Straightpoint launches centre of gravity finder

UK-based Straightpoint (UK) Ltd., a manufacturer of force measurement, load monitoring and suspended weighing load cells, has launched what it claimed to be the first off-the-shelf wireless centre of gravity system of its type in the world.

The technology is ideal for helping to ascertain the weight and centre of gravity of large structures or items with an uneven weight distribution. It produces a centre of gravity report through readings taken via the wireless dongle and PC software, which is connected to up to eight wireless compressive load cells.

As the tool is wireless, it is quicker and safer than a cable-led system and it can be used on items up to 4,000 tonnes in weight. It can ensure the safe lifting and unloading of items that do not have an evenly distributed weight, particularly useful in the offshore market.

One of Straightpoint’s distributors, Pieter van Duijn, from Van Gool in the Netherlands, is already using the technology. “The system has a real industrial, solid look,” he said. “The centre of gravity feature is excellent for loading and unloading, especially offshore from the dock to the ship and from the ship to the rig. There’s nothing else like it in the market that I know of. Also, as the system’s wireless it’s really accurate as there are no wires that can be pulled out of the socket or can malfunction.”

David Ayling, director, Straightpoint (UK) Ltd., said: “This new product came about from visiting some of our clients around the world last year, who requested such a product. I believe ours is the first off-the-shelf system to be available worldwide, which means that we can fulfil orders really quickly without a high, bespoke price tag.”

The wireless centre of gravity system is one of a handful of new products Straightpoint has launched this year, including the T24-AR for use in extending or bending the range of wireless signals.