Home / Resource Library / Cranes Working With Robots To Create A Safe And Efficient Process

Reinforced Overhead Cranes Protect Workers and Welding Robots at Steel Company

Pen Steel has been supplying steel materials and components to manufacturers since 1998. They are proud of their excellent quality and on-time delivery. Consequently, they look for partners who share those same values.

Penny E. Rosso, President and Owner, recognizes the value of technology and innovation to get more done.

“I look to work with vendors who want a working partnership. When I find a company like Riekes - who sets us up for success, listens to our needs and goes out of their way to make sure we are completely satisfied - we will hitch our wagon to that relationship.”

Thanks to a referral from another satisfied customer, Riekes got the opportunity to support a crane installation at the Pen facility.

crane Pen Steel

INITIAL CHALLENGE

Pen Steel utilizes two electric robotic weld cells that work on pieces weighing up to 375 lbs. Their employees couldn’t easily handle projects of that weight except by using forklifts, which were risky to operate over expensive robotic equipment. Pen needed a safe and ergonomic solution to make the handling of these large pieces more efficient. They knew an overhead crane was the answer, but they needed a partner.

OUR SOLUTION

Pen began building their own runway system, then partnered with Riekes to ensure their system was safe and capable of handling the weight and type of steel the crane would need to support. Riekes took measurements and identified additional bracing needs required for the loads that Pen would be handling. Riekes shared the engineering requirements, so the appropriate uprights could be designed. Pen Steel then installed two runway systems, each with a crane to move steel around their welding robots.

THE RESULTS

Pen Steel utilizes the overhead cranes in their daily operations, which saves time and increases productivity. Another important benefit is that the cranes protect both the robotic equipment and their team members. The two companies continue to partner and explore other opportunities.