Tag Archive: Design

  1. Ergonomics in the Printing Environment

    Comments Off on Ergonomics in the Printing Environment

    Here’s a quick study on ergonomics.

    Simply put, ergonomics is defined as the science of work. The word is derived from two Greek words: ergon, meaning work, and nomoi, meaning natural laws. So it is really the science of work and a human relationship to that work; a “discipline focused on making products and tasks comfortable and efficient for the user” (from about.com).

    We call it workplace and equipment design that maximizes productivity and minimizes operator fatigue, discomfort and repetition. There are even some laws on the book protecting employees from poor ergonomic process.

    Are pad or inkjet print ergonomics different?

    It could be as simple as moving supplies to a more accessible location. Or create a staging area close by the pad or inkjet printer with a rolling table. It could be as amazing as adding automation to your existing machine, like a conveyor or pick-and-place robotic arm.

    You can check your work environment yourself, or call us to do it for you. It benefits your employees, your business and your bottom line! When PPMoV analyzes your ergonomic setup, we evaluate the following three major components of ergonomics:

    1      The Workplace:
    Design:  Is there maximum throughput at the printer, and efficient flow-through of parts throughout the process (e.g., from mold to assembly and/or packaging)?
    Setup:  Have you allowed an adequate staging area for both blank (unprinted) parts, and efficient “take-away” of the treated parts to the conveyor/oven/next work cell?
    Environment:  Have you provided “operator-centric” lighting, ventilation, and proximity to the ink mix/cleanup area? Did you set up a “process-centric” stable environmental condition (for ink management)?

    2      The Operator:
    Intervention:  Did you minimize movement distances for both manual and continuous cycles? Can you save time & steps by replacing manual pad cleaning with automatic pad cleaning at each print station?
    Efficiency:  Should you adjust machine height to accommodate all operators? Remember: users’ heights vary!  Can you assure that machine dimensions safely accommodate maximum part size and weight? Would you like us to suggest tooling designs that are “easy in, easy out?” Should you measure potential safety issues like “pinch points,” noise levels, etc.?

    3     The Equipment:
    Engineered to task:  Can you minimize setups and/or changeovers (e.g., are you using a one-color machine for two-color jobs)? Can you minimize part handling from load, to pre- treat (when required), to print station(s), to unload?

    Become a Case Study

    After our evaluation, we talk to you. We listen to what your goals are, what bothers you, where you see your business heading. Can you become a success case study?

    Read this Power Tools. It’s about automation, but their employees needed ergonomic help as well.

    I don’t know where to start?

    It starts with a phone call. Engineered Printing Solutions is a different printing equipment manufacturer – we don’t sell the same machine to everyone; we build it just for you. We want your equipment to grow with your business. Your work is specialized, flexible and expanding; your equipment should be too. EPS has reps assigned to your area waiting to hear from you. Call us at 1-800-272-7764, or use the form below.

    Fields marked with an asterisk are required.
    This will enable us to direct your inquiry to the appropriate Sales Engineer.
    Click or drag files to this area to upload.You can upload up to 3 files.
    Upload an image file (optional)
    Note: Under no circumstances will we sell, share or otherwise distribute your data outside EPS.