Lifting

Interface lifting solutions are applicable across diverse industries and environments, including construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, transportation, healthcare establishments, maritime docks, aircraft testing and assembly, and many other sectors. The scope of lifting applications is wide-ranging, covering activities such as loading and unloading goods, positioning heavy machinery or equipment, transferring patients within healthcare settings, and raising construction materials for various construction purposes.

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Lifting Overview

From construction and manufacturing to logistics and healthcare, the importance of efficient and secure lifting operations cannot be overstated. Embracing sensor technologies is crucial in achieving optimal results.

In recent years, cutting-edge equipment using force sensor technologies has sparked a revolution in the field of lifting solutions, empowering operators, manufacturers and equipment designers with unprecedented precision and control. By seamlessly integrating force sensors into lifting equipment like cranes, hoists, robotics and machines, industries possess the ability to accurately measure and monitor the forces exerted during every lifting operation, elevating productivity and ensuring the highest levels of safety.

Interface Lifting Solution Products:

Our load pins, load shackles, and tension links provide precise load measurement capabilities, allowing operators to accurately determine the weight of the load being lifted. This information is crucial for ensuring that the lifting equipment remains within safe working limits and prevents overloading situations that could lead to accidents or equipment failure. Interface sensors provide vital force data to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and predict potential issues with lifting equipment and other lifting applications.

The Transformation in Lifting Success

Interface’s force sensor technologies are a necessity in innovative lifting solutions, offering a wide array of benefits and applications. Interface’s load cells, load pins, load shackles and tension links that are strategically embedded in lifting devices, such as cranes, hoists, and robotic arms, measure the forces experienced during the lifting process with high accuracy. By employing our force sensors, operators can obtain real-time feedback on the weight, tension, and pressure exerted on the lifting equipment, allowing for better load management and preventing overloading or potentially hazardous situations.

Our sensor technologies have significantly transformed the way heavy loads are managed on the line, in the warehouse, on the dock, for transportation and in industry specific applications. Multiple lifting activities, from hospital lifts to robotic arms used in packaging, all can achieve enhanced safety, increased efficiency, and improved maintenance practices. The implementation of these technologies marks a transformative step forward in the quest for more precise and controlled lifting operations, ensuring a safer and more productive future across various industries. Check out our new Lifting Solutions Brochure for more information.

LiftingSolutions_InfographicPoster

Cranes

Sensor technology is transforming safety and efficiency in cranes and heavy-lifting equipment. Interface load cells, load pins, shackles, and tension load links are integrated directly into the machinery to monitor forces during operation, provide real-time data on load status, and ensure safe operation.

The measurement data obtained from the measurement devices is crucial for preventing overloads, optimizing load distribution, and enhancing safety. By accurately measuring the weight and forces exerted during lifting, these sensors help operators stay within safe operational limits, preventing accidents and equipment failure.

These advanced measurement solutions are used across various applications, from construction and shipping to manufacturing and material handling. By providing precise, real-time data on load status, this technology empowers operators to make informed decisions, maximize productivity, and ensure the longevity of their equipment.

Interface Products for Crane Applications

LP Stainless Steel Load Pin

Load cells play a crucial role in various crane types, from the towering giants of construction sites to the simple lifters in workshops. By accurately measuring the forces exerted during lifting operations, these sensors prevent overloads, optimize load distribution, enhance safety, and prevent machinery failure.

Here’s how this technology is applied across different crane types:

Tower Cranes: Maintain stability and prevent overloads in high-rise construction.
Mobile Cranes: Monitor weight and prevent tipping, especially on uneven terrain.
Overhead Cranes: Ensure precise load handling and positioning in industrial settings.
Marine Cranes: Account for vessel movement and maintain load stability during ship-to-shore operations.
Gantry Cranes: Prevent overload and ensure stability when moving heavy items across their span.
Smaller Cranes: Ensure safe lifting within capacity in workshops and service trucks.

