What is a vacuum lifting device?
How does a vacuum lifter work?
Our vacuum lifting devices are robust and reliable lifting aids that make lifting various goods and packaging easy.
The lifters are versatile and handle everything from simple boxes to complicated car parts. With a quick coupling, you can easily use the same lift for more than one type of goods; the suction cup foot is quickly and easily changed to one that suits what you want to lift.
An extended articulated handle makes lifting high up easy without straining the back or shoulders. Vacuum lifting devices are flexible and efficient lifting for a productive operation without completely manual handling.
- Two-handed model for handling goods up to 595 lbs
- One-handed model for fast handling of smaller goods 143 lbs
- It can be equipped with lots of tools for all kinds of goods
- It is very user friendlyMinimizes risks of damage to personnel and goods
- An investment that pays off quickly
Common Applications and Industries
| Common Lifting Applications | Common Industries Supported |
What is a Vacuum Lifter?
A vacuum lifter is a device the leverages the power of vacuum to help operators lift, move, or orient materials in a safe and efficient manner.
Both the vertical motion and gripping force of common vacuum lifters are generated by a single vacuum generation system. Different types of gripping mechanisms can be employed to engage product depending on the type of product and handling requirement. Vacuum lifters can be built in stainless steel and of sanitary / FDA approved components as well.
What are the Core Components of a Vacuum Lifter?
Suction Feet
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.
Suction Head
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.
Lift Tube
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.
Structural Support System (Crane)
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.
Vacuum Pump
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 I know a Vacuum Lifter is Right for My Application?
There are many ways to handle material, and a vacuum lifter is just one of those options on the market today. There are several factors that you need to consider about your application before you can select the right vacuum lifter configuration for you:
- Area the lifter needs to traverse
- Weight / shape / material of the item being lifted
- Facility space constraints
- Special requirements such as ATEX certification or FDA compliance
TAWI USA offers free application testing at our Bolingbrook, IL Innovation Center. Simply send us your products and provide us with your lifting challenge, and we will provide a video or livestream demonstrating the product. Additionally, if you wish to visit our facility and test your application with your operators training takes less than 5 minutes and your team can get a taste if this is the right solution for you.
Could you send us your products and your lifting challenge, and we will provide a video or live stream showing the product?
Related Content
Four common challenges in warehouse order picking (and how to address them)
Within logistics, order picking often accounts for more than half of warehouse operating costs. The continued reliance on manual labor contributes significantly to the relatively high costs. Then along comes a mobile lifting device that attaches to a palette jack and is equipped with a lifting arm that uses suction to grip heavy boxes securely. The lifting device addresses all four of the main headaches for production managers with regard to warehouse order picking; labor-intensity, time-efficiency, risk of employee injury and risk of product damage.
Facing manual handling challenges in the automotive industry
Reach out to us anytime and we’ll be happy to help you.
Do you need an urgent response, please call us at 630-655-2905
(8 AM–5 PM, CDT)
Are you looking for replacement parts? Please contact us at la.us.sales@piab.com.
Please specify what you want to lift with measures and weight, size of working area, and lifting height to get as accurate a quote as possible.
Are you unsure?
Call us at 630-655-2905 (8 AM–5 PM, CDT) for advice
