A new deadweight force standard machine for classifying C6 load cells under temperature conditions

While the main focus of Force Standard Machines (FSM) is on the uncertainty and traceability to national or international standards when calibrating force transducers, the linearity, hysteresis and reproducibility requirements under thermal conditions are at the forefront when testing load cells [1]. Beyond that it is often underestimated that deadweight machines are unavoidable for the requirements of C6 load cells in accordance with OIML R60 [2]. But such deadweight machines largely determine the cost and at the end the selling price of the individual load cell. This results in the need to find an economical solution for the standard machine through new concepts.

This paper describes the design and performance of a new 2000 kg standard machine for economic testing of C6 load cells under temperature conditions by implementing a load cell magazine, full automation and digital connection to the production network of Minebea Intec at Hamburg, a leading global manufacturer of industrial weighing and inspection technologies.