An ergonomic electromechanical actuator for tower clamping systems for risk and fatigue reduction

In industry in general, productivity and safety are two crucial aims that, to be optimized, seem to go in opposite directions. In mechanical design, systems are built or improved to optimize productivity, complying international industrial safety standards. Within this framework, the clamping systems for the milling industry are in constant development. This article presents an electromechanical system designed to drive special tower clamping systems used in horizontal milling, the development procedures, and its economic and social impacts. The main achievements of the design were increasing the accuracy of the force applied to the workpiece, reducing the operating times of the clamping process, and providing an ergonomic workplace for the operators, with a biomechanical approach. The economic benefits, besides the evident increase in production rate, are mainly related to the reduction of fatigue and risks of injury of the operators. This improvement increases the presence of experienced operators because the detected risks of injury increase significantly with age. It also prevents sudden falls of production rate and reduces stress, presenteeism and the risk of injuries becoming chronic. As a social advantage, all these benefits are also perceived by the operators, as their safety and job satisfaction are improved.