Background
Van der Graaf (VDG) has been a leader in designing and manufacturing drum motors for belt conveyors since 1985. Over the years, their operations have expanded to include a 270,000 square-foot facility equipped with advanced manufacturing technology. A simple goal to create superior products drives all their operations.
The Problem
Every fifteen minutes, operators offload and load metal cylinders into an industrial lathe at VDG manufacturing headquarters. While there is a travelling bridge crane in the facility, it lacks the precision needed to move the cylinders and its large hook does not fit into the lathe well. Using this crane to move cylinders also disrupted other manufacturing processes.
The Solution
VDG wanted an intermediary system – one that was not as basic as a jib crane, but not as complex as a robotic cell. The Gorbel® Easy Arm® met and exceeded VDG’s expectations by seamlessly combining an articulating jib crane and intelligent hoist.
With the Easy Arm® system, VDG operators were able to enjoy the benefits of automation without sacrificing precision. Moving cylinders was faster and easier than ever. “You feel like Superman,” said their Operations Production Manager when describing the Easy Arm® handling experience.
The Easy Arm® also simplified the process, allowing operators to offload and load a cylinder without changing systems or hooks. Overall, VDG observed that the Easy Arm® optimized a crucial step of their conveyor drive production process and increased safety.