General Kinematics Collaborates with Magswitch Technologies to Develop Magnetic Material Handling System
General Kinematics Collaborates with Magswitch Technologies to Develop Magnetic Material Handling System
In December 2024, General Kinematics Corp. (GK), a manufacturer of custom vibratory equipment based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, addressed challenges in their material handling process by implementing a custom magnetic lifting system. The company found that over half of the time spent on their plasma cutting tables was dedicated to unloading parts manually. This not only slowed production but also posed significant safety risks, as workers had to climb onto machines and move across steel slats to retrieve cut parts. Seeking a more efficient and safer alternative, GK explored various solutions to streamline their material handling operations.
To enhance productivity and improve worker safety, GK collaborated with Magswitch Technologies to develop a customized magnetic material handling system. Delivered in the summer of 2024, the system measures 8 feet by 20 feet and has a lifting capacity of 26,000 pounds. It allows the lifting of entire nests, including cut parts and skeletons, which are then transported to an unload table for separation and sorting. By automating the unloading process, GK significantly reduced the need for manual labor, eliminated safety hazards related to navigating steel slats, and increased overall operational efficiency.
The integration of this magnetic lifting system not only improved worker safety and productivity but also optimized material flow within GK’s facility. By reducing the time required for unloading and handling metal parts, the company enhanced its production throughput, enabling faster project turnaround times. The investment in this advanced material handling technology underscores GK’s commitment to innovation and workplace safety, setting a new standard for efficiency in metal fabricating operations.
Source: FFJournal
Original Article: An Attractive Arrangement: Vibratory equipment manufacturer improves productivity and worker safety with a custom parts management system