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Innovative Interface Lifting Solutions

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Interface sensors are utilized in lifting applications to accurately measure the weight or force being exerted on the lifting equipment of all sizes. Our lifting solutions include load cells, load pins, tension links and shackles, wireless technologies, and instrumentation. It is common to see our sensors integrated into hoists, cranes and lifting devices to provide precise load measurements.

Interface lifting solutions apply to a wide range of industries and settings, including construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, transportation, healthcare facilities, maritime docks, aircraft testing and assembly, and more. Lifting applications can vary, such as loading and unloading goods, positioning heavy equipment or machinery, transferring patients in healthcare settings, or lifting materials for construction purposes.

Our load cells, load pins and shackles assist in monitoring loads for heavy lifting equipment operators to remain within safe working limits and prevent overloading. Interface tension links and tension load cells are used for measuring lifting or pulling heavy loads with chains, cables, or ropes. The sensors measure the tension in the lifting element, providing feedback on the load being lifted and ensuring it remains within safe limits. Check out our Lifting Solutions Overview for complete details.

Top Interface Lifting Solutions

References of lifting equipment include cranes, hoists, forklifts, aerial work platforms, lifts, jacks, and various types of rigging and slings. These equipment types are designed to provide mechanical advantage, leverage, or power to lift, suspend, move, or position loads safely and efficiently. By leveraging sensor technologies, the benefits include increased safety for the operator, enhanced productivity and efficiencey optimization of load management. Additional benefits include predictive maintenance, plus smart and innovative utilization for modernization of projects and equipment.

Rigging engineers, whether working in testing environments from concert venues to rocket testing sites, use high-accuracy sensor technologies to ensure the safe and efficient movement of heavy equipment, machinery, and materials using cranes, hoists, pulleys, and other lifting devices. They are involved in the entire rigging process, from the initial assessment and design of rigging systems to overseeing the actual lifting operations.

Safety is of utmost importance in all lifting applications due to the potential risks associated with heavy loads, heights, and moving parts. The use of load monitoring devices such as load cells, tension links, load pins, or load shackles are critical to ensure the safe execution of lifting operations.

When Interface defines lifting applications, we are referring to the actions of objects, materials, or loads are raised, lowered, or moved vertically or horizontally using lifting equipment or mechanisms. For use of our measurement solutions, these lifting applications involve the use of specialized equipment designed to safely and efficiently handle various types of loads.

In the construction industry, Interface load cells and load pins are integrated into smart cranes and construction equipment to provide real-time monitoring of the loads being lifted or carried. Lifting beams and spreader bars need high-accuracy measurement on the site. These sensors accurately measure the weight or force exerted on the equipment and provide data on the load’s status, ensuring safe operation within specified limits. This information can be used to prevent overloading, optimize load distribution, and enhance operational safety and prevent failure of any machinery.

Infrastructure demands durability, quality and accuracy of measurement. Interface load cells, tension links, load pins, and load shackles are employed in load testing applications to verify the strength and capacity of various lifting structures and equipment. They are used for a range of applications, including crane verification and safety monitoring, hoist monitoring, winch measurements, elevator suspension systems, lifting cables, overload alarms, and load testing. These tests measure the applied load and assess the structural integrity. Load cells or load shackles are often temporarily attached to lifting points or incorporated into the testing rig to capture accurate load data.

The maritime industry uses Interface measurement devices in crane systems, winches, and lifting equipment onboard ships, offshore platforms, or vessels. These ruggedized and often submersible sensors ensure that loads are properly managed and controlled, enabling safe and efficient lifting operations in challenging marine environments. Check out this Boat Hoist application note.

Warehouses and logistics use load cells or load pins shipping container handling, pallet weighing, conveyor systems and freight and cargo monitoring. The sensors can be easily integrated into forklifts to measure the weight of the lifted load, ensuring safe lifting, and preventing overloading.

Interface load cells and sensor technologies are also being used in applications for patient lifting and transfer. Load cells or load shackles can be integrated into patient lifting and transfer equipment, such as hoists or patient slings, hospital beds and therapy equipment. These sensors help monitor the load and ensure safe and comfortable transfers for patients and caregivers.

