Web Tension Load Cell By Shivay Sensor

A web tension load cell is a specialized type of force sensor designed to precisely measure the tension or pulling force in continuous web materials like paper, film, foil, textiles, wire, and cable. These materials are common in roll-to-roll manufacturing processes such as printing, laminating, coating, slitting, and packaging.

How They Work

Web tension load cells typically employ strain gauge technology. They're often integrated into a roller or pulley system over which the web material passes. As the material pulls on the roller, the load cell's internal sensing element (often a precisely machined metal body) undergoes minute deformation. Strain gauges, bonded to this element, detect these changes in electrical resistance, which are then converted into an electrical wave proportional to the applied tension. Some advanced designs can measure both horizontal and vertical forces, allowing for accurate tension measurement regardless of the roll's orientation.

Maintaining consistent web tension is crucial for product quality and production efficiency. Inconsistent tension can lead to defects like wrinkles, tears, misregistration in printing, and uneven coatings. Web tension load cells provide real-time feedback to a control system, which then adjusts motors or brakes to maintain the desired tension level. This closed-loop control system helps prevent tension imbalances, reduces waste, and maximizes throughput. They are essential components in industries where precise control over material handling is paramount.