Sensitive and precision machinery can be very difficult to move, because even the smallest change in location and transportation can lead to problems. That’s why you always need to use professional moving services like Solid Hook Inc. as a way to effectively change the location of these sensitive pieces of equipment. That way, you prevent damage and problems, while alleviating any concerns or issues that might arise.
Why makes sensitive/precision machinery moving unique?
These types of machines are quite challenging to work with, because they are sensitive to movement and they can easily break, among others.
- Sensitive machinery tends to have internal components that are very delicate.
- A lot of the time, these machines have a tight tolerance.
- Not only that, but they can also be very oddly shaped and heavy as well.
- Additionally, such machines are extremely valuable, to the point where having them damaged is expensive.
- It’s also notable that they could have compliance requirements as well, which add to the complexity of the situation.
Planning the moving process
When you are dealing with machinery moving for sensitive equipment, the crucial thing is to do a site survey, to know the machine model, utilities, structural constraints, floor load capacity, required permits and so on. And then, there are risk assessments you need to make, not to mention you need to identify the best move method depending on the use case.
For example, you could have an on-site disassembly vs a full transport, sometimes various support vehicles are required. And there are also times when you might need air ride transport or a specialized carrier. Plus, there is also the move schedule to consider, which can be quite challenging in its own right.
Packing and handling
That’s also a crucial aspect because a lot of the time, moving these machines is not going to be a simple thing. It requires a lot of attention and preparation.
- Normally, you will need engineered crating for these sensitive and precision pieces. The crates need to absorb shocks, while allowing forklift and rigging access. Additionally, they have to include vibration isolation and internal suspension, among many others.
- Moreover, you need to have vibration and shock monitoring. That way, if any issues arise, it becomes easier to know about this and tackle any of the problems that arise, which is important.
- Then, there’s climate control. Some of these equipment pieces require climate control due to condensation, humidity or temperature fluctuations, which do arise from time to time.
- Naturally, there also has to be hazardous material handling as well. In these situations, you need adequate containers, and compliance with Transport Canada as well as provincial regulations.
Legal considerations
Complying with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods regulation from Transport Canada is very important. And then, you also need to comply with the provincial building codes for rigging and lifting, not to mention the workplace safety Labor Code requirements.
Additionally, you also need to insure the equipment as well. It needs to be insured for the all risk transit coverage, replacement cost vs actual cash value and delay or business interruption. All of these can be a good option, but it depends on the situation at hand and the challenges that could arise.
What makes CNC, semiconductor and medical moves different?
In the case of CNC machines, there are a lot of moving parts. They need to have precision alignment, guide and spindle protection, leveling and calibration, not to mention structural weight matters. For these, you must disconnect utilities, use hydraulic skates, immobilize the moving axes, use shock monitoring tags, and also re-level and recalibrate things once you finish everything. It’s not easy to do, but the results can be downright great in the end.
When it comes to medical equipment, you also have to worry about calibration, certification and magnetic fields. A good best practice here is to engage biomedical engineers and ask them for help. Using shock-absorbing transportation frames is a must here, and you also want to do test scans after the move is finished.
What about semiconductors and similar equipment? These are quite sensitive, so you do want micro-level alignment, along with vacuum systems, cleanroom status and a way to tackle any hazardous gasses or chemicals. Pre-move purging and cleaning is crucial here, same thing with using environmental control packaging. And of course, there’s contamination monitoring, laser interferometry. Semiconductor moves are expensive and challenging, so planning them a few months in advance will help more than expected.
Steps involved in moving precision machinery
- First, you have to do the pre-move preparation. That means conducting a detailed survey, confirming any insurance and regulatory requirements, developing a move plan, acquiring crates, rigging gear and climate control as needed. And of course, you also need a specialized machinery moving service that’s adaptable to your requirements.
- After that, we have disconnection and stabilization, where you drain and neutralize any fluids. You also need to secure the internal components and apply any sensors or data loggers, as that is going to be incredibly important to keep in mind.
- Rigging and loading come next, where you must use custom lifting frames, document weights and the balance points, but also load to transport and secure everything.
- Then the transit process takes place. You want to use climate-controlled transportation, monitor the tilt sensors and shock sensors, while staying in direct communication with the drivers.
- When the transit is finished, you need to unload and reinstall these machinery pieces. Re-level and ensure that everything is reconnected and aligned properly. It’s going to take a bit to adjust and adapt everything, but it’s certainly worth the effort.
- Calibration and testing is crucial, so you have to go through functional, but also specialized tests. That will help you optimize the process, and enhance it as you go along.
How can you minimize downtime?
When you are dealing with these situations, a very good idea is to have parallel planning, as well as focusing on night or weekend moves. Those will help alleviate problems and not have downtime, or at least too much of it. On-site calibration teams are also a good idea, along with doing some dry runs. And of course, you want to acquire packaging materials beforehand, just to be on the safe side.
A lot of the time, these moves are very time-sensitive, so you always need to work with reputable movers that you can rely on. SolidHook is here to help, we’ve provided a multitude of exceptional results and tremendous benefits, and you will be amazed with the consistency and quality provided. Not only that, but we ensure that you keep your downtime at a minimum, which is extremely important to consider here.
Conclusion
As you can see, moving precision or very sensitive equipment is not a walk in the park. It requires a lot of time and commitment, and it will certainly take a while until you finalize everything. Rest assured that the outcome will be excellent in the end, and that’s what you want to pursue the most. Yes, it is a tad difficult in the beginning to find the right team, but once you do, rest assured that it will be well-worth the effort every time.
