The Tilt-Up Tabletop: 4 Use Cases for Industry

Tilt-up tabletops (also known as tilt tables) are ergonomic devices that keep loads at an appropriate angle. Essentially, they match the work to the worker, providing employees with more efficient access to products, parts, ingredients, or whatever else they’re working with.

As we’ve discussed in other articles, good ergonomics can prevent overexertion, improve efficiency, and keep workers happy. Unnatural twisting, bending, and reaching motions can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are responsible for almost 30% of all worker’s compensation costs.

By improving ergonomics, you can reduce the risk of MSDs. Over time, that means lower costs and less turnover — but if you already have an established workflow, you may have trouble seeing how tilt-up tabletops can benefit your business.

Below, we’ll discuss several of the most common use cases for tilt tables and provide tips for purchasing. To find the perfect ergonomic solutions for your organization, call 1.800.247.9500 to speak with our sales team.

1. Tilt-Up Tabletop Use Case: Assembly Work Positioning

In assembly, efficiency is all about how workers are positioned and oriented in relation to the parts and tools that they need to use. That’s especially true when those parts are complex or heavy (for example, automotive components). 

Tilt-up tabletops can improve visibility and provide better access to assembly points. In industries like automotive assembly, electronics manufacturing, and aerospace, intricate assembly tasks are common — and tilt tables are essential gear.

Product to Consider: Integrated Tilt Tables

Tilt tables can play a key role in integrated material handling systems, where multiple machines are combined to create a custom solution for a specific task. 

In 2019, the BHS material handling integration team designed a specialized assembly workstation for a leading manufacturer of utility and OEM components. This innovative workstation incorporated a pair of tilt tables seamlessly integrated with a cutaway steel desk and a steel material chute. The result was a safer, more efficient workspace that eliminated unnecessary bending and reaching while providing a continuous supply of parts. 

Learn more: BHS Case Study: BHS, Inc. Improves Manufacturing Efficiency with Assembly Work Stations.

2. Tilt-Up Tabletop Use Case: Tilt Tables for Order Picking

Order fulfillment often involves repetitive lifting and reaching into bins or shelves to retrieve items. Tilt tables can significantly improve the ergonomics of this process, particularly when working with bulk containers.  

By tilting the containers or shelves, workers can easily see and access the items they need, reducing strain and improving picking efficiency.

Products to Consider: Mobile Tilt Tables

BHS Powered Mobile Lift & Tilt Tables (PMLTT) offer mobility with excellent lifting power. Workers can raise or lower loads with the touch of a foot pedal, then position the loads at up to 45 degrees of pitch.

Locking caster brakes ensure stability during use, and optional fork pockets can further enhance mobility. Built with durable steel construction, MMLTTs can handle bulk containers with ease. 

3. Tilt-Up Tabletop Use Case: Inspection and Quality Control

Tilt tables are valuable in quality control and inspection processes. By adjusting the angle of the work surface, inspectors can achieve optimal viewing angles for examining products or components for defects. 

For example, tilt tables might be used for inspecting large fabricated metal parts for welds or surface detects. The inspector can adjust the angle to get a clear view without awkward positioning, which improves accuracy and reduces eye strain.

Products to Consider: Custom Tilt Tables

In heavy manufacturing environments, achieving optimal ergonomics and efficiency often requires custom-engineered solutions. 

BHS specializes in designing and building tilt tables tailored to unique challenges. A prime example is the set of custom 20-foot-long tilt tables we created for Knapheide, a top truck body manufacturer. These massive tilt tables are now a vital part of Knapheide's production line, enabling workers to weld and rivet truck bodies without awkward bending, crouching, or reaching, significantly improving both ergonomics and productivity.

To learn more, read: BHS, Inc. Provides Custom Tilt Table for a Knapheide Manufacturing Line.

4. Tilt-Up Tabletop Use Case: Maintenance and Repair

Maintenance and repair tasks often involve working on heavy or awkwardly shaped equipment. Tilt tables can position the equipment at a convenient angle, even if the equipment is extremely heavy — provided that the tilt table is designed for the application.

Products to Consider: Upenders

For heavy industrial applications demanding maximum load positioning flexibility, the BHS Upender (UPD) is an exceptional solution. This compact yet powerful machine boasts a 4,000-lb lifting capacity and can tilt loads a full 90 degrees. 

Upenders are ideal for tasks such as palletizing, engine block manufacturing, and handling dies, coils, and molds — any application where precise vertical positioning of large, unwieldy objects is essential. 

Find Tilt-Up Tabletops for Your Workflow

Tilt tables offer a compelling solution for a wide range of industrial challenges. From assembly lines to order fulfillment centers, these versatile tools can significantly enhance ergonomics, improve worker safety, and boost overall efficiency.

But the benefits of tilt tables extend beyond just ergonomics; they can also play a crucial role in optimizing your workflow and increasing throughput. Imagine smoother assembly processes, faster order picking, and more efficient inspection procedures — all thanks to the strategic implementation of tilt tables.

At BHS, we understand that every business has unique needs and challenges. Whether you're looking to integrate tilt tables into a new production line or seeking to retrofit existing workstations, BHS can provide solutions. Our team is ready to analyze your workflow and recommend ergonomic equipment that maximizes productivity and provides an excellent return on investment.

Call 1.800.247.9500 to learn how tilt-up tabletops can enhance your business’s operations.