VDL Wientjes Roden manufactures thermoplastic products for a wide range of applications, from bus components to housings for machinery and medical equipment. During the production process, an ergonomic challenge arose: large products with variable shapes had to be manually placed onto milling machines. Due to their dimensions, shapes, and weights of up to 40 kilograms, a safe and efficient lifting solution was essential.
At VDL Wientjes Roden, quality, innovation, and efficiency are paramount. The company develops, manufactures, and assembles thermoplastic products for diverse markets, ranging from bus components to protective covers for machines and medical scanners.
However, a challenge arose during the production process. After thermoplastic molding, the products had to be manually placed on the milling machine to remove excess material. Due to the dimensions, shapes, and weights of up to 40 kilograms, this was physically demanding for employees and no longer ergonomically sound. Habeload was asked to develop a safe and efficient solution.
The products manufactured at VDL Wientjes Roden vary significantly in shape, size, and weight. Furthermore, cutouts and holes are created during the production process, leaving less material available to securely grip the product.
The milling machines also presented additional challenges. Some machines require manual product loading, while others feature a milling bed that moves outward. Due to the limited overhead clearance and the various machine configurations, a standard solution was not suitable. There was a need for a single, flexible lifting solution capable of handling all these variations.
After analyzing the work environment, Habeload opted for a VLS 150-E, combined with a specially developed vacuum gripper.
This solution offers maximum flexibility. The suction cups are individually adjustable, allowing products of various shapes to be picked up safely. Additionally, the product can be tilted up to 180 degrees, making it easy to position correctly on the milling machine.
Despite the limited space around the machines and the wide variety of products, the gripper remains stable and functions with precision.
The new lifting solution has significantly improved the workflow at VDL Wientjes Roden.
Where previously two employees were needed to move products safely, this can now be performed by one employee . This has greatly reduced physical strain, and back complaints caused by these tasks are now a thing of the past.
In addition, the solution ensures more efficient deployment of staff and greater continuity within the production process. The combination of ergonomics, safety, and productivity delivers noticeable daily benefits for both the employees and the organization.
No two production processes are the same. That is why Habeload develops lifting solutions that align with the specific situation of the client.
Whether it concerns products with complex shapes, limited workspace, or high demands regarding ergonomics and safety: together, we look for a solution that not only works technically but also truly contributes to a more efficient production process.
Do you also work with large, irregularly shaped, or difficult-to-handle products? An analysis of your handling process can often provide quick insight into potential ergonomic and productivity improvements.
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