Parts weighing up to 9.5 tons float fully automatically on overhead cranes through the 22,000 m² hall of WOB-Wessling Oberflächenveredlung (WOB). The company operates Europe's largest specialist facility for contract coating and is primarily responsible for the cathodic dip coating (CDC) of commercial vehicles, large automotive parts and mechanical engineering components. The technology ensures high-quality corrosion protection, durability and visual refinement of the end product.

However, the coating process is lengthy and involves several stages: Pre-treatment and coating takes place in several huge dip tanks for maximum component dimensions of up to 16 m long, 2.60 m wide and 3.60 m high, before being transported on to the drying oven. This is followed, if necessary, by powder coating, which involves a further firing process. The above-mentioned overhead crane system, which is equipped with a total of six large energy guiding chains from Tsubaki Kabelschlepp, is responsible for transporting the large and heavy components from station to station.

Regular inspections increase system safety

"Two cable carriers from our M series are used in the two buffer converters and a chain from the Master series in the area of the dip tanks. They are all just under 32 m long," says Patrick Kleusberg, service technician at Tsubaki Kabelschlepp. "Three more cable carriers from the Uniflex Advanced series with a length of 23 m are then installed in the moving bridge." The cable drag chains used at WOB were selected for the application in question; the M series, for example, is particularly suitable for use in indoor process cranes. Although the systems are robust and fail-safe according to the manufacturer, regular inspection is still advisable.

"The cable drag chains are of a high quality. But even the best product is not immune to signs of wear," emphasizes Hüer. "To be on the safe side, we have been using Tsubaki Kabelschlepp's MRO service for some time now." WOB currently carries out an annual inspection of the system. The technician checks all cable carrier systems - he runs the entire length of the chains and inspects cables and wearing parts. Any defects, risks or potential need for optimization are identified and recorded for the user. The technical condition of all cable carrier systems is also assessed. "This appointment is about determining the need for repairs and maintenance, whereby we can also carry out minor repairs directly thanks to the spare parts we have with us," explains Patrick Kleusberg. "This minimizes downtime and prevents major damage from occurring in the first place." If required, the work carried out can be documented in the form of maintenance logs, which the user can then use as part of the company's own quality management or for certification purposes.