Application
This application involves the lifting and transferring of light truck axles (weighing up to 350 lbs.) from a shipping rack to a sequencing cart for transfer to the main assembly line. The shipping racks are serviced by a 120 foot long Runway and Bridge crane system.
Business
Automotive OEM - Assembly
The Challenge
The traditional KBK enclosed track bridge crane & air hoist being used were identified as a Top 10 ergonomic concern in the plant, and considered one of the worst applications by the team members. Because of the long walking distance and heavy parts, the team leader for the area had to pitch in and assist the team members to keep up with production. The challenge was to find an improved ergonomic system offering higher speeds.
The Solution
Stanley-Cobotics collaborated with a local integrator to install an iTrolley IAD running on the existing I-Beam runways in the work cell. The system uses an air balancer to provide the Z-axis up/down movement, mounted to a carriage suspended from a dual CES aluminum bridge crane in order to gain additional hook height for the existing end effector.
Benefits
- Significantly improved ergonomics
- Precise, smooth, rapid movements provide enhanced quality and productivity
- Favorable production speeds maintained
- Simple operation
- Fast cycle times
- Operator acceptance
For more information on our iTrolley product, click here, or to see a video of this application, click here.