Vacuum Lifter
Why Choose Us?
Reliable Product Quality
Shandong Match Machinery Co., Ltd is specialized in Aerial Work Platform and Material handing equipment, we are one of the leading manufactures of lifting equipment in China. With great experience in manufacturing and exporting.
Wide Product Range
Our products covers 10 categories, more than 80 kinds of product, including stationary scissor lift, self propelled scissor lift, mobile scissor lift, mini scissor lift, order picker, aluminum work platform, dock ramp, electric stacker and many kinds of lifting equipment.
Advanced Production Equipment
With high and new technologies, the Company has advanced and award-winning processing equipment such as automatic bending robot and laser cutting machine imported from Germany, Hamada NC punch press imported from Japan, large automated surface coating production line and general assembly production line, etc.
Wide range of applications
Our products are widely used all over the world. In the initial stage, marked by the successful manufacturing of series of aerial working platforms and entering main countries in Europe, America and Asia, the enterprise pursued the transformation from China quantity to China quality.
Professional Service
We have professional pre-sales, sales and after-sales services, pre-sales will fully understand the needs of customers, customize on demand, provide OEM services, sales will provide visual services, daily update production completion, so that customer satisfaction rest assured, after-sales to provide online technical support and free parts support within 2 years, fully maintain new and old customers.
What is Vacuum Lifter?
Vacuum lifters are types of lifting equipment that incorporate a vacuum as or as part of the lifting mechanism. They consist of a below-the-hook frame with a large vacuum pad or several smaller suction cups for grabbing large sheets, rolls, plates, or other smooth-surfaced products. They are driven by pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical power.
Advantages of Vacuum Lifter
Safe and easy lifting
Arguably the biggest advantage of all is how vacuum lifters allow employees to safely and comfortably move substantial weights without any physical risk to themselves. Why is this so important? Well, in the manufacturing and construction industries, accidents caused by mishaps during manual handling are responsible for a large number of workplace aches, pains, and injuries, many of which may result in sick leave and possibly even long-term injury. As a result, both companies and their employees will benefit from a piece of equipment that helps to reduce the potential for physical harm. In addition, because the vacuum lifter does all of the hard work, this kind of technology makes it easier for anyone to take on the role of the operator – no matter their physical size or strength. This opens up a whole new wealth of job opportunities, which also helps improve workplace diversity.
Boosting your productivity
Another obvious benefit of using vacuum lifting equipment in your construction business is the increase in productivity and efficiency you will experience as a result. Because the lifter does all of the heavy lifting for your workforce, they can carry out their tasks more quickly and effectively while still staying safe – and they won’t need to take frequent rests in between lifting to ease their aching backs and sore muscles!
Versatility
Because there is more than one type of vacuum lifter, construction companies have plenty of options when it comes to what they can lift, when, and how often. For example, whereas vacuum lifters once used to be fixed in place as part of a crane system, these days, you have mobile lifters that can be attached to a forklift, providing plenty of manoeuvrability.
Health and safety when using vacuum lifters
As with any heavy machinery or technical piece of equipment, there will still be risks involved in using it, no matter how carefully it has been designed. The most significant danger is the risk of falling objects. With particularly heavy loads, there is always a risk that the vacuum pump will fail to keep it aloft, which could result in the load being dropped. As a result, anyone in close proximity could be at risk of being struck by the falling load, which could cause serious injuries or perhaps even a fatality, depending on the weight of the dropped item.
Curved and Corner Lifters
Likely one of the more unique but incredibly useful designs of vacuum lifters is curved and corner lifters. They remove the difficulty of installing awkwardly shaped glass units and rounded balustrades.
Smooth Glass Vacuum Lifters
Suitable for lifting glass, plastic boards, ceramic plates, sheet metals, and coated boards, smooth glass vacuum lifters are versatile in their uses, able to lift the majority of non-porous materials. Assisted by features such as hydraulic tilt for easier positioning and manual lockable rotation.
Textured Glass Vacuum Lifter
These vacuum lifters have a unique closed-cell foam seal that can mould to the textured glass panels so that a vacuum can still be formed. Suitable for lifting stippled, etched, frosted, and other textured glass these lifters are suited to a range of projects.
Cladding Vacuum Lifter
Cladding lifters have unique vacuum cups are suited to the unique surfaces of the cladding. All the GGR Group cladding lifters are designed for use on composite sandwich panels and other non-porous materials (subject to testing).
Stone Vacuum Lifter
Due to the porous nature of stone, stone vacuum lifters are designed to have a continuous pump to maintain the vacuum needed to lift it. They are suited for rough stone surfaces, concrete/stone slabs, and steel plates.
Application of Vacuum Lifter
Warehouses
Vacuum lifters can offer invaluable benefits in various warehouse environments, significantly optimising material handling processes. In e-commerce fulfillment centers, vacuum lifters can enhance efficiency by effortlessly lifting and placing items of various shapes and sizes, reducing strain on workers and increasing order processing speed.
In a pharmaceutical warehouses, where delicate and precise handling is crucial, vacuum lifters can ensure safe transportation of sensitive medical equipment and supplies, minimising the risk of damage and contamination.
