Machining centres are normally designed for universal use for the machining of parts of different sizes and from a range of materials. Since the rigidity of the machine must always be geared to the highest load conditions, the machine is often very robust and heavy. This may have a trade-off in its accessibility and ease of use.
Limiting machines to specific applications enables them to be designed better in this respect. The Perforex machining centre produced by Kiesling Maschinentechnik GmbH is a dedicated machine for the machining of thin sheet-metal parts and switchgear cabinets. The specialist application results in a lower need for rigidity in the machine's design, and easier access and a substantially improved facility for loading of parts into the machine have been attained.
Standards relevant to powered industrial trucks can be found on ErgoNoRA by use of the following search terms:
The Technical Report ISO/TR 22100-3 describes how ergonomic principles can be applied during the risk reduction process according to ISO 12100 and how ergonomics standards can be applied to machinery. It helps designers take decisions with respect to ergonomics during the machine design process and can also be used when no relevant type C standards are available.
Universal machine tools often suffer from severely restricted accessibility owing to encapsulation and protective equipment. This particularly makes it difficult for bulky components to be handled, necessitating the adoption of unfavourable body postures. The standard location of the machining head over the workpiece also constrains the use of lifting equipment (see also EN 1005-2).
The vertical design assures open access to the workpiece holder from the front and from above. For heavy components of larger volume, cranes and forklifts can be used to assist handling. The particular design of this machine for the production of sheet-metal items enables full encapsulation to be dispensed with. This creates additional freedom to move and work. The fixing of components in a vertical position enables many tasks to be performed at a comfortable working height (see EN 14070:2009, Table 2; EN 12417:2009, Table 2; EN 13128:2009, Table 5; EN 1005-4).
