Custom Lift Assist System Enhances Safety and ROI at Hans Noble Design Co. | Berea, OH
In Berea, Ohio, Handling Concepts partnered with Airolift to engineer a cost-effective refurbished lift assist for Hans Noble Design Co. The solution improved safety, efficiency, and ROI in handling 750-lb steel plates in their metal fabrication operations.
Heavy Lifting, Tight Budget: Hans Noble’s Challenge
Hans Noble Design Co., a custom metal and wood fabrication company located in Cuyahoga County, just outside of Cleveland, OH, was seeking a reliable lift assist solution for loading large steel plates – 5’x10’ weighing up to 750 lbs. – onto their laser cutting bed. In an effort to utilize local resources, they approached Handling Concepts, located in Akron, OH, for help.
While a lift assist was clearly needed to improve safety and efficiency, the customer indicated the equipment would be used infrequently. Therefore, a low-cost solution was essential to achieve a positive return on investment (ROI).
Finding the Right Fit: Refurbished Lift Assist Solution
To meet Hans Noble’s operational and financial goals, Handling Concepts partnered with Airolift, a premier manufacturer of lift assist devices, to identify a cost-effective option. Together, the teams reviewed Airolift’s inventory of spare and used units to find components that could be refurbished and reconfigured for the project.
Key steps included:
- Inspection and Rebuild:
A used Airolift unit was selected and determined suitable for the application. The main lift cylinder seals were replaced, and all components were carefully inspected for wear and functionality, following Airolift’s strict rebuild standards. - Custom Fabrication:
Engineering designed and produced a new steel spreader bar (painted finish) and a pivoting ergonomic handle to improve operator comfort and usability. - Engineering Support:
Airolift’s engineering team provided detailed prints and specifications, confirming proper height requirements, tube lengths, and the number of vacuum pads needed to ensure a safe and reliable lift assist.
This approach allowed Handling Concepts to deliver a fully functional, budget-conscious lift assist system while meeting the customer’s ROI objectives.
Safe, Reliable, and Budget-Friendly Outcome
Budget-Friendly Outcome:
Combining refurbished and new components made the project feasible within Hans Noble’s budget.
Reliable Performance:
The rebuilt unit was fully assembled, tested, and quality-verified before shipment, ensuring dependable and safe operation.
Custom Fit:
The new spreader bar and ergonomic handle provided the precise functionality needed for seamless integration with the laser cutting process.
The Big Picture: Collaboration Driving Innovation
Through close collaboration between Handling Concepts, Inc. and Airolift, Hans Noble Design Co. received a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable lift assist solution tailored to their application.
This project demonstrates Handling Concepts’ commitment to flexibility and innovation—delivering engineered material handling systems that balance performance, safety, and budget.
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