Manufacturing
Vacuum lifters play a crucial role in streamlining material handling processes, increasing efficiency, and improving workplace safety in manufacturing industry by helping to load and unload materials onto machinery like CNC machines, cutting tables, or assembly lines. This ensures a smooth workflow and faster production cycles.
Packaging Industry
Our lifters can enable quick and seamless handling of packaged goods, enhancing the speed and efficiency of the packaging process. They can swiftly lift and place boxes, cartons, and other packaging materials onto conveyors or pallets.
Tiles Industry
They are highly beneficial for handling tiles in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and distribution. Workers can lift and move tiles without putting undue strain on their backs or risking injuries associated with manual handling. Our Vacuum lifters are also adaptable to handle different types of tiles, including ceramic, porcelain, marble, and glass, making them suitable for various applications.
What are the Core Components of a Vacuum Lifter?
This is the part of the device that comes into contact with the item to be lifted. Suction feet are infinitely configurable based on the size / shape / material of the item to be lifted. Suction feet are interchangeable via a quick-disconnect mechanism for fast application changeover.
The suction head is the human interface of the vacuum lifter and how the operator controls the movement of material. Lifting handles can be one hand or two hand operated and can have different levels of customization depending on the form of the item to be handled.
The lift tube is the vertical load bearing component and expands or contracts based on the vacuum pressure in the tube. Releasing pressure at the lifting handle lowers or releases the material whereas higher vacuum pressure gasps or raises the material. The type and size of lift tube employed is dictated by the desired lifting capacity of the system. For example, heavier lifting capacities require larger diameter lift tubes whereas lower capacities require less vacuum flow and thus, a smaller lift tube.
All Vacuum Lifters require a structural support system. The type of support relies on the desired application or space constraints within a given facility. Common structures include bridge cranes, jib cranes, portable jib cranes, and even specialized mobile order pickers which can attach to a forklift or fork truck. Cranes can be freestanding or integrated into an existing roof truss or column in a given building.
Each vacuum lifter is powered by a single vacuum pump. This is similar in size and shape as a small air compressor and can be enclosed in a sound dampening device to lower the ambient decibel level in your facility. Associated with the vacuum generator are the hoses and connections needed to deliver suction at the point of use.
How Do Vacuum Lifters Work or Operate?
Let's delve further into the working mechanism of vacuum lifter according to the different parts and components:
★Vacuum Generation
Vacuum Pump: Vacuum lifters are equipped with a vacuum pump, which creates a low-pressure environment by removing air molecules from a sealed chamber.
Power Source: The vacuum pump is typically powered by an electric motor or a pneumatic system, depending on the design of the lifter.
★Suction Cup Assembly
Suction Cups: The lifter contains one or more suction cups made of a flexible, airtight material such as rubber or silicone. These cups come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different types and sizes of objects.
Vacuum Channels: Within the suction cups, there are channels or grooves that allow the vacuum to reach the surface of the object being lifted.
Sealing Gaskets: The suction cups are fitted with sealing gaskets that ensure an airtight seal when pressed against the object's surface.
★Control System
Vacuum Control Valve: The control system includes a vacuum control valve that regulates the flow of air into the suction cups. This valve can be manually operated or controlled electronically.
Pressure Sensors: Pressure sensors are often incorporated into the lifter to monitor and maintain the desired vacuum level. They provide feedback to the control system, enabling adjustments to the suction force as needed.
★Operation
Attachment: To lift an object, the suction cups are positioned on its surface. The lifter's control system activates the vacuum pump, creating a low-pressure environment within the suction cups.
Vacuum Creation: As the pump removes air from the cups, the atmospheric pressure outside forces the cups onto the object, creating a vacuum seal. The suction cups conform to the object's contours, maximizing contact and grip.
Load Handling: With the vacuum seal established, the lifter can safely raise and transport the object. The suction cups maintain their grip by continuously maintaining the vacuum pressure, ensuring secure handling.
Release: When the object needs to be released, the vacuum control valve is opened, allowing air to enter the suction cups. This breaks the vacuum seal, detaching the object from the lifter.
★Safety
Vacuum Monitoring: Some vacuum lifters have sensors that continuously monitor the vacuum level. If the vacuum drops below a certain threshold, an alarm may be triggered to alert the operator of a potential failure.
Backup Systems: To prevent accidents due to power failure or other issues, vacuum lifters may incorporate backup systems such as mechanical clamps or additional safety latches to provide redundant securing mechanisms.
● Never operate vacuum lifter until inspected and tested for each shift.
● Report any unusual operation or safety concerns to a qualified person and discontinue use of the vacuum lifting device until safety has been assured.
● Do not use vacuum lifting device with an “Out of Order” tag until it is returned to proper operating condition.
● Do not use lifter if capacity or safety markings are missing.
● Make sure that the supporting structure and load attaching devices (i.e. crane, chains, and hook) are rated to support the weight of the lifter and load.
● Be sure to subtract the weight of the lifter from the crane or hoist capacity when calculating the actual net capacity of the system.
