Stainless steel toggle load links!

The TOG series of stainless steel toggle link load links from LCM Systems, used extensively throughout the oil and gas industries, is one of the most flexible ranges on the market. The load links are particularly suited to permanent installations where wire loads are being measured and have been designed for added flexibility.

The major benefit of these TOG load cells is that they are manufactured with a flexible configuration of end fittings. They can be supplied with fork/eye, eye/eye or fork/fork arrangements that means they are easy to install in a wide range of applications. Accuracy is also improved as the number of additional fittings required in the measurement path is reduced.

All load cells in the range are manufactured in stainless steel (17-4PH) and are environmentally sealed to IP67 (IP68 can also be supplied). This means that they are ideal for use in exposed situations and can withstand immersion in seawater. Load ranges are available from 750kg to 9500kg and the load cells can be supplied with amplified output and an integral connector, if required.

As with all load cells from LCM Systems, as well as the standard range, many special design options are available and the TOG link cells can be supplied either on their own or combined with instrumentation for a complete load monitoring system.

Typical applications include mooring and towing monitoring, anchor line tension, wireline measurement and structural testing.

Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas enclosures!

As part of its new range of ATEX load cells, LCM Systems Ltd is launching the AEN ATEX/IECEx stainless steel Ex d enclosure. 

Designed for use in Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas, the enclosure will contain an internal explosion and prevent the transmission of sufficient energy to ignite a potentially flammable atmosphere outside of the enclosure, making it ideal to house load cell amplifiers or act as a junction box in environments where explosive gases, mists, dusts or vapours are present.

The new enclosure is manufactured in stainless steel with a minimum thickness of 16mm to give maximum environmental protection, is environmentally sealed to IP67 and has an internal volume of 500m³. It has been designed to accommodate cable entries for M12, M16 and M20 threads, with the number of cable entries as per customer and application requirements. For ease of use and flexibility, the AEN ATEX enclosure can also be supplied with a mounting base for straightforward attachment to walls, floors and assemblies. 

ATEX certified load cells and accessories!

LCM Systems has launched a brand new range of ATEX/IECEx certified, hazardous area load cells and enclosures. This ATEX/IECEx certification authenticates that LCM Systems’ load cells can be used in Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas without danger of causing or contributing to an explosion when used in flammable gas and dust environments. These environments include offshore drilling platforms, petrochemical plants, flour mills and any other industries where there is a possibility of a mixture of potentially explosive gases, vapours, mists or dusts being present in the air. 

Speaking about the introduction of these new products, Steve Sargeant, Managing Director says: “Everyone at LCM Systems has been working hard towards the launch of this important new range. As with all our products, these load cells are manufactured to the highest industry standards to ensure that our customers can be completely confident they are getting the best in terms of quality, reliability and accuracy. We are delighted that we can now deliver load measurement solutions to industries around the world that have a requirement to measure loads within Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas.”

As well as a standard range of ATEX load cells including load pins, load cells, load shackles and load links ranging in capacity from 2 to 1000+ tonnes, LCM Systems can also provide customised products designed specifically to meet exact customer requirements. All ATEX load cells are supplied with full environmental protection, ATEX certification and a certificate of calibration. Additionally, amplifiers and displays that can form a complete measurement system for potentially explosive atmospheres can also be supplied. 

Load cell manufacturer appointment!

LCM Systems has appointed Stacey Bond as Internal Sales Engineer for its range of load cells and instrumentation.

Appointment!

Based at their headquarters in the Isle of Wight (GB), Stacey will be the first point of contact for customers old and new looking to purchase either ex-stock or custom design load cells.

Stacey brings with her many years’ experience in technical sales and customer service and has worked in some of the main markets served by LCM Systems including oil, gas, petroleum and the chemical industry.

Speaking about the new appointment, Steve Sargeant, Managing Director at LCM Systems says: “We are delighted to welcome Stacey to the team here at LCM. Her industry expertise and excellent customer liaison skills are already proving a valuable asset to the company.”

E-Commerce site for load cells!

Load cell manufacturer LCM Systems has launched a new online ordering facility at its website – LCMSystems.com. Customers looking for load cells and associated instrumentation will find that not only does LCM Systems have one of the most comprehensive ranges available, but now many of its most popular load cells and indicators are available to buy online.

Load cell ranges such as the CDIT compression load cells, the RILL Load Link series, the best selling and versatile DCE tension/compression series and the aluminium alloy S-Type load cells can all be purchased at the click of a button. In addition, LCM Systems’ renowned TELSHACK-B load shackles can also be ordered online. All load cells are supplied with a UKAS traceable calibration certificate and can also be paired with appropriate hand-held indicators. Most products are available ex-stock, as well as with free British delivery (usually within 48 hours). For customers ordering from overseas, courier prices will be displayed. 

