4 minute read
Never underestimate the importance of weighing
When it comes to specialised weighing solutions, Loadtech Load Cells has over 50 year’s collective experience. Founded in 1987, the company has firmly established its reputation as a leader in quality load cell manufacturing.
Weighing and load limiting is fast gaining track in Southern Africa as the benefits of installing weighing devices are being realised. Everything that is picked up should be weighed, says Glen Webster, Sales and Services Manager for Loadtech Load Cells. “It is essential for any business as incorrect weights have a direct impact on the bottom line.” He says while there are variables to consider depending on what one wanted to weigh, the installing of instrumentation on equipment to weigh and limit loads should not be negotiable. “Each market sector has its differentials to consider, but there is a major benefit to installing these devices. It undoubtedly is an investment and over the long-term, the devices pay themselves off. Simply put, if you are weighing you are saving money.” Not only is equipment not being damaged by having to deal with continuously being overloaded, but the inefficiency of underloading is also addressed. The applications of Loadtech Load Cells span nearly every industry and can be used on just about anything that lifts or moves goods. From conveyor belts to bag weighing, batch weighing, throughput weighing, loss in weight, hopper and silo weighing, process weighing, dynamic weighing, platform and crane weighing as well as weight feeders are addressed. “It is a niche product and often companies won’t deem it necessary to install the instrumentation. Once the benefits, however, are realised the importance and difference that correct load weighing and load limitation makes is very quickly realised. The buy-in into products is steadily growing and we are seeing market growth.” It is a growth that is expected to continue, especially in the current economic times where cost-saving is the order of the day. “The savings that can be realised by weighing correctly first time round is huge. Furthermore, it allows one to do regular productivity checks. The systems and instruments are incredibly innovated and deliver value add that makes a massive difference to cost.”
Technologically advanced
According to Webster, the system is operator driven and while it can be ignored taking note of the daily emails one can pro-actively address productivity losses. “It allows one to pinpoint exactly where production is slowing down – where is the overloading taking place and where is there underloading in the system.” It is also all captured on an app and through the use of smart devices
linked to the instrumentation. “It is a real-time system that is live,” says Webster. “It is important to have the system installed properly by professionals that ensure it is calibrated correctly and mechanically sound for the operation. Using technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) devices it is very user-friendly with daily reports delivered. These reports can be customized to the requirement of a client.”Webster says delivering bespoke solutions is part and parcel of the system. “Often our devices are used to pay operators an incentive. The more they load, the quicker and better, the more the incentive. At the same time, thanks to these devices, they are loading correctly every time.”
Simpler and safer
Gone are the days where a truck has to stop at a weighbridge to find out how much it is carrying. “If the truck is overloaded it has to unload cargo right there before it can continue, but if it is underloaded it needs to return to base to get more cargo to take to the final destination. This is an inefficient, time consuming and costly way to operate,” explains Webster. “With load cells, one can accurately load the truck at the depot and it can go through weighbridges without any problems and deliver to destinations timeously.” It is also far safer as it mitigates risk. “Load limitation in the crane industry is of extreme importance. A crane that is overloaded is unsafe and poses a real risk not only to the equipment but the people around it. The same with trucks, an overloaded truck on the road is dangerous.”
Maintenance and training
One of the key requisites for
ensuring the safe operation of Loadtech Load Cells and Loadtech Instrumentation is maintenance carried out by professionals. “We have a team of technicians and specialists available that can address any concerns or problems. We also regularly calibrate equipment on-site to ensure it is in optimum working condition.” The devices themselves are robust and built to handle the local operating environment. According to Webster, training is an important element of the successful operation of the system. “We offer practical training by our specialists. We can tailor the course to the particular requirements of the company. Training can be done at the client’s premises or our offices in Centurion.”
Loadtech Load Cells,
+27 (0) 12 661 0830, www.loadtech.co.za
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