● Use a safety latch on your crane hook to hold your lifter.
● Use lifter only on non-porous and slightly porous, smooth loads. The degree of porosity/roughness affects the lifter’s ability to make up for air leakage. All loads should be tested to determine the maximum achievable vacuum level.
● Refer to the lifter specifications to determine at what vacuum level the lifter is rated.
● De-rate load capacity by 3.5% for each 1000 ft. of elevation above sea level.
● Use lifter only on clean loads; brush off loose debris, dirt, scale, chips, etc.
● Do not use lifter on badly rusted, pitted, or scaled loads.
● Never lift loads heavier than rated lifting capacity.
● Do not use lifter on loads beyond recommended length and width for your application. Consult ASE website steel plate weight calculator for recommended load overhang tables.
● Do not lift more than one work piece at a time. If sheets stick together, place the load down immediately and separate sheets prior to lifting.
● Use lifter only as a lifting and handling tool.
● Use lifter only for horizontal lifting and free overhead transport.
● Do not use lifter to drag loads over floors.
● Use the handle bars to position the lifter and guide the load.
● Do not push or pull the load with your hands on the load.
● When adjusting Crossarms and pads, keep vacuum lines free of twists and kinks. Do not pinch the vacuum lines.
● Do not lift loads higher than necessary.
● Perform a preliminary lift of a few inches to establish that a vacuum lifting device has been correctly applied and that a stable lifting vacuum level exists.
● Accelerate and decelerate loads smoothly.
● Avoid contact of loads with obstructions.
● Do not tilt any load more than 15 degrees from horizontal unless unit has been designed for tilting.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Vacuum Lift
The Type of Load
What exact materials will the Vacuum Lifter be lifting, is it glass, metal sheets, or pallets. Taking into account the surface of the materials allows you to adapt the vacuum pump to this. The Vacuum Lifter is extremely versatile, but how they will be installed is taken into careful consideration for that specific load – as they all require different tools and components. Another note to take into account is how the material is packaged, the weight, the size, and where it will be placed in the warehouse.
Worker Safety
No matter the setting, it is essential to keep workers safe and happy. Selecting the right equipment decreases the risks of accidents that can be brought on by poor ergonomics, in both the short and long-term cases. Many of these problems are primarily the result of manual handling techniques, but even lifting tasks made easier by machinery may have dangers like repetitive stress injuries. Vacuum lifters are a useful tool for enhancing safety and reducing health concerns, but it’s crucial to make sure that employees are properly educated to use the machinery.
Size of the Working Environment
To get full use of the Vacuum Lifter, you need the right space. You want it to reach its full potential and slip seamlessly into the environment. There are both mobile and stationary vacuum lifts to help you with your decision. Think about the space you have to work with and how you may utilize it as efficiently as possible. This entails taking into account the radius of the cranes, the height and breadth restrictions, the necessary reach, and the maneuverability.
Future Trends and Innovations in Vacuum Lifters
The field of vacuum lifters is continuously evolving, with ongoing research and development. Some future trends and innovations to watch out for include
Automation and Robotics
Integration of vacuum lifters with automation and robotics technologies for enhanced efficiency and productivity.
Advanced Sensor Technology
Implementation of advanced sensors for improved object detection, grip control, and overall safety.
IoT Connectivity
Integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven insights.
Best Practices for Optimizing Material Handling with Vacuum Lifters
To optimize material handling with vacuum lifters, consider the following best practices
Organize and Label Inventory
Properly label and organize inventory to ensure easy identification and efficient handling with vacuum lifters.
Optimize Workflow
Streamline your workflow by strategically placing vacuum lifters at key points to minimize travel distances and maximize productivity.
Train Employees
Provide ongoing training to employees to enhance their understanding of vacuum lifters and optimize their usage.
Monitor Performance
Regularly assess the performance of vacuum lifters, identify bottlenecks, and make necessary adjustments to improve efficiency.
Our Factory
Shandong Match Machinery Co., Ltd is specialized in Aerial Work Platform and Material handing equipment, we are one of the leading manufactures of lifting equipment in China. With great experience in manufacturing and exporting.
Ultimate FAQ Guide to Vacuum Lifter
Q: What forces are involved in using a vacuum lifter?
Q: Why do lifters vacuum?
Q: What is the physics behind lifting?
Q: How do you set the preload on a lifter?
Q: How many turns for lifter preload?
Q: What causes a hydraulic lifter to stick?
Q: What are common lifter problems?
Q: What is the correct method for adjusting hydraulic lifters?
Q: Do you need to adjust valve lash with hydraulic lifters?
Q: What energy is used when lifting?
Q: What type of energy is lifting?
Q: Can bad spark plug cause lifter tick?
Q: Can you drive with lifter tick?
Q: Can too much oil cause lifter tick?
Q: How do you test a hydraulic lifter?
Q: What is the function of vacuum lift?
Q: Are vacuum lifts safe?
Q: What is the minimum size for a vacuum lift?
Q: How long does vacuum lifting last?
Q: What is a good suction power for vacuum cleaner?