In today’s logistics and shipping industries, ensuring the safety of cargo during transit is paramount. The application of shock sensors has become a critical measure for monitoring and managing the handling of shipments, especially for fragile and valuable items. At Impactograph, we understand the importance of selecting the appropriate shock sensor that aligns with your specific shipping needs and industry standards. This guide will walk you through the steps to choose the right shock sensor for your operations.
Understanding The Benefits of Shock Sensors on Protecting Shipment Damage
Shock sensors detect and record impact forces a package may encounter during shipping and handling. These sensors provide crucial data to help identify mishandling, ensure compliance with shipping guidelines, and minimize damage during transit.
Types of Shock Sensors
- Analog Shock Indicators: These are typically cost-effective and simple devices that indicate whether a shock exceeding a predetermined threshold has impacted a package.
- Digital Shock Sensors: Offer more detailed information, such as the magnitude, duration, and direction of the shock. They are more precise and often integrated with data loggers for real-time monitoring.
Key Features to Consider
- Sensitivity: Choose a sensor with adjustable sensitivity settings to match the fragility of your cargo.
- Range and Accuracy: Ensure the sensor covers the specific range of impacts your shipments will likely encounter.
- Data Recording Capabilities: Advanced sensors with data logging provide insights into the exact conditions experienced during transit.
- Durability and Battery Life: A robust sensor with a long battery life is essential for long transit periods.
- Assess how easily you can integrate the sensor into your supply chain system.
Impact and Tilt indicators
| Product Image | Product Name | Part No. | Description | G Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Shock Indicator Labels | 1100-025g through 1100-100g | Highly visible Shock Indicator Labels indicate when an impact occurs that can potentially damage products in the transportation chain. | 25g, 37g, 50g, 75g, and 100g |  |
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Protect-A-Pak Shock Indicator | 1200-005G through 1200-500g | The world’s most popular single-use, low-cost impact indicators. Provides a visual indication that hidden damage may have occurred. | 10g-100g in 10g increments. Also 5g, 15g, 25g, 150g, 200g, 250g 300g, and 500g | |
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Omni G Shock Indicator | 2000-002G through 2000-500G | The Omni-G is designed with two sets of spring loaded steel balls that become dislodged and fall into a transparent dome when struck with an impact that exceeds the preset g-level. Click here to see video how to reset device. | 2g-10g in 1g incr. 15g-40g in 5g Incr. 50g – 100g in 10g incr. Also 125g, 150g,175g, 200g, 250g 300g, 400g, and 500g | |
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Omni -GWS Shock Indicator | 2000-002GWS through 2000-500GWS | OMNI-GWS is dual Axis Shock Indicator Weatherproofed with stainless steel components to protect against salt spray and fogging on ocean and longer shipments, extended storage or harsh environments. | 2g-10g in 1g incr. 15g-40g in 5g Incr. 50g – 100g in 10g incr. Also 125g, 150g,175g, 200g, 250g 300g, 400g, and 500g | |
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Shock Fuse Indicator | 1300-050G through 1300-225G | Single use one direction impact indicator is designed with one set of spring-loaded steel balls that become dislodged and fall into transparent dome when struck with an impact that exceed the preset g-level. | 50g-150g in 10g increments. Also available in 200g and 225g |
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Trans Monitor Shock Indicator | 1400-005G through 1400-300G | Trans-Monitor is a low-cost, single-use impact indicator. Designed to monitor high value or technically sensitive products by deterring rough handling and creating awareness and accountability in the transportation chain. | 20g -100g in 10g increments. Also 15g, 25g, and 300g. |
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Trans Monitor Impact Switch | TMIS-015G though TMIS-300G | Trans-Monitor Impact Switch is wired to your equipment creating an open circuit. When an impact occurs greater than the devices g force rating, the circuit will close. The device will either turn on or turn off equipment. | 20g -100g in 10g increments. Also 15g, 25g, and 300g. |
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Trans MonitorTD Shock Indicator | 1500-015G though 1500-300G | Trans-Monitor TD is a low-cost, single-use impact indicator that has a visual display that shows date and time when the impact occurs in the transportation chain. Assign accountability. | 20g -100g in 10g increments. Also 15g, 25g, and 300g. |
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Tilt Indicator Label |
1100 Tilt | Tilt Indicator is a single-use, low-cost tip indicator that monitors goods that must remain upright. Provides indisputable evidence of tipping in excess of 80°. | 80° ±5° | |
Selecting the Right Shock Sensor
- Assess Your Shipping Needs
Begin by assessing the nature of the items you ship. Are they fragile, valuable, or perhaps hazardous? Understanding the sensitivity of your cargo will guide the choice of sensor sensitivity and the type of data you need to collect.
- Industry Standards
Refer to industry-specific standards and regulations regarding cargo handling. For instance, electronics may require different handling standards compared to pharmaceuticals. Adhering to these standards not only ensures compliance but also enhances shipment safety.
- Evaluate Sensor Options
Based on your needs assessment and industry standards, compare different types of shock sensors. Analog indicators, sometimes referred to as mechanical, might be suitable for less sensitive items, whereas analog sensors are better for high-value products requiring detailed handling data.
- Implementation and Best Practices
Installation
Proper installation of shock sensors on your packages is crucial. Correct placement is essential to accurately record the impact that the cargo may experience during shipping.
Monitoring and Analysis
Implement monitoring systems to check the data from your sensors regularly. Analyzing this data helps optimize packing methods and improve handling procedures over time.
Training and Awareness
Ensure that all stakeholders, including packing and shipping personnel, are trained on the importance of handling sensors and the implications of the data collected. Awareness can significantly reduce mishandling.
Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate shock sensor involves understanding your shipping needs, the nature of the goods transported, and complying with industry standards. At Impactograph, we offer a range of shock sensors designed to meet diverse logistical challenges. By selecting the appropriate shock sensor, you can enhance the safety and integrity of your shipments, reducing the risk of damage and the associated costs.
PS: Remember, the correct shock sensor saves reduced damage costs and reinforces your reputation as a reliable shipper. Visit our product page for more information on our innovative solutions tailored to your shipping needs.
