27.6 INFORMATION WHICH SHOULD BE EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE USER AND THE DESIGNER OR SUPPLIER
It is strongly recommended that as much detail as possible about the application(s) is given to the manufacturer or supplier. Vacuum lifters are normally used for closely defined applications. It is therefore usually possible to give the designer or supplier precise details of the task to be performed. This information should include but is not necessarily limited to the following:
The mass of the load to be lifted
The material and composition of the load to be lifted, e.g. surface finish and porosity.
The physical dimensions and shape of the load to be lifted and location of the centre of gravity.
The “make up” of the load to be lifted e.g. a single slab, packages, boxes, etc.
The number, shape and orientation of the lifting pads.
Details of the operating environment and service conditions, e.g. extremes of temperature, probability of shock loading, uncertainty of mass of the load.
The available headroom.
The type of suspension.
The speed of the hoisting mechanism.
Availability of electrical supply or compressed air supply if appropriate.
The control mechanism required, that is, integrated or remote.
Details of any possible surface contamination of the load as this may affect the material from which the pads are made.
Back up and other safety features required.