Developing an assembly process for a new high-tech medical system, Siemens Medical System faced ergonomic issues for certain steps in it production operation in Issaquah, Wash. But a custom vacuum lift system provided not only a more ergonomic approach to handling components, it also increased efficiency while limiting damage to the items handled by Siemens' operators.

Previously, assembly line workers had to manually lift a computer hard drive and a monitor out of their boxes. Then the workers positioned these components as they mounted them on a transport frame. These tasks had to be performed so as to avoid personal injury and damage to delicate and expensive equipment.

A manufacturer of vacuum lift equipment, however, designed a custom system to make this application more ergonomic while also increasing productivity.

A custom vacuum lifter was designed with a special, narrow, side-lifting vacuum pad. This design allowed a worker to lift a metal server housing and place it below a shelf on the transport frame. The lifter also could remove a monitor from its box and place it on top of the shelf.

By using an ergonomic motorcycle twist grip on the lifter, a worker controls lifting and lowering of items. Using a push button controls product release from the lifter.

With the lifter Siemens increased its production efficiency by assigning one worker to the task instead of having a work-share situation with multiple workers in order to prevent personal injury to them.

With a single employee on the task, training costs were cut and inconsistency in assembly accuracy was reduced from what it was before.

The reliable capability of the vacuum lifter to firmly hold and help position accurately the monitors and computer hard drives has also increased productivity by preventing loss of product and time due to damage.

Schmalz
919-713-0880
www.schmalzinc.com