At the trade air EUROBLECH 2006 in Hanover, the vacuum specialist J. Schmalz GmbH in D-72293 Glatten will present the new vacuum lifting device VacuMaster Eco to the technical public.

 This new self-powered device completes the range of upgraded vacuum lifting devices VacuMaster Basic and Comfort. In principle, all of three variants possess the same technical features, which meet the demands of users and customers for permanently available performance, reduced power consumption, maximum operating safety, higher efficiency and low investment and operating costs. The strictly modular design of the devices permits the easy and fast construction of individual and compact complete systems with the desired performance.

The further development of the VacuMaster Eco profited from the experience gained in the construction of the VacuMaster versions Basic and Comfort. These two variants are widely used in many branches (metal, wood, plastics, stone, glass) to permit users to lift/lower and handle loads of all types more easily. They also take into account all relevant aspects such as ergonomical operation, safety and efficiency.

A VacuMaster vacuum lifting device can be assembled from a wide range of basic modules, operator handles, main and cross-beams of various lengths and many different standard and special suction pads. In the Basic and Comfort models, the vacuum is generated by an integrated pump. In the Eco version, the electrically powered vacuum generator is omitted, since the device is self-powered. Furthermore, the extruded aluminium section used for the main beam acts, in the Eco version, only as a vacuum distributor and not as a vacuum reservoir.

The self-powered vacuum lifting device VacuMaster Eco uses the power of the lifting tackle to generate the vacuum. When the crane or chain hoist starts to lift the VacuMaster, the necessary vacuum, depending on the weight of the load, is generated automatically.

 To do this, the VacuMaster Eco is simply lowered onto the intended load until the chains hang loosely. In this position, an internal valve activates the vacuum-generation process. As the device is lifted, the vacuum is generated in a matter of seconds, securely gripping the load ready for transport. To release the load, the lifting tackle is lowered until the chains again hand loosely. The vacuum lifting device now releases the load and is ready for the next lifting cycle. Neither electricity or compressed air is needed for this; the laws of physics and a workpiece with a smooth, airtight surface are all you need.

The new VacuMaster Eco is available foe maximum loads of 250, 500 and 750 kg. The use of lightweight but strong connecting elements made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic materials make adjustment of the cross-beam and the suction pads easy.

The device is operated, just like the VacuMaster Basic, with the aid of an ergonomically designed operator handle equipped as standard with a holder for the chain-hoist controls. Safe operation is ensured by an electronic warning device with integrated battery-test function and by an easily visible, integrated manometer for visual monitoring of the vacuum. For loads weighing up to 1,000 kg, the previous version of the device with a steel beam is available, equipped with the new operator handle.

With the VacuMaster Eco, Schmalz offers an extremely economical and reliable device for the handling steel sheets of all sizes and shapes and provides a three-year warranty if the device is used in single-shift operations. All members of the VacuMaster range can be equipped with completely upgraded supporting feet as an option. These feet prevent damage to the sealing lips of the suction pads when the lifting device is parked and thus ensure a longer operating lifetime. This is particularly advantageous for the VacuMaster Eco, which is often used in different locations within the production process and parked when it is not in use.