Klapperich Tool, Inc. provides machine shop services for tool and equipment manufacturers. The machine shop produces specialized tools and parts for companies that build machines for many different industries. Their machining operations also include designing and building automated assembly systems for their customers.<\/p>\n
The facility is equipped with milling machines, metal lathes, surface grinders, CNC machines, wire electrical discharge machines, welding machines, and more. They use large steel blocks and other heavy components for machining, and these parts have to be lifted and moved into place.<\/p>\n
For a long time, Klapperich Tool used propane forklifts and a single portable jib crane for all material handling within the 10,000 square-foot facility. Several problems continued to arise while workers used these methods. One problem was the need for coordination; forklift operators have to work with spotters to ensure the loads are lifted correctly. Even with the assistance of a spotter, maneuvering throughout the facility could also be difficult and time-consuming. This problem also affected the portable jib; it could only be used in one place at a time, and it could only be moved with a forklift.<\/p>\n
Another severe problem caused by the propane forklifts was the high concentration of propane exhaust fumes that could build up inside the facility. Any time that workers had a large amount of materials to move, the exhaust fumes could become overwhelming. In the worst cases, workers would sometimes report feeling light-headed from the fumes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1548,"parent":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-1547","case_study","type-case_study","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n