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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

 

Weighing Sensor Applications and Innovative Use Cases

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The advancements in sensor technologies have expanded the capabilities of how accurate data can improve performance of weighing equipment, tools, machines, components, and products. Design and manufacturing engineers are using precision weight measurements today with higher frequency to improve durability, usability, and reliability.

What has changed in the last decade that has spurred this high demand for weighing sensor technologies? Primarily it is related to the capabilities and features. This includes the ruggedization of load cell form factors to withstand harsh conditions, wireless capabilities to transmit and analyze data for continuous monitoring, smaller sensors like load buttons, ease of use and installation, and submersible options. There is also a growing requirement to design weighing sensors into a product to activate components for real-time user feedback and ensure safety.

Examples of how sensors in weighing applications are supporting innovation are abundant. Manufacturers utilize weight in design, build and supply. Defined weight is used in most product specifications, which requires precise accuracy in measurement. Utilizing precision force sensing solutions and instrumentation allows product engineers and manufacturers of all types to collect data in real time. IoT enabled weighing and scale solutions are frequently used in the modernization of products and industrial automation.

Interface supplies highly accurate and reliable load cells and sensor technologies for weighing and scale solutions. Industry use cases range from medical bag weighing to ice machine weighing. Weighing and scales must be dependable and always provide correct data. Precision sensors are a critical part of this requirement.

Common Weighing Use Cases for Advanced Sensor Technologies

  • Center of gravity testing
  • Inventory management and control
  • Batching and packaging
  • Check weighing
  • Process control
  • Sample testing and material testing
  • Equipment safety monitoring
  • Transporta tion technologies
  • All types of scales

The abilities to use precision weighing sensor devices in the form of load pins, load shackles, tension links, load beams, miniature load cells, and wireless load cells continues to expand the boundaries beyond what has been known as test and measurement. Facilities and cities use connected force sensing trash receptacles for optimizing schedules of waste management companies to reduce costs and increase efficiencies.  Innovative smart pallet force sensing helps to track products and goods at the dock to reduce expenses and increase productivity. Silo weighing for inventory management. Setpoints are configured to automatically generate purchase orders when product levels fall below a defined threshold.

Additional applications recently featured in Weighing Your Options Webinar demonstrate how Interface weighing solutions support breakthrough use cases and inventive new products. Here are a few examples of these weighing applications.

Tank Weighing and Center of Gravity Using Weighcheck Load Cells

Interface’s customer needs to monitor the amount of material in a tank by weight and locate the center of gravity. The proposed solution is to use Interface’s A4200 Zinc Plated or A4600 Stainless Steel Weighcheck Load Cells, along with Interface instrumentation 1280 Programmable Weight Indicator and Controller. Interface provided a solution that monitors the amount of material by weight in their tank while locating the center of gravity. Watch as Ken Bishop demonstrates the A4200 and A4600 weighcheck load cells  https://youtu.be/G6NA84I73Zo .

Produce Weighing Using Platform Scale Load Cells

A customer owns and operates a fruit packaging plant. They want to weigh the bins full of fruit that are loaded onto conveyor belts that transfer the fruit to other steps of the distribution process. Interface suggests installing SPI Low Capacity Platform Scale Load Cells, along with WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, in the center of the platforms the bins of fruit are loaded on. The WTS-AM-1E’s wirelessly transmit the data collected from the SPI’s to the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for multiple transmitters, and the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station when connected to a computer. Results can be graphed, logged, and seen during operation using this system.

Livestock Weighing System Use Sealed Beam Load Cells

A rancher wants to accurately weigh their cows for multiple reasons. They want to make sure their cows are at a healthy weight and want to maintain their weight. But they also want to know the optimal time for breeding based on the weight of their livestock. Interface’s solution is to bolt four SSB Sealed Beam Load Cells at the bottom of a metal platform, that is placed on the inside of the customer’s cattle cage. Once the cow has walked onto the plate, the SSB Sealed Beam Load Cells will measure the force pressure applied. With all four connected to JB104SS Junction Box, which is then connected to the 480 Bidirectional Weight Indicator combined accurate weight results for real-time display.

