MV-LC0232 Low-Force Compression Load Cell, 10-500 N

METRAVON MV-LC0232 is a low-force compression load cell with 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 N rating options. Its short circular housing differs from a threaded pull/push sensor: the assembly must deliver force to the designated compression face while supporting the base. The 15 mm outer diameter is a useful space check, but not a complete mounting specification.

Identify the loaded face and the restrained surface

Use the outline and force-direction drawing to define which surface receives the load and which surface supports the sensor. Keep retainers and nearby parts from forming an unintended parallel load path. The drawing includes small fixing features; obtain the full mounting detail and engagement requirement before making the base rather than inferring a clamp design from a photograph.

Small forces make cable and contact effects visible

When selecting the lower ranges, include the weight of the contact part and any fixture preload. Support the cable so normal machine movement cannot pull on the housing or change the unloaded reading. Test the final contact position, not just a loose unit on a bench, because a tilted or rubbing mating part can alter the force reaching the sensor.

METRAVON MV-LC0232 low-force compression load cell, 10-500 n — Miniature compression sensor with discrete 10-500 N ratings; the loaded face and base support need a fixture-level check.

Separate analogue acquisition from process communication

The sensor produces a 1 mV/V nominal bridge output and uses a 5 V reference excitation. It does not directly provide 4-20 mA or a serial data stream. A bridge instrument or conditioner must supply excitation, measure the differential voltage and establish the scale factor. If the project needs PLC or data logger integration, include that equipment in the enquiry so the output interface is selected explicitly.

Item	Value	Use / fit
Rated force options	10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 N	A separate selected range, not an adjustable capacity setting.
Nominal sensitivity	1 mV/V; +/-10%	Use individual calibration to set span.
Nonlinearity / hysteresis / repeatability	Each +/-0.2% Cn	Review against the required force decision, not an assumed accuracy class.
Creep / DR	+/-0.2% / 30 min	Check sustained compression if the process includes a hold.
Zero balance	+/-0.05 mV/V	The reader needs sufficient initial offset adjustment.
Bridge resistance, input / output	350 +/-30 / 350 +/-3 ohms	Match the measuring input and excitation source.
Service temperature	-10 to +50 deg C	Nominal temperature range is -10 to +40 deg C.
Construction	Stainless steel; IP66	Confirm sealing of the completed installation separately.

Verify the repeatable force that the process needs

Commission at representative loads within the selected rating, using the final support, contact and cable arrangement. Record repeated loading, unloading and zero return. Where the process holds force, include the actual duration in the check; the catalogue creep/DR figure is specified over 30 minutes and is not a substitute for the agreed process acceptance limit.

If the fixture must transmit axial tension, review MV-LC0231 and design around its threaded connections.

Mounting and measurement questions

Q1. Can this sensor replace a threaded tension/compression unit?

Not as a direct mechanical substitute. MV-LC0232 is documented for compression, whereas a threaded bidirectional assembly carries load through its attachments. A replacement requires a new load-path review, not merely matching the force rating.

Q2. What should be supplied for a mounting review?

Send a cross-section showing the contact face, supporting base, retention and moving parts. Add the selected rating, expected preload, cable route, temperature and bridge-reader model. State the minimum force that must be distinguished so the signal chain can be assessed at that point.

Load Cells