Handling Specialty helped pioneer the modern automotive final assembly line back in the early 80s with the development of ergonomic and efficient electro-mechanical lifts for the North American auto industry. The lift allows the vehicle to be raised and lowered to the correct ergonomic position based on the worker’s height and the final assembly task. Handling Specialty’s skillet lifts employ an electro-mechanical actuation package to provide level and constant speed lifting over the full range of travel. These robust designs provide the ability to support vehicles with different wheelbases and wheel gauges and increased mounting flexibility. Safety is always a significant design consideration. Handling Specialty’s skillet lifts incorporate secondary anti-fall protection systems, over-travel limits, and full perimeter bellows skirting. Skillet lifts can be built to meet a wide range of weight capacities. All critical pivots and rolling points have maintenance-free, anti-friction bearings for increased efficiency. Handling Specialty’s skillet systems are the answer to conveying applications requiring high productivity rates, high reliability, high flexibility, and excellent ergonomics.
The skillet conveyor system reduces the operator’s walking distance, and all required assembly work is accomplished without stopping the conveying line. This, combined with reduced operator fatigue, results in increased production efficiency. Variable frequency drives enable a range of system speeds. Work height or scissors lift table height can be automatically set to pre-programmed elevation change points along the production lines.
The skillet conveyor utilizes platforms to transport materials or products through various assembly operations. The strength of this system is that it provides access around the perimeter of the product enabling the worker to travel with the product as it is conveyed through the various stages of assembly. The skillet travels at a pace that permits the worker to finish an assigned task and then walk back to the starting point, picking up new material along the way and stepping onto the next skillet.
The skillets are propelled longitudinally or laterally, forward or reverse, with friction drive wheels located along the side(s) of the skillet at the beginning of each assembly line. At the end of each line, holdback drives exert a reversing force on the skillets, thus ensuring contact between the skillets through the work zones.
To inquire about your needs for an automotive skillet system, contact Mike Roper.
