Pneumatic Crane, Force-Sensing Handle for CNC

Parts loaded into a CNC machine must land exactly on the fixture center; even a slight offset can strike the chuck or the cutting tool. Lifting with an overhead crane lets the part swing, while lifting by hand is heavy and hard to align inside a tight machine enclosure.

FullSharp installed a pneumatic jib crane on a mobile base with a force-sensing handle. The handle senses the force the operator applies and lets the lifting unit follow it, so the part moves gently and stops exactly where intended. The mobile base lets one unit serve several machines in the shop.

Mobile Pneumatic Jib Crane with Force-Sensing Handle for CNC Loading

Mobile-base pneumatic jib crane with a force-sensing handle, loading a part into a CNC machine.

Equipment Installed

Force-sensing handle: senses the direction and force of the operator's push, letting the lifting unit follow so operation stays very light.
Pneumatic balancer unit: keeps the part suspended at any height, holding it in place when the operator lets go.
Mobile base: pushed to a different CNC machine as needed, rather than being fixed to one machine.
Rotating arm: swings around the column to reach the parts rack and the machine enclosure.

Key Specifications

Mounting typeMobile base
ControlForce-sensing handle
Power sourcePneumatic
Installation photos14

Benefits for Your Facility

Precise part placement

The part follows the operator's hand and stops the instant it's released, needing far fewer re-alignments.

Protects the machine and tooling

Reduces collisions with the chuck and fixtures inside the enclosure, avoiding damage to costly parts.

Serves multiple machines

The mobile base is pushed to whichever machine needs loading. One unit covers a whole group of machines.

Photos from the Installation

Mobile Pneumatic Jib Crane with Force-Sensing Handle for CNC Loading - photo 1

Mobile Pneumatic Jib Crane with Force-Sensing Handle for CNC Loading - photo 2

Mobile Pneumatic Jib Crane with Force-Sensing Handle for CNC Loading - photo 3

Mobile Pneumatic Jib Crane with Force-Sensing Handle for CNC Loading - photo 4

Mobile Pneumatic Jib Crane with Force-Sensing Handle for CNC Loading - photo 5

Mobile Pneumatic Jib Crane with Force-Sensing Handle for CNC Loading - photo 6

Mobile Pneumatic Jib Crane with Force-Sensing Handle for CNC Loading - photo 7

Mobile Pneumatic Jib Crane with Force-Sensing Handle for CNC Loading - photo 8

Mobile Pneumatic Jib Crane with Force-Sensing Handle for CNC Loading - photo 9

Click a photo to enlarge. 9-photo album taken on site.

Suitable Applications

Precision CNC machining shops
Batch loading and unloading of parts
Fixture and mold change areas
Machine shops with several CNC machines close together

Installation Consultation for Your Facility

FullSharp visits your shop to measure part weight, the machine enclosure dimensions, and the spacing between CNC machines. We select the arm reach, mobile base size, and gripper type to match your parts. Call FullSharp to schedule an on-site survey.

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