By integrating Interface solutions into lifting applications, the result is enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and optimization of load management. Real-time data from sensors allows for precise control, early detection of anomalies, and preventive maintenance, ensuring smooth and secure lifting operations, whether that is for a patient in a hospital or a cargo load moving from dock to ship.

Interface offers standard products for lifting, as well as custom and OEM lifting solutions.  Contact our application engineers to learn more about what type of lifting solution is best for your requirements.

Lifting Solutions Brochure

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Aircraft Engine Hoist

Theater Rigging System

Patient Hoyer Lift

IoT Lifting Heavy Objects App Note

Interface Solutions for Lifting Applications

Cranes and Lifting

Aircraft Lifting Equipment App Note

Aerial Lift Overload Control

Tension Load Cells 101

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A tension load cell is a type of force sensor used to measure tensile forces in materials, structures, or machines. It is used to measure the maximum load that a material can support without fracture when being pulled or stretched under the applied load. A strain gage manufactured inside the load cell sensor measures the deformation and converts it into an electrical signal.

The main difference between a tension load cell and a compression load cell is the direction in which they measure the force being pushed or pulled. Though most Interface high performance load cells are designed for both tension and compression, specific load cells are calibrated in tension only to measure forces that pull or stretch a structure. As the load cell stretches, it measures the resulting force.

It is customary practice for most labs to use tension and compression load cells, then determine its specific tension use case based on the requirements of a test project or product design. Tension and compression load cells are easily used for tension only but will measure both. Load cells can be calibrated in either tension or compression, and both tension and compression. The combined is more economical for test labs and most use cases.

Benefits of Tension Load Cells

Load cells that measure tension are preferred over other types of load cells when the force being measured is tensile in nature. They are accurate, reliable, and can be calibrated to suit different applications and environments. Additionally, they are easy to use and require minimal maintenance.

Accurate measurement of tensile forces: Tension-only load cells are specifically designed to measure tensile forces accurately, without being influenced by compressive or bending forces. This makes them ideal for applications where the force being measured is purely tensile, such as in the testing of cables, wires, ropes, or chains used in lifting applications and equipment. Interface Tension Links are preferred from some of the lifting and weighing use cases.

High sensitivity and resolution: Tension-only load cells typically have high sensitivity and resolution, meaning they can detect slight changes in the applied force. This makes them useful in applications where precise measurements are required, such as in the testing of materials with low tensile strength.

Easy installation: Tension-only load cells are typically easy to install and use, requiring minimal setup time and equipment. They are often designed with attachment points or hooks for attaching to the load being measured, which makes them convenient for use in the field or in a testing lab.

Durability and reliability: Tension-only load cells are often constructed from durable materials, such as stainless steel, which makes them resistant to corrosion and wear over time. They are also designed to provide reliable and consistent measurements, ensuring accuracy and consistency in test results.

Tension Load Cell Applications

Tension load cells are standard and their versatility in application use makes them popular in test and measurement. Tension load cells are used for test and measurement industry applications including in manufacturing, automotive, energy, aerospace, and infrastructure. For example, the transportation sector uses load cells to measure the tension in cables, wires, ropes, and chains. They are used in a diverse range of testing equipment to measure the strength and durability of materials. They are designed to provide accurate and reliable measurements of tensile loads and can be calibrated to suit different applications and environments.

Tension load cells are commonly used in applications for material testing to evaluate the tensile strength and elasticity of varied materials, such as metals, plastics, and composites. Tension testing is a valuable tool in materials science and engineering, as it provides valuable information about the tensile properties of a material. Some examples of tension testing include:

  • Determining the strength of a material: Tension testing provides a way to measure the maximum load a material can withstand before it breaks or fails. This information is crucial in determining the strength of a material and its suitability for different applications.
  • Understanding the ductility of a material: Tension testing can also be used to measure the amount of deformation a material can undergo before it breaks. This information is important in determining the ductility of a material and its ability to withstand bending and stretching without breaking.
  • Identifying defects or weaknesses in a material: Tension testing can help identify defects or weaknesses in a material that may cause it to fail under stress. By subjecting a material to increasing levels of tension, engineers can pinpoint the point at which the material fails and investigate the cause of the failure.
  • Comparing the properties of varied materials: Tension testing can also be used to compare the tensile properties of different materials. This information is useful in selecting the best material for a specific application and designing structures that can withstand the required loads.

