The RUD ACP-TURNADO lifting point eliminates dangerous shock loads caused by standard shackles jamming during rotation. By featuring a unique spring-loaded mechanism that automatically aligns with the direction of force, it ensures smoother, safer handling and protects expensive equipment from damage.

In the injection moulding sector, particularly within the automotive supply chain, handling heavy moulds is a daily operational critical task. Activities such as lifting, rotating and opening these moulds carry inherent safety risks. Moreover, given the urgency of automotive production schedules, even minor delays or mishaps can have serious consequences.

Every mould must be lifted in and out of the injection-moulding machine with precision. Tight schedules mean that delays in tool handling can disrupt production lines, potentially incurring penalties from vehicle manufacturers. Consequently, safe and efficient handling is essential, not only for productivity but for the protection of workers and equipment.

Sudden Loads and Stress Points

When moulds are turned while suspended, the lifting system is often subjected to "shock loads." These occur when standard lifting points become stuck in a 90-degree position during the turn. As the lifting point snaps back into alignment with the direction of the force, the load shifts abruptly, placing immense strain on the bolts, shackles and crane components.

These sudden movements can cause:

• Severe wear on crane brakes and components
• Damage to expensive tools or moulds
• Serious safety risks for personnel

Maintaining efficiency under time pressure while reducing these risks and ensuring safety remains one of the biggest challenges in tool handling.

Enter A Smarter Lifting Solution - ACP-TURNADO

To eliminate these risks, RUD developed the ACP-TURNADO, an advanced lifting point designed to prevent shock loads and unintentional load drops.

The core innovation of the ACP-TURNADO is a unique spring-loaded mechanism that ensures the shackle automatically aligns in the direction of the pull. This means it cannot get stuck in the dangerous 90-degree “worst-case” position. The result is smoother lifting and rotating, without sudden impacts or excessive shear forces.

Key Features of the ACP-TURNADO

• Automatic alignment in the direction of force - eliminates shock loading
• Higher load capacity by up to 30% compared with similar lifting points
• Versatile range of availability from M8 to M100 (½" to 4") for a wide range of applications
• RFID-equipped for quick identification and digital documentation
• DGUV-approved, tested to 20,000 load cycles and compliant with European and US (ASME) standards

All ACP-TURNADO variants also include wear indicators for easy inspection. From size M36, they also include torque and load data on the bushing, as well as angle markings for quick alignment checks.

Lifting and Lashing

The ACP-Turnado is not limited only to lifting. It can also be used as a lashing point for securing loads during transport or between production and storage. Its automatic alignment in the pulling direction helps maintain correct load restraint.

Safety Note: A lifting point used for lashing (Safety Factor 2:1) must not be reused for lifting (Safety Factor 4:1).

This dual functionality makes the ACP-Turnado particularly valuable in injection-moulding environments where moulds are frequently moved between production, maintenance and storage areas.

Smarter and Connected Handling

RUD offers digital tools to make lifting operations safer and more efficient. ACP-TURNADO lifting points include integrated RFID transponders. This allows users to instantly access manuals, inspection records and technical data sheets, streamlining compliance and maintenance.

Safe and Efficient

The ACP-Turnado is more than a lifting or lashing point - it’s a safety engineered system for modern manufacturing. By combining automatic alignment, robust construction and digital traceability, it helps automotive and industrial operators to:

• Prevent shock loads and equipment wear
• Increase operational safety
• Maintain efficient and traceable workflows

In demanding environments like injection moulding, the ACP-Turnado delivers the reliability and safety required to keep production moving efficiently and without compromise.

Do you want more information on our lifting solutions? Call us on 07 3809 1300 or email us.

Original article in German by Fabian Bihlmaier, Product Manager Lifting, RUD Group in Kuhn Fachmedien. English article copyright to RUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.

RUD will display the TECDOS MSB (Multi Station Bench) at the Nonnenmann booth at the Molding Expo in Stuttgart from 6 to 9 May 2025. Nonnenmann is a reputable provider of mould solutions, and the Moulding Expo serves as a key gathering for companies across the tool, modelling, and mould-making industries.

Designed as an all-in-one solution, the TECDOS MSB simplifies the maintenance process for tools and moulds.

"This is brand new to the market: a single device capable of performing all the crucial steps in handling moulds and tools weighing up to 2.5 tonnes - including opening, turning, maintenance, and testing. While similar comprehensive solutions have existed, they were previously only available for heavy-weight categories," explains Anne Kühling, Product Manager for Conveyor and Drive Systems at RUD. "The new MSB station fills this gap, catering specifically to lighter, more compact tools and moulds."

All-in-One Tool Handling

The RUD TECDOS MSB maintenance station is based on the robust RUD TECDOS TMB industrial workbench, featuring an integrated turning table (120 x 80 cm). This design ensures that the tools are safe and ergonomic, turning up to a 2.5-tonne capacity, achievable with just a standard cordless screwdriver. Adding an opening function and a testing device transforms it into a comprehensive, all-in-one maintenance station. T-slot rails attached to one side of the tool turner securely hold the tool halves during manipulation.

A pneumatically supported plate allows operators to move moulds and tools weighing up to 2.5 tonnes easily and safely at the push of a button, enabling direct processing on the maintenance station. "The air cushion significantly facilitates the often-challenging initial opening of tools and moulds. Furthermore, the optional hydraulic unit for ejector tests allows even tool assemblies with backpressure pins to be opened," explains Jochen Schwegler, Application Technology Consultant at Nonnenmann GmbH, RUD's development and sales partner for the new station.

Streamlined Testing and Quality Control

The compact unit integrates easily into any factory or workshop. "Our experience and market feedback indicate that, due to time constraints, many moulds are installed directly into the machine without prior testing. If malfunctions occur later, for example, blocked temperature control channels, the entire mould must be removed for repair. This results in significant downtime and costs," emphasises Anne Kühling.

To prevent costly interruptions in injection moulding operations, the RUD TECDOS MSB allows operators to perform essential checks easily and quickly. This includes conducting ejector tests and leak tests of the temperature control channels directly on the station before machine installation.

Increased Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

Operating the TECDOS MSB is both ergonomic and safe, facilitating work practices that are compliant with stringent Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations. "Dragging heavy loads across the factory floor with a crane or pulling them manually at awkward angles is not only unsafe but also contravenes fundamental WHS principles and safe work procedures," says Kühling. The RUD TECDOS MSB provides a safer alternative, reducing reliance on cranes, ropes, and potentially hazardous manual methods like using chisels for separation.

Broad Product Portfolio

The RUD TECDOS MSB maintenance station is the fifth significant development from RUD in mould handling within just a few years. "This rapid innovation highlights the considerable industry need for process optimisation and enhanced occupational safety, particularly in injection moulding," Kühling emphasises. The current TECDOS range includes the TECDOS Tool Mover, the TECDOS TSB and the TECDOS TSB for the mould handling industry.

References:

• Original article credit to K-Aktuell - https://www.k-aktuell.de/technologie/rud-komfortable-werkzeugwartung-520501/
• K-PROFI International English magazine - https://www.k-aktuell.de/magazine/k-profi-international/

The article has been rewritten in English from the original German article. Copyright to RUD and K-Profi Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.