The subject of workshop equipment is as old as the artisans and industrial companies which use such equipment. Today, however, aspects such as material flow and the handling of parts and tools are more important than in the past, even in small and medium-sized companies. Such aids for trade and industry are an indispensable rationalisation factor.

The increased competition in the woodworking industry, and in particular in the manufacture of wooden parts, means that companies of all sizes must rationalise all personnel-intensive activities. These companies have already introduced such things as CNC technology and are gradually automating the relevant processes wherever this is cost-effective and the investments pay for themselves. But something which is often overlooked, or is regarded as "not worth rationalising" is the small or simple working aids, although these can be very effective. Typical examples of these are handling devices for loading and unloading the machines, clamping devices and transport trolleys for damage-free handing of the parts during the various processes. As specialists for vacuum handling systems, J. Schmalz GmbH in D-72293 Glatten not only offer a comprehensive range of standard handling devices and small cranes systems, but also peripheral workshop equipment for trade and industry. This equipment is indispensable not only for the woodworking industry, but also for the solar industry and for companies which manufacture and handle glass, metal and plastic products. The following sections describe some of the products in the comprehensive range of workshop equipment offered by Schmalz.

Rack trolleys HW/HWV

The rack trolleys are ideal for damage-free transport of parts, for intermediate storage, for drying after surface treatment and for supplying assembly lines with sawn wood, sections, furniture parts, sheets of wood, glass and plastic, furniture elements, solar cells and many similar things. Depending on the material and the height of the parts, such trolleys are available with 12, 16 or 20 levels. The rack rods are covered with solvent-resistant plastic material. The four castor wheels, two of which have parking brakes, permit easy movement and precise positioning of the trolleys. There are various versions capable of carrying a maximum load of between 240 and 360 kg, or even 480 kg (Type HWV). Versions which can be telescoped (to match the length of the parts to be stored) and versions for loading from both sides, with telescopic rods, with plug-in rods or with adjustable slope of the rods (Type HWV) are available as options, as are various designs of the rods.

Sheet transport trolley PTS 250

The sheet transport trolley is a universal device for transporting workpieces to vertical or horizontal mechanical saws. Depending on the task, the sheets are transported in the vertical or horizontal position or can be turned from one position to the other as required. The robust mechanical turning unit can be operated easily by a single person, who can also raise or lower the sheets to the level of the machine table. Equipped with four castor wheels, two of which have parking brakes, the sheet transport trolleys can carry a maximum load of 250 kg and can still be moved easily and safely. The sheet transport trolleys are designed for sheets with dimensions of up to 5200 x 2100 mm.

Vacuum benches and tables

J. Schmalz GmbH also produces a wide range of vacuum benches, vacuum stands, vacuum turning tables and painting tables for the many types of work involved in the production of workpieces. The vacuum benches PVT hold workpieces of varying sizes and shapes, with smooth surfaces, securely and precisely to permit all-round machining. The workpieces are clamped and released with the aid of a foot-operated valve, leaving the user's hands free for working. The PVT includes a turning device with which the workpiece can be turned through 180° and locked at any desired intermediate angle. The workpiece can also be turned in steps of 45° by actuating a foot pedal, and the working surface is locked automatically after each step. Alternatively, the working surface can be turned continuously and fixed at any desired angle with a clamping lever. The benches can carry a maximum load of between 90 and 180 kg. Optionally, the benches can be equipped with four suction pads. Longer versions of the bench are also available to order.

The vacuum stand PVS has the same basic functions as the PVT for clamping workpieces with smooth surfaces, but can be turned endlessly, can be locked at any desired angle and can be turned through 90° to the vertical position. The stand is equipped with two or four suction pads and the vacuum is activated automatically by sensing valves when a workpiece is placed on the stand. Suction pads which are not in contact with the workpiece remain closed.

The vacuum turning table VWT 180° is designed specifically for easy handling of large and unwieldy workpieces. It permits the user to carry out various machining and installation work on both sides and on the edges of the workpiece without having to release the workpiece and clamp it in a new position. Turning the workpiece through 180° takes only ten seconds. For safety reasons, the workpiece can be released only when the table is in its end position. Depending on the size of the workpiece, the maximum load is 150 kg.