cells

A pancake cell is a short, wide disk. It is chosen when height is limited, and because the wide base spreads the load. Compression disks suit truck scales, hoppers and test machines. Some pancake cells can also measure tension when fitted with threaded studs. Our range includes the Celtron PSD precision shear web disk and the Celtron low-profile compression disk, along with the Sensortronics 98001 low-profile universal cell. See the tension and compression disks category.

Ring torsion load cells

A ring torsion cell is a ring-shaped, low-profile stainless steel cell that measures compression through a twisting action in the ring. It is compact and robust, and suits platform scales, belt scales, silos and hoppers, especially in hygienic or wet areas. The Revere RLC covers 250 kg to 60 t, is hermetically sealed with IP66 and IP68 ratings and offers IP69K on some capacities.

Button load cells

A button cell is a small compression cell with a raised, rounded top (the button), often used where a load is applied through a point or a small contact area. They are common in force testing, press monitoring and other places where space is tight. Because they are loaded at a point, the load must be applied squarely and through a hardened, flat surface. We do not list button cells as a stocked category, so tell us your force, space and connection if you need one.

Washer (through-hole) load cells

A washer cell has a hole through the middle so that a bolt, rod or pin can pass through. It measures the clamping force or preload in bolted joints, and is used in presses, clamps and structural monitoring. It must be installed with the bolt centred and the surfaces flat and parallel. Ask us if you have a washer-type requirement.

S-type load cells

An S-type cell is shaped like the letter S, with threaded holes at the top and bottom. It works in tension and in compression, and is widely used for hanging scales, hoppers and force testing. Examples include the Revere 9363 (50 to 10,000 kg), the Sensortronics 60063 (500 to 20,000 lb) and the 60001. See S-type load cells.

In-line (rod-end) load cells

An in-line cell is a cylinder with a thread or eye at each end, fitted straight into a rod, cable or chain so that the load passes through it. It suits lifting, winches and tensioning where an S-type is too bulky or not suitable. Fit rod ends or swivels so the load stays on the cell’s axis and avoid side loading.

Load pins (shear pins)

A load pin replaces a clevis pin or shaft in a rigging point. It measures the shear force through the pin. Load pins are used on cranes, sheaves, towing hitches and winches, where the force is already carried by a pin. They are installed during design or retrofit, and orientation matters because they measure in one direction.

Beams: bending and shear

Beam cells are bars loaded at one end or in the middle. Single point and single-ended beams carry platforms and floor scales. Double-ended shear beams carry tanks, bins and truck scales. See single point vs shear beam vs S-type, and browse single ended and double ended shear beams.

Choosing the shape: a comparison table

Five questions to settle the choice

1. Is the force push, pull or both?
2. How much height is available? Low height points to pancake, disk or ring torsion cells.
3. What capacity, including safety margin? See choosing the right load cell.
4. What environment? Wet or hygienic areas favour sealed stainless steel. See washdown load cells.
5. How is it mounted? Threads, studs, a base plate or a pin all change the answer.

Worked example: a hanging hopper

A 500 kg hopper holds up to 1,500 kg and hangs from three rods. Each rod carries about 667 kg, so with a 1.5 times margin an S-type or in-line tension cell of around 1,000 kg is needed per rod. S-types are simple to fit with rod ends. If headroom is limited or the rods are short, an in-line cell may fit better.

Mounting notes by shape

Common mistakes with unusual shapes

• Loading a compression cell in tension, or the reverse.
• Applying the force off-centre or with side load.
• Using soft or uneven surfaces under the cell.
• Forgetting that low-profile cells have a small allowable misalignment.
• Choosing on capacity alone without checking the mounting and environment.

Worked example: canister or ring torsion for a hopper?

A 4,000 kg hopper sits on four supports in a food plant that is washed daily. Each support carries about 1,000 kg, so with a 1.5 times margin a cell of around 1,500 to 2,000 kg capacity is needed. A canister cell is strong and simple, but it needs headroom for the cap and base. A ring torsion cell is shorter and is available in hermetically sealed stainless steel with high IP ratings, which suits washdown. Where height is limited and hygiene matters, the ring torsion cell is the better fit. Where headroom is generous and the environment is dry, a canister cell may be lower cost. The choice comes from the space and the environment, not just the capacity.

Loading surfaces and alignment

Compression cells depend on a flat, hard, parallel loading surface. A soft or uneven plate lets the cell tilt, which adds side load and error. Use hardened plates or the maker’s base and cap, keep them clean and check them for wear. In tension, use rod ends that can swivel so the pull stays on the cell’s axis.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pancake load cell?

A short, wide disk-shaped cell used when height is limited.

What is a column load cell?

Another name for a canister cell, a vertical cylinder for heavy compression loads.

Can one cell measure both tension and compression?

Yes, S-types and universal cells do, but check the datasheet for the rated directions.

What is a load pin used for?

To measure force in a pin-connected rigging point, replacing the existing pin.

Do you supply button, washer and load pin cells?

Our listed range covers canister, disk, ring torsion, S-type and beam cells. Ask us about others via the contact page.

Next steps

Read load cell brands and models explained, tension load cells for crane scales and our complete load cell guide.