Aerospace Manufacturer Optimizes Workflow with Overhead Lifting Solution

The Challenge: Spatial constraints and heavy loads

AeroCision manufactures commercial jet engine parts. At their facility in Chester, CT, the team struggled to move heavy rotary tables. These tables weigh between 400 and 500 lbs and are required to convert 3-axis machines into 4-axis centers.

The team previously relied on a custom engine hoist equipped with a rear counterweight. Shopmill Supervisor Jason Morton described the device as "very awkward and hard to use". Technicians had to physically move workbenches to clear a path for the bulky unit. Lifting the heavy tables also pushed the manual hoist to its weight limit, creating a constant fear that it would flip over during transport.


The Solution: Gorbel Work Station Crane and GS Series Hoist

To fix these issues, AeroCision installed a Gorbel Work Station Crane paired with a 1/2 ton (1000 lb) GS Series Electric Chain Hoist. This configuration provided overhead coverage without using floor space, which solved the problem of navigating narrow aisles between machinery.


The Execution: Precision handling overhead

The overhead system glides above the shop floor infrastructure. It features variable speed control, which allows operators to slow down for precise placement or speed up for longer movements. The 1/2 ton capacity provides a safe lifting range for the 500 lb rotary tables, eliminating the tipping hazard associated with the old engine hoist.

The Result: Efficiency and safety metrics

The new equipment produced immediate changes in the shop's workflow:

  • Cycle time reduction: The setup and teardown process for rotary tables dropped from 45 minutes to between 5 and 10 minutes.
  • Labor optimization: The task shifted from a two-person operation to a job for a single technician.
  • Safety improvement: The team eliminated the fear of tipping equipment, and Morton notes the system is "very easy to use".



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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the weight capacity of the hoist used in this aerospace application? AeroCision utilized a Gorbel GS Series Electric Chain Hoist with a 1/2 ton (1000 lbs) capacity. This capacity was selected to handle rotary tables weighing between 400 and 500 lbs safely, offering a larger safety margin than the previous manual hoist.

2. How does the Work Station Crane improve machine setup times? The overhead crane system reduced the rotary table changeover time from 45 minutes to between 5 and 10 minutes. This reduction occurred because operators no longer need to move workbenches to clear a path and can maneuver parts through narrow spaces alone.

3. Does the GS Series Hoist offer variable speed control for precision placement? Yes, the GS Series Electric Chain Hoist features speed control, allowing operators to select the appropriate speed for the task. This control is useful in aerospace manufacturing for carefully aligning heavy components like rotary tables without damaging the machines.