Beam Rotator – Column Positioner the Easy Way

The Ocean Flipper Beam Rotator Column Positioner is a simple and unique material handling component, that was originally designed to fit within the material support tables of the Ocean Avenger and other single-spindle drill lines, or other types of steel processing equipment where turning and positioning of profiles is required.

The Flipper Beam Rotator Column Positioner reduces the demand on the overhead cranes, leaving this valuable resource free to move other items while the Flipper rotates beams on the Avenger.

On a single-spindle drill line, the Ocean Flipper can rotate large and heavy beams and columns, and positions them up to the datum blocks in order to drill the different faces (top flange, bottom flange and web) without the need for an overhead crane or other lifting device and without any additional labor to assist with manual flipping and positioning.

When used in conjunction with the Ocean Avenger CNC Drill Line, the Avenger Hydraulic power supply can be used, saving the cost of purchasing the optional hydraulic power unit.

Despite being designed for single spindle drills, many Ocean Flippers are used purely as a beam rotating resource to speed up welding tables, where much time is lost waiting for an overhead crane to rotate a beam

The Ocean Flipper Beam Rotator is the most popular beam flipping device because it

  • Saves time, money and effort in turning and positioning material
  • Eliminates the need to tie up overhead cranes or forklifts
  • Eliminates the need for labor assistance in material handling
  • Minimizes operator fatigue from heavy lifting and excessive walking back and forth
  • Ensures easy profile alignment to drill / processing line datum blocks
  • Keeps welders welding and not standing idle waiting for the crane
  • Maximizes operator safety

The Ocean Flipper Beam Rotator works with:

  • All single spindle drill lines including the Ocean Avenger CNC Beam Drill Line, Ocean Avenger PLUS Multifunction Drill Line, Ficep 1001D Drill Line, Ficep Victory 11 Drill Line, Ficep Excalibur Drill Line, the Voortman V600 Drill Line, as well as Haco DrillFlex DF1100 Drill Line and others
  • Any fitting / welding operation where profiles need to be rotated for welding attachments
  • Any saw line, shot blast line or painting operation where beams need turning prior to the next stage

Ocean Flipper Beam Rotator Technical Specifications

Maximum Profile Size 36″ (914mm)
Flipping Capacity 26,000 lbs (11,800kg)
Working Height 35″ +/- 1.5″ (890mm +/- 38mm)
Electrical Requirement 110V Single Phase
Electrical Requirement (for optional hydraulic unit) 230V/460V 3-Phase
Hydraulic Power Requirement (if customer supplied) 1,200 – 2,500 psi, 15GPM Minimum
Hydraulic Tank Size (if customer supplied) 15 Gallon tank min per pair

The Ocean Flipper Beam Rotator and Positioner can typically be found in small to medium-sized fabricating shops that use single spindle drill lines or any fitting / welding operation where profiles need to be rotated for welding attachments. The Flipper can also be used with any saw line, shot blast line or painting operation where beams need turning prior to the next stage.

When used in conjunction with the Ocean Avenger CNC Drill Line, the Avenger Hydraulic power supply can be used, saving the customer the cost of purchasing the optional hydraulic power unit. For the Ocean Avenger PLUS CNC Multifunction Machine, a hydraulic power supply will be required.

The Ocean Flipper set comprises a pair of Flippers, and services half of a 60′ Avenger table. Where fabricators are particularly busy, it might make more sense for the user to purchase two Ocean Flipper sets (4 rotating arms).

Here are some of the more commonly asked questions

What does the Ocean Flipper Beam Rotator do?

With the Ocean Flipper, the drill machine operator can rotate large and heavy beams and columns, and position them up to the datum blocks in order to drill the different sides (top flange, bottom flange and web) without the need for an overhead crane or other lifting device and without any additional labor to assist with manual flipping and positioning.

What is included with the Ocean Flipper?

The Ocean Flipper beam turning device is a heavy duty system comprising a pair of Flipper units, an operating console that wirelessly controls the Flipper master unit, the connecting drive shaft, all hoses and connectors, and an optional hydraulic power unit (if required).

If the Flipper is used in conjunction with the Ocean Avenger, the Avenger hydraulic power supply can be used, saving the customer the cost of purchasing the optional hydraulic power unit. For the Ocean Avenger PLUS CNC Multifunction Machine, a hydraulic power supply will be required.

Who installs the Flipper?

The Flipper is simple to install and most customers install the machine themselves. Ocean Machinery does offer an optional installation service at competitive rates.

How many Flippers do I need?

One Ocean Flipper set, comprising a pair of rotating arms, services half of a 60? Avenger table. Where fabricators are particularly busy, two Ocean Flippers (4 rotating arms) might make the most sense.

When used in welding stations, one set of Flippers can service two welders

What is the maximum beam or column that the Flipper can rotate and position?

The Flipper is designed specifically to aid flipping and positioning of large beams and columns, including jumbo columns. The maximum capacity of one Flipper device, comprising a pair of Flipper arms, is 36″ (914mm). The maximum beam or column weight is 26,000 lbs (11,800 kg). Note that the maximum capacity is measured with the beam at the fulcrum. The capacity is reduced when trying to flip beams that are set away from the fulcrum.

What do I need to have in order to install and run the Ocean Flipper?

The Ocean Flipper is designed to be a simple Plug and Play installation, done by the fabricator himself. It is supplied with the pair of arms, operating console stand, and connecting drive shaft, as well as hoses and fittings for connection to your Ocean Avenger hydraulic power unit.

If you are using this with a machine other than an Ocean Avenger you will need to purchase the optional auxiliary hydraulic power unit, which comes complete with hoses and connectors.

When doing the installation you will need to supply masonry anchors and assorted wrenches. You will also need hydraulic fluid if you are purchasing the optional hydraulic power pack.

Operating the Ocean Flipper Beam Rotator is simple and no previous experience is necessary. The Flipper requires manual operation.

All controls are clearly marked with simple graphics depicting what each button does.

Non Standard Length Drive Shaft

The Standard machine is supplied with a standard length drive shaft connecting the pair of Flippers spaced approximately 10ft apart. This makes it suitable for installation within the Ocean Avenger tables. If a nonstandard length drive shaft is required for a specific installation, this needs to be specified at the time of order.

Hydraulic Power Pack

When installing a pair of Flippers with the Ocean Avenger CNC Drill Line the Avenger hydraulic power supply will drive the flippers and no additional power pack is required.

When installing with the Avenger PLUS Multifunction Machine, then the optional power pack is required.

If you are planning to run multiple pairs of Flippers from one power supply then we can spec and manufacture a power supply to suit. We have a bridge manufacturer that drives three pairs of Flippers from one power supply.

If you want to locate your hydraulic power supply away from the Flippers you will need additional length hoses. These can be fabricated as needed.

The Ocean Flipper Beam Rotator is supplied with a 12 months warranty on parts. This is a very simple machine to maintain and most maintenance can be done by the customer.

The office hours for Ocean Machinery are 8am to 5pm Eastern Time, and we are intimately familiar with all aspects of the machine and we welcome your technical support calls.

Call Ocean Machinery Technical Service at (800) 286-3624

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