Focus on Ergonomics
Modern features a sampling of products to improve ergonomics.
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 10/1/2008
Stainless positioner
Ideal for food, pharmaceutical and wash-down applications, the stainless steel EZ Loader captive air, self-leveling pallet positioner keeps the top of the load at a convenient working height. To help eliminate bending and improve productivity, an integral rotating ring is included. The captive air operation eliminates cumbersome mechanical springs for more controlled, dampened platform movement. Bishamon Industries, 800-358-8833, www.bishamon.com.
Low-profile pallet positioning
The air-operated Lift & Rotate ergonomic pallet positioning device has a low 6.5-inch profile to handle taller pallet loads, reducing shipping costs. Rotation is manual and can be locked into any position with an air brake. Standard models travel 25 inches, with custom units reaching 75 inches. Ideal for pack and unpack operations, the lift allows workers to position every pallet at optimum height and for minimum strain. Powered by air bag technology for a one-to-one lift ratio, lifting motion is smooth and stable with no hydraulic fluids required. Herkules Equipment, 800-444-4351, www.herkules.us.
3-axis work positioner
The Ergo Master manual 3-axis work positioner gives operators flexibility to adjust work to any comfortable position and reduce the chance of injury. Height, tilt and rotation angles are all independently adjustable, with a safety lock in any desired work position. Foot pedals allow for easy positioning control. Operating on standard shop air and 110-volt power, the unit is offered in three workload capacities: 50, 150 and 300 pounds. ErgotecH, 203-790-4100, www.ergotechinc.com.
Electric-powered work table
The electric-powered, height adjustable, cantilevered work table offers adjustability from 27 to 43 inches. The user-friendly motor-adjustable frames support medium to heavy duty tasks for seated or standing operators. Shipped with a standard 500-pound lift drive, the frame includes a self-contained linear actuator with integral limit switches, 24-volt DC low voltage control and 0.5 inches per second travel speed. A rear fixing frame supports single, double or triple bay uprights to hold bin rails, shelving, articulating modules and lighting. A choice of 13 different work surface dimensions is offered, ranging from 24 x 36 to 36 x 96 inches. BostonTec, 989-496-0773, www.bostontec.com.
Leveler lifts 4,000 pounds
With an integrated platform that lowers to floor height for pallet placement and removal by hand truck, the P4 hydraulic load leveler improves worker productivity and reduces fatigue when manually loading or unloading pallets. Accessible from all four sides, the leveler holds up to 4,000 pounds. In loading operations, hydraulic power first raises the platform and pallet to its full up position. As goods are loaded onto the pallet, the platform is lowered so that each succeeding tier can be loaded at the same height. The opposite action is employed for unloading pallets. For safety, a photoelectric toe guard stops downward travel if the beam is interrupted. Presto Lifts, 800-343-9322, www.prestolifts.com.
Articulated jib boom
Ideal for low headroom operations and to maneuver around work-area obstructions, the articulated jib boom supports up to 2,000 pounds and allows 360º rotation around the main post. As an ergonomic replacement to standard, stiff-arm jibs, the unit reaches 10 feet radially with extended reaches offered. Features include an angle-adjustable middle axis for better control of jib movement, adjustable friction brakes and mounting options for electric and air hoists, pneumatic balance hoists and vertical lift cylinders. To minimize resistance to movement, all joints are roller-bearing mounted with precision bearings and thrust washers for smooth motion and long life. Positech, 800-831-6026, www.positech.com.
Turn pallets for easy loading
To improve worker productivity and reduce fatigue, the Roll-On level loader with turntable can be used in the manual unloading and loading of pallets. The loader features a platform that lowers to floor height so pallets can be placed and removed with a hand pallet truck. Hydraulic-powered, the loader can be accessed from all four sides. The integrated turntable rotates loads for loading or unloading from the near side. It has a 2,500 pound capacity and is equipped with a photoelectric toe guard to stop downward travel if the beam is interrupted. Southworth Products, 207-878-0700, www.southworthproducts.com.
Ergonomic bin tilter
The MT series mechanical tilter angles containers in an ergonomically correct position for part placement or removal. By improving ease of access to components, the tilter reduces the risk of operator injury. Capacities range from 500 to 4,000 pounds. Features include a self-locking platform, foot pedal release to return the platform to level, and corner stops to secure the container. Platform widths and lengths up to 72 inches may be specified, standard. Pentalift Equipment, 519-763-3625, www.pentalift.com.