Crane Weighing Verification Using Wireless Tension Link Load Cells

A customer wants to verify that their crane is strong enough to safely lift a heavy load, at its rated maximum load capacity. A wireless solution helps to avoid long cables and for faster installation time. Interface WTSLTL Lightweight Wireless Tension Link Load Cells can measure the load’s maximum capacity. The WTS-RM1 Wireless Relay Output Receiver Modules also can trigger an alarm that can be set when the maximum capacity of weight/force has been reached. The data is transmitted and can be reviewed with the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Cranes and Lifting

Garbage Truck On-Board Weighing

CPG Snack Weighing and Packaging Machine

Weighing Your Options Webinar Recap

CPG Veterinary Weighing Scales

CPG Water Bottle Dispensing and Weighing

CPG Water Bottle Dispensing and Weighing App Note

 

 

Weighing Your Options Webinar Recap

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Most often the subject of weighing is a reference to scales. Although most of the world knows Interfaced for our expertise in test and measurement, aerospace, automotive, energy, and medical industries, we know our way around all kinds of weighing applications and scales.

In fact, load cells are truly the heart of every scale system and make modern use cases for highly accurate weight data possible. At Interface, we design, manufacture, and guarantee the highest performing load cells in the world.

In our online seminar, Weighing Your Options, Keith Skidmore, and Jeff White detail Interface products used for weighing, along with engineering tips, applications, and frequently asked questions.

How have sensors historically been used for weighing and lifting? The most common uses are in weigh modules, floor, and bench scales, along with truck and rail transport weighcheck systems. Interface’s involvement in providing measurement solutions have traditionally focused on test and measurement applications, sensors for machines and rigs, as well as use in weighing components. Trends are moving to complete weighing solutions.

Sensors are used throughout the product life cycle, from R&D to distribution, including

  • Weighing individual parts or components
  • Equipment and machines that measure weight during assembly and production
  • Weighing ingredients in food and chemical processes
  • Weighing products during distribution
  • Weighing before and during transportation

Interface load cells can measure across a wide range of force, from 0.02 to 2,000k lbf.  Interface products used in weighing applications are diverse in design, including:

Our weighing sensors combined with available instrumentation use a variety of communication methods, including analog, digital, wireless and cloud based, to allow users to gather data in-facility or remotely. Junction boxes such as our JB1100 4-Channel Advanced Signal Conditioning Transmitter Indicator and Junction Box are frequently used for weighing systems. We can also customize sensors to meet specifications for weighing use cases.

Most Common Types of Instrumentation Used for Weighing

  • Analog Signal Conditioners
  • Digital Signal Conditioners
  • Active Junction Boxes
  • Digital Displays
  • Programmable Weight Controllers
  • Data Acquisition Systems
  • Wireless and Specialty Devices

Interface has also introduced several weigh system modules, like the WSSCLC-Mount Weighing Assembly. It is a stainless-steel construction and available in three sizes. It incorporates a safety retainer to prevent accidental vessel lifting or sliding. When used with Model WSSCLC Load Cell, the system is IP68 rated and good for rugged applications.

The place to start with any new weighing application is what do you need to weigh by and what is the smallest increasing increment? Interface application engineers can help you choose the correct equipment, including the load cell, weigh module, instrumentation, and any accessories. They will review the requirements such as live load, dead load, number of supports, washdown, weighing materials, temperature and temperature swings, hazardous environment and exposure, type of vessel, measurements of compression or tension, mixers or shakers attachments, rigid conduit, or piping and even shock loading issues.

Watch the complete online seminar to learn more about weighing systems used for tank and hoppers, conveyor belts, industrial equipment, continuous weighing and automation features for alarms and safety requirements. We detail do’s and don’ts along with frequently asked questions.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Accuracy Matters for Weighing and Scales

Livestock Weighing System Application Note

Fruit Weighing

INF4-EtherCat Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator

CPG Water Bottle Dispensing and Weighing

New Interface Case Study Exams Weighing and Scales

CPG Veterinary Weighing Scales

 

 

Maritime Measurement Solutions for Onshore and Submersible Applications

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Maritime test and measurement applications are some of the most unique because they require specially designed equipment that can handle the often-harsh environments in testing and during ongoing operational use.

The solutions for the maritime industry require technologies that measure force, torque, and weight under extreme and uncommon conditions. Interface provides products that have been used for withstanding the rigorous requirements of monitoring underwater tension lines, seaborne components and material testing, boat and ship engine testing, equipment durability and safety regulation monitoring, lift capacity measurements, energy extraction equipment, and storm and tsunami monitoring.

We have been a long-time supplier of sensor technologies and instrumentation that are applied in building and maintaining boats, yachts, and other water vessels of all sizes. Our force measurement solutions are used for waterborne vessels, maintenance, safety equipment, and offshore products. You can learn more in our maritime case study here.

Interface offers a wide variety of submersible and wireless load cells, DAQ and instrumentation products, and rugged load shackles, load pins and tension links. Maritime manufacturers and field users rely on these quality products as they are designed for test and measurement requirements onshore, near-shore, and completely undersea.