Tensile Testing For 3D Materials

A customer wants to conduct a tensile force test on different 3D printing materials until failure. These different 3D printing materials being tested included PLA, PETG and ASA to see how it performed. The customer wanted to test the materials quality, strength, ductility, and stiffness. Interface recommended using our 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Load Cell be installed into the customer’s test frame. The tensile test is conducted, and force results captured by the load cell are synced through the INF-USB3 Universal Serial Bus Single Channel PC Interface Module. These results can be displayed on the customer’s computer with supplied software.

Tension load cells are used in structural testing to measure the tension in structures used in construction, aerospace, maritime, and infrastructure. For example, tension load cells are commonly used for bridges, buildings, and towers, to ensure they can withstand the forces in their design and application.

Tension load cells are often used within manufacturing machines and equipment for monitoring and real-time force measurement. For example, in a facility they are used to measure the tension in cables or wires during production, to ensure they meet the required specifications and are safe for use.

Research and development for all types of applications need to assess the tensile properties of new materials or structures, to assess their suitability for different applications, from medical devices to product simulations.

If your next project needs an accurate tension load cell, contact our application experts to see which model best fits your exact requirements.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Solutions for Material Testing Engineers

Tensile Testing for 3D Materials App Note

Testing Lab Essentials Webinar

Bolt Tension Monitoring

Mooring Line Tension Testing App Note

Tension Links 101

Benefits of Proof Loading Verification

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Proof loading is a critical test that is performed on sensors or load cells to verify their performance and accuracy under extreme conditions. Engineers may need to request proof loading verification to ensure that the sensors or other measuring devices being used in a particular application are accurate, reliable, and safe for use.

Upon request, Interface provides proof loading at the build phase of engineered-to-order load cells, as well as load pins, load shackles and tension links. By simple definition, proof loading is a safe overload rating for a sensor.

Load proofing is a special test that guarantees the sensor performs at maximum capacity before it’s released to the customer. If a manufacturer does proof loading, it will be documented in the sensors specifications that are shipped with the product. It is commonly requested for sensors that are used in lifting applications.

Additionally, quality engineers and testing professionals may request proof loading as part of quality control or compliance requirements. By ensuring that sensors and load cells are tested and validated before use, companies can ensure that they meet regulatory standards and maintain a high level of quality in their products and services.

The Proof Loading Process

By requesting proof loading, sensor users can verify the accuracy and reliability of sensors and load cells and ensure that they are functioning correctly and within their specified limits. Proof loading can also identify any issues or problems with sensors or load cells before they are put into service, allowing for repairs or replacements to be made if necessary.

Proof loading for sensors is a process of subjecting a sensor to a higher-than-normal load or stress to confirm that it can withstand that load or stress without any permanent damage or deviation from its calibration. The purpose of proof loading is to validate the accuracy and reliability of the sensor under extreme conditions, ensuring that it will perform correctly when it is in service.

During proof loading, the sensor is exposed to a controlled overload, typically between 150% to 200% of its maximum rated capacity. The sensor’s response to the load is monitored, and the output is compared to its expected behavior. If the sensor performs within acceptable limits and returns to its pre-loaded state after the load is removed, it is considered to have passed the proof load test.

When should you request proof loading for a load cell?

Proof loading for a load cell should be requested when there is a need to verify its calibration and ensure its accuracy and reliability under extreme conditions. This is particularly important when the load cell is used in safety-critical applications, such as in crane and hoist systems, industrial weighing and process control systems, and structural testing applications.

Proof loading is commonly used for sensors that are used in safety-critical applications, such as load cells used in cranes and hoists, pressure transducers used in oil and gas pipelines, and temperature sensors used in furnace applications. By performing proof loading tests, manufacturers and end-users can have greater confidence in the performance and reliability of their sensors, which can improve overall safety and efficiency.

