Permadur Vacuum Lifting Systems
Versatility beyond steel
Permadur Vacuum Lifting Systems are designed to safely lift and move ferrous and non-ferrous materials where magnets, hooks, or clamps are not practical. These systems use an electric-powered air pump to create vacuum suction, providing controlled and reliable lifting for a wide range of industrial applications.
Vacuum lifting is ideal for handling glass, aluminum, stainless steel, composites, sheet goods, plastics, wood, and thin ferrous steel plate — delivering strong holding force while protecting finished surfaces. Custom suction pad arrangements ensure even load distribution and secure gripping across different load sizes and shapes.
Permadur Vacuum Lifting Systems reduce operator strain, improve workplace safety, and increase productivity by enabling smooth, controlled material handling.
Standard & Custom Vacuum Lifting Solutions
Permadur offers both standard vacuum lifting units and custom-engineered systems to meet specific application requirements. Standard units are designed for common lifting needs, while custom systems can be engineered to match your exact operational demands.
Standard Units
Off-the-shelf vacuum lifting systems designed for common material handling applicationsCustom-Engineered Systems
Purpose-built vacuum lifting solutions tailored to your specific requirementsCustom systems can be engineered based on:
Whether you need an off-the-shelf solution or a fully customized system, Permadur can deliver a vacuum lifting solution tailored to your operation.
Key Benefits
- Handles ferrous and non-ferrous materials
- Ideal for thin steel where magnets are not suitable
- Electric-powered air pump provides consistent vacuum suction
- Prevents scratches, dents, and surface damage
- Reduces operator fatigue and manual handling
- Standard and custom configurations available
Typical Use Cases
Permadur Vacuum Lifting Systems are widely used across industries that require safe, surface-friendly material handling, including:
- Glass manufacturing and glazing operations
- Aerospace and defense manufacturing
- Composite and panel fabrication
- Non-ferrous and thin steel material handling
- Sheet handling in fabrication and processing facilities
Why Vacuum Lifting?
Traditional lifting methods can be slow, labor-intensive, and risky — often requiring multiple operators and increasing the chance of surface damage or injury. Permadur Vacuum Lifting Systems provide a safer, more efficient alternative by securely gripping materials without mechanical contact.
Vacuum lifting is an ideal solution when:
- Material is non-ferrous
- Steel is ferrous but too thin for magnetic lifting
- Surface protection is critical
Find the Right Vacuum Lifting Solution
Request a quote or reach out to our sales team to discuss your application and find the right vacuum lifting solution for your operation.
Product Description
Overview
Permadur Vacuum Lifting Systems provide safe, efficient handling of non-ferrous and delicate materials. Designed for glass, steel, aluminum, composites, sheet goods, they feature custom pad arrangements to suit unique requirements. Powered by electric, air, or battery, these systems reduce operator strain while preventing surface damage.
Key Benefits
- Handles glass, aluminum, composites, and thick steel plate
- Prevents surface damage; reduces operator strain
- Available in electric, air, or battery-powered models
- Custom pad arrangements for unique load shapes
- Permadur Vacuum Lifting Systems also utilizes plate up-enders so operators can safely grip flat materials and rotate them between horizontal and vertical positions, reducing manual effort and increasing safety.
Models
Custom design based on application.
Use Cases
Perfect for glass plants, composite manufacturers, and non-ferrous material handling applications.
Many facilities store plate and sheet material in an upright position to conserve floor space. Plate up-enders enable vacuum lifting systems to safely transfer material from vertical storage to horizontal tables or processing equipment, ensuring controlled handling, reduced risk, and improved operational efficiency.
Media
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Problem / Cause / solution / benefit
Problem
Many fabrication shops, industrial worksites, and manufacturing facilities struggle when handling heavy steel plates, metal sheets, stone slabs, glass panels, or other large, flat materials. Manual lifting, slings, chains, or clamps tend to be slow, labor-intensive, risky, and often demand more than one worker. These methods increase the chance of injury, material damage (scratches, dents, chips), and workplace downtime — especially when handling large or awkward loads.
Cause
Because traditional rigging relies on manual labor or mechanical clamps and hooks, every lift requires careful placement, secure fastening, multiple hands, and often extensive setup time. Surface-contact methods can damage smooth or flat materials; adjustments or readjustments are often needed; and repetitive lifting puts strain on workers, raising risks of musculoskeletal injury while limiting throughput and turnaround.
Solution
Permadur’s Vacuum Lifting Systems use suction-based lifting technology — creating a vacuum seal between suction pads (or suction beams) and the workpiece. A vacuum pump (or other vacuum generator) removes air between the suction pads and the material, generating a firm, secure grip that holds the load, even through vertical lifts or moves. Because the system grips without clamps or hooks, a single operator can safely lift, rotate, or reposition heavy loads — without slings, chains, or excessive rigging — minimizing material contact and eliminating the need for redundant labor or cumbersome mechanical rigging.
Benefit
Using Permadur Vacuum Lifting Systems transforms material-handling operations: lifting becomes faster, smoother, and far less labor-intensive. Workpieces are less likely to get damaged (no scratches or dents), and even heavy or large items can be handled by one operator — freeing up manpower. Worker safety increases because risk of injury from manual lifting or awkward rigging is dramatically reduced, and repetitive-lifting strain is eliminated. Productivity rises as lifts, moves, and placements happen quicker and with greater precision — reducing downtime, minimizing rework or scrap, and lowering overall handling costs.