Capital Equipment News’ Juanita Pienaar recently spoke with Sibusiso Mavimbela, Marketing Communications Coordinator at Fabchem Mining, a leading name in underground support technology, about their latest innovation: the SPT100 Smart Pull Tester. Purpose-built to digitise and streamline roof bolt testing in mining environments, the SPT100 is setting a new benchmark in safety, accuracy, and efficiency.
Fabchem: A foundation in innovation
Founded in 1996, Fabchem Mining has built a formidable reputation as a specialist in strata control technology across the mining and civil engineering sectors. “Our focus is on improving safety at the extreme depths of South African mines,” Mavimbela explained. “We manufacture and supply a full range of support solutions - from drilling and tendon installation to pre-stressing, grouting, and post-installation testing.”
Their credibility is underpinned by ISO 9001:2015 certification and a strong transformation profile as a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor with 52.6% black ownership.
The birth of the SPT100
Fabchem’s latest innovation, the SPT100 Smart Pull Tester, was conceived in response to a glaring gap in the mining industry. “The development of the SPT100 was driven by a need for a safer, more efficient, and more accurate solution to perform pull tests on rock support systems like roof bolts and split sets,” said Mavimbela.
Unlike traditional systems that depend on manual readings, mechanical gauges, and handwritten notes, the SPT100 introduces digital precision and automation into the process. “It modernises the testing experience entirely,” Mavimbela noted. “No more measuring displacement manually with tools like verniers, or relying on inconsistent visual inspections.”
Cutting human error from the equation
One of the defining features of the SPT100 is its ability to reduce human error significantly. “The system captures both load and displacement data digitally during the test,” said Mavimbela. “This eliminates transcription mistakes and ensures consistent results across different users and sites.”
From automated data capture and integrated sensors to auto-generated reports, every feature was developed with accuracy and traceability in mind. “Instead of manually compiling test results, the SPT100 generates standardised PDF reports in under 30 minutes, removing the chance of calculation or formatting errors,” he added.
Built for the harshest environments
User-friendliness was a top priority throughout the development process. “The SPT100 was designed to be rugged, compact, and simple to operate,” Mavimbela explained. “It has minimal setup requirements and is equipped with clearly labelled buttons and an intuitive display.”
The device is built to withstand the tough conditions found underground, housed in a durable hard case with robust components such as a galvanised steel quadpod stand, a single-acting hydraulic cylinder, and a secure clevice and coupler system.
At its core lies the FABC100 Smart Controller - a digital interface that manages the test sequence and data capture. “It uses a system of 10 load indicator LEDs, each representing 1-ton increments, and five different colours to communicate test status and load thresholds,” said Mavimbela. “This colour-coded feedback makes interpretation quick and foolproof.”
Powerful reporting capabilities
Once a test is complete, the SPT100’s real value emerges in its data handling and reporting capabilities. “With a single click, all records are downloaded to a time-stamped, serial-numbered CSV file,” Mavimbela detailed. “From there, our SPT Report Writer compiles comprehensive reports that include load vs. displacement and load vs. time graphs.”
The software is also customisable, allowing operators to set specific load targets and displacement limits in line with mine-specific or international compliance requirements. “Operators can even include location tags, comments, as well as date and time stamps to contextualise test results,” Mavimbela added.
Field-tested and future-ready
The development of the SPT100 was not without its challenges. “We faced discrepancies between lab results and field performance during early trials,” Mavimbela admitted. “We conducted a series of rigorous underground tests to calibrate and fine-tune the system. The final product delivers consistent, reliable results in real-world conditions.”
The device’s 20-ton pull capacity, compared to the more typical 5 to 15-ton range, means it’s particularly suited to high-stress environments and larger support systems. “It gives users a broader operational window and adds confidence when assessing the structural integrity of installations in deeper shafts,” Mavimbela said.
The response from field users has been overwhelmingly positive. “Customers appreciate the streamlined process, from setup through to reporting. It reduces manual labour and reporting time from hours to under 30 minutes,” he noted. “This empowers teams to make faster, more informed decisions that directly impact safety and productivity.”
Seamless integration and support
Designed to integrate effortlessly into existing testing workflows, the SPT100 outputs in standard CSV format and is fully compatible with Microsoft Excel. “We also offer hands-on training to ensure smooth implementation and confident use,” Mavimbela shared.
Technical support doesn’t end with the purchase. “We provide ongoing assistance, regular software updates, and easy-to-use reference guides,” Mavimbela said. “We’re also working on software enhancements that will allow for faster processing, expanded storage capacity, and more advanced analytics.”
Beyond mining: A versatile testing solution
While initially engineered for the demanding conditions of underground mining, the SPT100 has clear potential in other sectors. “Its core capabilities - real-time digital reporting, accurate load testing, and error-free record-keeping - make it highly applicable to construction and civil engineering as well,” said Mavimbela.
Looking ahead, Fabchem believes tools like the SPT100 are helping to redefine the mining industry’s approach to safety. “We’re moving towards a future where real-time monitoring and automated reporting are the norm,” Mavimbela concluded. “That’s where the SPT100 fits in: making underground operations safer, smarter, and more efficient.”