If ergonomics also equals efficiency

CEBEO's new distribution center in Blandain combines state-of-the-art technology for the most automated operation possible. But not every link in the process can be automated. Where human interaction is still required, the Belgian market leader for the distribution of quality electrical products opts for the most efficient and ergonomic solutions possible. A sum that quickly led him to Dalmec's pneumatic manipulators. Supplier Arcadel installed three of them in June. 

The figures of CEBEO's new building are impressive: 40,000 m², 18 m high, 32 unloading and loading docks... The heart of the building is the semi-automatic warehouse, which should guarantee a smooth logistics flow. Indeed, CEBEO's range has 1.6 million product references, 50,000 of which can be delivered within 24 hours. "Based on orders, the products are called from the warehouse and brought to the operators via conveyors. For power and data cables, customers can also opt for a purchase of a desired number of meters. These are large spools, which can weigh up to 800 kg. We have provided a solution for this," says Arcadel Managing Director Thierry Reverse.

Reliable and without damage

Dalmec's pneumatic manipulator had to be able to reliably clamp, pick up and tilt these coils 180° from a horizontal to a vertical position. In the old warehouse, this was still done with forklifts. But the damage and loss of quality that this way of working sometimes caused made CEBEO look for another solution. "The 800 kg weight to be lifted still provided an additional challenge. With the Megapartner, Dalmec has a standard lifting aid that can handle this. However, we did provide some additional functionalities. Special rubbers have been added to the clamps. These compensate for any unevenness, so that no damage occurs when clamping. Also added was a special control on the main shaft, which operators can engage with a push to smoothly move the coils to the left or right."

Showroom gives confidence

Arcadel also supplied two smaller units. These were given a place on the two roller conveyors in the warehouse. "The pre-packed cables are sent on demand on pallet to these roller conveyors. These can weigh up to 100 kg. At the end, our pneumatic manipulator takes the desired number off the pallet and places them on the pallet in front of the customer. No tilting is involved here, it is a purely horizontal movement," Reverse explains. That one supplier could supply both the devices for lighter and heavier weights was one of the strengths of Dalmec's offering. 

"They also visited our showroom in Roeselare, where the operator could already familiarize himself with the technology, albeit in a size smaller, our Maxipartner Equo. The confidence in the technology was there. For us, this project is a great example of how our technology also adds value in a high-tech environment, because it takes into account the quality of the product, the efficiency of the operation, and the ergonomics for the operator."

Win-win

Another beautiful project Arcadel recently completed brings us to Tielt. Grandeco Wallfashion makes wall decorations in various finishes and wallpaper techniques. The rolls on which the material comes to be printed must always be of impeccable quality. 

"We built them a pneumatic manipulator that plugs the rollers into the washer and can take them out again. The challenge was to make sure each position was easily accessible to fill and empty the washer. That way it can be done a lot faster than with the overhead crane that was used before. Moreover, that overhead crane is now more relieved, while it is also more efficient and ergonomic work for the operators. So a win-win." In this project, it was not the showroom that convinced. "They already had experience with a similar device of ours, elsewhere in production. That had proven that we effectively deliver what we preach in practice," Reverse concludes.