Australian-made weighing technology is the first choice for global giant Caterpillar Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment.

Local firm Transcale, designers and manufacturers of electronic weighing equipment specifically for the mining and transport industries, exports its equipment worldwide to over 11 countries in North and South America, Southern Africa and South East Asia.

Transcale's focus on the mining sector means that cutting edge technology needs to be protected from some of the harshest environments in the world. Extremes of heat and clod, record rainfalls, drought, high salt or other corrosive minerals are just a few of the considerations in the design process. Transcale's equipment is housed in stainless steel enclosures.

Over the last six years Transcale has used both 'off the shelf' boxes from companies such as ASSDA member B & R Enclosures, and custom-built stainless steel enclosures. One of the custom-built enclosures manufactured by MT Sheet Metal in Archerfield, Brisbane uses a 316 N4 brush finish stainless steel supplied to MT by ASSDA member Atlas Steels. B & R Enclosures also manufactures its high performance enclosures using grade 316 stainless with an N4 finish and fully welded body to withstand corrosive atmospheric conditions.

Both Transcale and its customers report that they are impressed with the long-term performance of these enclosures. According to Transcale, investing just a few extra dollars up front by choosing stainless for their enclosures produces tangible rewards by way of repeat business and an enhanced reputation.

For example, one of Transcale's major clients, US-based Caterpillar Inc., recently stated its intention to use Transcale truck scales exclusively for all replacement systems in its mining departments globally. Caterpillar's considerations for choice of product were quality and reliability along with appearance and after sales support.

In Australia, a major interstate line haul company has just taken delivery of a third Transcale dynamic axle weighing system, giving it a unit in Melbourne, Sydney and now Brisbane. In Brisbane the system has been installed at the Port of Brisbane facility, where salt air was one of the considerations. This system is protected from the elements by an MT Sheet Metal enclosure.

This article featured in Australian Stainless magazine - Issue 23, December 2002.