Interface Maritime Capabilities and Solutions:

  • Stainless steel and rugged load cell designs for different temperatures and climates
  • Environmentally sealed products used in harsh environments
  • Wireless telemetry system components
  • Custom solutions based on safety and regulatory specifications
  • OEM engineered products for submersible use cases
  • Bluetooth and Wireless data acquisition and instrumentation for safety monitoring
  • Load pins and load shackles for continuous hoist and lifting applications

Included below are a few examples of applications our products are used for testing, force measurement, performance monitoring, regulatory and equipment maintenance:

  • Weight and tension monitor
  • Motor and engine testing
  • Submersible equipment tests
  • Commercial fishing wire rope testing
  • Hydrofoil testing in wave tank
  • Crane block safety check
  • Mooring tension testing and quick release hooks (QRH)
  • Crane capacity verification and force regulation
  • WTS yacht rigging inspection
  • Defense submergible tests

Interface understands that the maritime industry has high standards and requirements force and torque testing, measurement, and weighing.  Accuracy in testing is absolutely critical. Interface’s quality measurement solutions provide accurate data needed for all types of maritime equipment used to ensure safety and success. Our Interface expert engineers can help you design customizable solutions for all types of applications using our products designed for offshore, underwater, and splash zone locations.

This is just a preview of our capabilities in the maritime industry. To learn more, check out our maritime solutions. We also recently developed a new maritime solutions brochure, which provides in-depth information on our submersible product offerings, as well as other ruggedized products for maritime applications.

Maritime-Brochure

Deeper Dive into Maritime Solutions from Interface

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The maritime industry is one that Interface products are uniquely designed for based on the extensive technical requirements and challenges needing ruggedized solutions to perform in harsh environments. Like any industry that manufacturers vehicles and large machinery, the maritime industry requires supremely accurate force measurement systems for performance and safety testing and ongoing infield use. However, the maritime industry has the added challenge of needing measurement technologies and equipment that function in offshore and submersible environments, and that can hold up to intensely cold temperatures while still providing accurate data.

In our new maritime case study, we take a deeper dive into some of the use cases and solutions we provide to the industry.

Interface offers an entire line of products commonly used in maritime applications of all types, including our performance load cells, load pins, load shackles, tension links, wireless instrumentation, miniature load cells and engineered-to-order products. Interface products are used to test and measure continuous performance for waterborne vessels, dock equipment such as cranes and lifting apparatus, submersible devices, and offshore machines. Interface maritime solutions are made to survive in the conditions conducive to the industry, allowing users and component manufacturers to test and operate equipment that guarantee accuracy and reliability in performance.  Read more about solutions for maritime in this post.

To highlight some of the maritime applications and use cases of our products, the recently published case study exemplifies why Interface maritime solutions are aligned to the industry’s high standards and requirements for force and torque test and measurement, and weighing.

New Maritime Case Study

Interface has been a longtime leader in supplying products to the maritime industry. From hydrofoil testing to yacht rigging inspection, and even on the enormous cranes used on shipping docks, we provide solutions for a wide variety of applications in maritime. The U.S. maritime industry employs over 400,000 workers and according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), annual sales of boats, marine products and services were estimated at $42B. This includes organizations that develop hardware to support shipyards, marine terminals, fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, commercial diving, and marine transportation.

Interface is vendor of choice for maritime, for example we offer load cells that can wirelessly transmit data through underwater applications and harsh weather conditions. These load cells can survive through underwater submersions at different capacities, and still be able to relay information to those at the surface level. Interface load cells can also regulate harsh maritime situations such as underwater tension lines, underwater oil drilling, and storm and tsunami monitoring.

Interface wireless load pins, load shackles, and tension links are ideal for sea applications paired with our different wireless sensor transmitters, receivers, and handheld displays. Our Wireless Crosby Bow Load Shackles are used for mooring line tension testing and rigging inspections. Our load shackles are also inter-changeable with our WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell. The WTS-BS-4 Wireless Industrial USB Base Station is a popular transmitter that gives outstanding coverage and can be easily paired with one of our handheld displays such as the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters, or the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld for Single Transmitters.

For the full case study, click here.

Interface Explores Maritime Applications Near and Offshore

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Land, air, and sea are all the places where Interface force measurement devices are used to test and confirm product designs and measure real-time functions of equipment. Interface has long been providing an array of sensor solutions for use in the maritime industry.

