May 31 2024
Load pins are small but highly significant parts of any weighing system. Whether you have a series of cranes weighing goods at your facility or just one industrious winch in a small-scale business, you can't get far without a good load pin. These pins will help you get the accurate readings you need while ensuring your systems are built to last. However, not all pins are built the same. Some companies will opt for standard pins for convenience. Yet, companies specializing in bespoke pieces can help you improve productivity and profitability.
So, how can custom load pins make a difference to your company's operations? Are they the right option for you right now and, if so, what do you need to consider when choosing one?
Before we look at some of the benefits of custom pins over standard designs, let's talk about what these pins actually are. Load pins are an important part of weighing systems. They act as a load cell and are an effective substitution for other pins, such as sheave and clevis pins. The internal gauges measure changes in signals in a certain direction. The change then translates into a weight measurement, which you can record for future reference.
Although these pins are pretty small and unassuming, the best versions can handle weights of more than 500,000 pounds. That's some serious capacity and essential for any business looking to handle big loads. The best pieces are also very durable and resistant to corrosion, thanks to their stainless steel bodies and careful construction. This is essential in marine environments where the sea air and bad weather could put machinery at risk.
The construction and application of these pins mean that they are highly beneficial in a range of industries. This includes marine and shipping industries dealing with countless containers of heavy loads each trip. The pin slots into the various winches, hoists, bearing blocks, and types of cranes. That is why it is so important to get quality parts that are built for your machines, not just any old compatible pin.
This is a good question because there are plenty of quality pins out there built to general measurements. You can use standard pins when setting up your weight-measuring equipment. However, they may not be the best choice. Standard pins are available for purchase from many reputable suppliers. These can seem like the best-case scenario for companies with a lot of equipment to deal with, especially with lots of old clevis pins to upgrade. They are popular because of their accessibility and lower costs. It shouldn't take long to get a series of them ordered, delivered, and installed in all the cranes and winches in your facility. However, it may soon become apparent that not all of these pins are up to the job. You may have to get something custom-made instead.
The problem with standard load pins is that they don't always fit the specifications of your machine. A few millimeters either way could make the difference between the most accurate and efficient weighing system possible and one that is more ineffective. These pins can fail quite easily because of the poor fit, those that are too big for the space can end up wearing down the machine due to repeated friction during operation. Those that are too small don't exert the right amount of force within the space for an accurate reading.
If you continue to work with these ineffective systems, you could end up with inaccuracies in your readings, which then affect your reports, costings, and future prospects. So, to avoid this domino effect, you can work with a custom pin instead.
As you can see, switching to custom load pins can make a big difference. You can upgrade your equipment and see the gains in no time. But what should you expect when getting these custom-made pins for your company?
These pins are truly bespoke pieces. This means they are made to the exact specifications of your machine for a clean fit and better application. You can submit your request to the lead designers and engineers and consult with them about the different designs and applications. The team will come up with a bespoke design and, once approved by you and your team, can get to work creating it.
The best pieces come from teams with great attention to detail. The team will want to know everything they can about the machines and circumstances to give you the best solution. That means you may have to answer more questions than you expect about the types of forces applied to the pin, the electric requirements, the environments the machines operate in, and the need for any specific design features. Don’t hold back with your answers. The more they know, the better your custom load pin design will be.
The downside to all this is that you will have to pay more to get these bespoke pieces for your machinery than you would with the standard pins. The accessibility and uniform design of the standard models means that you can find a job lot of pieces from a local supplier. You can pay a more competitive rate and have them shipped to your facilities pretty easily. It's not the same with the custom pins because you need the time, expertise, and ongoing consultations with a top provider. This can take a little longer and comes at a higher cost.
You might feel as though it is worth paying less and handling maintenance costs for standard pins if you are a small-scale company dealing with lighter loads. Right now, those pins may be effective enough to handle the job. However, what happens when business improves and you end up putting your weighing tools to the test? Will the pins be tough enough to handle more frequent use and heavier loads? Is it better to invest in some custom pins now and be ready for everything you need to handle in the next few years?
Working with a team that specializes in custom load pins can make a massive difference when it comes to the future of your company. You may not think these small metal pins are worth much right now, but it's a substitution that could end up paying off significantly over time. So, start talking to the best designers and technicians now to get started on a bespoke solution for your equipment.
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