27.5.1 Applications

Vacuum lifters can be suitable for a variety of applications. However, it is essential that the characteristics of the vacuum lifter are matched to those of the load and it is strongly recommended that the exact nature of the application is adequately discussed between the user and the supplier.

Generally they are most suitable for lifting loads which have a smooth, non-porous surface such as metal plates, glass, stone slabs, cardboard boxes, etc. If required, the vacuum lifter can have the facility to tilt a load, such as a steel or glass plate from horizontal to vertical or vice versa, and be capable of rotating the load. These facilities may be by means of either a manual or powered actuator.

Loads with a porous surface or a textured surface may be lifted with vacuum lifters provided that the means of generating the vacuum is sufficiently powerful to counteract the leakage of air. Turbine operated types are usually used in these applications.

A further variant is a device using vacuum pads to grip the load in a scissor action.