Workstation Crane Improves Productivity. Safety
From raw material to finished product, Republic Anode Fabricators serves plating industries with a full spectrum of metal fabrication and service capabilities, including full-service design, engineering, machining, and fabrication. Established in 1987, the company continues to expand. Several years ago, RAF purchased a new production facility in Valley City, Ohio. Unfortunately, the building was not equipped with an overhead crane.
Parts and products ranging from 100 pounds to 900 pounds had to be moved and positioned by forklift or handled by team force. As Parick Nicholson, RAF General Manager, explained it, “Even with forklifts, there was a lot of sweat equity required. Sometimes it took several people to muscle parts around, which meant we had to take workers off one job to help someone working on another.” Safety was another issue.
EMH Crane, along with Handling Concepts performing the installation, solved the problem with an Al System Workstation Crane, easily positioned and installed after buildings are operational. With lightweight aluminum track profiles, they can be disassembled, moved, and then reassembled as needs change. Plus, because an Al System Workstation Crane can easily handle parts and materials up to 2,000 pounds, it was a perfect solution to increase productivity and improve safety.
Promess Inc.
810-229-9334
promess@promessinc.com
Tailored Electric Press Work Stations
The Promess Electric Press Work Station is a stand-alone unit with an integrated Promess Electro Mechanical Assembly Press (EMAP). The EMAP is a programmable motion-controlled ball screw press with integrated motion control and monitoring. Promess offers 33 press sizes with capacities ranging from less than an ounce to over 200,000 pounds. The Work Station is designed to meet your specific application needs, and Promess offers various standard floor and table top stations to fit your needs.
The Work Station provides a mobile and readily accessible foundation for assembly, test, and lab applications. Being fully electric and energy-efficient, it also contributes to a cleaner work environment, which is not possible with traditional workstations.
To find the perfect Work Station configuration for your application, schedule a visit to the Promess facility or send in your parts for assessment. There is a range of Work Station configurations available on-site for viewing, and the Promess Process Development Center can help validate your process. Contact Promess today for more information on the Electric Press Work Station.
Custom Linear Transfer Unit for Aerospace Manufacturing
Motion Index Drives partnered with a leading aerospace manufacturer to develop a custom 6-meter transfer unit engineered for exceptional precision, strength, and reliability. The system was designed to move assemblies weighing up to 70,000 kilograms with smooth, controlled motion and full integration into the customer’s automated production line.
Built on a heavy-duty steel frame with precision leveling and guided by high-capacity linear bearings, the transfer unit delivers long-life performance even under extreme loads. A helical rack-and-pinion drive ensures consistent accuracy across the entire stroke, while the carriage plate was engineered to accept a high-torque rotary index drive for synchronized motion. Cable management was fully integrated to accommodate all process utilities, maintaining a clean and efficient system layout.
The completed design provides a balance of power, precision, and endurance required in aerospace manufacturing—offering stable, repeatable motion for large-scale assemblies and reducing long-term maintenance demands. This project highlights Motion Index Drives’ ability to deliver custom automation solutions that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability in mission-critical environments.
Buckeye Electrical Streamlines Production with Schleuniger
Buckeye Electrical is a family-owned custom wire harness and cable assembly manufacturer located in Botkins, OH. The company strives to offer its customers high-quality products and recognizes the value of efficient, reliable equipment.
After President Kevin Platfoot noticed that outdated machinery and manual processes were hindering precision, efficiency, and turnaround, he took decisive action to research and invest in new equipment.
With assistance from Schleuniger Sales Representative Bruce Moore, Platfoot determined the MultiStrip 9480 and PowerStrip 9580 would help streamline the processing of Buckeye's primary range of cables, including 8–18 gauge hook-up wire and coax multiconductor, and battery cable.
Since modernizing, Platfoot reported, "We [now] process around 12,000,000 feet of wire per year using three cut and strip machines, which would have been unfathomable before.” He also commended Cayman, Schleuniger's cut and strip software, for its seamless usability and file sharing.
Another noted improvement is the Multistrip 9480 and Inket printer integration, which increased marked wire output by 50%.
Overall, restructuring has been game-changing, and Platfoot shared he is looking to purchase additional Schleuniger machines to help with company expansion. For small manufacturers considering equipment upgrades, he shared, “it will be crucial to continue to pursue automation to remain competitive.”
Schleuniger, Inc.
603-668-8117
Toll Free Technical Support: 877-902-1470
