Automated handling of heavy loads

From paper and steel to trains, boats and ‘planes, almost every field of worldwide industry has adopted Solving Movers to help with improving efficiency, flexibility and reliability. Movers, using wheels or air bearings, electrical or air-powered drive systems, cable, radio, manual or automated control, are developed by Solving to suit every conceivable requirement in the world of industrial material handling.

Founded more than 30 years ago, Solving realised that there were few companies prepared to work with customers to create specific equipment to satisfy their unique requirements. Unlike fork trucks and cranes, both of which usually have just one interface with the product (forks or a hook) customerspecific handling equipment is designed with movement patterns and frequencies in mind as well as variations in size and weight as the product goes through various processes. Unlike fork trucks and cranes these movement patterns can also be automated and synchronised.

In the most recent decade of Solving’s development the focus has been on automation, realising that easing the burden on operators and eliminating manually controlled load-handling creates a safer and more friendly environment in which to work.

Combined with other improvements that have occurred in recent times, such as lower noise levels, cleaner air, better lighting levels and regular house-keeping, automated handling has contributed towards the new working environment of the 21st century.

Total automation isn’t always necessary. For less frequent moves and perhaps for heavier loads, some manual intervention is desirable whilst relying on wire-guidance, for example, to assist with steering down a specific path. Manual control uses either an umbilical connection or, more conveniently, radio controlled hand-held consoles to provide the operator with complete freedom of movement around the object.

Air bearings or wheels? The name of Solving has been synonymous with air bearings since its inception and this solution remains valid for heavy loads with the advantage of improved floor loadings and total manoeuvrability. Smooth floors and a compressed air supply are needed but these small disadvantages are easily outweighed by the significant advantage of being able to move some of the heaviest items found in the production environment. These include power transformers, diesel engines, railway locomotives, aeroplanes and boats.

Wheels are often more convenient for lighter loads, avoiding the need for a compressed air supply and utilising instead onboard batteries to operate motors and steering devices.

Wheels are also the first choice for Automated Guided Vehicles and Solving has developed the virtually-unique option of wheeled AGVs capable of moving 20 or 30-tonne loads. Above these weights air bearings become a more viable alternative once again whilst also providing the option of full AGV capabilities.