Supporting Local Industry with Smart Structural Design – Mezzanine Floor Strengthening for New Industrial Printer Installation
Technicus Consulting was delighted to support local signage specialists Seaward Safety Ltd with the installation of their new state-of-the-art HP Latex R1000 Industrial Printer at their Lowestoft facility.
Working closely with Alan Welton and Ian Williams from Seaward Safety, alongside their printer suppliers and installers, Technicus Consulting carried out a detailed structural adequacy assessment of the existing mezzanine floor structure to ensure it could safely support the new 1400kg printer installation.
Our involvement included:
- A comprehensive structural survey of the existing steel-framed mezzanine floor, including the cold-formed steel joists and decking boards
- Structural analysis and adequacy checks of the existing beams, columns, cold-formed joists, and 38 mm thick chipboard decking under both uniform distributed loads and concentrated point loads
- Structural design and specification of additional steel support beams required to safely carry the high concentrated leg loads from the new printer
- Advice and guidance on temporary works requirements to enable the safe removal of the existing 750 kg printer and installation of the new 1,400 kg printer across the mezzanine floor
- Preparation of design summary drawings, including plans, sections, and details, to assist the installation contractor with the strengthening works, temporary works, and printer installation
The strengthening works and temporary works required to safely install the printer were expertly carried out by local contractor P J Spillings Ltd.
With the new printer now installed, Seaward Safety has significantly enhanced its production capabilities and can print directly onto a wide range of materials, including Dibond, self-adhesive vinyl, magnetic materials, polyester film, photoluminescent signage materials, and rigid plastics.
It’s always rewarding to provide structural engineering and consultancy support that helps long-standing local businesses invest in new technology and continue growing their services.
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