Various types of cranes play an important role within the automotive industry, particularly in relation to the handling, assembly and transportation of heavy components.
In an automotive environment, cranes can be used for tasks such as assembly line operations, material handling, maintenance, tooling and die handling.
As with other industries, cranes provide the benefit of being able to lift and reposition heavy loads, improving safety and output compared with manual lifting. Since the automotive industry works on an industrial scale, such efficiency is a priority.
Here’s a general overview of the cranes used in the automotive industry to shed light on their importance, as well as their versatility.
Overhead Cranes
Overhead cranes for the automotive industry commonly include bridge cranes and gantry cranes.
Bridge cranes are purpose-built to move large and heavy automotive components such as engines and body panels across a production floor with ease. The design of a bridge crane is characterised by a bridge beam which spans two parallel runways, along with a hoist that moves across the bridge.
Similar to a bridge crane is a gantry crane which is supported by freestanding legs that run on tracks, or wheels if the gantry crane is portable.
Working overhead frees up crucial space within an automotive production facility. All while gaining additional lifting capabilities to improve productivity, efficiency and safety.
Jib Cranes
Jib cranes are a handling solution that allows for the safe repositioning of heavy loads, including within indoor and outdoor settings. These cranes can support balancers, air balancers, hoists, vacuum lifters and welding wire feeders, which may be required to lift or reposition automotive parts during production.
Jib cranes feature a horizontal arm (known as a jib) that rotates around a central column. They are typically used for lifting tasks within a specific area, such as moving parts between assembly stations or maintenance areas.
When the use of a typical crane would not be appropriate due to sizing constraints of the building or environment, jib cranes can offer a compact yet highly effective solution.
Monorails
Monorails are another type of crane that can work overhead, including to facilitate repetitive tasks within an automotive facility that run along a fixed path. For instance, moving car components between different workstations.
At Metreel, our monorails can be adapted to your specific environment and application requirements. This includes the ability to factor in curves, latches, switches, turntables, entrance/exit sections, brake devices and drop/lift and transfer sections.
Discover Our Cranes For Automotive Businesses
Do you work in the automotive industry? If you are looking to increase safety, productivity and efficiency then Metreel has a range of material handling solutions to meet the needs of your business.
Get in touch with our team today to tell us about your automotive industry requirements, and our specialists can advise the types of cranes that will help your business reach its goals.
Alternatively, if you’re new to Metreel, we have a product brochure which is available to download.
To find out more about Metreel cranes for the automotive industry, give us a call on 0115 932 7010 or email us at [email protected].