The cleanroom crane with semi-automatic and sway control is currently unique in the cleanroom world and was created in several steps by applying existing technologies and elements to new areas of application.
This type of cleanroom crane is equipped with a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a three-axis
positioning system that allows a positioning accuracy of +/- 1 millimeter per axis. A semi-automatic approach is possible for stored positions, which means that expensive system parts can be easily changed. In addition, collisions and the resulting damage to such system parts are avoided from the start by the fact that it is only possible to move out of the stored positions in an approved direction. In order to comply with cleanroom class ISO 5, the semi-automatic crane has an easy-to-clean surface and has no sharp-edged components such as screw heads, which makes cleaning extremely easy.
Particularly high demands are set on the control and programming of semi-automatic cranes. As the operator must be able to intervene in the process at any time and the software must only allow logical commands to
prevent human error, the control system must constantly monitor the status of the crane and the process.
A semi-automatic crane offers the following features at a glance:
- millimeter-precise positioning of the crane in all axes, regardless of load capacity, span and
travel speed,
- precise picking up and setting down of loads,
- Control of the semi-automatic crane by means of a programmable logic controller (PLC) and
frequency converters integrated in ProfNet,
- Travel speeds of up to 63 m/min,
- Accelerations of up to 1 m/s² using friction drives (i.e. without rack and pinion drives)
- Transmission of the applied load or other process variables to a higher-level control system,
- High-precision load measurements.
Millimeter-precise and vibration-free thanks to sway control
The above-mentioned advantages of a semi-automatic crane are supplemented by a further dimension
when combined with the innovative technology of electronic sway control. This sway control ensures that no inertia-induced vibrations occur and that the crane operator does not have to perform any compensating movements - neither during acceleration nor braking. This completely prevents the load from swaying. It is
particularly remarkable that this is possible regardless of the speed and hook position of the load. At the same time, the risk of accidents due to swinging movements is reduced to a minimum, both when moving the load and when stopping. Another advantage is the avoidance of increased abrasion, which is unavoidable
every time the crane accelerates and brakes. The resulting reduction in particle discharge is essential in cleanroom environments. Compliance with the requirements of ISO class 5 is therefore guaranteed.
Thanks to the electronic sway control, the crane hits the desired target coordinates with pinpoint accuracy. This is achieved without the hook being subjected to further vibrations during travel or after the crane has come to a standstill, or making unpredictable compensating movements during travel or after the crane has come
to a standstill. This enables much more precise and, in particular, faster work. Without sway control, precise positioning of the object takes a lot of time, requires both calmness and skill and also makes everyday work much more difficult.
In many cases, it is also very important to ensure that a load is stopped precisely without swinging
and that the desired target point is not exceeded, as otherwise damage may occur to the usually valuable load or the target object. However, there is no guarantee of this when positioning objects without sway control. In addition, the swaying of the load increases the risk of accidents for the people involved.
More efficiency in the operating process
If the technical and functional benefits of a semi-automatic crane with sway control are already impressive, criteria such as easy to use and therefore efficiency in the operating process and sustainability in use should
not be underestimated by customers.
As far as efficiency is concerned, it is obvious that the operator of the semi-automatic crane is supported to the maximum by the technology and can therefore work quickly and yet safely. There is no need for time-consuming positioning of the transport parts, which are usually extremely valuable and therefore difficult to replace in the event of damage. The operator is relieved of the worry of making mistakes and thus taking on heavy responsibility. At the same time, the routine processes are taken over by the technology.
Find out more about our product in our lecture on April 23nd, 2024, Room 4 from 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