In general, there are several situations where it is advisable to request proof loading for a load cell:

  • Before critical applications: In safety-critical applications, such as those involving lifting, handling, and transportation of heavy loads, a proof load test should be performed before the load cell is put into service to ensure that it can handle the required load without any issues.
  • After installation: It is recommended to perform a proof load test on the load cell immediately after installation to ensure that it is functioning correctly and within its specified limits.
  • After repair or maintenance: If the load cell has undergone repair or maintenance, a proof load test can be used to verify that it is still performing accurately and within its specifications.
  • After an extended period of non-use: If the load cell has not been used for an extended period, it may be necessary to perform a proof load test to ensure that it is still functioning correctly.

It is important to note that proof loading should only be performed by qualified and trained personnel using the appropriate equipment and procedures. This will ensure that the load cell is not damaged during the testing process and that it continues to perform accurately and reliably after the test is completed.

Proof loading is particularly important in safety-critical applications such as in the construction industry, transportation industry, and other industrial applications where lifting and handling heavy loads are involved. In these applications, the accuracy and reliability of sensors and load cells are crucial, as any inaccuracies or deviations from the expected behavior can result in dangerous and costly accidents.

Overall, proof loading is an essential test that engineers may need to request to ensure the safety and reliability of sensors and load cells in various industrial applications.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

IoT Lifting Heavy Objects

Cranes and Lifting

Recap of Use Cases for Load Pins Webinar

Tension Links 101

Aircraft Lifting Equipment App Note

 

Entertainment Venue Force Measurement and Monitoring Solutions

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There is a great deal of critical sensor technology used to design, build, and monitor venue infrastructure and the public before and during events. Venues management, architects, product makers and engineers take inordinate steps to protect people from bodily harm, risks, and hazard-related threats. This also includes the detailed real-time monitoring for venue infrastructure, staging, equipment such as speakers and monitors, and special apparatus used for entertainment, whether it be musical, theatrical or sports related.

Interface provides torque and force measurement solutions to the global entertainment and amusement industry used in entertainment venues around the world. To ensure attendee safety of any event, force measurement sensors are ideal for monitoring of large pieces of equipment and infrastructure. This is especially critical for outdoor venues where the elements, such as wind and rain, can pose serious safety hazards.

From the monitoring of backstage rigging devices to heavy lifting equipment for sets and lighting, Interface offers a broad range of measurement and weighing solutions. Our products are used for staging, displays, filming and drone equipment, as well as theme park machines and robotics, as detailed in our Entertainment Solutions Overview.

In addition to real time monitoring, the tried and true use for force measurement sensors is in testing during the development and design stages. The entertainment industry is experimenting with a wide variety of new and engaging experiences for the audience, a lot of which involves massive infrastructure or robotics and animatronics. During live entertainment, you never want to put something as technical and complex as a mobile stage or robotic personality out in front of people without thorough testing. Interface sensors have been used to test these types of applications. Accuracy of our products ensures the manufacturers receives the data they need to confirm and produce designs used for and by various forms of entertainment.

We have recently put together a wide variety of applications notes outlining these exact types of entertainment industry applications used in venues to demonstrate how Interface products help to meet compliance requirements, improve safety, and mitigate risks for patrons, crews, entertainers, athletes, and staff while providing an entertaining experience.

Outdoor Festival Venue Wind Monitoring

An outdoor festival was occurring in a large outdoor venue for multiple days. Outdoor stages pose a risk towards high wind speeds, which need to be monitored in case a storm passes through. This is to ensure safety for all personnel on site of the festival to avoid any accidents. Interface suggested installing the WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module on the outdoor stage. Wind speed results were wirelessly transmitted to the customer’s PC through WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Station with USB Interface in Industrial Enclosure. It can also be transmitted to the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters Data can be displayed, logged, and graphed with supplied Log100 software. Interface’s WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module combined with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System was perfect to monitor the wind speed during the outdoor festival. Read more here.

Venue LED Screens

A customer constructing a huge venue wanted to weigh their very large LED screens. They also wanted to measure the force of the structure that is supporting the screens, to ensure stability and structural integrity. Interface suggested their LW General Purpose Load Washer Load Cells be assembled within rods that are part of the support structure. The LED screen hung off the structure, which connects to the rods. The compression forces applied to the rod were measured by the LW’s installed in between. The load washers were paired with WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, where the force results are wirelessly transmitted to both the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters and the WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Stations with included Log100 software. Interface’s wireless load washer system successfully weighed the forces of the large LED screen for the customer’s new venue.

