Jet Engine Line
Manufacturing
CASE STUDY
THE SITUATION
GE Aviation manufactures advanced carbon fiber components for its new GEnx jet engine at its Batesville, Miss., factory. Workers there routinely move bulky parts containers and tooling fixtures weighing up to 12,000 lbs. around the 300,000-sq.-foot facility. Management was looking for a way of moving and positioning fixtures that did not involve traditional wheeled carts and ride-on tuggers, which are difficult to maneuver in confined spaces and take a toll on concrete floors.
THE SOLUTION
Custom Platform
GE partnered with Airfloat to create a custom air-bearing platform that “floats” the fixtures on a film of compressed air. The system uses Airfloat Lift Glide Air Skids, an adjustable frame, and a pneumatic Power Tugger.
How it's Done
First, workers adjust the width of the Airfloat platform to accommodate the load they’d like to move. Then, using the tugger, the operator slides the platform beneath the fixture or container.
Final Steps
The Lift Glides’ air springs are deployed, lifting the load off the ground. Then, the air to the air casters is turned on. Now the load is floating virtually friction-free and ready to be moved with the tugger.
The Result
GE Aviation now moves and positions bulky loads 85% faster than before, with fewer workers, while preventing wear and tear on its floors. Moves that once took approximately 45 minutes are now accomplished in five minutes or less.
Safety has been improved as well. Loads are easily maneuvered around sensitive electrical cabinets and building columns, a feat far harder to accomplish with wheeled carts and ride-on tuggers.
Further evidence of success: GE, after testing the Airfloat system for three months and liked it so much that they promptly ordered two more.
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