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Heavy CMM Fixture Loading Methods

cheesiechanman
I have a question for you all again.

So I have quite a few fixtures that weigh between 100-300 lbs and loading them on the CMM always requires pulling help from outsiders. I try to use the same people since they already know the importance of caution and careful placement but I would prefer a one man method. Now an engine hoist would work in most cases and I have used them in the past however gages always swing around and while I could most likely control it the 2nd shift operator is a small, older woman that would struggle with the heavier fixtures. Also, Murphy's Law will eventually take out the CMM or damage a fixture.

What are some methods you all have used for putting heavy things on the CMM by yourself that you felt was safe and controlled?
  • Hoist all the way

    I won't even bother with it if its over 40lbs. Especially if I would potentially have to lean to get the fixture in position.

    I am only 30. I have a good back and I am keeping it that way lol
  • Gantry Crane. Currently I have a 10-ton crane that goes over both machines. Before the new lab was built, it was a 5-ton gantry crane.

    Yeah, ya need lots of overhead room, BUT, you could always use a jib crane since you don't need to put 7-ton items on your table.
  • overhead crane on rails, with a 1/2 - 1 Ton rated load is ideal.
    They sell "little" electric lift dollies that can handle 330-500lbs for under $2k. If you line the bottom of the fixtures with HDPE, you can use this to vertically lift the fixtures, then laterally sliding them off and on the grid or surface plate will be like butter with the HDPE bases.
    the lift dolly i'm describing is like this one: https://www.toolots.com/amarite-electric-platform-lift-330lbs-capacity-60-lifting-height.html
  • A crane is totally the way to go. If your company is willing to invest in one make sure to get one with different speeds. I once had a crane over a CMM that just had one speed, there was no way to gently place items on that table with that. The QM witnessed a few heavy parts being put on the machine and immediately ordered a 2 speed crane. Way better.

    If your company is cheap, I like louisd's alternate suggestions.

    We don't have any cranes where I work now. It sucks. We recently had to load a large 4000lb part on a CMM using a fork lift with a boom. The part took up just about all the measuring volume. Scary Astonished! I was hopping it was just a one-off, but I was in a meeting yesterday to discuss manufacturing issues to address on future runs of the part Disappointed
  • A crane is totally the way to go. If your company is willing to invest in one make sure to get one with different speeds. I once had a crane over a CMM that just had one speed, there was no way to gently place items on that table with that. The QM witnessed a few heavy parts being put on the machine and immediately ordered a 2 speed crane. Way better.

    If your company is cheap, I like louisd's alternate suggestions.

    We don't have any cranes where I work now. It sucks. We recently had to load a large 4000lb part on a CMM using a fork lift with a boom. The part took up just about all the measuring volume. Scary Astonished! I was hopping it was just a one-off, but I was in a meeting yesterday to discuss manufacturing issues to address on future runs of the part Disappointed

    I'd do everything in my power to make sure I'm not expected to load/unload that SOB in the future! AstonishedAstonished
  • A crane is totally the way to go. If your company is willing to invest in one make sure to get one with different speeds. I once had a crane over a CMM that just had one speed, there was no way to gently place items on that table with that. The QM witnessed a few heavy parts being put on the machine and immediately ordered a 2 speed crane. Way better.

    If your company is cheap, I like louisd's alternate suggestions.

    We don't have any cranes where I work now. It sucks. We recently had to load a large 4000lb part on a CMM using a fork lift with a boom. The part took up just about all the measuring volume. Scary Astonished! I was hopping it was just a one-off, but I was in a meeting yesterday to discuss manufacturing issues to address on future runs of the part Disappointed

    Large load like this?





    4.8 tons of weight, longer than the machine travel is Y (which is 72 inches) and wider than the machine travel (which is 48 inches).


  • I'd do everything in my power to make sure I'm not expected to load/unload that SOB in the future! AstonishedAstonished

    What gets me is that it is a big flat part with 0.20in profiles callouts on the perimeter - huge tolerances. It is being cut with a water jet. Seems like a job for a portable CMM like an arm or a laser tracker, but we don't have anything like that.


  • What gets me is that it is a big flat part with 0.20in profiles callouts on the perimeter - huge tolerances. It is being cut with a water jet. Seems like a job for a portable CMM like an arm or a laser tracker, but we don't have anything like that.

    im sure your mfg dept will come up with a solution that totally respects your concerns! bahahahahaRolling eyesSunglassesRolling eyesSunglasses
  • A crane is totally the way to go. If your company is willing to invest in one make sure to get one with different speeds. I once had a crane over a CMM that just had one speed, there was no way to gently place items on that table with that. The QM witnessed a few heavy parts being put on the machine and immediately ordered a 2 speed crane. Way better.

    If your company is cheap, I like louisd's alternate suggestions.

    We don't have any cranes where I work now. It sucks. We recently had to load a large 4000lb part on a CMM using a fork lift with a boom. The part took up just about all the measuring volume. Scary Astonished! I was hopping it was just a one-off, but I was in a meeting yesterday to discuss manufacturing issues to address on future runs of the part Disappointed

    If you're going to be using a crane to place parts or fixtures onto your surface plate you will want a load positioner!

    https://permadur.com/product-category/load-positioners/

    They use a hydraulic piston to slowly lower your part so you don't damage anything.
  • in reply to Matthew D. Hoedeman
    OMG! That's scary even with a good crane. Is that CMM table even rated for that kind of weight?
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