Vacuum handling systems for order picking and more

12.03.2009

Vacuum tube lifters have already received a fair amount of press for the benefits they provide in handling diverse materials and workpieces. But just using the medium “vacuum” is not enough, as there remain substantial differences between different manufacturers and their vacuum solutions. This can be seen most clearly, for example, in the use of standardised vacuum components, the design of the suction pad system, the energy efficiency of the vacuum generation process and in other aspects, such as maintenance and safety. The manufacturer should always perform a comprehensive examination of the client’s material flow, handling or logistics application, eliminating all but the most ideal and efficient solutions. It is for this reason that J. Schmalz GmbH from 72293 Glatten in the Black Forest, specialist in vacuum handling technology, offers such a wide range of vacuum tube lifters of different power and load classes, vacuum generators, vacuum suction pads, operating accessories and crane solutions and uses these products to develop ideal vacuum handling systems for its clients.

The vacuum tube lifter JumboFlex

The vacuum tube lifter JumboFlex, which made its debut in 2008, can be used with maximum loads of either 20 or 35 kg. Depending on the maximum load of the device, the vacuum lifting tube has a diameter of either 80 or 100 mm and a lift speed of between 50 and 60 m/min. The total height is either approx. 2,500 mm or 2,850 mm and the lifting height is either 1,500 mm or 1,800 mm. This allows the vacuum tube lifter JumboFlex to be used in spaces with low clearance heights (approx. 3,000 mm). Here, it can be applied to diverse turning, palletising/depalletising and order picking tasks. The JumboFlex can be attached to a wall- or column-mounted slewing crane or to a small crane system, making it highly flexible and easy to use in any working area. This unit is designed and equipped for single-hand operation, allowing for easy and precise lifting, handling, sliding, turning and lowering of all goods to be transported. The vacuum needed for operation of the tube lifter can be generated using either an electrical pump or a pneumatic multi-stage ejector. An integrated one-finger controller is used to control the up and down movements of the lifting tube and release the transport materials from the suction pad system. Schmalz offers a whole range of different suction pads for use with the vacuum tube lifter JumboFlex. These include, for example, individual suction pads for sealed cardboard boxes, plates, flat products, furniture bodies, housing units, rolls and other materials. Sack suction pads can be used for plastic sacks with a total weight of up to 25 kg. For clamped, glued, strapped or open cardboard boxes, the tried and tested Schmalz double suction pads will do the trick. In this system, the two suction pads are mounted to a crossbeam.

The vacuum tube lifter JumboSprint with single suction pad

If you need a system capable of precise, sensitive handling of heavy and unwieldy workpieces of up to 300 kg, even under harsh working conditions, then the combination of the vacuum tube lifter JumboSprint and its matching suctions pads is the ideal solution. Using the rotating operating lever, the operator can grip the unit with both hands, enabling sensitive and precise control of the entire lifting unit. The integrated vacuum valve in the controller makes it possible for the operator to control the vacuum using single-hand operation (increased vacuum = lift; decreased vacuum = lower). This allows for lifting speeds of up to 70 m/min. The JumboSprint can be combined with different types of suction pads to suit the workpiece to be handled. For example, the round suction pad is ideal for handling barrels or buckets while the sack suction pad is best suited to the sensitive handling of paper or plastic sacks. Normally, direct-drive vacuum blowers are used for these lifting tube applications.

Recently, Schmalz introduced its new wireless remote control system. Using this innovative accessory, the operator can switch the vacuum blower on and off more quickly, making blower operation even more energy-efficient. In addition, a membrane keypad is integrated into the controllers of the vacuum tube lifters Jumbo. This keypad can be operated safely and easily - even with gloves. The distance between the vacuum tube lifter and the blower used as the vacuum generator can measure up to 30 metres, making the wireless remote control ideal for use with vacuum tube lifters operating over larger working areas or used in conjunction with crane systems.

The compact vacuum tube lifter JumboErgo with the multiple gripper Compact

If you are looking for a safe, precise and dependable method of transporting and palletising/depalletising cardboard boxes and other unstable goods and packages of up to 40 kg, then the vacuum tube lifter JumboErgo and its matching suctions pads are the solution for you. The vacuum tube lifter JumboErgo has a compact operating unit with an integrated twist grip (right) for sensitive regulation of the vacuum grip and accurate control while lifting and lowering the vacuum tube. The twist grip also allows for ergonomic hand movement when stacking loads at low heights or at heights of up to 2 metres. In addition, the operating unit allows the operator to maintain the necessary safe distance when handling the workpieces. The flexible multiple gripper Compact is ideal, especially when handling weak cardboard boxes and packages. One standard suction pad module is 350 x 280 x 190 mm (L x W x H) and weighs only 6 kg. Depending on the type and consistency of the product to be handled, you may need to use a different type or number of suction pads. For this reason, all standard suction pads are individually mounted on plungers with an internal spring system. With a plunger stroke of up to 50 mm, the multiple gripper Compact adjusts to provide a flexible fit for any transport material, even if it shows signs of warping or slight deformation. On the other hand, by applying the suction process over large areas, this system also prevents deformation in unstable packages and products, leading to improved handling and process safety in the material flow. In addition, the powerful blowers produced by Schmalz can quickly generate continuous suction capacity so that goods in porous cardboard boxes or outer packaging can be handled and transported safely.

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Questions regarding public relations:
J. Schmalz GmbH Marketing Communications Aacher Strasse 29 D-72293 Glatten	Tel.: +49 (0)7443 2403-506 Fax: +49 (0)7443 2403-9506 presse@schmalz.de

Questions regarding usage:
J. Schmalz GmbH Customer Centre Aacher Strasse 29 D-72293 Glatten	Tel.: +49 (0)7443 2403-105 Fax: +49 (0)7443 2403-9105 kundencenter@schmalz.de

Further information:

© Schmalz 2012