Meeting High Standards

The requirements and standards for using therapy beds in schools are currently very high: they must provide aspiring masseurs and physiotherapists comfort and pain-free working environments, all while enduring the rigors of daily use from students.

As a result, therapy beds equipped with hydraulic drives are frequently employed in physiotherapy training to facilitate height adjustments.

"Treatment couches are heavily used during training,” says Jutta Gissler, Managing Director of Özpinar Therapiegeräte GmbH from Biberach in the Black Forest, “which is why I recommend the hydraulic drive: so that the most important work tool is resilient and can withstand incorrect operation.” Ensuring a physiologically sound and back-friendly treatment, as well as safeguarding the therapist's health, hinges on the precise height adjustment of the patient. Consequently, the drive mechanism for bed adjustment bears significant strain. “That is why schools and training companies in particular are asking for treatment tables with hydraulic height adjustment, because they are particularly robust,” explains the managing director. Alexander Schul, Head of Assembly and Drive Technology at ROEMHELD, confirms.

Resilience in Hydraulics

In contrast to electric drives, hydraulic actuators boast exceptional durability and nearly maintenance-free operation. Moreover, their operation does not necessitate power connections, eliminating the inconvenience of cables that can pose tripping hazards in practices and schools lacking floor sockets.

“Some therapists and treatment methods also prefer hydraulics because they are not whirring, but are absolutely silent and, in addition, no energy flows can disrupt the treatment,” Gissler concludes. Approximately one-third of the loungers sold by Özpinar feature hydraulic drives, while the remainder are electrically operated.

Expanding Offerings to Complete Practice Facilities

In addition to independent physiotherapists and naturopaths, customers seeking treatment tables with hydraulic drives often include doctors for schools and clinics. Under Jutta Gissler's leadership since 2006, Özpinar has transformed into a leading supplier for practices, employing 27 staff members and achieving sales of approximately €3.3 million in 2012. With an extensive online inventory of around 1,450 therapeutic items, Özpinar operates its own fleet for deliveries across Germany and collaborates with partners in Switzerland and Austria.

The product range extends to comprehensive practice facilities, which are installed and assembled on-site by the company's technicians. With a revenue share of sixty to seventy percent, the company prioritizes its continuous growth, exemplified by its expansion plans in 2013, including the construction of new administration and production facilities adjacent to the current location.

Durable Quality and Attractive Prices

According to Gissler, Özpinar’s secret of success is “long-lasting and high quality at attractive prices and good and fast service. Our standard ‘Select’ model is ready for dispatch the day after the order is placed.”

Customers are also presented with an extensive array of options, allowing them to customize products according to their preferences. For instance, there are up to thirty variants for the loungers alone, complemented by around seventy different leather covers to choose from.

Timeliness in Implementing Improvements

Özpinar's ability to promptly accommodate the unique preferences of its customers stems from its extensive in-house production capabilities. From product development to metalworking, welding, sewing, upholstery, and assembly, most operations are conducted within the facility. The only exception is the powder coating of the metal frames, which is outsourced to a partner. According to Gissler, this high level of vertical integration enhances the quality of their products as it allows them to closely monitor all production stages and swiftly implement improvements.

A prime example of this proactive approach occurred when Özpinar introduced hydraulic pumps following Jutta Gissler's assumption of leadership in 2006. Gissler noted issues with the pumps, including overly responsive strokes and excessive noise from the oil. Responding to these concerns, Özpinar engaged in constructive dialogue with the supplier. Subsequently, adjustments were made to various surfaces on the piston and pump of the hydraulic drive, individual contours were modified, and the flow control valve was fine-tuned. These enhancements resulted in smoother stroke movement and quieter oil flow, exemplifying Özpinar's commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

ROEMHELD RH 1250 Hydraulic Drive: Engineering Excellence and Versatility

The hydraulic drive, named "RH 1250," supplied by ROEMHELD and utilized by Özpinar, is available with stroke options of 200 mm or 250 mm. Enclosed within a compact and maintenance-free aluminum housing crafted from stainless steel, its oil pressure piston is highly resistant to corrosion, cleaning agents, and disinfectants. Various equipment configurations are offered, featuring stroke lengths ranging from 140 mm to 250 mm, and options for actuation via foot or hand lever, with pressure or rotary release, and optional fork or flange mounting.

Manufactured in Germany at ROEMHELD's headquarters in Laubach, Hesse, the "RH 1250" epitomizes German engineering excellence. Additional production facilities are situated in Hilchenbach near Siegen and Götzis, Austria.

Beyond drive technology, ROEMHELD, a renowned specialist in clamping technology, offers a comprehensive product range encompassing industrial manufacturing, assembly, and clamping solutions for various industries. With 450 employees generating sales of approximately 88 million euros in 2012, ROEMHELD stands as a market leader with a global presence, boasting sales and service entities in over 50 countries across all continents.