Customer details and payment are certified secure using Sage Pay and prices can be displayed in €, £ or $, with all transactions shown and billed in the chosen currency. All major credit cards and PayPal can be used - with no surcharge. And to make ordering online even more attractive, LCM Systems is offering a 5% discount off list price for all customers.

Loadcell manufacturer's global website launched!

A new, comprehensive and informative website for engineers requiring details on load cells and associated instrumentation has been launched by LCM Systems. As well as including information on its comprehensive range of products, the new website is set to become a valuable resource for design engineers and OEMs in the wide range of industries where load cells and associated products are used.

The website has been optimised to be extremely user-friendly. Navigation is now intuitive and users can quickly and easily find information on their specific industry solutions. Ever mindful of the increased use of tablets and mobile phones for surfing the internet ‘on the move’, the site is also completely scaleable and can be viewed comfortably on all devices.

“The prime objective in re-designing our website was to make it as user-friendly as possible. We want our existing and prospective customers to find the information they need quickly and easily.” explains Helen Cornish, Sales & Marketing Manager at LCM Systems. “There will be further improvements including an e-commerce section where customers can buy products ex-stock. More information on this will be available soon.”

Huge load cell for China!

LCM Systems has won a contract to supply a 2000te TCA tension and compression load cell to China – the largest in the company’s history.

This impressive load cell was ordered through Modern Hero Technologies, one of LCM’s distributors in China and has now been delivered and installed in one of China’s materials testing Institutes. The load cell will be used as part of a certified test machine set up for analysing the tensile and compressive strength of a wide range of materials, including wire cables.

“When the tender specifications came in, we knew that it would be challenge.” says Steve Sargeant, Managing Director at LCM Systems. “However, our design team is always up for a challenge, especially as this load cell would be the largest tension and compression we had manufactured.”

Quality of the manufacturing process was also key to LCM Systems winning the order. The company has a proven track record for the design and manufacture of customised load cells and together with the fact that the load cell would be manufactured under strict quality controlled procedures made them the engineering company of choice for the project.

The project went without any hitches and was delivered on time and within budget. LCM Systems’ design team are now looking for their next “biggest” challenge.

Do you have one?

1500 tonne calibration test machine delivered!

LCM Systems has recently installed a custom designed 1500 tonne calibration machine at its manufacturing facility on the Isle of Wight (GB). The addition of this machine to their calibration facilities means that all load cells, shackles and pins with capacities up to 1500 tonnes in compression, and 150 tonnes in tension, can be calibrated in-house. For customers, this means that prices can be reduced and faster delivery times for large capacity load cells guaranteed. Also, as many of LCM Systems’ load cells are used in safety critical applications, all calibrations are traceable to national standards and accurate to 0.1% of rated load.

Prior to its arrival, all load cells measuring loads over 200 tonnes had to be shipped to The National Physical Laboratory in the British mainland for calibration, adding to the production time and also incurring additional costs. Having seen a large increase in the requirement for larger capacity load cells over the last few years, it became increasingly evident that investing in a bespoke calibration machine would not only dramatically speed up the production process, but would also pay for itself in just two years.

Having the ability to carry out calibrations up to 1500 tonnes is also rather unique, as apart from The National Physical Laboratory, there is only one other calibration machine in Britain capable of testing load cells with such high capacities.

Steve Sargeant, Managing Director said “We are delighted at the arrival of our new calibration test machine, which comes after 18 months of designing and planning, and is a really positive addition to our facilities. The company is growing rapidly, and as we are committed to maintaining this growth. This enhancement to our capabilities will be key to helping us achieve this. Crucially, we can now offer our customers of large capacity load cells improved delivery times as well as cost reductions, making us even more competitive.”

The test machine represents a significant investment for the company, which has been possible due to an increased demand for the company’s products, with growth over the last few years consistently around 30%.

Sales of wireless load cells up 100%

A year since introducing intermediate capacities of its popular Radio Telemetry Wireless Link Load Cells (RILL), load cell manufacturer LCM Systems has seen sales of this particular product double. 

Manufactured from high tensile aluminium, the RILL is lightweight, while the shackle holes are steel bushed to ensure they are rugged and hardwearing. The RILL link load cells use a license free 2.4Ghz radio and are supplied with a battery powered handheld indicator that displays the load in tonnes. They are ideal for lifting and weighing applications, either on the factory floor or in offshore environments.

