IMI Commissioned for Ergonomic Lift-Assist Device
They designed a magnetic lifting system that minimizes the need to physically reach, lift and place large, heavy parts during repetitive assembly operations.
Posted: July 9, 2018
Industrial Magnetics Inc. (IMI; Boyne City, MI) was recently commissioned to design a custom magnetic lifting system to assist in the repetitive handling of a large, heavy part in a customer’s manufacturing process, where the shop was looking to increase operator safety by implementing an ergonomic system that minimized the need to physically reach, lift and place a part in the assembly. Based on the application parameters, IMI engineering designed a system with a permanent, on/off lift magnet that is controlled by a pneumatic actuator and positively holds the load in the event of a power loss. This lift-assist device is able to pick up the part, rotate it 90 deg and release it by pneumatic control, no electricity required.
As operator safety was a top priority, the custom lift solution was designed with a two-button, grip-proof-release operation for preventing unintended release of the part. The customer’s employees can now safely lift heavy, bulky parts in a manner that meets their ergonomic standards.
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