Vertical open machining concept

Problems

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).

Stress category

Auxiliary equipment
Motional range
Postures and movements

Solution

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).

Principle of operation

• Adaptation of the manufacturing strategy to the particular conditions of the components to be machined
• Modification of the physical arrangement of machine parts for improved access to the machine working areas

Standards

• DIN EN ISO 16090-1: Safety of machine tools - Transfer and special-purpose machines
• DIN EN ISO 16090: Machine tools - Safety - Machining centres
• EN 1005-2: Safety of machinery - Human physical performance - Part 2: Manual handling of machinery and component parts of machinery
• EN 1005-4: Safety of machinery - Human physical performance - Part 4: Evaluation of working postures and movements in relation to machinery