Die gripper cranes for the automotive industry

Engineered for excellence

  • In the press shops of the automotive industry, more than a million car body parts of various shapes and sizes for multiple models are produced every day. Due to this high variance, press die set needs to be changed frequently requiring shorter press-cycles. Die grippers enable fast, compact and multi-level die storage offering a significant improvement over conventional slinging equipment such as chains or ropes.

    Our die gripper cranes are custom designed for die handling in the automotive industry and are available with intelligent sensor technology, advanced Smart Features, and a precise positioning system for the safe and efficient transport of press dies.
  • Konecranes die gripper crane

Features

  • Konecranes die gripper craneTrolley with coupled open winches
  • Design of all components considering a center of gravity eccentricity of 100mm, related to the max. die weight
  • Stable 4-point load suspension with balancing rocker
  • Millimeter-precise pendulum-free positioning
  • Redundant laser or barcode measuring systems
  • Sway Control
  • Die gripper with integrated slewing gear
  • Uniform utilization of the rope strands due to integrated compensating rocker
  • Ropes tested for this application with high structural stability and high breaking load
  • Optional rope drive
  • Synchronized sensors designed redundantly and are evaluated in a fail-safe programmable logical controller (PLC)

Benefits

  • Konecranes die gripper craneFaster die change
  • Safer die handling (pick-up, transport and drop off)
  • Efficient, space-saving utilization of the available storage area
  • Cranes and die grippers are customized as per customer requirements
  • Optimized reeving with a minimum of rope sheaves gives a maximized rope service lifetime.
  • Different level of automation possible: From manual operation to semi-automatic to fully automatic in combination with the Konecranes Warehouse Managing System
  • Intelligent sensor technology recognizes safe load pick-up and detects the surrounding area of gripper to avoid collisions. 
  • All safety-relevant functions are controlled in performance level d (PL d), category 2, according to EN ISO 13849-1—this also includes bypassing restrictive areas and route-guided target positioning
  • Crane and WMS Status visualizations on mobile devices
  • Excellent accessibility to all components for maintenance and service activities
  • Remote monitoring capability for informed maintenance planning

Technical specifications

 M-series die gripper crane
Crane classification EN 13001 U-class (load cycles)U7
Crane classification EN 13001 Q-class (load collective)Q5
Hoist classification (FEM/EN)M7/A7
Trolley type2 coupled open winches
Duty cycles gripper2 million
Load capacity on tool gripperUp to 66 tons
Die dimensions (length)1.650-4.850 mm
Die dimensions (width)1.200-2.850 mm
Die dimensions (height)1.600 mm
Positioning accuracy+/-10 mm at the gripper
Positioning accuracy of the load rotation angle+/-0.2 degrees at the gripper
SpanUp to 40 m
Lifting height, max.15 m
Lifting height with load12 m/min
Lifting height with empty gripper18  m/min
Bridge travel speedUp to 100 m/min
Trolley travel speedUp to 40 m/min
Trolley power supplyEnergy chain or festoon cable
Manual controlRadio/pendant
Customer story

Volvo shortens cycle times, improves safety

  • We chose Konecranes for a good overall package with quality and punctuality. Cooperation secured the original goals for safety and ease of operation.

    Anders Boking, Manager, Production Planning, Volvo Car Corporation, Olofström, Sweden

  • Die gripper crane at Volvo

Basic die gripper crane Smart Features

SF_A_sway control
SF_A_sway control

Active Sway Control - included

Active Sway Control automatically stabilizes load movements during crane operations. Based on the continual measurement of the rope angle, the operator's speed commands are fine0tuned to stabilize load movement in both trolley and bridge travel. Minimal load sway throughout the duty cycle improves operational safety, load cycle times, ease of crane operation, and produces less wear on crane components.

SF_hook centering
SF_hook centering

Hook Centering - included

Hook Centering eliminates side pull during lifting by positioning the bridge and trolley directly over the load. This reduces wear and tear on components, and gives you faster duty cycle times and easier operation.

SF_target
SF_target

Target Positioning - optional

Target Positioning brings the load from home position to a predefined target position at the push of a single button. This simple movement increases safety and greatly reduces duty cycle times especially with predictable and repetitive work cycles.

SF_protected
SF_protected

Protected Areas - optional

Protected Areas defines certain zones that the crane cannot enter—such as the press, try-out press, offices or work areas. This improves safety by reducing the risk of accidents and preventing collisions between the crane and other equipment.

Expertise that makes a difference

By working closely with customers, we have developed a body of experience in automotive industry processes and material handling applications. By applying our expertise, advanced technology, and service offerings, we can make a difference in the safety and productivity of your operations. Get in touch with our experts to learn more about our smart die gripper cranes.

 

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Videos

Konecranes Die Gripper Crane with WMS 2: 4 + 4 3D animation

Konecranes Die Gripper Crane with WMS 1: 5 + 5 3D animation