The Brief
Unitech Engineering was appointed by Briggs of Burton to design, manufacture and install six bespoke lifting and tipping units for handling 350kg euro bins containing a variety of food products.
The customer required a reliable and hygienic solution capable of operating within a demanding production environment. Each lift needed to reach a height of 8.4 metres, making them the tallest lifting and tipping units Unitech Engineering had produced to date.
The systems also needed to provide safe operation, flexible product handling and efficient cycle times while working within ATEX-rated conditions.
The Solution
Unitech Engineering’s in-house mechanical design team developed a bespoke lifting and tipping system built predominantly from 304 grade stainless steel.
Each unit was fitted with full safety enclosures and designed around a PLC-controlled variable speed system to provide controlled lifting and tipping across different product types and consistencies.
The lifts were manufactured to ATEX standards and designed to reduce the cost and lead time typically associated with ATEX motors, while still maintaining efficient operating performance.
Unitech Engineering’s in-house electrical controls team developed PLC software with multiple recipe options, allowing operators to select different settings depending on the product being tipped.
The systems were also designed for use within a high hygiene production environment. To help reduce maintenance requirements, the design included low-level access points and a reduced number of moving parts.
The Result
All six lifting and tipping units were successfully manufactured, installed and commissioned two weeks ahead of schedule.
The systems are now used to handle a wide range of canned food products including baked beans, vegetables, fruit, pulses, pasta and meatballs.
By combining bespoke mechanical design, in-house electrical controls and hygienic stainless steel construction, Unitech Engineering delivered a reliable and efficient handling solution tailored to the customer’s production requirements.
To discuss a similar project, contact Unitech Engineering today.