Whether a massive gantry crane hoists shipping containers or a service truck crane lifts equipment, integrated load cells provide crucial real-time data, enabling operators to work safely and efficiently within the crane’s limits. This technology is essential for preventing accidents, optimizing performance, and extending the lifespan of heavy machinery.

Interface crane solutions are used in various industries and settings, including construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, transportation, healthcare facilities, maritime docks, aircraft testing and assembly, and infrastructure projects.

At Interface, safety and the well-being of others in environments using cranes are of the utmost importance due to the high risks associated with heavy loads, heights, and moving parts. The use of our load monitoring devices, such as load cells, tension links, load pins, or load shackles, is critical to ensuring efficient and safe crane operations.

Hoisting

Hoisting refers to mechanical pulley systems, consisting of drums, chains, or wire ropes, specifically designed for the vertical movement of heavy loads or personnel along a controlled path. Hoisting differs from general lifting in that it focuses mechanically on a controlled, fixed vertical axis of motion. These systems are essential mechatronic components in industries that require high efficiency, precise positioning, and fail-safe operation.

Why Interface is the Ideal Force Sensor Partner for Hoisting

Interface technology offers the high accuracy, durability, and integration capabilities needed to transform any hoist into an intelligent, automated system. Hoists often have unique mechanical designs. Interface specializes in creating custom-sized Load Pins and highly rugged Load Shackles that fit directly into existing equipment without requiring significant modifications.

We provide stainless steel sensors with high IP ratings, ensuring they can withstand vibrations, cyclic loading, and harsh environmental conditions common in industrial, construction, and marine hoisting applications.

Hoisting Equipment Tests and Monitoring Applications Using Interface Products

Hoist Load Monitoring and Controller Integration for automated speed control and safe system shutdown.
Multi-Point Hoisting Safety Monitoring for distribution and balance.
Overload Protection and Safe Load Monitoring with critical, tiered alarms.
Hoist Proof Testing and WLL Testing to verify structural integrity.
Suspension and Sheave Point Monitoring using integrated load pins.
Harsh Environment Monitoring in marine, construction, and hazardous applications.

Interface offers a specialized line of products designed to fit directly into a hoist’s structure, allowing the system to not only measure load but also automatically control operations for safety and performance.

Modern hoisting requirements demand continuous and accurate force measurement to ensure load capacity limits are never exceeded. Automation, IoT integration in smart warehouses, and strict safety regulations are fueling high demand for high-accuracy force sensors in modern hoisting systems.

By integrating our sensors into hoisting systems and utilizing the precise data from our instrumentation solutions, we develop comprehensive sensor systems ideal for hoisting equipment. Our solutions are designed to meet strict compliance standards, delivering the verifiable data needed for hoist certification and safety inspections.

Rigging

Rigging is an engineering process that uses ropes, chains, slings, hoists, and specialized hardware to lift, maneuver, hold, and position heavy structural loads across diverse industrial environments. In the lifting industry, rigging engineers and safety directors rely on precise load and tension measurements to validate lifting plans, maintain structural balance, and ensure absolute operational safety. Interface sensor technologies, including load cells, load shackles, tension load links, load pins, and wireless telemetry systems (WTS) products, provide the structural integrity and data accuracy required to continuously monitor heavy lifts from initial rig-up through final placement.

Across maritime docks, aerospace assembly bays, construction sites, and theatrical sets, this continuous physical telemetry establishes a reliable safety baseline, preventing equipment degradation and ensuring that heavy-duty rigging components operate well within their certified safe working load (SWL) limits.

Rigging Challenges

The rigging sector operates under zero-tolerance safety mandates, where unverified load weight or improper cable tension can compromise the entire lifting apparatus. Precision force measurement forms the foundation of the safety and operational data loop, converting dynamic pulling forces, suspended weight, and cable tension into immediate, actionable engineering metrics.

