Interface Measurement Solutions for Wireless Weighing Systems

Accurate and reliable weighing systems are essential across numerous industries, from the initial stages of research and development to the final stages of distribution. Interface provides exact and reliable wireless sensor technologies that are commonly used in these vital weighing applications. Our solutions are trusted in diverse sectors, including aerospace, manufacturing, infrastructure, and maritime applications.

With a comprehensive range of wireless sensors, including load cells, load pins, load shackles, and tension links, along with supporting instrumentation and accessories, Interface is a preferred supplier for weighing applications on land, in the air, and at sea. Whether it’s heavy-duty weight tests in the lab or continuous safety monitoring in the field, the durability and customization of our wireless options make them essential for a wide range of needs.

Aircraft Center of Gravity and Weighing with Wireless Load Cells

Before any new aircraft leaves the factory, it must have a detailed weight and balance report, which includes its empty weight and defined center of gravity (CoG). This report is crucial for ensuring flight safety and optimal performance. Reweighing may also be necessary later if the original report is lost, new equipment is installed, or as part of routine quality control, as aircraft naturally gain weight over time due to factors such as repainting, dirt, and oil buildup.

Interface offers a range of wireless compression load cells that seamlessly integrate into aircraft weighing setups to measure weight and determine the CoG accurately. We can supply individual wireless load cells or provide a complete load measurement system, including displays and instrumentation. All our load cells are manufactured to the highest standards, making them the ideal choice for industries where safety and quality are of paramount importance.

Consider our ICPW Wireless Stainless Steel Compression Load Cell. It comes standard, without the need for additional wireless devices, offering increased flexibility in configuration. It’s compatible with Interface’s extensive range of wireless instrumentation, from simple displays to advanced multi-load cell data acquisition setups. The unique, compact housing is made from semi-aromatic polyamide plastic, making the load cell lighter and more portable. Two easily accessible AAA alkaline batteries power the unit, with internal electronics remaining completely sealed. The internal antenna further protects it from damage during use.

Interface’s wireless compression load cells are versatile, designed for general-purpose use in laboratories or permanent outdoor installations. They are built to high standards and offer many options, including integral carry handles, load caps, and mounting bases. The standard model is constructed from durable stainless steel. For more advanced needs, we also provide instrumentation with integrated software, compatible with single or multiple-load cell configurations for data logging, monitoring, and reporting.

Spacecraft CoG Weighing with Wireless Load Shackles

Determining the center of gravity (CoG) of a spacecraft’s crew module is a critical test. This test ensures the spacecraft’s stability and peak performance, directly contributing to mission success.

For this specific application, Interface’s WTSSHK-B Wireless Crosby™ Load Shackles are an ideal solution. They are installed at three key points on the crew module, which is then placed into a test frame. The load shackles accurately measure the forces, enabling precise CoG determination. Data is wirelessly transmitted to the customer’s computer via the WTS-BS-4 Industrial USB Base Station, where it is displayed, logged, and graphed using the included Log100 software. Results can also be viewed on Interface’s WTS-BS-1-HA Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters. Read more here.

Gantry Crane Weighing Systems with Wireless Load Pins

Gantry cranes are essential for various mobile and lifting applications in industrial and construction environments. A reliable weighing system is crucial to ensure the crane can safely handle heavy containers or loads, preventing failures and accidents. Read: Load Cells Elevate Gantry Crane Performance.

Interface offers a range of sensor options for crane weighing and overload protection systems. These systems assist operators by providing real-time total weight data, preventing overload situations. Our team of weighing engineering experts has decades of experience delivering measurement solutions for these systems, which have been installed in all types of hoists and cranes, including overhead traveling cranes, construction cranes, infrastructure project cranes, shipyard and port cranes, as well as marine and offshore cranes.

Gantry Crane Weighing Animated Application Note

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Interface Wireless Load Pins are designed to directly replace existing load-bearing pins in a crane’s header block, providing a signal proportional to the measured load without requiring any modifications to the crane. This allows the crane weighing and overload system to alert the operator of potential lifting hazards and assist with safe load management. Pre-set audible and visual alarms can also be integrated, along with triggers to shut down the crane if a lift exceeds the safe load limit.

For demanding environments such as oil rigs and FPSOs, we can supply ATEX and IECEx-certified measurement sensors with both Explosion-Proof (Ex d) and Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) approvals. We also offer below-hook solutions for situations where permanent installation isn’t required or where using a load measuring pin isn’t feasible. See our line of Wireless Load Pins here.

Boat Weighing with Wireless Load Pins and Tension Load Links

Boats often need to be lifted out of the water for inspections, maintenance, repairs, anti-fouling work, relocation, or winter storage. Boat hoists and cranes are primarily used for this task, and installing a load monitoring system ensures a safe lift every time.

Replacing load pins in the hoist block with Interface load pins, paired with a display, provides real-time load data during lifting. This information helps monitor load distribution across lifting points, ensuring an even spread of load. Uneven loads risk overloading individual slings or cables, potentially leading to failure, costly damage to the boat, and endangering personnel. The system can also provide a precise ship weight, which helps verify the transportation weight or ensure the appropriate dry dock supports are in place.

For situations requiring a non-permanent or portable load monitoring system, Interface Wireless Load Shackles or Interface Wireless Tension Load Links can be used, typically attached at the lifting points. Wireless systems are exceptionally well-suited for this purpose, and we offer a comprehensive range of both wireless and cabled products.

TIP: Use our Weighing Solutions Guide for more options.

Interface recommends using multiple WTSSHK-B Wireless Crosby™ Bow Load Shackles at the hoist mechanism’s pickup points. Data for individual loading points and total weight can be wirelessly transmitted to a base station. As the boat is lifted, force measurements are wirelessly sent to the WTS-BS-4 Industrial USB Base Station. Customers can then measure individual loading points and the total weight. When connected to a computer, force data can be logged and graphed with the supplied Log100 software. Loads can also be viewed using the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters. Read more about the Boat Hoist application.

Factory Batch Weighing with Wireless Applications

Many factories involved in batch blending bulk products can significantly benefit from retrofitting and automating their weighing processes. Manual weigh batching, where ingredients are individually weighed before being emptied into a blender or processing vessel, is often time-consuming and prone to human error.

Implementing an automated batch weighing and control system can yield significant returns quickly through increased productivity and more precise ingredient measurements. This results in reduced product losses due to overage and a higher-quality product, thanks to consistently accurate ingredient ratios.

Batch weighing and control systems typically consist of a central vessel or tank mounted on a load cell weigh frame. One or more feeders automatically supply materials according to the specified recipe. After each deposit, the load cells confirm the correct amount of product has been delivered before the next ingredient is added. Alerts can be configured to notify operators if the wrong amount of product is delivered to the central vessel. Interface offers wireless load cells and instrumentation compatible with weigh frames, along with a variety of accessories. These include weighing mounts that permit movement of the vessel or tank while maintaining high accuracy in weight measurement.

Wireless Weighing Compression Load Cells, Load Pins, Load Shackles, and Tension Load Links

From ensuring flight safety and spacecraft performance to optimizing industrial processes and securing marine operations, Interface’s highly accurate and reliable wireless weighing solutions are crafted to meet the most demanding applications. Our dedication to quality, customization, and cutting-edge technology guarantees that you can achieve precise measurements and improve safety across all your weighing requirements. Contact us today to discover how Interface can deliver the ideal wireless solution tailored to your specific needs.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Load Pins, Tension Load Links, and Load Shackles Family