Overview
A hydraulic component manufacturer needed a new lifting system for a specialized testing process. The application involved heating parts in a kiln and then applying lateral forces during testing.
The existing hand-operated jib system could not reliably control the parts during this process. In addition, the customer needed to limit part movement near the kiln.
AFE Crane engineered a custom portable jib crane around the testing application. The design included a steel support frame, extended mast, heavy-duty rollers, and a specialized fixture holder.
Project Challenges
The testing process created several unusual requirements. First, the system needed to handle parts after exposure to high temperatures in a kiln.
The testing procedure also applied lateral forces to the parts. Therefore, the jib crane needed to resist those forces during the process.
Part movement created another concern. The customer needed to limit swinging while handling the components. Uncontrolled movement could allow the parts to contact the kiln or surrounding equipment.
Finally, the customer needed flexibility in equipment placement. The new jib system could not rely on a permanent foundation.
The AFE Crane Solution
AFE Crane designed a portable, freestanding jib crane specifically for the testing process.
A heavy steel frame supported the crane and also provided a platform for the kiln. This configuration combined the lifting system and testing equipment within one structure.
AFE Crane incorporated a longer vertical mast to support the rotating section of the jib. Four heavy-duty rollers at the bottom of the mast transferred lateral forces into the stationary structure.
The jib also included a custom fixture holder for the customer’s testing fixture. Integrated rollers helped control the part during handling. As a result, the fixture could transfer lateral forces while limiting unwanted part movement.
The complete arrangement allowed the crane, fixture, kiln, and supporting structure to work together during the testing process.
Project Execution
AFE Crane engineered the jib crane around the customer’s testing requirements rather than adapting a standard jib configuration.
The design incorporated the support frame, kiln platform, extended mast, roller assemblies, and fixture holder into one system. AFE Crane also fabricated the custom components required for the application.
The portable steel base eliminated the need for a dedicated concrete foundation. Therefore, the customer could relocate the complete system when needed.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how a custom jib crane can support an application with requirements beyond basic lifting and positioning.
The customer needed to handle high-temperature parts while applying lateral forces during testing. At the same time, the system needed to control part movement and operate without a permanent foundation.
AFE Crane addressed these requirements with a portable jib crane built around the testing process. The steel support frame, extended mast, roller assemblies, and custom fixture holder allowed the crane to manage both lifting and lateral forces.
For specialized manufacturing or testing applications, evaluating the forces created by the process can be just as important as determining the required lifting capacity.
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Contact AFE Crane
If your manufacturing or testing process requires more than a standard lifting system, AFE Crane can help. Our engineering team can evaluate the load, required movement, applied forces, equipment layout, mounting conditions, and other application requirements.
Whether your application requires a portable jib crane, custom fixture, specialized support structure, or another engineered lifting system, AFE Crane provides engineering, fabrication, installation, startup, and long-term support.
Contact AFE Crane to discuss your next custom jib crane project.