Because overloading, uneven weight distribution, or dynamic load spikes can cause catastrophic hardware failure, unexpected rigging collapses, or severe personnel injuries, real-time force measurement is essential. Integrating high-accuracy sensors directly into lifting lines, crane blocks, and mooring points enables rigging engineers to create real-time load maps, set automated overload shut-off limits, and monitor structural strain during complex tandem lifts.

Interface Rigging Solutions

Executing complex rigging requires rugged force sensors that endure outdoor conditions, vibrations, and severe weather. As industries adopt larger modules and automated lifts, precise tension and weight monitoring at key points is crucial. Interface offers cable and wireless Crosby™ Load Shackles, tension links, custom load pins, and LowProfile Load Cells designed to measure tension, compression, and center-of-gravity without adding weight or changing rigging geometry.

Rigging Applications Using Interface Products

Gantry, Overhead, and Mobile Crane Load and Weight Monitoring
Aircraft and Space Vehicle Rigging for Assembly
Engine Hoist Tension Profiling
Mooring Line and Anchor System Tension Testing
Stage and Aerial Arts Rigging Safety Line Validation
Bridge Cable Tension Tracking
Hoist and Safety Harness Durability Load Testing
Heavy Equipment Transfer and Deck Load Mapping
Conveyor and Hopper Weight Monitoring
Power Line Suspension and Utility Cable Tension Calibration
Structural Beam Pile Driving
Lift Platform Overload Protection
Center-of-Gravity Analysis and Monitoring
Winch, Sling, and Pulling Cable Proof Load Testing

Overcoming Cable Management and High-Risk Lifting Challenges

Heavy rigging’s main challenge is maintaining sensor calibration and data transmission in high-risk environments with severe conditions such as wind, saltwater spray, and mechanical shock. Using physical cables on long crane booms or in complex rigging creates hazards such as snagging, wear, and signal loss. To capture these forces safely, low-latency, high-bandwidth wireless systems are needed to provide real-time data on peak loads, tension drops, and sway forces.

Furthermore, loads often don’t distribute force evenly, so sensors must withstand off-axis loads without distortion or drift. Rigging configurations vary, so versatile, quick-connect sensors for standard clevises and shackles are essential. Interface provides rugged, weatherproof load shackles, wireless strain transmitters, and handheld displays that isolate tension, reduce cable clutter, and ensure continuous data during lifts.

Interface Products Used in Rigging

LowProfile Load Cells
Crosby™ Bow Load Shackles
Tension Load Links
Load Pins
Mini Load Cells
Multi-Axis Sensors
Wireless Telemetry Systems
Handheld Displays
Digital Instrumentation and Signal Conditioners
Data Acquisition (DAQ) Systems
Custom Solutions
Complete Systems

Safety in Rigging Operations

Without high-accuracy measurement solutions, heavy rigging relies on static estimates that don’t account for wind, binding, or uneven weight. If engineers can’t verify loads or cable tension during operations, systems risk overloads, tipping, or failure. Accurate force data offers real-time insights for balancing loads, confirming structural integrity, and complying with regulations.

Interface provides rugged sensor tech with high resolution for safe, compliant rigging. Our load shackles, pins, and tension links, known worldwide for low deflection, shock resistance, and wireless reliability, ensure critical load data is instantly available across maritime, construction, aerospace, energy, industrial, and entertainment sectors.

Aerial Work Platforms

Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs), including scissor lifts, boom lifts, and bucket trucks, are engineered to safely elevate personnel, tools, and materials to elevated work areas. Their designs must meet stringent safety requirements for overload protection, stability, structural integrity, and safe operation under changing loads and environmental conditions.

For engineers, technicians, and safety directors, maintaining stability during lifting and extension requires accurate measurement of force, moment, and payload weight. Basket overloads, off-center loads, wind forces, and structural fatigue can affect machine stability and performance. Load cells, load pins, sensors, and digital instrumentation provide the measurement data needed to validate safety systems, monitor payloads, test structural components, and support compliance with applicable equipment standards.

