Gorbel’s G-Force offers Precise Positioning to the Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry is filled with applications moving very valuable, complex castings and blocks of special alloys, in and out of machining centres. These applications require precision and finesse that can only be achieved by a precision lifting device such as Gorbel’s Servo powered G-Force Intelligent Lifting Device.

There is also a requirement for some degree of reaching beyond the attachment point of the wire rope into the machine requiring a rigid column to handle that cantilevered load. The rigid column allows the lifting solution to reach into the machine where the lifting device cannot be centred directly over the pick/place point due to the obstruction of the top of the machine. Special end tooling attached allows the part to be engaged and positioned either in a vertical or horizontal orientation.

The G-Force, the rigid column, and the tooling give the operator high levels of control when loading or unloading highly valuable parts from machining centres.  The float mode and virtual limit features of the G-Force are designed to make even the heaviest part seem weightless to the operator and allow precision handling and placement of the load while practically eliminating the potential for damage to the part or the machine.

Gorbel says that the G-Force offers more speed, precision, intelligence-features and enhanced safety features than similar rigid column systems powered by a traditional chain hoist or pneumatic cylinders.  This particular solution takes advantage of the iQ model G-Force, which also allows inputs and outputs to and from external systems or components.  Sensors are used as inputs to the G-Force and change vertical limits and speeds of the G-Force based on what part is being lifted, and whether the part is machined or not-machined.  As a result, the G-Force can automatically go into float mode at the precise weight of a machined part before it is released from the machine.

The G-Force can also automatically set the proper limits based on knowing the exact part being lifted and the position relative to the machine to ensure the machine, nor the part are damaged by accidental impact, eliminating potential operator error.

Key features of this system include: up to a 500kg load capacity; a lifting stroke up to 6ft; a slewing bearing, which allows rotational positioning of the rigid column; heavy duty bearings, which  provide smooth movement with extended reach into the machine; and the intelligence of iQ model G-Force, which automatically sets virtual limits based on specific part being lifted and position of the lifter relative to the machine.