Air Technical Industries (ATI) has announced the development of its Versatile Die and Mold Handling Transporter with a new "twist." It can rotate a heavy die, molds, a motor or any other heavy industrial item 360°, according to the company. "This new feature is very important when long dies or molds have to be transported through narrow aisles," said a company spokesperson. "They can be stored lengthwise, which takes much less space than storing them crosswise. The new unit can move the die lengthwise for easier maneuverability, and then it can rotate crosswise at the press for installation."
According to the company, with increased lift, dies and molds can be stored on the shelf or racked two high, thereby doubling storage space. "The ability to rotate dies 90° increases storage capacity up to 400%," said the spokesperson.
The die transporter unit is equipped with four push-pull arms: two short arms that hold the die close in and two long arms that can push the die into the press of the die transporter up to 24" deep. When the operation is completed, the die transporter retrieves the die out of the press back on the transporter. The die is then rotated 90° from the way it comes out of the press to lengthwise for transporting it to the storage area. The push-pull arms are folded up or down manually, or they can be powered (optional). The arms can also be made adjustable laterally to handle various widths of molds.
"Rotation and storage of the dies improves safety and efficiency by a push of a button, instead of three or four people pushing, pulling stretching and reaching, which can cause injuries," said the spokesperson.
During transport of the die, the short arms will hold the die securely. The lifting and lowering of the die to press height or shelving is hydraulically operated, as well as pulling and pushing of arms. "The transporter deck is equipped with roller conveyor or polyurethane bearing material with a smooth finish," said the spokesperson.
According to the company, the transporter is installed on polyurethane roller bearing wheels equipped for easy and quiet mobility. Propulsion is solid-state variable speed from 0 to 4 MPH. Steering is 90° to each side for cutting sharp angled turns or maneuvering in narrow aisles. "Propulsion and lifting is battery powered with available built-in battery charger that makes the unit self-sufficient," said the spokesperson.
Available capacities range from 2,000 lbs. up to 50,000 lbs., and deck sizes range in width from 24" up to 96" and in length from 48" up to 144". The new mold installation retrieval and transportation system can be custom-built for any special or unusual requirement.
"The equipment is specifically designed with ergonomics and safety consideration in mind," said the spokesperson. "It provides efficiency for installation of heavy dies and molds. In addition, the unit can be used for handling other heavy items, such as manifolds, castings and motors. Machine loading of heavy parts will make the job easier by taking the load off peoples' backs."
For more information contact:
Air Technical Industries
7501 Clover Ave.
Mentor, OH 44060
888-857-6265 / 440-951-5191
ati@airtechnical.com
www.airtechnical.com