Venue Animatronics

Animatronics are used throughout entertainment industry. From amusement and theme parks to movie sets, animatronics need to be accurately calibrated when they move, therefore the torque of the limbs must be tested. Interface’s MRTP Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer were connected to the servo motors in the limbs of the animatronics that make it move. The customer monitoring the animatronics viewed torque results on their PC when the transducers are connected to the BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition with Industrial Enclosure. Using this solution, the customer was able to record the force results of his metal bending machine with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System.

This is just a sample of the entertainment industry applications Interface force sensors can serve. We’re also heavily involved in provide standard and customized solutions used in testing and monitoring drones, touch screen calibration, equipment and infrastructure testing, and more.

Crane Safety Requires Precision Measurements Ship to Shore

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Maritime companies include businesses and governments that develop and utilize hardware to support shipyards, marine terminals, cargo and trade support, exploration and defense, fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, commercial diving, energy infrastructure and platforms, along with marine transportation. There are multiple categories of maritime companies, including those that build ships, provide maintenance, and oversee logistics for moving an estimated 11 billion tons of goods every year.

A subset of these maritime companies operates vessels and equipment that are responsible for the transport of people and cargo. It is estimated that in the United States, maritime companies employ over 400,000 workers. They are responsible for operating, transporting, moving, and transferring equipment and materials. There is a heavy reliance on reliable cargo cranes and lifting equipment to assist workers in these functions.

Due to the nature of work, safety and regulation are key to maintaining core operations for any type of maritime transport. The work performed on the vessels, as well as on dock, rely on heavy-duty equipment that utilizes accurate measurement for performance, weighing, monitoring, and reporting. Fundamental is the durability of the sensor equipment to withstand unpredictable environmental conditions. Quality, ruggedized equipment that is durable is vital in the operations that utilize waterways to transport goods port to port. This is where Interface plays a vital role as a supplier of measurement and weighing solutions that are designed for maritime use.

One of the most common use cases for Interface Maritime solutions is in the design and operational use of cranes. Cargo handling and crane operations are considered to be one of the most dangerous maritime jobs. The unpredictable nature of onshore and offshore environments requires crane operators to function with precise and accurate measurements throughout all procedures.

Sensors and instrumentation must be able to withstand the various exposures related to maritime work, while meeting the demanding schedules for heavy lifting, as well as moving single and multiple cargo containers at a time. In these types of maritime operations, speed is also an advantage for loading and unloading vessels. Considerations of weight of the cargo and environmental condition monitoring require accurate measurement.

Crane Capacity Verification and Block Safety Monitoring

As demonstrated in the Crane Capacity Verification Application and Crane Block Safety Check Application a customer requires a system to detect if their crane block can lift heavy loads securely, in order to keep working conditions and personnel safe at docks and other maritime transportation applications. If lifting capacities are exceeded, the customer wants a system to alarm them in real-time.


Interface products are ideal for use in heavy equipment that the maritime industry relies upon for a wide variety of equipment used to push, pull, lift, release, contain, and move things in water and on land. Wireless and environmentally protected submersible solutions are standard fare for this industry. Interface load cells, torque transducers, load pins, load shackles and tension links, as well as DAQ and instrumentation solutions provide accurate force and torque data to monitor and confirm the design and in-action processes.  To keep your instrumentation protected, inquire about our Interface Enclosures.

Additional Resources

  1. Maritime Measurement Solutions for Onshore and Submersible Applications
  2. Ruggedized Test and Measurement Solutions Webinar
  3. Interface Submersible Load Cells
  4. Serving the Maritime Industry
  5. Hydrofoil Testing in Wave Tank
  6. Crane Force Regulation
  7. Crane Capacity Verification
  8. Crane Block Safety Check
  9. WTS Yacht Rigging Inspection
  10. Mooring Line Tension Testing
  11. Mooring Quick Release Hooks (QRH)
  12. Commercial Fishing Wire Rope Testing

Interface Solutions for Lifting Applications

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Lifting is the action of raising an object to a higher level or moving an object to a different position. Tension load cells accurately measure forms of lifting, as they measure pulling by design. Choosing the right sensor for this type of measurement requires consideration of the size of object that is lifted, and mechanism used in the act to create the lift. Read more in our latest case study Cranes and Lifting.

