Hermetically sealed load cell

A load cell includes a strain gage on a narrow sensing section of a beam element, on a planar outer surface facing outwardly from the median plane extending longitudinally through the cell. A cup-shaped seal cap enclosing the strain gage is laser welded onto the outer surface of the beam element to form a hermetic seal. A wiring tunnel in the load cell body leads from inside the seal cap into an electronics cavity for wires to pass from the strain gage to electronic circuitry. The load cell body and seal caps, made of stainless steel or titanium, are hermetically sealed for use in harsh environments. The seal caps have a minimal influence on strain in the sensing sections. The load cell has a low-end capacity of 5 kg or less.