Commenting on this increase in sales, Managing Director Steve Sargeant says: “As link load cells increase in popularity, more and more engineers have been designing them into load monitoring projects. By introducing the new intermediate ranges in November last year with capacities that fall in line with the ratings and sizes of industry standard shackles, we were able to give our customers more choice and at a more economical price. The series has also been extended to include lower load ratings (from 1 tonne) and at the other end of the scale, a new 500 tonne link has been introduced. They can be supplied as a simple link or our technical engineers can integrate additional instrumentation to turn them into complete systems with added functionality.”

Customers worldwide have used the LCM link load cells for applications as diverse as under hook crane weighing, crane load and beam proof testing, cable tension measurement and water weights filling. All with fantastic results and for projects delivered on time and within budget.

Double sales for wireless load cells! #PAuto

A year since introducing intermediate capacities of its popular Radio Telemetry Wireless Link Load Cells (RILL), load cell manufacturer LCM Systems has seen sales of this particular product double. 

Manufactured from high tensile aluminium, the RILL is lightweight, while the shackle holes are steel bushed to ensure they are rugged and hardwearing. The RILL link load cells use a license free 2.4Ghz radio and are supplied with a battery powered handheld indicator that displays the load in tonnes. They are ideal for lifting and weighing applications, either on the factory floor or in offshore environments.

Commenting on this increase in sales, Managing Director Steve Sargeant says: “As link load cells increase in popularity, more and more engineers have been designing them into load monitoring projects. By introducing the new intermediate ranges in November last year with capacities that fall in line with the ratings and sizes of industry standard shackles, we were able to give our customers more choice and at a more economical price. The series has also been extended to include lower load ratings (from 1 tonne) and at the other end of the scale, a new 500 tonne link has been introduced. They can be supplied as a simple link or our technical engineers can integrate additional instrumentation to turn them into complete systems with added functionality.”

Customers worldwide have used the LCM link load cells for applications as diverse as under hook crane weighing, crane load and beam proof testing, cable tension measurement and water weights filling. All with fantastic results and for projects delivered on time and within budget.

Loadcell manufacturer expands

Continuing its planned expansion to provide customers with a greater range of load measurement products and ex-stock load cells, load cell manufacturer LCM Systems has just taken delivery of new curing ovens that will result in increased production of higher capacity load cells.

Over the past 2 years, LCM Systems has expanded its manufacturing, production and storage facilities by over 70%, and this latest installation further shows its commitment to providing customers with the best quality standard and customised load cells. 

Curing oven

In particular, these new curing ovens will enable LCM Systems to enhance the development, manufacture and supply of its high capacity load cells. The new curing ovens have four times the capacity of the existing ovens, enabling large sized load cells and load pins to be completely manufactured in house, leading to faster delivery times and reduced costs. 

LCM Systems is well known for its CPA series of compression load cells that are available with a rated load range to 1000+ tonnes. These load cells have a wide range of applications from general weighing or heavy lifting to complex centre of gravity solutions. Due to the wide range of applications in which these load cells are used, LCM Systems can supply many special options including a domed top, with or without a loading cap, integral carrying handles, mounting bases, integral connectors and internal analogue/digital signal amplifiers.

As well as the standard CPA range, LCM Systems’ design engineers have a wealth of experience in designing customised high capacity load cells for specific applications. Load cells with capacities of up to 1500 tonnes have been developed, manufactured and delivered on time and within budget. 

Low profile compression load cell available ex-stock!

Their best selling range of low profile compression load cells the CDIT Series is now available ex-stock from LCM Systems. This means that customers requiring low profile, highly accurate button compression load cells for a wide range of general force measurement, process measurement and control and testing applications can be guaranteed fast delivery and low prices, particularly for bulk orders.

One of the most popular load cells in the range is the CDIT-1. Manufactured in stainless steel and offering a high level of corrosion resistance, the CDIT-1 is ideal for standard load measurement applications, particularly in harsh environments and especially where space is limited. 

These low-cost load cells are available with ranges covering 0-100kg to 0-5000kg. All load cells in the CDIT range are calibrated to national standards, are easy to install and give long term, reliable operation.

The load cells can be supplied individually or busy engineering departments can speak to LCM Systems’ technical department and have complete systems designed and delivered, saving both time and money.

Customised wireless telemetry mooring link load cell!

With a range of ex-stock bow shackle load cells LCM Systems is able to offer next day delivery on its range of standard TELSHACK-B load cells. However, sometimes the off-the-shelf solution isn’t quite right for a customers’ specific application and it’s here where LCM’s in-house design team and extensive experience in customising load cells gives LCM a competitive advantage.

