The vacuum lifting devices of the VacuMaster series, manufactured by J. Schmalz GmbH in 72293 Glatten, are today used widely in all areas where loads have to be handled. They are capable of lifting loads of up to 2,000 kg and can be suspended from virtually any crane, permitting extremely flexible use.

The benefits of load handling with a VacuMaster are becoming increasingly apparent in applications where loads of less than 100 kg need to be handled, where most loads are still lifted and moved manually. There are various handling and transport aids available for such tasks, but these are often too expensive and companies therefore hesitate to make the necessary investments.

For this reason, the vacuum specialists at J. Schmalz GmbH extended, about three years ago, their range of vacuum lifting devices by adding the model VacuMaster Light for loads of up to 100 kg. This model is characterised by its compact design, low weight and easy installation. It needs only a supply of compressed air for operation and handles loads only in the horizontal position.
The VacuMaster Light is available in tow versions, with one or four suction pads. On the version with four suction pads, the pads are mounted flexibly and can be adjusted easily to the desired positions for the handling of small, square parts with dimensions of at least 250 x 250 mm and long, narrow parts with the dimensions 190 x 710 mm or larger. The suction pads can be positioned quickly and easily without the need for tools. Typical applications for this small VacuMaster are the loading of machine tools, assembly operations and the use for special purposes such as in companies which employ disabled persons. The VacuMaster Light is ideal for the safe handling workpieces with airtight or slightly porous surfaces, such as barrels, profiles and furniture components without physical effort on the part of the users. The ergonomical operation is further improved by a holder for the chain-hoist controls, which is available as an accessory, and this results in good acceptance by the operating personnel.

For low-cost system solutions, Schmalz now also offers a new chain hoist, the model 00 G 0,7-12 m/min, which is designed for loads of up to 100 kg and a lifting range of six metres. Due to the intrinsic weight of the VacuMaster Light (13 or 15 kg, depending on whether it has one or four suction pads), the maximum permissible workpiece weight is 87 or 85 kg, respectively, which is more than sufficient for most applications. Users who need to transport loads of up to 100 kg can resort to a chain hoist with a maximum load of 125 kg, which is also available as a standard device.

This cost-saving handling solution with the electric chain hoist 100 G 0,7-12 m/min and the vacuum lifting device VacuMaster Light permits partial automation and more ergonomical operations in sectors where such loads were, until now, handled primarily by labourers. With its low overall height of only 300 mm, its low weight of only 10 kg, the precise control of slow and fast lifting at rates between 0.7 and 12 m/min and the fact that it only needs a power supply of 230 V from a normal outlet socket, the electric chain hoist can be used almost anywhere. It makes work easier and helps to improve productivity.