 Selecting
the Right Number of Cups for a Vacuum Lifter
for metal sheet and plate
and similar fairly rigid materials
ANVER Vacuum Lifters are designed in a
modular fashion. Standard components are selected to match your application.
Given the vast selection and inventory that we offer, this means a lifter to
match almost any application can be quickly built. ANVER designs its
lifters so that each pad bears an equal load weight.
ANVER designs it's vacuum lifters with
a 2-inch deflection factor when
determining the number of pads and required beam length. Based on our 30+ years experience in thousands of
vacuum lifter applications, we have found that a 2-inch deflection offers an
extra measure of lifting safety by reducing the curvature under the pads while at the same time making it
easier to position the lifter on the load. In practice, it is difficult for
operators to center a lifter using more than 2" deflection. More information is
explained on the bottom of this page.
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A maximum of
approximately 4' square is recommended for small single pad lifters
and 5' x 6' for large single pad lifters. It is difficult to center
the vacuum lifter consistently on larger loads. Note: Make
sure the operator is completely clear of the load. An operator's
feet, hands, etc. should be well clear of the load being handled. |
| The following procedure is recommended for
vacuum lifter selection: |
Select the Proper Beam
Length, Crossarm Length and Lifting Pad Configuration
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Identify the size of the
material to be lifted
Determine
the minimum and maximum dimensions and maximum weight of the load. The
minimum and maximum thickness are also critical.
-
Determine the
amount of allowable load overhang
Overhang (L) and spacing between pads (2L) are based on the minimum
thickness of material. Click here for acceptable
Steel Plate Overhang or
Aluminum Plate Overhang or
Glass Plate Overhang. The thinnest
material to be lifted has the greatest deflection and should always be
considered when determining the allowable overhang.
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Determine the
number of pads Lengthwise
Referring to the appropriate table, determine the minimum number of pads
required for the maximum load length, rounding up to the next highest
number. For example, if the maximum length is 120 inches and the recommended
spacing between pads is 60 inches, use a lifter with a minimum of two cups
(120/60=2). Determine the minimum number of lifting pads required for the
maximum load length by dividing the maximum load length by 2L and rounding
up to the next highest number.
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Determine the
number of pad rows
Determine the
minimum number of lifting pads required for the maximum load width by
dividing the maximum load width by the 2L number from the table and rounding
up to the next highest number. For example, a load width of 72 inches with a
recommended spacing between pads of 60 inches (72/60=1.2: rounded up
to 2) requires a minimum of two pads along the width of the load.
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Determine the
beam length
The beam length is
calculated by subtracting 2L from the maximum load length, then adding 6
inches to it. For example, with a maximum load length of 120 inches with a
2L of 60 inches, the minimum beam length would be 66 inches
(120-60+6). If this is not a standard length, select the next longest
standard beam length.
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Determine the
Required Length of Crossarms
Subtract 2L from the maximum load width and add 6 inches. If this
is not a standard length, select the next longest standard crossarm length.
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Selecting
Vacuum Lifting Pad Size and Style
Consider the following points when
selecting the proper vacuum pads:
 The
maximum weight to be lifted
The
number of pads (calculated as explained above)
The
lifting surface and porosity of the load
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Follow these
guidelines for selecting vacuum pads:
Use
the fewest number of pads necessary
Use
pads with the largest possible diameter
The
load width should never exceed five times the lifting pad width or diameter
when handling a load with a single row of pads
Pad
capacities must be derated by 50% when used for vertical handling or
upending (tilting) applications
Select
the proper material for the vacuum pad. Click here for
Rubber
Elastomer Information
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Notes Regarding
Deflection (Bending):
-
Brittle materials such as glass
should be held nearly flat.
- For other materials such as wood,
particleboard, etc., deflection can be estimated by direct measure.
NOTE: Although multiple rows
may not be required when using the above guidelines, they should be considered
if load tipping is a concern.
When choosing the number of crossarm members on a vacuum lifter designed for
up-ending (tilting), an even number of crossarms must be specified to prevent interference with
the up-ending yoke.
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All of our standard vacuum lifters are built to order from stock using modular
components, and are shipped promptly. ANVER Standard Vacuum Lifters are available in literally hundreds of possible
combinations depending on the vacuum generator, beam, crossarms, and
vacuum cups used. Contact one of our
experienced applications engineers with your requirements so we
can size the right lifter for you.
- Vacuum Lifters are shipped almost fully assembled and
ready to operate. All crossarms slide up and down the beam, and
also pivot to allow adjustment for narrow loads and provide for
compact crating. This allows us to ship lifters with the vacuum system
almost completely assembled and tested. There is little installation other than
bolting on the front handle etc.
- All ANVER Vacuum Lifters come with a
one or two year warranty, depending upon the portion of the lifter
covered.
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