Comptrol makes complete systems for measuring and maintaining the tension of materials. The more you know about the process, the better position you will be in to make important decisions for your company. Not everyone understands the basic principles behind load cells, and this is especially true when it comes to the tension load cell. Here is a quick guide to things like load cells, amplifiers, sensors, and transducers.
What Is A Load Cell?
Load cells measure force applied to an item, and then turns the measurement into electrical signals that can be easily understood (a digital readout on a scale for example).
Why Use a Load Cell Amplifier?
An amplifier measures the load cell signal and calculates a specific value to be used for tension control.
What is a Load Cell Transducer?
Transducers have the ability to take an analog signal, such as a signal from an LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) device, and turn it into a digital signal that a microprocessor can read to provide digital readings.
By using a load cell sensor and load cell amplifier with other equipment, you can create a tension control system that automatically keeps controlled tension on material, on a roll, in a manufacturing process.
Now that you know a little more about tension load cell technology, take a look at some of the options from Comptrol. You can click on the various tabs to see the different series and manual downloads are also available.
Tension Cells
Series 20
Series 20 Tensioncell
- Thin Profile, only 1-3/8” wide
- Up to 3 VDC output direct from the transducer
- Capacity ranges up to 90 pounds
- 1000% overload protection
- Side or base mount inside or outside the machine frame
- Thru-hole roll support with a self-aligning bearing or bushing for rotating or non-rotating shaft
- Made in the U.S.A.
Downloads
Series 30
Model BC36
Model BC30
Model BB30
Model BA30Series 30 Tensioncell
- Compact 4 cubic inch design
- Four models with capacity ranges up to 500 pounds
- Up to 3 volt DC output direct from the transducer
- 1000% overload protection
- Single-bolt mounting allows tension range to be adjusted over a four to one range
- Integral bearing or bushing to accommodate rotating or non-rotating roll, pulley, or sheave applications
- Made in the U.S.A.
Comptrol Series 30 Tensioncells are available in eleven capacity ranges for applications with resultant loads (tension plus tare) from 4 to 500 pounds. They are simple to install and operate. They are unusually rugged and versatile, and incorporate a number of exclusive features which eliminate many of the problems associated with strain gage and other types of tension transducers.
Series 30 Tensioncells are mounted by means of a single bolt located in line with the axis of the measuring roll. This permits the tensioncell to be rotated to obtain the maximum electrical output signal, under widely varying forces of strip tension and tare weight. Electrical zero adjustment is provided by a Comptrol Tension Indicator or control.
Downloads
Series 40
Model H40
Model C42
Model P43
Model C41Series 40 Tensioncell
- Eleven capacity ranges up to 500 pounds
- Up to 3 VDC output direct from the transducer
- Three standard roll support configurations
- Under Pillow Block (UPB) mount H40
- Low profile C41 features integral side bearing support
- High Profile C42 with top mounted bearing roll support
- Models P43, Q43 with integral side bearing support are interchangeable with standard pillow bearings
- 1000% overload protection
Comptrol Series 40 Tensioncells are available in eleven capacity ranges for applications with resultant loads (tension plus tare) from 4 to 500 pounds. They are simple to install and operate. They are unusually rugged and versatile, and incorporate a number of exclusive features which eliminate many of the problems associated with strain gage and other types of tension transducers.
Models 40, 41, and 42 are base mounted by means of four bolts. Models P43, Q43, and R43 require two bolts and are interchangeable with standard pillow block bearings.
Electrical zero adjustment is provided by a Comptrol Tension Indicator or control.
Downloads
BRT Series
BRT Series Tensioncell
- Space-saving low profile design
- Up to 3 VDC output direct from the transducer
- Capacity ranges up to 2500 pounds
- Base mount under roll supports any angle around the axis of the measuring roll
- 1000% overload protection
For Segment Roll Applications
Series 150 Low Profile Tensioncells and Tension Indicator Controls were designed as a retrofit for applications where space is minimum. They can be utilized in applications requiring one to six loadcells to support segmented tension measuring rolls. These low profile Tensioncells are equipped with a standard Dc LVDT, and provide a high level output signal, which is directly proportional to the tension load applied. This series provides a maximum output of three volts Dc direct from the tension transducer (load cell). The output includes the total of both the force created by tension in the sheet and tare weight of the measuring rolls and bearings. The maximum rating of Tensioncell is shown in Table A. The flexure of each Series 150 Tensioncell is grounded to provide the maximum voltage output for the specific application. The electrical plug connection can be applied at either side of the connection terminal.
Downloads
| Model | Model | Max Load Capacity | Max Output per Unit | Mounting | Shaft Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 20 Tensioncell | BB20 | 20 | 3.0 VDC | Side | Rotating Shaft Non-Rotating |
| Series 20 Tensioncell | BC20 | 20 | 3.0 VDC | Side | Rotating Shaft Non-Rotating |
| Series 30 Tensioncell | BA30 | 500 | 3.0 VDC | Side | Sheave / Pulley |
| Series 30 Tensioncell | BB30 | 500 | 3.0 VDC | Side | Non-Rotating Shaft |
| Series 30 Tensioncell | BC30 | 500 | 3.0 VDC | Side | Rotating Shaft |
| Series 36 Tensioncell | BC36 | 500 | 3.0 VDC | Side | Rotating Shaft |
| Series 40 Tensioncell | H40 | 500 | 3.0 VDC | Base | N/A |
| Series 40 Tensioncell | C41 | 500 | 3.0 VDC | Base | Rotating Shaft |
| Series 40 Tensioncell | C42 | 500 | 3.0 VDC | Base | Rotating Shaft |
| Series 40 Tensioncell | P43 | 500 | 3.0 VDC | Base | Rotating Shaft |
| Series 40 Tensioncell | Q43 | 500 | 3.0 VDC | Base | Rotating Shaft |
| Series 40 Tensioncell | R43 | 500 | 3.0 VDC | Base | Rotating Shaft |
| Series 150 Tensioncell | BRT151 | 750 | 3.0 VDC | Base (UPB) Under Pillow Block | Pillow Block |
| Series 150 Tensioncell | BRT156 | 1250 | 3.0 VDC | Base (UPB) Under Pillow Block | Pillow Block |
| Series 150 Tensioncell | BRT157 | 1500 | 3.0 VDC | Base (UPB) Under Pillow Block | Pillow Block |
| Series 150 Tensioncell | BRT158 | 2000 | 3.0 VDC | Base (UPB) Under Pillow Block | Pillow Block |
| Series 150 Tensioncell | BRT159 | 2500 | 3.0 VDC | Base (UPB) Under Pillow Block | Pillow Block |