Key Factors to Having a Test Bed, and What This Means for You
When a lifting sling, shackle, or tie-down strap carries a rated working load limit (WLL), that number needs to mean something. Proof load testing is how you verify that WLL holds up - by physically applying a controlled load to the equipment and confirming it holds without failure.
USCC is proud to have an in-house proof test bed and offers proof testing on lifting slings, rigging hardware, tie-down straps, and more. Read on to learn more about proof testing and how to request a proof test on your next order.
What is Proof Testing and How Does It Work?
Proof load testing is a controlled stress test that applies a predetermined load to a load-bearing component to verify its structural integrity and WLL. Unlike a visual inspection, proof testing physically confirms the equipment can perform as rated.
To complete a proof test, the equipment is secured to a horizontal test bed - in our case, a Chant Engineering machine capable of applying up to 150,000 lbs of tension. The operator inputs the test parameters into the machine's computer, and the machine applies the load.
The results are recorded at the end of the test - whether the equipment passed or failed, the load applied, any elongation encountered, and the test date. A certificate is sent with all the test information to the customer.
This process aligns with ASME B30.9 and WSTDA RS-1HP standards, and the test equipment uses NIST-traceable calibration for documented accuracy.
Why Did US Cargo Control Get a Test Bed?
USCC initially purchased the test bed to verify and certify the design of our custom products. Having our own test bed saves us time and money - and we're able to offer the service to our customers!
If we tested our nylon and recovery straps through our 3rd party lab, the costs would have been around $68,000. Because we have our own testing equipment, we can create and test our products in-house, avoiding this cost entirely.
What Results Have We Seen?
The test bed has given us the ability to test and determine the design and verification for most of our recovery and nylon straps to achieve the results we seek. Along with that, we'll be able to make new and current capabilities in-house instead of drop-shipping them!
We also conducted testing on our tiedowns to confirm their tack strengths. For example, we changed the tack pattern on our 3" and 4" tiedowns to significantly reduce the time it takes to produce an assembly. We tested the new tack pattern (according to the WSTDA standards) on our test bed, and we saved 30 seconds per fixed end and loose ends while still maintaining their strength ratings!
Lastly, we've been able to confirm the Working Load Limit and Break Strength on our custom tiedown straps. As we continue to test our tiedowns with hardware like shackles and chains, we will also work to find the safest and most cost-efficient way to test our full assemblies.
What Does the Test Bed Mean for Our Customers?
You can request a proof test on a variety of products before purchase. Each item that is proof tested comes with a physical and electronic copy of the proof test certificate to support traceability, compliance audits, and customer recordkeeping.
To learn more about our proof-testing capabilities or to request a proof test, check out our Proof Testing Requests page.
What's the Process of Testing the Products on the Machine?
The most critical and first step we take is safety. We alert everyone in the area that we will be testing the products, and ear protection is available. We place the product in the test bed before closing it, and input information into the machine's computer, such as the type of test being conducted and the desired Break Strength we would like the product to be pulled to.
After the setup is complete, we will start testing. We can determine if the product fails or passes the test when it reaches the WLL and BS. If it fails, we examine why it has failed and collect the data so we can improve our products for the next test.
We upload the test into our database to file and record it on our master testing sheet. We use this data to make improvements if the product fails and if a customer would like the information of the product that passed the testing for their records.
Request a Proof Test from USCC
US Cargo Control offers professional proof load testing services for lifting slings, chain slings, rigging hardware, and tie-down straps. USCC is an AWRF member with testing capabilities auditable to ASME, ASTM, and WSTDA standards.
Schedule a proof test or call our team at 866-444-9990 (Monday–Friday, 7am–5pm CST) to discuss your requirements.
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