[INDUSTRY NEWS] Spencer said: “Tensile test rigs are quite common, where the


applied force is in the opposite direction to compression test rigs. These rigs are popular for testing slings, shackles and other tensile items. However, compression test rigs do not generally exist, which is why we manufactured our own and specifically designed it to fit our design of spreader beams.” Modulift keeps the machine outdoors because of dimensions that


now accommodate 28m-long beams. CTR1 comes into its own at the extremities of its capabilities where advantages over staging live tests using a crane and other rigging equipment are most apparent. Spencer concluded: “Traditional beam designs with fixed lugs


welded at each end [without separate drop links] cannot be tested in our rig as applying an axial load will not fully mimic all the forces that are going through the spreader beam in real situations. This type of fixed end spreader beam will experience induced bending moments and would need a live lift with a crane and weights to test them properly. Imagine the logistics involved in such a process where a large beam is concerned.” y


Straightpoint Expands UK Headquarters; Recruits Machine Shop Supervisor; Names Mike Neal Product Sales Engineer


> Straightpoint has started installation of new machining equipment having collected the keys to an additional unit on the Dakota Business Park, where it already boasted two buildings that form Havant, Hampshire, UK headquarters. Concurrently, Marcus MacDonald has been recruited into the role of machine shop supervisor. The new building—Unit 8—is adjacent to existing


Straightpoint Units 10 and 9; it will primarily be utilized as a machine shop, where the force measurement, load monitoring and suspended weighing load cell equipment supplier will bring in house the manufacture of non-standard equipment. The expansion follows the arrival of Mike Neal, product sales engineer, who will drive increased sales of custom products. David Ayling, director at Straightpoint, said: “There’s a


cohesion to recent developments as we implement a vertical manufacturing strategy centered on our non-standard range. Combining a dedicated resource for sales with a machining expert of Marcus’s caliber, who has state-of-the-art equipment at his disposal, sees us take multi-level control of the supply chain. We’ll continue to use local machine shops for standard equipment, with whom work can be booked months in advance, but only with an in-house resource can we transform the speed and efficiency with which we deliver custom below-the-hook solutions.” Straightpoint has sourced key equipment for Unit 8 from Haas


Automation, an American machine tool builder headquartered in California, which has supplied the centerpiece VF-2 CNC (computer numerical control) milling machine and TL-1 CNC lathe. A Bridgeport manual turret mill, Colchester chipmaster lathe, Sealey band saw and hydraulic press are just some of the additional tools that will complete the comprehensive machine shop. MacDonald, who brings three decades of relevant experience


to the role, most recently overseeing a team of 13 engineers, said: “The position appealed to me because it represents an opportunity to combine my expertise with a return to a core focus on CNC and manual machining, which I am passionate about. We have consulted


WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE MAY–JUNE 2017 9


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