The ezzFast vacuum lifting device supplied is designed for loads of up to 35 kilograms and was permanently installed on a T-beam in the baked goods composition area using an ezzLINKeco wall-mounted slewing crane. Using an aluminum jib, the system is able to pick up bags of baking mixes with a radius of 400 cm and then set them down next to a scale. From a design point of view, however, this seemingly simple task was challenging, as the bags have to be picked up horizontally, turned while suspended from the crane arm and set down upright for weighing. The bags are then opened and some of the powdered baking mix is removed before the partially emptied bag is lifted again and placed on a pallet for temporary storage. This in turn meant that a technically complex solution had to be found.

The engineers were finally able to meet the customer's requirements by equipping the bag gripper with a joint that allows the bags to be turned through 90 degrees and erected. The system also has a quick-change coupling for moving boxes, which enables the appropriate end effectors to be replaced in a very short time and with minimal manpower.

"We are delighted that we have been able to offer Dr. Schär the ideal system for ergonomic handling of the various containers for the composing area with the combination offered and are confident that we will continue to expand our market share in this segment in the medium term," commented Best Handling Managing Director Winfried Kaiser in view of the commissioning in autumn 2020.

However, the real challenge for the specialists at Best Handling Technology was not the handling task itself, but the conditions on site at the customer's intended workplace. There was no space to install the column of the originally planned column-mounted slewing jib crane, so the support system had to be rethought and adapted. In the end, the bracket for the wall-mounted slewing jib crane was mounted on an inclined double T-beam. With a corresponding substructure, the design and manufacture of which was also part of the scope of delivery, it was possible to achieve the necessary straightening.