features, as this technology can assist in offering the maximum level of safety in their workplace,” says Mr Blower. Metalcraft Roofing is New Zealand’s largest and most established privately-owned building product rollformer and installer with an extensive range of longrun roofing profiles, lightweight metal tiles and rainwater system solutions. Konecranes smart features Sway control is just one of a complete range of Smart Features that Konecranes provides to tailor their cranes to the individual needs of users. Others include: Follow Me; enables the crane operator to speed up operation by simply guiding the hook, by hand, into position over the load. The crane and trolley automatically follow along, overhead Shock load prevention; which allows for smooth load pick-up. The hoist drive monitors the load. If it is picked up abruptly, the hoisting speed is automatically reduced until the load is lifted. This prevents shocks to the load and the crane, reducing wear of the crane’s steel structure and mechanical parts. Slack rope prevention; which is an important safety and productivity feature when lifting devices such as lifting beams are used. As the load is lowered, the hoist drive detects when the load has landed and stops the movement. The hoist ropes do not slacken so the ropes do not slip out of the hook block and the lifting device does not tip. When lifting a load simultaneously with two hooks; hoisting synchronization supervises and controls both hooks so that they run at the same speed, even if there is imbalanced loading between the hoists. When a load is less than the maximum rated load; extended speed range allows faster lifting and lowering speeds. The available hoisting speed range is extended from the rated nominal speed. This smart feature reduces load cycle and waiting times. Target positioning; which allows up to 120 pre-set target positions and eight home positions. The operator selects the load’s target address and presses the “target positioning” button. As long as the button is pressed, the crane drives itself toward the selected target position. The hoist can automatically raise the load to a defined travel height. When the load reaches the target position, the hoist automatically lowers the load to a pre-defined height. End positioning; which is designed to speed up the final positioning of the load to an X-Y coordinate. It is especially useful in work cycles involving stationary machines or structures where the operator must repetitively position loads in the same places. The operator can define up to 16 end positions. When the load is moved into a positioning window around the target and the "end positioning" button is pressed, the crane moves the load to the centre of the window. Then, the operator takes over manually and lowers the load. Working limits; which can be thought of as temporary virtual walls at which the crane stops automatically. Working from the controls, the crane operator sets a limit to trolley, bridge or hoist motion, thus creating a virtual wall in a vertical or horizontal direction. Several Working Limits can be defined for a crane according to the task at hand — protecting people on a temporary walkway or a truck to be loaded, for example. Protected areas; which are no-go areas, which the crane operator cannot override or adjust. Up to 16 rectangular protected areas can be defined, allowing protection of the most valuable production machinery or busy working areas from possible operator error. WHEN YOUR WORKPLACE NEEDS A LIFT Workstation gantry’s and jib cranes are unique lifting devices for industrial and manufacturing environments. They improve productivity in the workplace, handling up to 2000kg loads and increases efficiencies in the assembly, production and maintenances areas. This system is durable and with its closed profile design, dust exposure is prevented. The system surface is treated with impact resistant powder coating making it ideal for workshops and manufacturing areas. A galvanised finish is also available. Each system is carefully designed to suit your unique workshop size and shape that can either be ceiling mounted or freestanding. The portable aluminium gantry is a unique system that can readily be inserted into difficult confined spaces, lifting capacity of up to 1500kg with ease to assemble in just five minutes. This system was a product of an extensive market research that revealed the need for versatile, lightweight and portable cranes improving safety around the workplace. Also available in a movable model. REN047 www.engineeringnews.co.nz 33
EN-Feb18-eMag
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