Often large capacity load cells are used in industrial equipment, cranes, forklifts, rigging, and even aircraft testing equipment to measure forces applied in heavy lifting and for load monitoring, as well as to maintain accuracy in movement. Larger capacity load cells can range from 10,000 to million lbf, or even larger. Rugged load cells are frequently selected for this type of equipment to sustain harsh environmental conditions for both testing and during real-time use.

Smaller capacity load cells, such as s-types and miniature beams, measure the lift action in machines, medical equipment, packaging, robotics, drones and moving equipment. In all circumstances, force measurement sensors help product engineers and manufacturers improve safety and the quality of products they build. They are versatile and easily integrated into machines and components.

Beyond the measurement specifications, other top feature considerations when selecting the right sensor include weight of the sensor, requirements for overload protection, enclosures and ruggedized material used to construct the device, signal outputs for data, cabling, or wireless functionality, mounting or clamping, and instrumentation for data acquisition.

For measurement in lifting applications, Interface products provide the industry’s most accurate and reliable data available through force measurement sensors. Products we provide for lifting include multi-axis sensors, load washer load cells, low profiles, miniature load cells, load shackles, load pins, tensions links, instrumentation, and torque transducers.

The following are examples of products we supply for lifting equipment and use cases.

AERIAL BOOM LIFT OPERATION


A manufacturer aerial lifts wants to test its self-propelled boom platform to ensure it can operate at heavy capacities when in use, and at different angles. This testing is vital for safety and protecting operators as well as those at the site of where equipment is in use. The sensors help to prevent any accidents in case of a lifting overload. The Interface application engineers recommends the multi-axis 3AXX 3-Axis Force Load Cell model 3A160 to capture the required data for monitoring in real-time. Paired with the 920i Programmable Weight Indicator and Controller, the operator had accurate information when using the equipment.

AIRCRAFT LIFTING TEST RIG

 

An aerospace manufacturer is looking to accurately measure the valves in their aircraft lifting test equipment. Interface’s solution is to install a 1200 High Capacity Standard Precision LowProfile™ Load Cell in between the aircraft testing rig and the lifting jack. The load cell will measure the load’s force safety valve when the lifting equipment opens. Results will be sent to the 9890 Strain Gage, Load Cell, & mV/V Indicator, where the customer can see it displayed in real-time. 

LIFTING HEAVY OBJECTS


In this common use case, a customer needs to measure the load when using a crane to move heavy construction materials around the work site. This includes monitoring the weight of these objects as they are lifted in the air. It was critical that the device offer high accuracy readings and also work within the equipment already in place. Key is the instrumentation capabilities to provide wireless outputs. Interface recommends using our WTSSHK-B Wireless Load Shackle connected in crane load string to measure forces. Model WTS-BS-1-HA Battery Powered Handheld Display is used to wirelessly receive load information and display results.

Read more about these types of lifting applications in our new case study.  If you need help in deciding which product works best for your lifting application, contact us.

Cranes and Lifting Case Study

Recap of Use Cases for Load Pins Webinar

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Interface load pins continue to grow in demand as an easy to integrate and cost-effective sensor solution for many diverse applications as direct replacements for clevis or pivot pins. Most commonly used for lifting and rigging mechanisms in construction, structural assemblies and moving devices, load pins are typically used in rope, chain and brake anchors, sheaves, shackles, bearing blocks and pivots.

To provide greater insights and answers to questions asked to our force measurement application experts, Interface hosted a ForceLeaders Forum event, Use Cases for Load Pins. The event, now archived on our YouTube channel, highlights why more and more industries are using load pins include for projects related to infrastructure, aerospace and defense, industrial automation, manufacturing, maritime, and in energy markets such as oil and gas.

Regional Sales Director Elliot Speidell covered a series of topics in this live event, which included:

  • Who is Using Load Pins and Why?
  • Models and Design Aspects of Load Pins
  • Integration Considerations
  • Installation Factors
  • Load Pin Capabilities including Wireless Features
  • Standard and Customization Options
  • New-Found Applications Using Load Pins
  • Differences and Advantages
  • FAQs

WATCH NOW: THE ‘USE CASES FOR LOAD PINS’ ON-DEMAND EVENT

This webinar covers great detail in installation tips, integration considerations, design features and more.  Here are just a few highlights from the webinar.

