Ergonomics as a driving force for process optimisation

‘Their design follows the principles of modern ergonomics, their modularity allows them to be adapted to many intralogistics scenarios, and their return on investment (ROI) averages 0.4 years,’ says Oliver Stauch-Vaupel, outlining the high added value of EXPRESSO’s handling and conveyor systems. The head of the Powered Handling and Transport Equipment business unit and his team of experts will be demonstrating how this works in practice with several exhibits at this year’s Fachpack in Nürnberg/Germany. In Hall 7, Stand 652, the focus will be on the eBalanceLift ARM electric handling system and the EXPRESSO Connect IoT solution, as well as two mobile lifts: The cost-effective lift2move selective and the customisable lift2move solution. Both versions are entirely ‘Made in Germany’ and are currently proving their worth in many industries as ergonomic and efficiency-enhancing system solutions for gripping, lifting, loading/unloading and conveying loads. Depending on whether they are used in assembly, production or warehousing, they serve as goods carriers, means of transport, assembly tools or positioning aids for the safe handling of containers, components, tools, packages and much more. While the affordable lift2move selective is available in three sizes for payloads of up to 125 or 200 kg and is primarily designed for standard tasks, the lift2move solution is always configured individually according to the customer’s specifications. All variants of the lift2move selective can be ordered directly from the EXPRESSO webshop at fixed prices, whereas the lift2move solution is designed in collaboration with the customer following an intensive needs analysis. ‘This involves, for example, choosing the optimal load carriers, design details, aspects of ergonomic workplace design, prospects for further process optimisation, or the integration of our digital IoT system EXPRESSO Connect,’ explains Oliver Stauch-Vaupel.

Flexibility at an affordable price

The lift2move selective is available at entry-level prices of less than €5,000. For this price, customers receive a universally usable system with low-maintenance spindle operation of the lifting mechanism, a sensor-controlled safety system, a height-adjustable push bar and a foot brake bar with three operating modes (brake locked, locked in the direction of travel or released). The lifting/lowering speed of the lifting sled can be individually controlled via remote control in two preset and six freely selectable levels. A tool-free, replaceable Powerpack battery pack (18 Ah) is included as standard. The chassis has four swivel castors and, thanks to low-profile front castors, a ground clearance of only 88 mm. There are options for the electrically powered lift mast, which is available with three lift ranges of up to 1,850 mm (type 125) or 2,020 mm (type 200). There are ten different load attachments to match, including a platform, a jib, a roll turner, a clamping fork for sheet metal and shepherd’s boxes, and an attachment for round parts.

Maximum customer focus

EXPRESSO offers customers maximum flexibility with the lift2move solution, which is designed as a versatile system solution. It offers plenty of scope for adaptation to different tasks and can be integrated into Industry 4.0 environments via digital interfaces. The model range includes three single-mast variants with load capacities of up to 250 kg and a double-mast variant for loads weighing up to 400 kg. All models can be combined with chassis of different sizes, and the electrically operated lifting mast can accommodate numerous special or custom-designed load attachments. As a result, a lift2move solution can be tailored to both product and process requirements – as a lifting and tilting system, a turning and holding system, a gripping and rotating unit, a feed and discharge solution, or even as a conveyor for internal pick-up and delivery services. ‘Even when precise shelf loading, accurate approaches to workbenches or repeatable operation of workpiece carriers are required, processes can be designed ergonomically and efficiently with a customised lift2move solution,’ reports Oliver Stauch-Vaupel.

Technical highlights of the lift2move solution also include the compact, lightweight flyweight battery packs (lithium iron phosphate) with status display and sensory fault diagnosis with visual signalling, which alerts the user to malfunctions or operating errors. Optional extras include Vertical Position Control for automatically moving to up to eight freely programmable lift mast positions and other accessories: a lift travel limiter that can be attached to the mast, a mechanical lift travel extension and a telescopic mast that allows the lift travel to be increased without changing the overall height of the system.

The lift2move solution always has a chassis made entirely of steel, which gives it stable statics and excellent manoeuvrability. A long wheelbase improves stability and a high lift mast base gives the base assembly high torsional rigidity. The chassis also includes four swivel castors, the front pair of which can be locked. ‘All of this benefits the ergonomics and usability of the lift and makes it a powerful system solution for process optimisation – even when higher load-bearing requirements are needed,’ says Oliver Stauch-Vaupel.