Massload Technologies Inc. (Canada) - The Importance of Custom Engineered Tension Links in Mining and Beyond

The mining industry operates in some of the toughest environments on the planet, which means you need rugged, dependable equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. Among the critical components used in mining are tension links, which support heavy loads and the integrity of your operations.

Massload Technologies, Canada’s only VCAP-certified load cell manufacturer, continues to lead in the design and manufacture of off-the-shelf and custom tension load cell transducers for the mining industry.

What are Tension Links and Why are they Critical?

Tension links are a type of load cell that measures tension forces in a wide range of applications from mining hoist ropes to crane lifting systems, winching operations and even hanging scales. These components are critical in industries where precise load measurement is required to ensure safety and performance.

For mining, tension links are often used in sinking stage rope attachments, measuring tension forces in hoist ropes to ensure proper load distribution and prevent catastrophic failures. Given the mining environment – extreme temperatures, corrosive atmospheres, and heavy use – tension links have to be engineered to withstand these conditions while providing accurate and reliable performance.

Massload’s Expertise: Precision Engineering for Extreme Applications:

At Massload Technologies, the focus is on delivering tension links that meet and exceed industry standards for safety, reliability, and performance. With years of experience, Massload has developed a specialized approach to manufacturing custom-engineered tension links. 

Here are some highlights of what sets Massload apart:

• Advanced Engineering & Testing: Massload designs its tension links using 3D modeling and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to maximize strength and durability. Each load cell is tested ultrasonically prior to machining, proof loaded after heat treating and Wet Mag tested to identify any microscopic flaws
• Premium Materials: Massload uses high-quality alloy steel from USA and European mills to ensure consistency and reliability. This focus on premium materials contributes to the unparalleled longevity of their products even in the most demanding environments.
• Unmatched Safety Standards: With industrial safety factors of up to 10:1 for overload protection, Massload’s tension links can handle loads over 1,000,000 pounds. This level of protection is critical in industries like mining where any failure can be a safety risk.
• Corrosion-Resistant Coatings: To ensure durability in corrosive environments such as underground mining, Massload applies a high-phosphorus electroless nickel coating to all its tension links. This industrial grade coating is corrosion resistant and chip resistant for a long-lasting finish.
• Flexible Output Options: Massload’s tension links are designed for seamless integration into modern systems. With output options like mV/V, 4-20 mA, 0-10V and wireless, these load cells can connect directly to PLCs, handheld displays or PCs, making them versatile across all industries.

Massload’s Unique Capabilities in the Mining Industry:

What sets Massload apart in the mining industry is its ability to tailor solutions to each customer’s specific needs. From mining hoist ropes to crane applications, Massload’s engineering team works closely with customers to develop tension links that meet exacting requirements. This collaborative approach ensures every product is optimized for its specific application. 

Plus as Canada’s only VCAP-certified load cell manufacturer Massload adheres to rigorous quality standards throughout its manufacturing process. This certification means all products are calibrated to standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) so customers can have confidence in the accuracy and reliability of their equipment.

Applications Beyond Mining:

While mining remains a core focus, Massload’s tension links are also used in a variety of other industries, including:

• Crane Operations
• Winching Systems
• Hanging Scales
• Heavy-Vehicle recovery
• Safety training

Each application benefits from Massload’s commitment to quality, safety, and performance, backed by decades of experience and innovation.

Partnering for Safety and Performance:

Massload Technologies’ focus on excellence from material selection to advanced testing has earned it a reputation as a trusted provider of load cell solutions for the mining industry and beyond.

For companies looking for reliable, custom-engineered tension links to withstand the toughest conditions, Massload Technologies has the expertise and innovation to help you succeed.

About Massload:

Since 1981 Massload Technologies has been designing and manufacturing strain gauge load cell transducers, electronic instrumentation, and scale products for industrial weighing applications.

As Canada’s sole VCAP-certified load cell manufacturer, Massload has grown into a leading provider of custom-engineered load cells and weigh scale solutions, serving industrial clients throughout North America and beyond.