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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?
Parents
  • 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).
Reply
  • 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).
Children
  • 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?
  • in reply to Matthew D. Hoedeman
    No... and yes.

    When that machine was purchased, a Barry Air Level / Vibration damping system was bought with it. Several years ago, when one of the air bladders sprung a leak, maintenance claimed that they could no longer get replacements, so, no more air level system, but it was still sitting on the 6 cans that made up the system. When we moved into the new lab, I positioned the cans where I wanted them, where I figured they would do the most good, basically, 3 at the back, but 1/4 in from the edge and 3 at the front, also 1/4 in from the edge. This has let the table re-flatten itself in the 3 yeas since the move (yes, part of my in-house checks includes measuring the table). ANYWAY, those 6 cans are now basically solid legs under the table. I put sheet metal on the table above those legs and put the load on them, so there is NO load on the table at all, it is all straight-line down to the thick isolation pad concrete pour under the machine.
  • in reply to Matthew D. Hoedeman
    That makes sense - directly supporting under the load like that. Very resourceful!
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