Operating 24/7  

A specialist for the manufacture and maintenance of overhead cranes has developed a 40t overhead crane with a span of 34 meters for handling single moulds.

Heripret, partner of Verlinde and member of the after-sales and Europont networks, has designed, produced and installed a 40t overhead crane with a 25t auxiliary for handling 35t moulds at a metallurgy works.

The lifting and handling parts of such weight requires lifting equipment with absolute reliability and a very high degree of positioning precision. Heripret has become over 40 years a widely-acknowledged specialist for the manufacture and maintenance of overhead cranes for overhead handling using rotating hooks, for loads from 125kg to 120t and spans of up to 35m. Based in the Pas de Calais (department, an industrial basin for metallurgy and the automobile industry, Heripret works with numerous subcontractors in this field. Its initial offer of services and its after-sales, maintenance and repair services are essential for manufacturers whose factories operate 24/7.

A large-scale project

The metallurgy company was looking for a technical solution for lifting and turning a new 35t mould used for stamping parts for the automotive industry, the two existing bridges now at the limit of their rated load. For its new stamping unit, the company renovated an old steel industry facility which was part of its building stock. The large empty building had the capacity to accommodate an overhead crane.

The manufacturer chose Heripret, which has fully maintained all of its lifting equipment since 2018, took account of the quality of its service offering and that of Verlinde equipment that are acknowledged by these industries for their precision and reliability.

Heripret proposed a 40t bridge together with a 25t auxiliary trolley with an exceptional reach adapted to the existing 34-meter structure.  They are fitted with Eurobloc VT 512 twin rail electric wire rope hoists, customised as necessary.

Delicate handling

The 40t trolley lifts the 40t steel mould and then the 25t auxiliary trolley tilts it.  This turning upside down is necessary for the opening of the mould and its maintenance.

Such manipulation requires very precise control of movement. That is why the variable speed drive of the VT hoist as well as its load calculation mode between the two trolleys are essential. The speed allowed by the hoist is very slow: on average between 0.1m/min and 5.1m/minute. The positioning of the load in the press is thus extremely precise.

The structures of the overhead crane are equipped with a maintenance gangway. The switch cabinet brings together all the electrical equipment in a single cabinet. A walkway on the overhead crane provides easy and safe access to the travel motors and steering trolleys.  It also allows rapid repairs and maintenance in complete safety.

A lifting system that operates continuously

As the parts produced are intended for an automotive subcontractor, the cranes are used fully loaded 6 days a week. The equipment must therefore be reliable.

Heripret matches the installation with its express maintenance and repair service contract 24/7, even during public holidays. This availability perfectly meets the constraints of the company.

Since their installation in 2020, operation of the bridges has been faultless. The customer, fully satisfied with services provided to date, has continued its collaboration with Heripret for the retrofitting of existing transfer trolleys.