The solutions are diverse including hydrofoil watercraft testing, yacht rigging inspections, and safety weight monitoring on massive cranes used on shipping docks and offshore. Interface provides various load cells, load pins, tension links, load shackles, instrumentation, and wireless products for splash zone, offshore and underwater sites.

The reason we are a top choice for products in or around the water is because of our line of submersible and rugged load cells and sensors designed for underwater applications and use in harsh weather conditions. From rigs and docks to structural waterways and bridges, our load cells can survive through underwater submersions at different capacities, and still be able to relay reliable and accurate data to instrumentation and receivers at the surface level. Interface measurement technologies are helping customers regulate harsh maritime situations including underwater tension lines for commercial fishing, nearshore hoisting apparatus at shipyards, undersea energy exploration, as well as storm and tsunami monitoring.

Specifically, our wireless load pins, load shackles, and tension links are ideal for marine applications. These products can be paired with our different wireless sensor transmitters, receivers, and handheld displays. Our Wireless Crosby Bow Load Shackles have been used for line tension testing and rigging. Our load shackles are inter-changeable with our WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell. The WTS-BS-4 Wireless Industrial USB Base Station is also a popular transmitter that gives outstanding coverage and can be easily paired with one of our handheld displays such as the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters or the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld for Single Transmitters.

Check out a few of our applications notes to see how these products can be used for testing in the maritime industry:

Hydrofoil Testing in a Wave Tank

Hydrofoil design for watercraft is a delicate balance between performance and complexity. Finding the right shape without using overly complex angles to achieve the desired amount of lift is crucial when designing a successful hydrofoil. Once an engineer’s concepts are ready for testing, using the best force measurement equipment is required to sense the subtle differences between hydrofoil designs. Lift and drag are the most important characteristics of a hydrofoil. The Interface Model 3A120 3-Axis Load Cell is needed to read these forces. The Fz senses lift and the Fx and Fy sense the drag. Using a model BSC4D-USB bridge amplifier increases the visibility of the load cells output signals. When using the load cell and bridge amplifier, the engineers can record the real-world lift and drag forces the hydrofoils are having on the watercraft. This data allows a more in-depth comparison of proposed hydrofoil designs to find the best model for the job. Learn more.

Mooring Line Tension Testing 

Due to the changing weather conditions, mooring cable lines undergo wear and tear. Users want to ensure all mooring lines for ships or vessels are securely docked at the same loading tension so that they do not risk the mooring lines to break or cause damage. Interface WTSLTL Lightweight Wireless Tension Link can be attached to each mooring cable in use. Results are sent to the customers through the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station when connected to the customer’s supplied PC computer or laptop. Data can also be transmitted to the WTS-BS-1-HA Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters, giving the customer the option to view multiple mooring cable line tensions. Using these Interface products, the customer was able to verify the tensions to multiple mooring cable lines. Thus, resulting in the security of their ship being safely docked on shore. Check out the app note here.

WTS Yacht Rigging Inspection

For a customer who wants to have a complete rigging inspection to make sure the mast, still lines, and all movable hoisting lines are functional and meet the proper specifications for sailing, Interface has the products to help. To test the tension of the forestay, shroud, and backstay cables, and the tension of the movable lines when sailing, Interface provided a WTSSHK-B Wireless Crosby™ Bow Load Shackle paired with the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters. This allows customers to switch and view between multiple shackles being tested during the inspection. The WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station can also be attached to the customer’s PC or laptop to display real time measurements from the shackles and log data. With this combination of technology, the customer was able to conduct both a running and standing rigging inspection of their ship or vessel and was able to determine if all lines were functional and met safety standards. Learn more here.

Dock Crane Safety and Capacity Verification

It is essential that heavy equipment used on the dock can verify that their crane is strong enough to safely lift a heavy load. For productivity and timing, it also is helpful to constantly measure and rate maximum load capacity. In these environments, a wireless solution is needed to avoid long cables, and to have a faster installation time. Using the WTSTL Lightweight Wireless Tension Link Load Cell, operators can measure the load’s maximum capacity. The WTS-RM1 Wireless Relay Output Receiver Modules also can trigger an alarm that can be set when the maximum capacity of weight and force. The data is transmitted and can be reviewed with the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display, or, on the customer’s receiving technology. Read more here.

As you can see, Interface has got Maritime covered with a wide variety of products suitable for submersion and the harsh weather that can be found at sea. In addition, if our off-the-shelf products don’t quite meet your use case, Interface’s custom solutions team will work alongside you to create the most effective and efficient solution based on your needs.

Testing the Reins

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Think of nearly any piece of hardware, especially those with moving components, and chances are a force measurement device was used in its development and testing.