Interface Aerial Work Platform Solutions

Force measurement sensors can be integrated into critical AWP components, including support brackets, pivot joints, leveling cylinders, and outriggers. These sensors provide real-time data for detecting overloads, monitoring structural loads, validating safety controls, and evaluating machine performance.

Interface solutions are designed to accommodate both laboratory testing and onboard monitoring, allowing manufacturers to evaluate components during development and integrate measurement technology into operational equipment.

Aerial Work Platform Sensor Applications

Work platform basket payload and center-of-gravity overload monitoring
Telescopic and articulated boom extension hydraulic cylinder force tracking
Scissor-pack mechanism pivot joint pin shear and compression analysis
Chassis outrigger and stabilizer jack ground reaction force profiling
Boom tip platform leveling linkage real-time tension monitoring
Jib boom articulation multi-axis force and moment validation
Dynamic drive-cutout and tilt-interlock force-limit calibration
Towable and vehicle-mounted AWP subframe torsional stress mapping
Emergency descent and overcenter valve mechanical actuation force testing
Platform safety gate and toe-board latch structural durability cycling
Slew ring and turntable rotary drive torque and radial load tracking
High-cycle fatigue testing of structural boom welds and telescoping sections

Overcoming Dynamic Sway, Side Loads, and Environmental Challenges

AWP testing and onboard monitoring require measurement systems capable of operating under dynamic conditions. Platform sway, off-center payloads, wind, temperature changes, and rough-terrain vibration can introduce complex loading and off-axis forces that affect measurement accuracy and safety-system performance.

Outdoor equipment also encounters rain, mud, hydraulic fluid, and pressure washing, while long cable runs through booms and linkages can create installation and signal-integrity challenges. Sensors used in these environments must provide reliable measurements while withstanding mechanical and environmental stresses.

Interface addresses these requirements with sealed and stainless-steel load cells, load pins designed for integration into existing mechanical joints, multi-axis sensors for complex loading conditions, and wireless telemetry systems that reduce cabling requirements while transmitting measurement data to control and test systems.

Interface Products Used in Aerial Work Platforms

Load Pins, Load Shackles, and Tension Load Links
ATEX and Intrinsically Safe Load Cells
High-Capacity, Fatigue-Rated, and Overload-Protected LowProfile® Load Cells
Hermetically Sealed and Submersible S-Type Load Cells
Stainless Steel Load Cells
Load Washer Load Cells
Multi-Axis Sensors
Reaction and Rotary Torque Transducers
Wireless Telemetry System (WTS) Transmitters and Base Stations
Portable Handheld Instrumentation
Multi-Channel Digital Instrumentation
Data Acquisition (DAQ) Systems
Complete Systems
Custom and OEM Solutions

Why Precision Telemetry Matters in Aerial Access Safety

Accurate force and load measurements provide greater visibility into an AWP’s actual operating conditions than relying solely on hydraulic pressure or conservative mechanical assumptions. Measuring payload, boom forces, moments, and structural loads helps safety systems identify conditions that could otherwise contribute to instability, structural overload, or tip-over.

Real-time measurement data also enables engineers to validate structural designs, optimize safety limits, evaluate fatigue performance, and integrate force monitoring into machine control systems.

From component-level testing in the laboratory to integrated onboard monitoring, Interface provides sensing and instrumentation solutions that help AWP manufacturers and testing teams develop safer, more reliable, and higher-performing elevated access equipment.

Additional Resources

Products Request a Quote Interface Product Guides

Lifting Solutions from the IQ Blog

Mining Industry Transformation Turns to Precision Measurement Data

November 11, 2025/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, instrumentation, and wireless telemetry solutions advance mining predictability, production, and safety. By integrating real-time data from these sensors into critical equipment and infrastructure, the measurements support smart, data-driven mining operations. Interface products are used in heavy-equipment, cranes, extracting machines, vehicles, scales, conveyors, tunneling machines and tools used in mining.

