Maximize Your Grinding Efficiency: 5 Benefits of a Tool Counterbalance Arm

Handheld grinders are essential tools in metalworking environments, but using them can be taxing and tiring for the user. With companies striving to minimize lost time due to injuries, ergonomic solutions such as tool counterbalance arms and torque reaction arms have become more crucial than ever. 

five compelling reasons to start using tool counterbalance arms

1. Boost productivity 

  • One of the most significant benefits of a tool counterbalance arm is it allows operators to work longer without feeling fatigued. By making even heavy tools feel weightless, counterbalancing arms enable operators to work with more powerful grinders safely and efficiently. This translates into increased productivity, as operators can complete tasks more quickly and accurately without the need for frequent breaks.

2. Reduce or eliminate many common grinding-related injuries

  • Grinding tools can be heavy and unwieldy, leading to injuries such as wrist strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even back problems. A counterbalancing arm takes the strain off the operator’s body, reducing the risk of tool-related injuries and associated medical costs. You can keep your employees healthy and on the job while reducing the likelihood of expensive workers’ compensation claims.

3. Minimize tool damage and grinding disc usage 

  • Dropping a handheld grinder can cause significant damage and require costly repairs. Fortunately, a counterbalancing arm can prevent this by supporting the tool during use, reducing the risk of accidental drops. Additionally, by holding the tool in an optimal position, the arm reduces grinding disc usage, leading to cost savings over time.

4. Enhance employee satisfaction and reduce absenteeism

  • When employees feel safe and comfortable while performing their job, they are more likely to be satisfied and less likely to miss work due to injury or illness. With the ability to operate the tool for extended periods, employees can work more effectively and efficiently. Additionally, restricted duty employees who were previously unable to perform the task without the aid of an arm can return to work, reducing the number of absenteeism cases.

5. Improved quality of work

  • Finally, counterbalancing arms can improve the quality of your work. When operators only need to support a fraction of the tool’s weight, they can grind more precisely and accurately. This translates into higher quality work and better results for your business.

At Flex, we offer the FlexArm B-19-RG, the top accessory for grinding, quickly becoming the new best practice in facilities nationwide. With our non-restrictive tool counterbalance arm, operators can experience freedom of movement while saving on costs and reducing injuries. 

If you want to learn more about how a tool counterbalance arm can benefit your operations, request a quote or call us at 1-800-837-2503. Our team would be happy to help you find a counterbalancing solution that reduces operator fatigue and injury while enhancing your bottom line.

Check out our B-19 Ergonomic Tool counterbalance Arm in this video

One response to “Maximize Your Grinding Efficiency: 5 Benefits of a Tool Counterbalance Arm”

  1. Alan Cole says:

    Hi I am interested in the ergonomic balancing arm. Is there a supplier in Australia?
    If not do you ship to Australia?
    We have several demanding grinding operations with 7″ grinders. Could you please supply a price.

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Standard Features

  • Hand Pendant
  • 22″ Touch Screen Monitor
  • Omron FlexCNC Controller
  • Mobile Control Panel
  • Through Spindle Coolant 
  • Auto Tool Changer 
  • Flood Coolant
HP
Max RPM
FT/LBS
Series

18

4000

92

C-20-02 / C-10-02

18

6000

61

C-20-02 / C-10-02

33

12000

61

CM-20-02

Auto Stand-Off – This is currently defined to be surface stand-off and not to be confused with vector stand-off in 5-axis mode. The current auto stand-off is based on a changing surface and will adjust vertically based on the angle of the “A” Axis, so there is five (5) axis taken into account during the calculations, but this is not the same as the tool vector stand-off. There is the ability to do the vector stand-off change while the machine is running manually with buttons on the screen.

Z-Reader Probe – The Z-Reader is a device for mapping the location of the surface. It can be controlled manually & programmatically. The option is NOT active while cutting & is retracted out of harm’s way. It can be triggered to verify the surface at every pierce before the cutting process starts, or it could be used to drive surface mapping of the whole part before cutting starts. It begins with initialization or zeroing of the device to the surface at the beginning of a program and then accumulates or tracks the difference from that zeroing effort.

Automatic Edge Finder – The edge finder is or can be utilized manually (Jogging Method & Screen Buttons), programmatically (M & G codes), or fully automatic routine (dedicated program). This option sets offsets & program rotation to match the orientation & location on the cutting table.

AC Unit Installed on Electrical Cabinet – The unit is mounted on the cabinet’s High Power (480v) side. It is close to the location where the drives are mounted. This option keeps the cabinet temperature stable and allows heat dissipation faster. The servo drives for all axes are the most significant contributors to heat inside the electrical cabinet.

5-Axis Renishaw CalibrationThe calibration unit is a Renishaw model APCA45 with a modified spherical stylus. The device has a retractable cover and air purge to clear debris & dust during the activation process. It mounts to a swing arm controlled by a pneumatic rotary, so it is out of the way during regular operation and swings into the calibration position for calibration only. 

HP
Max RPM
FT/LBS
Series

18

4000

92

G-20-06 / G-10-06

18

6000

61

G-20-06 / -10-06

40

4000

217

GM-20-06 / G-20-06 / G-10-06

40

6000

145

G-20-06 / G-20-06 / G-10-06