A bolt-on load cell is a type of force sensor that is designed to be mounted between two structural elements to measure the force being applied between them. It typically consists of a metal block with a threaded hole in the center that allows it to be bolted to one of the structural elements, and a threaded stud protruding from the opposite side that attaches to the other structural element.
When a force is applied to the two structural elements, it causes the bolt-on load cell to deform slightly. This deformation changes the electrical resistance of a strain gauge attached to the load cell, which can be measured and used to calculate the force being applied.
Bolt-on load cells are commonly used in industrial applications where it is necessary to monitor forces in machinery, equipment, and structures. They are often preferred over other types of load cells because they are easy to install, can be easily replaced, and do not require any modifications to the existing structure.