Sensors Provide Intelligence for Safe and Automated Hoisting

October 9, 2025/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Integrating Interface load cells, load pins, tension load links, and load shackles into hoisting equipment provides real-time force and weight data. Measurement sensors provide accurate data for overload protection, WLL, load balancing, alarm systems, weighing, equipment monitoring, and testing. Smart hoisting and automation utilizing sensors increase safety, ensure compliance, and prevent catastrophic failure.

Tension Load Link Systems and Applications

October 2, 2025/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface tension link load cells are specialized force sensors designed to measure tensile or “pulling” forces. Tension load links are frequently used in demanding environments, including nearshore and offshore areas, which require certifications for hazardous locations. They’re designed for lifting, weighing, mooring, towing, as well as tension testing and monitoring applications, and are used in marine, aerospace, manufacturing, construction, and logistics industries.

Boundless Opportunities in Payload Management Using Force Measurement

July 17, 2025/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface force measurement products are staples for payload management, from early design through testing to launch. Payloads for aircraft, drones, rockets, and satellites are subject to extreme forces during launch, in-flight maneuvers, and landing. High-accuracy measurement tools, including load cells, torque transducers, DAQ systems, wireless sensors, and multi-axis sensors, are used for managing payloads.. Interface is a preferred supplier of test and measurement solutions for the aerospace industry.

3-Axis Load Cells 101

July 15, 2025/in 101 Series, Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface 3-Axis Load Cells measure forces along three mutually perpendicular axes: X, Y, and Z. Interface offers 3-axis load cells with varying capacities, dimensions, and specifications to measure force and torque. The multi-axis sensors require no mathematical manipulation for standard 3-axis force measurements as each signal directly correlates to a specific measurement direction. These advanced load cells are used in aerospace, medical, automotive, automation, robotics, manufacturing and product testing applications.

Interface Measurement Solutions for Wireless Weighing Systems

July 1, 2025/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface wireless load pins, load shackles, tension load links, and load cells are reliable measurement sensors required for accurate wireless weighing systems. Interface wireless solutions are crucial for weighing applications in aerospace, manufacturing, infrastructure, maritime, and other quality control environments.

Load Cells are The Force Multiplier in Precision Gripping Applications

June 3, 2025/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface load cells measure the applied force of grips used in robotics, industrial machines, medical devices, aerospace and drone applications, lifting, and research. Sensors must be selected based on capacity, size constraints, environmental conditions, and measurement requirements. Interface load cells measure the applied force of grips used in robotics, industrial machines, medical devices, aerospace and drone applications, lifting, and research. Sensors must be selected based on capacity, size constraints, environmental conditions, and measurement requirements. Learn about our gripping measurement products, including multi-axis sensors, miniature load cells, buttons, S-type load cells, low profiles, and wireless sensors.

Digital Prototyping and Precision Load Cells Advance Modern Manufacturing

April 10, 2025/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Digital prototyping in manufacturing uses simulation for product development. Interface load cells validate these simulations and digital models using accurate real-world measurement data for physical product development in testing and validation. This important collaboration saves time, resources, and costs in modernizing manufacturing.

Additional Types of Testing Using Load Cells

April 3, 2025/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface is renowned for its extensive product line of sensor technologies and testing solutions, catering to a diverse range of testing types used across various industries. Our standard and engineered-to-order models and capacities of force measurement products offer numerous options […]

Robust Load Pins Measure Force with Accuracy

February 4, 2025/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface load pins are load cells commonly used in lifting, weighing, hoisting, rigging, and retrofitting for accurate force measurement. The load pins are versatile, rugged, and easy to integrate into existing equipment. They are used in infrastructure, aerospace structural testing labs, parts in industrial machines, for optimizing manufacturing, in submersible maritime equipment, and for oil and gas top drives.