Heavy components are often difficult to move manually, especially when they need to be positioned accurately during assembly or production.

In these situations, industrial handling equipment can provide lifting assistance while allowing operators to remain involved in the process.

The Challenge of Heavy Components

The difficulty of handling a component is not determined only by its weight.

A relatively heavy component may also be difficult to handle because of its:

• Size

• Shape

• Center of gravity

• Position

• Limited gripping areas

• Required installation angle

A suitable handling system needs to take these factors into account.

Assisted Handling

An assistive manipulator can support part or most of the load while the operator guides the workpiece.

This can be useful when a component needs to be moved over a short distance and positioned accurately at a workstation.

The operator maintains control of the movement while the equipment provides lifting assistance.

Positioning During Assembly

Heavy component handling is often closely related to assembly.

A component may need to be lifted from a pallet, moved to an assembly position and then aligned with another component.

Handling equipment can help make these movements more controlled and repeatable.

Choosing the Right Solution

Depending on the workpiece, different equipment may be appropriate.

An assistive manipulator can provide operator-guided movement.

A jib crane can provide localized lifting.

An intelligent balancer can assist repetitive positioning.

A vacuum lifter can be considered when the workpiece has a suitable surface for vacuum lifting.

Conclusion

Heavy component handling is not simply a question of lifting capacity.

The workpiece geometry, center of gravity, movement, positioning requirements and production process all need to be considered when selecting industrial handling equipment.