The right manipulators make light work

In order to streamline processes and relieve the burden on operators, it is important to develop solutions that are fully adapted to the tasks at hand, yet not unnecessarily complicated. That is Arcadel's philosophy. With over thirty years of experience in pneumatic manipulators and an equally longstanding partnership with Italian manufacturer Dalmec, the Roeselare-based company delivers smart and intuitive tools tailored to each process.

A lot of manual and repetitive operations still take place in the metal industry. Plates are dragged, heavy pieces loaded and unloaded, boxes stacked and unstacked, you name it. 

"For operators, this can be very stressful," knows Thierry Reverse of Arcadel. "Fortunately, companies are increasingly realizing that they need to do something about it, both for the sake of increased efficiency and to secure their human capital. After all, good technical personnel are not just lying around for the taking."

Those who think automation is the only avenue to simplify manual processes, however, are wrong. 

"Not every process can or should be fully automated. Cost and lack of flexibility are major barriers. But that does not mean there is no chance for improvement. Pneumatic manipulators, for example, do not completely take over the operator's job, but they do ensure that physical loads are reduced to a minimum. They do this by making the piece weightless, after which the operator can effortlessly and precisely move, rotate or otherwise manipulate it. You don't have to operate something remotely with buttons, but literally have it in your hands, albeit without the heavy load."

Although the basic principle of pneumatic manipulators is always the same, Reverse says no two are the same. 

"Obviously there are different types, designs and weight classes, but the greatest versatility is in the different toolings. These range from a simple hook to customized grippers with suction cups or magnets. Manipulators, by the way, come in handy not only for transporting, handling or stacking goods. Much more freedom of movement can be integrated depending on what exactly the customer needs. We therefore always take a look at the workshop to find out what he is up against and what can help him work more efficiently. This is how we come up with solutions that are smooth and easy to operate and provide real added value."

Such customization is Arcadel's calling card. "To acquaint clients with the intuitive operation and the diversity of possibilities, about ten different manipulators are set up in our showroom in Roeselare. And yet hardly anyone ever goes home with exactly such a device. Everything is tailored to the specific needs of the project. To do this, we go on site, look at the process and the circumstances and design an adapted manipulator. For example, should it hang on rails or stand on a base? Should it be movable? What movements should it be able to make and what is the predetermined cadence? How heavy and bulky are the pieces? What gripper or tooling do you need to do the predetermined action in the most efficient yet safe way? All of these issues are researched and turned over to the engineering team in Italy, after which they proceed to further engineering and production. Then the device is extensively tested with customer test equipment. Only then is it transferred here and we take care of installation, maintenance and further service."