Portable work positioner is battery-powered
Transport the Uni-Tilt DC powered container positioner with a lift truck from work area to work area for positioning containers within reach of assembly line workers and machine operators. With a 40° tilt, the system reduces fatigue by minimizing the repetitive bending and stretching required to obtain components from deep containers. Battery-powered, the positioner eliminates the cables and wires required by a standard AC-powered unit, making it easy to maneuver through a facility. An optional battery charger may be specified. With capacities of 4,000 pounds, the system comes in two platform sizes: 48 x 48 or 54 x 48 inches. Fork pockets measure 8 x 3 inches. Vestil Manufacturing Co., 800-348-0868, www.vestil.com.
Vacuum lifter moves 1,000 pounds
The UniMove vacuum lifting system allows one operator to pick up and move items weighing up to 1,000 pounds. Constructed of standard stainless steel, the lifter handles a variety of products, including corrugated boxes, bags, metal and plastic drums, and large sheets of metal or wood. A patented valve system automatically adjusts for uneven, flexible, rough and porous surfaces. UniTech Industries, 610-826-7855, www.unimove.com.
Void-fill-free packaging
Made from composite corrugated cardboard and film, the Smart Karton distribution pack requires no void fill to secure and protect contents. By eliminating the need for bubble wrap, air pillows, foam peanuts or foam-in-place packing materials, the carton reduces packaging costs and waste. Features include a secure inner pack that eliminates theft—making the unit ideal for shipping high-value items such as DVDs, video games and jewelry. Delivered as a flat pack broken down ready for use, the container can be erected by hand or by machine. Smart Karton, 636-724-8181, www.smartkarton.com.
42-inch LCD display shares production info on the floor
Visually share production data on the factory floor—at the workcell or plant level—with a 42-inch LCD display. With a computer and optional touchscreen, the display meets NEMA 12 standards when wall-mounted. The display withstands circulating dust, falling dirt and dripping non-corrosive liquids. When panel mounted, it meets NEMA 4/4X requirements, making it impervious to falling dirt, inclement weather, hose-directed water and corrosion. The internal computer is offered with a range of processor and memory options and runs Windows or Linux applications. Storage options include a 120 GB hard drive and/or 32 GB compact flash. Comark, 508-359-8161, www.comarkcorp.com.
42-inch LCD display shares production info on the floor
Visually share production data on the factory floor—at the workcell or plant level—with a 42-inch LCD display. With a computer and optional touchscreen, the display meets NEMA 12 standards when wall-mounted. The display withstands circulating dust, falling dirt and dripping non-corrosive liquids. When panel mounted, it meets NEMA 4/4X requirements, making it impervious to falling dirt, inclement weather, hose-directed water and corrosion. The internal computer is offered with a range of processor and memory options and runs Windows or Linux applications. Storage options include a 120 GB hard drive and/or 32 GB compact flash. Comark, 508-359-8161, www.comarkcorp.com.
Fiberglass reinforcement enhances strength
The Plexton line includes fiberglass reinforced stackable and nestable containers, hoppers and trays. Compression-molded with high-strength fiberglass reinforced polyester resin, the containers store, move and ship heavy or dense parts and materials. Features include smooth surfaces and radiused angles for safe and easy handling. The containers withstand temperature ranges from –60º F to 250º F. Options include dual-purpose covers that enable container stacking and may be used as trays. LEWISBins+, 877-975-3947, www.lewisbins.com.
Steel pallet supports up to 40,000 pounds
The steel distribution pallet is lightweight, flame-resistant and meets the Grocery Manufacturers Association capacity and compatibility standards. When compared to traditional wood block style pallets, the galvanized steel unit has less than a 5% damage rate. Measuring 48 x 40 x 5.5 inches, the pallet incorporates four-way lift truck and pallet jack entry. It features a fully welded assembly without fasteners for more than 3,500 pounds of unsupported racking capacity. Weighing 63 pounds, the pallet can support up to 40,000 pounds of static load, making it ideal for use in pharmaceutical, food manufacturing and printing industries. Worthington Steelpac, 717-851-0333, www.worthingtonsteelpac.com.
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