In the long term, the economical production, commissioning and distribution of goods can today be achieved only with a sophisticated mixture of automation and manual work. The responsible persons in industry have quickly recognised that it is not enough to simply purchase a new, super-fast machine tool if this machine stands idle for several minutes each time the workpiece is changed. For this reason, the peripheral equipment such as handling devices or material-flow equipment is now a very important rationalisation aid in achieving more working efficiency.

Automation starts with the handling

A very good example of such equipment are the vacuum-powered handling devices such as the vacuum tube lifter JUMBO or the VACUMASTER vacuum lifting devices manufactured by the vacuum specialist J. Schmalz GmbH. When the first series of these devices was introduced several years ago, practically oriented users quickly saw the rationalisation potential they offered: vacuum handling systems can not only be used to lift and move raw materials and semi-finished products much more easily, but also increase the motivation of the persons who carry out these tasks, resulting in fewer absences from work due to illness. Quite simply, the vacuum tube lifters of the JUMBO series and the vacuum lifting devices of the VACUMASTER series ensured that the persons who have to lift, move and position loads of all kinds no longer need to bend down. With the aid of the suction pads and the lifting tube (on the vacuum tube lifter JUMBO) or the lifting tackle (cranes and hoists from which the vacuum lifting device VACUMASTER are suspended), even heavy and unwieldy objects can be lifted and moved easily and safely.
 

The new formula for productivity

Today, the resulting formula "vacuum handling + ergonomical design + ease of use + flexibility + safety + less manual work for the users + less damage to the materials = better motivation and more quality for far higher efficiency" is, if anything, even more true, particularly since Schmalz continually tests the ergonomic design, ease of use and performance of the devices and upgrades them with various useful innovations. These include the ability to lift heavier loads, the ergonomical design of the operator handle and grips, the integration of vacuum switches and monitoring devices for extremely safe operation under all conditions and the very simple control of the vacuum with the aid of a valve on the operator handle. The latter, for example, permits the very precise lifting and lowering of the load with a vacuum tube lifter JUMBO and thus improves the process safety.

Standard components for low-cost solutions

The list of components for the optimal and ergonomical configuration of a vacuum system is as long as the list of possible applications. For the vacuum tube lifter JUMBO, with its variants JUMBOERGO, JUMBOSPRINT and JUMBOHANDY, there are far more than 1000 standard variants which can be built from the standard modular system. The same applies to the vacuum lifting devices of the VACUMASTER series, whose latest generation includes the versions BASIC and COMFORT, again permitting rationalisation at the lowest possible price. For optimal ergonomical handling of loads, the user can select one of the many different lengths of operator handle. In the version COMFORT, the integrated chain-hoist controls and the two-hand operation are a major improvement in the already high standards for ease of use and safety. The systems thus fully comply with the regulations for occupational health and safety, factors which have a major effect on the motivation and performance of the people using them.

Not difficult to calculate

The profitability and the amortisation for the investment in vacuum handling systems can be calculated quickly if the subject is considered practically and holistically. Fast, precise and safe loading of a machine allows the machine to be used productively for a greater proportion of each shift. Safe and careful handling of the materials avoids damage and the resulting necessary reworking or complaints.

Ergonomical handling of heavy and unwieldy loads improves the motivation and efficiency of the users. Do you need even more arguments in favour of load handling with vacuum handling devices?