I’m going to start off with a question for you. What items do you include when figuring out the cycle time of your process? Most people would include the easy things like part load time, weld inches, and assembly steps. Fewer consider items like part manipulation time and time wasted doing work out of position, and how these affect your employees. Let’s look at how a lift and rotate positioner can reduce your cycle times and provide a better workplace for your employees.
The basic function of a lift and rotate is just that, commonly a two-axis positioner that can lift parts up and down as well as rotate them around. A fixture is attached to the lift and rotate that holds the part securely during the manipulation. They can hold parts that are many times heavier than what a person can safely manipulate on their own. A hydraulic pump connected to a motor and cylinder is the most popular option to provide the muscle.
Where they shine is bringing the work to the operator. Every task has an optimal position to be performed in and they can lift and rotate your part to get the task into that position. An in-position weld is always easier and quicker than an out of position weld, and it’s easier to bolt on a bracket when it’s on the top in the light and not on the bottom in the shadows. A lift and rotate can achieve these positions in seconds, whether the part is 100 pounds or 10,000 pounds.
Providing a better workplace for employees should be a top priority for all employers, especially with recent labor shortages. Do you think your employees would rather push a button to rotate a heavy weldment over or strain to move it on their own or use a dangerous, out of balance shop built rotator? Push a button or use a chain and hoist to balance the part at precarious angles to get to that weld? Push a button or go on short term because of a back injury? Don’t let them have to decide by providing the right piece of equipment for the job.
Backdraft sells lift and rotates with maximum capacities of 5,000 and 10,000 lbs. Get max capacity with a dual support setup or a range of capacities with a cantilever setup. Anchor the components to the floor or get a floor standing base. There are many different options to choose from to get the right piece of equipment for your shop. Visit www.backdraftmfg.com/lift-and-rotate to get more information and click on the chat icon at the bottom of the page to contact us and get a quote today.