Interface supplies load cells, torque transducers, load pins, tension links, and data acquisition devices utilized in testing hardware components for automobiles, drones, rocket engines, medical devices, bridges, watercraft, and everything in-between including for horses.

The applications for our products grow broader every year, so much so that we are rarely surprised with the ingenuity and innovation abound. There are no limitations, including in the equipment utilized in core agriculture markets, which comprises of products used in the equine industry.

In one customer’s project, were able to provide valuable sensor technology for a test and measurement project for products used with horses. Included below is a brief preview of the two new applications notes we developed based on the specific requirements for this equine industry design.

A customer came to Interface needing to quantify the poll pressure on the bridle of a horse. We created a solution using both a Wireless Telemetry System (WTS) and a Bluetooth® Telemetry System (BTS) Equine Bridle Tension System, with two SMA Miniature S-Type Load Cells in both the line of the reins and that of the cheekpiece on one side of the horse to study the dynamic response of the cheekpiece tension to rein tension in the ridden horse. Utilizing the WTS or BTS, the valuable data can be displayed and recorded in real time.

Within the real experimental system these sensors were used to test the tension resulting from the rider’s hands, the horse’s mouth and the bit, the elasticity of the equine mouth provides a “floating” fulcrum and a potential source of time-lag and decoherence between the dynamic rein and cheekpiece tensions. Because the cheekpiece is directly attached to the headpiece, we we’re able to assume that forces seen in the cheekpiece are those that are applied to the poll of the horse.

Want to learn more about this agriculture industry solution?  Be sure to read the Equine Industry WTS and BTS Bridle Tension System application notes.

Tension Links 101

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A tension link load cell is commonly used in lifting, both for short and long distances, and weighing applications. This type of load cell sensor generally has capacities ranging from 2.2K lbf to 1.1M lbf (5 to 500 metric tons). All tension links are available in custom versions and large capacities based on the customer’s project requirements.

Interface’s Tension Link series is manufactured from high tensile aluminum and stainless steel. Matched to shackle sizes, the load links have a rugged design for uses in harsh environments on the surface and in water. The tension links are environmentally sealed to IP65, IP66 or IP67. There are higher ratings available upon request.

A major benefit of Interface tension links is the option for custom designs in dimensions, ratings and capacities. The tension links are easy to install and are highly accurate.  They are compact in size and light weight. Another benefit is the options available, which include standard, wireless and self-indicating, giving the operator a variety of application use cases for quick measurement readings.  Self-indicating tension links have a built-inaudible alarm, which can be set by the operator to warn when an applied weight or force is met.

Often, customers will integrate the tension links with an Interface Crosby styled load shackle for robust applications that require accurate and reliable force measurement used for lifting, weighing, hoisting or towing apparatus that need sensors for safety and monitoring.

Wireless options are growing in acceptance for all types of uses. Interface provides wireless tension links that are compact and reduce the overall product weight based on the casing used to house the small alkaline batteries, which can be easily accessed by removing the telemetry housing cover while the internal electronics remain completely sealed. The antenna is also internally mounted, protecting it from accidental damage during use and handling, which is ideal for harsh environments.

Watch this discussion to learn more about the wireless features of the Interface Tension Links and Load Shackles.

Interface’s most popular tension links include:

WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell – Designed for lifting applications requiring short or long distances. This product can transmit wirelessly up to 600 meters in distance (clear line of sight) to a handheld display or USB base station. Model WTSTL is available in capacities ranging from 11K lbf to 220K lbf (5 to 100 metric tons). Custom versions and larger capacities are available upon request.

ISITL Self-Indicating Tension Link Load Cell – Manufactured from high tensile aluminum to minimize weight, the ISITL is great for lifting and weighing in rugged or harsh environments.  The self-indication tension link load cell is ideal for mobile use cases.  It is simple to install and is matched to standard shackle sizes. They have a built-in display for applied weight or force in tons, kgs, lbs or kN. Interface can also offer a custom software to meet any specific application requirements for digital display or readouts.

ITL Tension Link Load Cell – This basic tension link can be amplified with 5VDC, 10VDC or 4-20mA Outputs. It can also be made to meet ATEX requirements. Model ITL is available in capacities ranging from 11K lbf to 220K lbf (5 to 100 metric tons). Custom versions and larger capacities can be requested at no additional charge, based on the exact specifications needed by the customer.

To learn more about our wide variety of load pins, load shackles and tension links, please visit www.interfaceforce.com/product-category/load-pins-tension-links-and-load-shackles/.