Stack Melter 1 Lid Lifter

Stack Melter 2 Lid Lifter

Stack Melter 3 Lid Lifter

Project Scope: Automate the removal of three separate furnaces' lids for scooping dross. ​

Design & Fabrication: After designing the systems which included scoping components for temperature exposure as well as load. Cylinders were mounted onto brackets and attached to the lid. Guiding tracks were welded on the side to control the movement of the lid. Safety pins were added to prevent lid from dropping. Lid is controlled by a safety rated two hand touch controller. I made the pin mounting using a waterjet, and MIG welding.​

Result: Associates are no longer required to climb ladders and manually remove the lids. This improved operator ergonomics and safety as well as increasing efficiency.