Red Forge Omniweigh payload weighing system using Variohm Load Cells

When Red Forge Ltd, the leading on-vehicle weighing specialist looked to develop its new Omniweigh payload weighing system for heavy goods vehicles including tippers, flatbeds and refuse collection trucks, they worked with Variohm EuroSensor for t

The H10J series load cells provide the payload, tare and overload security measurement for tipping vehicles up to 32 tonnes with information that is essential for safety - and all components used for the Omniweigh weighing system must comply with rigorous standards and provide high reliability and totally dependable accuracy.

 As the exclusive UK distributor for ZEMIC load cells, Variohm EuroSensor were able to call upon its close relationship with the Asian based designer and manufacturer to  develop and supply a customised version of its H10J series transducer to match the Red Forge specification within competitive pricing and keen delivery times. Variohm has direct access to ZEMIC’s engineering department where over 225 design engineers are on hand and ready to provide customised modifications or completely new designs. The stringent approvals procedure between Red Forge and Variohm included the supply of several prototype units used for field trials and life testing. The load cell mounting position is unavoidably exposed to the high levels of shock and vibration that these working vehicles endure on a regular basis. To ensure complete reliability, the H10J load cell is IP67 rated and housed in an alloy steel, nickel plated, bending beam design with adhesive sealing for best stability.   Customisation from the standard design includes an increased overload capability to 200% and a modified temperature compensation over -20ºC to +40 ºC to ensure that cold early mornings or changes in weather conditions have minimal effect on the weight readings. The range also conforms to RoHs standards. In designing the Omniweigh system, Red Forge consulted vehicle fleet users as to the features that would be required, discovering that the primary requests were for the unit to be simple to use and the ability to store and retrieve data by several methods. As such, this new system can be linked not only to a thermal printer, but also to a USB memory pen drive or remotely collected through a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS). The cab mounted display and software is designed and manufactured in-house by Red Forge. All parts of the system are obtained from local UK suppliers wherever possible. 

The new Omniweigh system axle load indicators from Red Forge, including Limitlite™ Plus and Axalert™ 20/20, which have been installed to thousands of vans and trucks throughout the UK. Andy Freeman, M.D. of Red Forge states: “It is yet another product designed in conjunction with the end user to provide a fine balance of simplicity and cost, whilst maintaining our excellent record of reliability and aftercare”.