Frameless Scale

Finished rails (load cell mounts). Two go under the hive, one on each side.

End view with end cap and closure strip removed.

Goals:

Parts cost under $100 and are readily available.
Low thermal drift and creep.
Low power consumption.
Overload protection.
Automatically resumes operation after power failure.
Can be built by 15 year old student (9th grader) using hand tools.
No soldering.
No lethal voltages.

Design Features

No frame: no welding, no bending.
Load cells are mounted in metal strut readily available from electrical or industrial suppliers in aluminum. galvanized or painted steel.
Only straight cuts and drilled holes.
All electrical connections are made with crimp plugs or terminal blocks.

Material List

A detailed Parts List with part numbers, suppliers and prices is available in pdf.

Strut is available from different manufacturers with different brand names: Unistrut, Superstrut, etc. It is available in galvanized steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Closure strips are available in steel, aluminum or plastic.

If the scale will be shipped via UPS or USPS, even though the aluminum is more expensive, it will be cheaper when shipping expenses are considered.