This happened recently when a multi-national marine engineering company in Canada enquired about the TELSHACK-B load cell. They liked the principle of a wireless telemetry shackle, but wanted to measure ship docking tension on a winch. The main requirements were that the load cell had to be shackle style; it had to be light enough for a single operator to lift it manually, yet it had to be robust enough for use in an offshore and heavy industrial environment. Additionally, the solution had to be wireless so as to avoid trailing cables and full traceability was required on all materials. This was hard to achieve with a conventional shackle, when the measurement range is 85te. But this did not daunt LCM’s design engineers. A more compact, lightweight solution was needed.

The result was the LCM3782 85te Wireless Telemetry Mooring Link Load Cell. Stainless steel was the manufacturing material of choice in order to keep the load cell light but strong. The solution was to use a compact 180T Tonsberg Mooring Link, the load cell pin was replaced with a stainless steel pin and the wireless telemetry housing was also constructed from stainless steel. This made the shackle load cell light enough make operating the winch a one-man operation and a handheld battery powered display was supplied, with a gross/net facility for monitoring ease. To further ensure that the system could withstand the harsh operating conditions it was sealed to IP67 and the complete system was supplied fully calibrated and issued with certificates, traceable to UKAS.

Commenting on the project, Steve Sargeant, Managing Director at LCM Systems says: “We encourage customers who do not see exactly what they want on our website to call us with their specific applications. This way, if we don’t have a standard product that is entirely suitable, we can customised existing load cells or design a completely new product to customers’ exacting requirements.”

Panel mounted display units

LCM Systems has launched a new range of panel mounting display units for use with any of LCM Systems load cell products, including those with integrally mounted amplifiers. There are three models within the PMD Range: the PMD-Process for use with most industry standard voltage & current analogue process signals; the PMD-Strain for use with strain gauge bridge based sensors, including load cells and load pins and the PMD-Serial, which can be connected to a RS232 or RS485 ASCII serial bus, primarily for use as a remote slave display.

There are a number of options available that can be mixed and matched, depending on a client’s particular application. One of the main advantages of these new indicators is that they are so easy to set up and use. All 3 indicators have menu free set up and calibration and to further simplify commissioning, a pictorial instruction manual has been produced. This provides step-by-step details for each function so saving time searching through an overly complex manual.

All three models can be supplied in either AC or DC powered versions with a wide choice of analogue, relay or digital outputs and all option boards are pluggable and have the advantage that they can be retro-fitted.

All products are IP65 sealed to ensure they withstand harsh and rugged conditions, with an option for IP67. Different input signals are available, depending on which indicator is used.

The PMD-Process, PMD-Serial and PMD-Strain indicators are all suitable for simple crane weighing applications, hoist and winch monitoring and any other force measurement applications.

Large digit display indicators!

Taking on board suggestions from its customers, particularly in the marine and offshore industry, LCM Systems has launched a new range of Large Digit Display indicators for use in crane, lifting and hoisting applications. There are three models within the LD Range: the LD-Process is suitable for process analogue current and voltage signals; the LD-Strain is for use with strain gauge based sensors and the LD-Serial, which is proving to be the most popular, is used as a slave display with connection by RS232 or RS485 interfaces.

There are a number of options available that can be mixed and matched, depending on a client’s particular application. All 3 indicators come in either 4 or 6 digit versions with digit heights ranging from 57-400mm that can be viewed from 25-200metres, respectively. Each indicator can be supplied as a suspension, panel or wall-mounted version, with a wide choice of analogue, relay or digital outputs available. All products are IP65 sealed to ensure they withstand harsh and rugged conditions. Different input signals are available, depending on which indicator is used.

Both the LD-Serial and LD-Strain indicators are suitable for simple crane weighing applications, hoist and winch monitoring, while the LD-Process is also suitable for use in process plant monitoring.

Trip Amplifier for hoist, winch & crane apps!

LCM Systems has launched the LCTA series of Load Cell Trip/Relay Amplifiers developed to provide dual volt free relay outputs from a load cell signal. Aimed primarily at OEMs, this latest product provides a cost-effective, simple to use, yet highly reliable amplifier for applications such as hoist overload protection, crane safe lifting control and personnel lifting platform protection.

The new amplifier module has the ability to power a single load cell or load pin or up to four 350 load cells connected in parallel. The volt-free relay outputs have a trip switching current of 10A at 230vac and can be adjusted independently by simply using a reference voltage to determine the adjustment value. For design engineers who wish to connect the LCTA to a remote display, there is also a 0-5v analogue output. Designers at LCM Systems have also included a shunt facility for regular and easy calibration.