Load pins measure tensile and compression forces via strain gages that are installed within a small bore through the center of the pin. Two grooves are machined into the outer circumference of the pin to define the shear planes, which are located between the forces being measured. They are made of rugged stainless-steel material and are commonly used for safety applications.  They are easy to retrofit and inherently waterproof by design, making it useful in submersible and adverse environmental conditions. Load pins have multiple bridge options and can be cabled or wireless.

One of the most important features and distinctions of a load pin is the ability to customize the design to fit the application. Due to the nature of requirements and fact most load pins are custom solutions, they often do not have any charges for NRE. Contact our application experts to learn of the possibilities and design options.

When installing a load pin various factors need to be considered which can influence the performance or accuracy. The fit of the pin within a structure is important to the overall performance of the load pin. For an optimal performance, an H7/g6 clearance would normally be recommended; however, this is not always achievable in the field and some slight loss of repeatability and linearity can normally be tolerated to achieve an “easy to fit” requirement.

Load pins are a great sensor to use in a “smart system” application for automated feedback, alarms, and real-time notifications.  They integrate with all types of instrumentation, including digital output options. Though they are simple and easy to use, they are known for hardiness. It is important to understand they are not “precision performance” devices, they are designed for standard force measurement applications that require immediate feedback. Also, they are easy to incorporate with existing actuator set-ups.

Watch the event to learn more about the questions engineers and testing experts asked us about using load pins. For specific industry examples, from bridges to crane regulation use, tune into the recorded event or visit our application notes here. Need us to get started on a custom design?  Contact us today.

Interface Crane Use Cases and Application Notes

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Manufacturers and engineers of heavy equipment are rigorous about the design quality, performance and most importantly preserving safety. Having tools to test and monitor this type of equipment allows equipment producers and users to review performance at all stages, ultimately maintaining a safe working environment which is critical to any construction, transportation, or infrastructure project job site. That’s why Interface provides quality force measurement products for a host of industrial equipment machines to accurately measure force, load capacity, weight, tension and more.

Interface has been a long-time supplier of force and torque sensors along with instrumentation products for projects involving all types of cranes and lifting machines. We are frequently asked to provide crane force measurement solutions for applications used in hoisting, lifting, moving, and transporting heavy objects. These use cases range across all types of environments, from constructing high rises in metropolitan centers around the world to maritime industry users loading docks and lifting watercraft.

To outline how force measurement is used to monitor cranes, we developed series of application notes explaining the components Interface provided to allow our customer to measure safety, reliability, and efficiency of their equipment.

Crane Capacity Verification

The first application note outlines a project in which the customer wanted to verify that their crane was strong enough to safely lift a heavy load at its rated maximum load capacity. It was determined that because of the size of the crane, a wireless solution was needed to avoid long wires and burdensome installation. Interface provided a Model WTSTL Lightweight Wireless Tension Link Load Cell to measure the load’s maximum capacity. WTS-RM1 Wireless Relay Output Receiver Modules were also used to trigger an alarm that can be set when the maximum capacity of weight/force has been reached. To review the data the customer could transmit to a PC or laptop with a WTS-BS-4 USB base station. The data can also be reviewed through a WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display. With this solution, the customer was able to verify if the crane is safe and functional enough to lift it’s working load limit (WLL), or safe working load (SWL) capacity.

Read the full Crane Capacity Verification Application Note here.

Crane Block Safety Check

The next example features a crane application in which the customer wanted to detect whether a crane block could lift a heavy load securely to keep working conditions safe for personnel. The customer specifically wanted the solution to include an alarm feature that notified them if lifting capacity was exceeded in real-time. Using a WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pin in place of a load bearing pin in the crane block, they could measure the force being applied by the heavy load. Data will be transmitted and displayed through both the WTS-BS-4 USB Base Station. It can also be paired with the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld for real-time safety monitoring. The WTS-RM1 Wireless Relay Output Receiver Module triggers an alarm when maximum capacity has been reached. The customer was able to verify if the crane was operating safely and was always functional enough to lift it’s working load limit (WLL) or safe working load (SWL) capacity. The added alarm feature is critical for notifying users when the crane reaches unsafe limits during operations.

