Burn Table/Plate Handling

Requirement

Metal service centers and fabricators utilize gas, plasma and water jet cutting tables to create various size plates weighing up to several hundred pounds. Operators remove these plates by hand or use an overhead bridge crane when the weights are heavy. This is a slow, labor intensive process that exposes operators to significant risk of stress/strain injuries.

Solution

A high speed servo drive, PLC controlled lifter incorporated with magnet based, pneumatically controlled end tooling is utilized to quickly and safely “sweep” the table – allowing the operators to lift and stack plates effortlessly. The tooling is mounted to an extended shaft providing waist-high control (shown) or from an extended arm for tableside operation. The magnet geometry is field-adjustable in order to accommodate various plate geometries; the system can be used on parts weighing over 500 lbs.