Every process ergonomic thanks to pneumatic manipulators

In heavy industries such as metalworking, it's hard to do without tools. Escalators, hoists and followers for bending machines are some of the classics, but they do not always offer the necessary precision and flexibility. Pneumatic manipulators, on the other hand, can provide the necessary precision and flexibility, depending on the product and the operation to be performed.

Since the 1990s, Roeselare-based Arcadel has maintained a close collaboration with Italian manufacturer Dalmec. Together, they can therefore offer a fully integrated solution, developed and produced according to the specific needs of client and process.

Weightless

"Pneumatic manipulators are not always known yet," says Arcadel business manager Thierry Reverse, "but the possibilities are truly endless. You can use them to place attachments in machines, but also to move sheet metal or guide it completely through the bending process. The big advantage is that they do not perform a fixed movement, but they make the piece weightless, so that the operator can move it, turn it or otherwise manipulate it effortlessly but very precisely according to the needs. You don't have to remotely control anything with buttons, but literally have it in your own hands, albeit without the heavy load."

Bespoke

Arcadel's showroom has about ten manipulators on display, in various types and weight classes and equipped with different toolings. "They illustrate the versatility of such a solution and allow operators and their supervisors to experience the ease of use, although the proprietary solution will rarely be 100% the same. In fact, each manipulator is developed to the specific needs. To do this, we go on site, look at the process and conditions and design a customized manipulator. For example, should it hang on rails or stand on a base? Should it be movable? What movements should you be able to make with it? How heavy and bulky are the pieces? Is a simple hook sufficient or do you need a custom gripper with magnets or suction cups? We provide such specifications along with photos to the engineering team in Italy so they can proceed to further engineering and production. Each device is also thoroughly tested in Italy, with the sheet metal or other test material coming from the customer. Only then is it transferred here and we take care of installation and maintenance."

Quick to master

There is no need for extensive training, according to Reverse. "Because you can manipulate everything directly, such systems work very intuitively and ergonomically. In just a few minutes, most operators are away with it. Especially when they have had an initial introduction in our showroom, it is as if they have never known anything else."