Read the entire Crane Block Safety Check Application note here.

Crane Force Regulation 

In the final application note, a customer wanted to regulate the maximum number of heavy loads being lifted, so that production time was both safe for workers and efficient. The goal was to complete lifting duties faster and with little or no expense. A wireless solution was also preferred, so that there would be no long cable interference during production. Interface supplied a WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pin, which can be custom made to be used for any and all types of cranes. It is also great for lifting both short and long distances. The load pin was paired with the WTS Wireless Telemetry System, where force could be measured and logged. The customer was able to monitor the continuous force from the crane, and gather information on loads being lifted for continuous safety and production reporting requirements.

Read the complete Crane Force Regulation Application Note here.

You can read more about heavy equipment testing and use cases in our post, Force Measurement Solutions for the Construction Industry.

Force Measurement Solutions for the Construction Industry

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In the world of heavy machinery, the ability to protect these investments is critical to an efficient and cost-effective worksite. This is especially true in the construction industry, where any type of damage or disruption to onsite equipment can significantly delay project timelines and cost a construction company hundreds of thousands of dollars, or more.

Protecting equipment is important in the industry; however, the safety of people is paramount. Severe failures of the equipment can be dangerous to machine operators. One way construction companies are protecting people and their material investments is through the use of force sensor technologies with Interface’s precision load cells, torque transducers, load pins, tension links and load shackles, as well as data acquisition instrumentation.

The use of force measurement is a growing trend in construction because companies realize that they can use force sensors to track performance data on a wide variety of heavy machinery. This data can inform machine operators when they were pushing the machines past their respective limits.

Applications of Force Measurement Products Used in the Construction Industry

One of the key use cases of force sensors used in the construction industry is on heavy machinery attachments. Construction sites frequently utilize a crane, which is used to lift large bundles of material such as wood or steel with a grabbing type attachment, or used to transport construction workers to large heights with a basket or platform attachment.

For cranes outfitted with a lifting attachment such as a claw, a tension sensor can be used on the pulley mechanism to measure the weight lifted by the crane. The tension sensor can provide real-time data to the construction crew to help monitor the lifting process and provide the operator with the information necessary to refrain from lifting weights that are too heavy for the crane to handle. If the claw arm lifts more than the crane is able to withstand, the attachment could break off, or worse, the crane could topple over.

Another example of a crane attachment that can benefit from a force measurement sensor is the basket or platform type attachment used to transport workers to great heights. In this use case, a rotary actuator between the basket attachment and crane can be outfitted with a pressure transducer. This type of sensor will help measure the force placed on the attachment point to help rotate the basket in multiple directions and provide force data to ensure the basket isn’t over-rotated or carrying too much weight.

The final example of sensor technology used in construction is with a smart clamp. This is a use case that can be seen in multiple industries, in addition to the construction industry. A smart clamp, or soft-touch clamp, uses a compression load cell attached to a gauged piece of metal on both ends of the clamp. The clamp attachment is often placed on the end of a forklift type machine and used to transport delicate materials, packages, and other materials.

The compression load cell works by providing data back to the operator, letting them know how much force can be used to grab the object without breaking it. This used case is often found in the consumer packaging industry but can also be applied to the construction industry when transporting delicate building materials.

For many years, construction companies used this type of equipment and heavy machinery without the use of force sensors, making it harder to keep the equipment and workers safe. Today, more companies that develop attachments and heavy machinery have begun exploring force sensors to optimize the use of these machines. This creates a safer, more efficient and cost-effective environment for construction companies and protects their workers.

To learn more about specific construction industry use cases, review our detailed application notes below:

Lifting Heavy Objects

Harness Durability Testing

Interface is engaging with a number of customers in these industries to develop solutions to keep equipment safe and performing at optimal efficiency. To learn more about how force sensors can be used to protect your investments, contact our specialized application engineers and representatives of Interface products and solutions.

Contributor: Dan McAneny, co-founder and sales engineer at Tritek Solutions, one of Interface’s sales representatives covering the Pacific Northwest.