Construction and other professionals can now measure force, load and distance with Straightpoint (SP) products, as the Hampshire, UK-based manufacturer launches the Wireless Linear Displacement Transducer (WLDT). SP already boasts a comprehensive range of force measurement and load cell products, which is now complemented by a new tool, available in stroke lengths from 25mm (1 in.) to 200mm (8 in.) that can accurately measure displacement or movement in a variety of applications presented by the construction, civil engineering, aerospace and other sectors. David Ayling, director at SP, said: “Like many products in our range, the WLDT hits the market in response to demand. There are many instances where an end user is measuring force or load and has a desire to measure distance as well. They might want to know how high something has been jacked up or to what extent a building has shifted, for example.”
The WLDT is a robust, absolutely linear position / displacement transducer and is inherently frictionless, presenting a mean time between failures (MTBF) in excess of 100 million cycles when properly used. An eye at each end of the transducer enables the sensor to be quickly and accurately positioned in place and connected to SP’s Multiple Wireless Load Cell Controller (SW-MWLC) software package. It is also supplied with SP’s SA700C wireless transmitter. Ayling highlighted two product features, beyond its appeal as a wireless versus cabled solution: first, its plug-and-play capability; and, second, its compatibility with SP’s renowned software, suiting it to civil engineers; positional control applications; research and development testing; lifting or spreader beam testing; aerospace system integration; and hydraulic or jacking work. He said: “There are other options for professionals looking to apply distance measurement technology, but most will require sourcing of a separate transmitter, calibration and other labour just to set them up. Like previous SP products, the WLDT is ready to go. Further, consider the extent of the data that can be captured and logged; users can chart load versus displacement and present information in graphs and other infographics.” As industry has already noted, SP’s software package is a versatile, user friendly, wireless load cell control, display and data-logging tool designed for use on the Windows PC platforms, Vista, Win 7, 8 and 10. It allows simultaneous, wireless communication between SP products and a Windows PC. A resizable window displays a table of up to 100 wireless load cell channels of live data. Ayling concluded: “Perhaps a user will start with a requirement to move something a specific distance—say, when jacking a bridge—and arrive at the WLDT as a solution. Based on the extent of enquiries we received, we have built up stock levels in anticipation of global demand for the latest addition to the SP portfolio.”