Description
Chatillon E46-033-2 | S-Beam Load Cell, In Stock
Architect’s Product Breakdown
The Chatillon E46-033-2 operates as a precision S-beam load cell designed to capture accurate mechanical force data in both tension and compression vectors. Engineered with a robust stainless steel body and hermetically sealed against moisture and corrosive process environments, this transducer is widely used in automated test fixtures, materials testing labs, spring testing machines, and component insertion force inspection.
Because Chatillon force measurement systems require exact matching of sensitivity ratings and bridge resistances, locating an authentic part number replacement is critical. Swapping a failed sensor requires careful mechanical alignment of the 1/4″-20 threaded mounting ends to prevent side-load twisting, alongside proper calibration of the connected digital force indicator or PLC analog input module.
E46-033-2
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Series | Chatillon E46 Series S-Beam Load Cell |
| Model / Part Number | E46-033-2 |
| Capacity | 33 lbf (146.8 N) full-scale range |
| Measurement Mode | Bidirectional (Tension and Compression via Suffix -2) |
| Accuracy Class | ±0.1% Full Scale (FS) static accuracy |
| Output Sensitivity | 2.0 mV/V nominal output @ full rated load |
| Bridge Resistance | 350 Ω ±2 Ω Wheatstone full bridge |
| Mechanical Interface | 1/4″-20 UNC male threaded ends on both axes |
| Environmental Protection | IP65 fully welded hermetic sealed stainless steel cavity |
Field Engineer’s Pitfall Guide
- WARNING: Off-Axis Side Loading. Applying angular or transverse side-loads to the S-beam instead of a pure axial pull/push will distort strain gauge readings and permanently damage the internal flexure geometry.
- WARNING: Over-Excitation Voltage. Supplying bridge excitation voltage beyond the manufacturer maximum threshold will overheat the internal strain resistors and burn out the Wheatstone bridge circuit.
- WARNING: Cable Tension Strain. Failing to secure the shielded signal lead with proper strain relief near the gland entry can snap internal wire joints under continuous dynamic motion cycling.
- Field Anecdote: I remember a component testing bench experiencing drifting zero values because the replacement load cell cable shield was left floating instead of being tied securely to the cabinet ground bar, allowing ambient electromagnetic noise to inject error into the mV/V signal loop.
QA & Testing SOP
- Visual & Origin Verification: Inspect the stainless steel body for surface pitting, check threaded ends for thread galling, and verify original Chatillon manufacturing labels and serial stamps.
- Live Test Bench Environment: Mount the load cell onto a certified vertical calibration test rig coupled to a regulated 10V DC bridge excitation supply.
- Electrical & Load Testing: Measure bridge resistance across excitation and signal leads for balance, verify zero-balance tolerance, and apply incremental calibration weights to test linearity across the 33 lbf span.
- Anti-Static & Secure Packaging: Enclose the transducer in heavy protective cushioning to protect threaded studs and signal cables from impact damage during shipping.
Technical FAQ
Can the E46-033-2 be connected directly to a standard PLC analog input card?
Not directly. Because it outputs a low-amplitude raw mV/V signal, it requires an intermediate signal conditioner, strain gauge amplifier, or a dedicated Chatillon digital force display unit.
What does the “-2” suffix designate in the model code?
The “-2” suffix typically denotes dual bidirectional operation, supporting both tension (pull) and compression (push) force measurement.
What causes a load cell to exhibit permanent zero offset drift?
Permanent zero drift usually points to mechanical overload beyond the safe limit, physical shock from dropping the sensor, or thermal stress fatigue on the internal strain gauges.
Is this specific load cell model still actively produced by Chatillon?
No. The E46 series includes legacy configurations, making verified surplus inventory or compatible modern Chatillon S-beam equivalents the standard replacement paths.
