Lifting equipment must support this sector and ergonomic design is vital

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As global trends in product distribution change, thanks to the growth in online shopping, lifting equipment must support this sector and ergonomic design is vital. Bernadette Ballantyne reports.

The growth in online shopping and trends in product distribution mean that lifting equipment is needed more than ever to support the safe and efficient manipulation and movement of goods. Ever-expanding warehouses are using automated racking and storage systems to efficiently host their products. Forklifts and scissor lifts are moving the boxes and pallets. Hoists, cranes and vacuum lifting devices are used to receive, pack and ship out the goods. The efficient, speedy and safe operation of the process is all-important if firms are to stay competitive, and this means using the best equipment to ensure firms achieve maximum productivity.

To this end, a wide range of lifting solutions are currently employed in the logistics sector. For example, Italy’s Dalmec supplies a range of industrial manipulators to factories, warehouses, workshops, distribution centres and industrial facilities all over the world. The bespoke pneumatic industrial manipulators can be fitted with a range of gripping devices to allow safe handling of goods in the warehouse and other environments. This combination can be used to handle loads of between 5kg–900kg, up to heights of around 2m. Commonly used for palletising and depalletising, the manipulators are custom-built to suit the environment of the user. For example, the pinch jaw gripping system combined with the manipulator model Partner Equo can lift layers of boxes, making it suitable for use during start- and end-of-line operations. The Equo has a maximum lifting capacity of 550kg and a working radius of 4,000mm, with a vertical lift up to 2.45m.

VACUUM LIFTING

Suction devices too are common in warehouses and distribution as owners and logistics firms acknowledge the need for ergonomic lifting solutions that reduce the potential for musculoskeletal impact on workers. The Dalmec manipulator Speedyfil is often used to move smaller loads in large volumes. Generally, the device is mounted on an overhead trolley double-track system allowing it to cover a wide area, although it can be column-mounted too. To operate, a pneumatic cylinder is fed with compressed air, combined with a transmission level system, providing balance to the load weight applied. The cylinder force is controlled through two pneumatic circuits purposely arranged; the first one keeps the weight system balanced, the second keeps the weight load steady. The operator can change the load level by adjusting the balancing system which, in line with good ergonomic design, has been positioned on the operating handle of the tool. Its maximum capacity is 80kg and it has a 2m maximum working radius, with a vertical lift of up to 1.65m.

German manufacturer Schmalz also specialises in vacuum lifting technology, which it supplies alongside its aluminium crane systems, designed in tandem with the vacuum lifters to ensure that the final solution is appropriately coordinated for the job in hand. The company divides its portfolio of vacuum lifters into the Jumbo and VacuMaster ranges, with the Jumbo being most common in the distribution and logistics environments.

The machines are used at both the receiving and shipping ends of the distribution centre as well as for parcel distribution, packing of goods into boxes and baggage handling. Three models are available with the smallest, the JumboFlex used for one-hand operation of workpieces weighing up to 50kg and capable of high cycle rates. The next model in the range, the JumboErgo, can lift a wide range of loads of up to 300kg and the JumboSprint is designed for smaller but equally heavy items.

From an ergonomic perspective, the machines are designed for one-handed control with a comfortable handle enabling long use periods and the one-finger control designed to make lifting, lowering and releasing intuitive. The larger JumboFlex comes with a quick-change system for replacing the vacuum grippers. A range of grippers are available depending on the loads to be lifted. Simple single or double suction cups can be replaced by quadruple or multiple grippers, hooks and a box gripper.

Supporting the vacuum lifters are the Schmalz aluminium crane systems which can be configured as single girder, double girder or monorail types with a capacity of up to 1,200kg. Jib cranes are also offered with a 1,000kg maximum capacity. The aluminium crane rail supplied can run from 2m and 6m. The column is made of steel and can support the crane rail at up to 4m height, making the system a maximum of 5m tall. Alternatively, the crane rail can be wall-mounted. The firm also makes chain hoists for loads of up to 2,000kg.

Also in Sweden, TAWI customer the Swedish Alcohol Retailing Monopoly (Systembolaget) has been using the firm’s lifting equipment since 1997 as part of a drive to create an ergonomic and safe working environment for staff. In partnership with TAWI the firm’s ergonomic experts supported the development of special versions of the VacuCobra and its sister product the VacuEasyLift. The need to handle heavy and fragile wine boxes led to the development of a special suction foot. The company also uses the Protema electric lifting trolley for lifting pallets and boxes. The battery-operated trolley comes in eight different models and can lift loads of 40kg (PRO40) to 200kg (PRO200).

Finland’s Konecranes sells products in to the warehousing and manufacturing sector too. Its jib cranes supplied with the CLX or SLX electric chain hoists are used for loading unloading and moving goods in warehouses and production facilities. Particularly useful for industries and logistics requiring the movement of larger or heavier items the hoists have a 5,000kg capacity. They are also fitted with a brake and slipping clutch to prevent loads from dropping or microslipping.

Lifting equipment must support this sector and ergonomic design is vital