Sheet handling operations are often large, complicated endeavors where countless loads are lifted daily. Those in the business of industrial sheet handling benefit greatly from efficient and productive working conditions. One way this is accomplished is through creating a safer work environment. High tech equipment like vacuum lifters can provide increased safety for workers and, as a result, more profits for the company. Learning how vacuum lifting systems could improve your workflow is a must for any sheet handling business.
What Are Vacuum Lifters?
Vacuum lifters are industrial-grade equipment that lift and carry heavy loads, often used for sheet handling. They consist of vacuum pads, a vacuum gauge, piston valve, a pump and an alarm system. The pump applies suction through the vacuum pads which creates a seal strong enough to lift the load. The vacuum lifters are attached to a crane hook which lowers, raises and moves the load from place to place. Hydraulic power or a self contained engine can be used to power the lifting system. Once a load is moved, the operator will activate the release, ceasing the suction and letting go of the load.
Safety
The risk of injury on a construction site is high, making safety a top priority. Crane and crane load-related injuries are among the most common causes of serious injury and death on a construction site. This often happens when workers are either rigging a load or in close proximity to the area where a load is lifted. Vacuum lifters offer a safer sheet handling workflow, as operators do not need to rig loads manually. The vacuum lifts, moves, and releases the load without direct human contact.
While the obvious benefit is the safer workplace for employees, there are also financial benefits to the safer workflow. It is important to consider how much downtime is avoided when less injuries occur. Similarly, the reduced risk can prevent your company from having to pay for worker’s compensation settlements or lawsuits. Increased risk of injury can result in higher employee turnover, significantly impeding business growth. The added safety provided by vacuum lifters improves your bottom line while protecting your workers.
Productivity
Needing to rig, balance, monitor and detach loads during sheet handling can be time-consuming. Even the most efficient person can not come close to the short operation time of vacuum lifters. Traditional sheet handling also requires multiple operators while a vacuum lifting system only requires one. The time saved during lifts and the reduced labor costs can be greatly beneficial to your bottom line.
Vacuum Sheet Handling Systems
Regardless of the type of lifting system your business needs, Permadur Industries is here to help. Our staff can work with you to determine the best solution for your particular needs and will help educate and train your staff on the differences in the application and use of our equipment correctly, effectively, and safely.
Permadur’s team of engineers can design and install our systems based on the specific needs of your company’s unique application. This process ensures that the product you purchase is designed specifically for your needs and you understand all the characteristics of our lifting equipment before you ever “flip the switch” and that our equipment is properly integrated into your work environment.
We are a proud American manufacturer of below-the-hook lifting equipment. We offer vacuum lifting systems as well as lifting magnets in bipolar, tripolar and five polar orientations enabling us to tailor the design of the magnet system to your specific lifting needs. We are also here to support your needs year after year with maintenance after installation support. Contact us for more information.