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Small strain gages are fitted to the member of the cell where force is applied. The member itself flexes or moves
slightly when the load is applied. When this happens the strain gage also stretches slightly. Since it is really a precision resistor, the resistance changes proportional to the
load. The strain gage is connected to electronic circuitry which measures the change in resistance and this change is reflected in an electric or electronic display.
System costs vary with load capacity, overload capacity and accuracy requirements. A simple system with standard cells
and display with calibration would cost in the $2000 neighborhood. Capacities range from pounds to hundreds of tons.
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