"When it comes to ergonomics in the workplace, there is a lot to consider in order to avoid poor posture that could be harmful to health," says Markus Röß, Head of Marketing and Sales at Karl. "However, especially in production and assembly work, there are also loads that employees have to lift and move at different heights." Even if the forces to be exerted are not particularly great in themselves, the fixed movement sequences and workstations that are not designed for the respective body dimensions quickly result in postural damage that can have long-term health consequences. If complaints such as exhaustion, fatigue, tension and back or joint pain become chronic, this can even lead to permanent occupational disability. Reduced performance and even employee absences go hand in hand with the declining quality of production and assembly results. This in turn can lead to product defects, increased rejects and, in the worst-case scenario, cost-intensive and image-damaging customer complaints. "To prevent this from happening in the first place, it is worth investing in ergonomic and functional workstations," continues Röß.

From heavy metalworking to sensitive electronics assembly

The Sintro system is not just an infinitely height-adjustable work table. According to information from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), a working height that is adapted to the height of the user and the work task with sufficient legroom is just one of many aspects that need to be taken into account when it comes to physical strain at the workplace - regardless of whether a standing or seated posture is preferred. There are also parameters such as reach space: to ensure that work is gentle on the body and does not promote tension or postural damage, the rearmost reach position should be around 40 cm away from the edge of the table, while constant reaching above shoulder height should be avoided at all costs.

"That's why the Sintro modular system consists of around 500 individual components in total, from the table frame to the monitor holder and from the standard shelf to the fully integrated cable duct," reports Röß. "This means that gripping paths and the illumination of the work surface can be individually optimized, connections for power and different media can be connected and material can be provided at the same time according to the FIFO principle." The focus can be set according to the required functionality. For example, if large metal parts need to be processed, the system can be designed for a high load capacity of up to 250 kg. If, on the other hand, complex systems such as compressors are manufactured or sensitive circuit boards are assembled, a model can be put together that optimizes the material flow in every respect. As KARL manufactures everything from a single source in Germany, individual adaptations are possible without any problems. In addition, the entire system is ESD-compliant, powder-coated and conductive, making it ideal for the production of electronic or otherwise electrostatically sensitive components.

Demonstration of a production line

"In addition to the options for modularly supplementing and expanding the Sintro system, it can also be integrated into semi-automatic production lines," explains Röß. "This is because the design options allow individual adaptation to the spatial conditions and production-specific requirements." At the 41st Motek in Stuttgart, interested visitors will have the opportunity to see this for themselves and experience the benefits of a functional and ergonomic workstation system first-hand. The manufacturer will be exhibiting a variation of the system there. The workstation will be integrated into a production line that organizes the material using special shelves based on the FIFO principle. The production steps are connected via modular transfer systems.

The system can be tested at the trade fair stand from October 10 to 13, 2023. Markus Röß and his colleagues will be available for questions and initial discussions.

Hall 3, Stand 3322