To add to the versatility of this new product, the LCTA can be supplied in a number of mounting options including an IP66 sealed plastic or metal case or ready for DIN rail mounting and has field screw terminal connections. Also, although the standard product requires a 12/24vdc power supply, there is the option with the DIN-mounted version to power from a 48vac supply.

For straightforward application advice, LCM Systems’ experienced in-house design engineers are only a phone call or email away and can assist with the selection and configuration of the correct module for your application. LCM can also supply, complete with the sensor required, pre-configured, ready for installation.

New load cells

New aluminium alloy, low range S-Type tension/compression load cells

LCM Systems has launched a new addition to its STA series of S-Type tension/compression load cells. The STA-7 fills a gap in the market for an easy to use small, highly accurate, low capacity load cell with integral overload stops. Typical applications include hanging scales, material test machines, motor dynamometers and general force measurement.

There are 6 standard versions of the new STA-7 load cell with rated loads of 1, 2 5, 10, 25 and 50kg. A unique feature of these load cells is that integral tension and compression overload stops are supplied as standard on all ranges up to 5kg. This means that the load cells are protected against accidental damage up to 500% of the load cell range.

Each load cell is manufactured in lightweight aluminium alloy, weighs only 300g and is supplied with standard metric threads at each end that are designed to accept universal mating spherical rod-end bearings.

For straightforward application advice, LCM Systems’ experienced in-house design engineers are only a phone call or email away and the STA-7 can be supplied on their own or combined with LCM Systems’ comprehensive range of instrumentation to provide a complete load monitoring system.

Link loadcells

New intermediate capacities now available for LCM Systems’ link load cells

By popular demand LCM Systems is offering intermediate capacities of its popular RILL and SILL Link Load cells. These new link load cells may offer a more economic solution for customers in particular applications and, importantly, these new capacities now fall in line with the ratings of industry standard shackle sizes and ratings. The series has also been extended to include load ratings from 1 tonne up to 500 tonne.

Manufactured from high tensile aluminium, both the SILL and RILL are lightweight, while the shackle holes are steel bushed to ensure they are rugged and hardwearing. Both product ranges are easy to install and can be matched to standard shackle sizes. The Self Indicating Link Load Cell has an integral display and the applied weight or force can be shown in t, kg, lb or kN, as selected by the user. A built-in alarm will also warn the operator when an applied level is met. The RILL link load cells use a license free 2.4Ghz radio and are supplied with a battery powered handheld indicator that displays the load in tonne. They can be supplied as a simple Link or LCM’s technical engineers can integrate them into more powerful radio systems.

3D load cells

Load cell designer and manufacturer LCM Systems is now able to offer its customers 3D models as standard on all its customised load cells. As well as supplying a comprehensive range of stock load cells, the company supplies customised sensors for a wide range of applications in a number of industrial markets, including the oil and gas, process control and materials handling.

“We have been providing 3D models on request for a couple of years.” says Steve Sargeant, Managing Director at LCM Systems. “However, now we are being increasingly asked to provide 3D models so customers are able to rotate the images in all planes to ensure that the load cell is suitable for their particular applications. Our design department has recently been evaluating a number of different software packages and we have now decided on the best one that suits both our customers’ needs and ours.”

LCM Systems recognises that offering customers 3D models and 3D interactive PDFs will help them visualise the load cells in situ and enables changes to be made relatively easily and quickly before the product goes to manufacture.

New image & Website

LCM Systems Ltd, one of Britain's leading designers and suppliers of load cells and instrumentation, has launched a new corporate identity and website to reflect its growing status in the global industrial marketplace. Showing a year on year growth in turnover and profitability, the company has also recently expanded its Isle of Wight (GB) headquarters by over 70% to accommodate the increase in orders and to provide additional space for ex-stock products and a new testing area.

Explaining the new look, Managing Director Steve Sargeant says: “With all the changes occurring at LCM Systems in terms of growth and providing our customers with a faster and more efficient service, we felt it was time this was reflected in our corporate image. We have completely redesigned our logo to show a modern and forward-thinking company, whilst still signifying our industrial focus. This new logo will be used throughout our marketing and communication materials.”

As part of the identity overhaul, LCM Systems’ website at www.lcmsystems.com has also been redesigned and updated to enable customers to quickly and easily find the products they are most interested in. As well as including comprehensive product and application information, the new Resources area on the site provides load cell users with a valuable repository of technical material. A host of datasheets are available as free downloads, along with instruction manuals and free software for LCM’s range of datalogging and telemetry instrumentation.