Overview
A commercial sign manufacturer needed an overhead lifting system that could handle a wide range of sign sizes. Products ranged from small storefront signs to large signs for high-rise and interstate applications.
Because the loads varied in size, one lifting configuration would not work for every product. The manufacturer needed flexibility in how operators used the cranes and hoists.
AFE Crane engineered and installed a dual bridge crane system with four hoists and Magnetek Flex EX2 radio controls. Operators could select different combinations of cranes and hoists based on the sign being handled.
Project Challenges
The wide range of sign sizes created the primary material-handling challenge. Smaller signs required a different lifting arrangement than large, elongated signs.
Therefore, the system needed to provide several lifting configurations without requiring major equipment changes between loads.
The controls also needed to support those different configurations. Operators needed the ability to select individual bridges and hoists based on the lifting task.
As a result, AFE Crane needed to integrate the crane equipment and radio controls as one system.
The AFE Crane Solution
AFE Crane engineered and installed two 3-ton bridge cranes on a 60-foot runway. Each bridge crane included two 1.5-ton hoists.
This configuration gave operators several ways to handle different products. For smaller signs, operators could use the hoists independently. For medium-sized signs, they could operate two hoists on one bridge crane.
Large or elongated signs required another configuration. For these loads, operators could use one hoist from each bridge crane.
AFE Crane integrated a Magnetek Flex EX2 radio control system to manage the different crane and hoist combinations. The system included two bridge receivers and four carrier receivers.
The transmitter allowed operators to select the equipment needed for each lift. Buttons 1 and 2 selected the bridge cranes. Meanwhile, buttons A, B, C, and D selected the individual hoists.
This control arrangement allowed operators to configure the lifting system around the size and geometry of the sign being handled.
Project Execution
A local general contractor coordinated and completed the crane installation.
After installation, AFE Crane completed final commissioning and startup. The AFE Crane team also performed function testing and load testing.
Finally, AFE Crane provided operator training on the new crane system and controls.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how crane configuration and controls can work together to accommodate products that vary significantly in size.
Instead of designing the system around one lifting arrangement, AFE Crane provided two bridge cranes and four hoists. Operators could then select different combinations based on the load.
The Magnetek Flex EX2 controls supported that flexibility by allowing operators to select individual bridges and hoists from one transmitter.
For manufacturers that handle products with different sizes and geometries, the control system can be an important part of the overall crane design. Matching the cranes, hoists, and controls to the lifting process can provide more options for handling different loads.
Learn More About Custom & Specialty Crane Systems Here
Contact AFE Crane
If your manufacturing process requires different crane or hoist configurations for changing load sizes, AFE Crane can help. Our engineering team can evaluate your loads, lifting points, required coverage, equipment layout, and control requirements.
Whether your application requires multiple bridge cranes, synchronized lifting options, radio controls, or another custom overhead lifting system, AFE Crane provides engineering, controls integration, installation, startup, and long-term support.
Contact AFE Crane to discuss your next overhead crane and control system project.