Lifting aids are indispensable wherever cases, boxes or metal sheets need to be moved, stacked or deposited ergonomically. They ensure ergonomics in logistics and material flow and make it easier to stack parcels, wooden boards, workpieces and products. They can be found in the automotive industry as well as in drugstore warehouses. Schmalz advises users in which cases a Jumbo-Flex is preferable to a Jumbo-Ergo and whether the Vacu-Master should be ordered with or without a swivel device. Beforehand, however, the vacuum experts will discuss which crane ideally complements the lifting aid.

Modular and flexible design

The range is just as diverse as the application scenarios: Suspension and gantry crane systems enable large working areas and can carry up to 1,200 kilograms. Jib cranes can be attached to existing hall pillars or the wall to save space. If this is not structurally possible, they are anchored to the floor with a crane column and base plate and ensure ergonomic handling for loads of up to 1,000 kilograms. Special solutions make it possible to work around interfering contours or to use vacuum tube lifters in low spaces. The common denominator: they all have a modular design, can be flexibly integrated and offer additional reach. The aluminum version is particularly smooth-running. The effort required to approach and move them is reduced by 60 percent compared to a steel alternative.

Configuration from the modular aluminum profile system

"We achieve this thanks to the very favorable ratio of dead weight to load capacity and with the help of special smooth-running castors," explains Michael Schlaich. He has been responsible for handling business development since October 2018. The switch from steel to aluminum came around 15 years ago: Instead of buying in steel cranes, Schmalz developed a modular system for crane systems based on aluminum profiles. This is specially tailored to the optional combination with vacuum tube lifters from the Jumbo family, vacuum lifting devices from the Vacu-Master series and chain hoists. Based on five different extruded aluminium profiles with a hollow chamber, the consultants work with the user to configure a crane system that is optimized in terms of weight, load capacity and costs. Additional components are available for the design of individual crane solutions, such as jacks for adapting to low room heights or service stations for the simple replacement of transport hangers.

Taking measurements is also part of the service, as are practical tests on sample cranes on site at Schmalz. "Our modular system has many advantages. One is that we can implement the right solution for every task in a short space of time," explains Schlaich. Thanks to the modular design, Schmalz can be on site quickly with spare parts and replace individual components or expand the system. All systems are tested by independent strength calculations of all load-bearing components and are therefore safe.

Customized and user-friendly all round

The column-mounted slewing jib crane is most frequently requested. It is universal and does not necessarily require a wall or ceiling. The variant with crane column and mobile base plate can be implemented with a forklift truck if the customer changes the hall layout. In most cases, the maximum load capacity of a crane is not decisive; what counts in combination with the tube lifter are the dynamics, ease of movement and user-friendliness as well as the benefits for the user's health. The jib can be up to six meters long and can be slewed through 270 degrees.

With the aluminum flat boom, Schmalz launched a variant on the market in 2018 that allows the use of vacuum tube lifters even in lower spaces. The new V-Chain energy supply system, which packs the hose package of the vacuum supply into a drag chain, saves additional space. This makes the area under the boom passable. If hall pillars or machines are in the way or work areas are difficult to reach, the knuckle boom or telescopic boom can be used. Both special cranes are now available as a modular system for individual configurations and flexible handling solutions.

Rail systems for multiple workstations

If higher loads need to be carried or a larger working area needs to be covered, Schmalz designs gantry or suspension cranes. Impressive are those systems that span several square meters. Such a rail system covers several workstations, for example in shipping, assembly lines or baggage handling at airports.

An optional electric travel drive for suspension crane systems supports the user when moving and positioning loads of up to 800 kilograms. Soft start and stop make starting and stopping quiet and reduce vibrations. Schmalz also configures crane systems that users can combine with customer-specific lifting solutions such as belts.

There are links to the topic of digitalization, for example, in the slewing angle limiter with process monitoring. "Of course, the crane is also involved in digitalization. But so far it has been more of an extra. The various vacuum handling systems are bringing about a paradigm shift," explains Schlaich.

The article appeared in materialfluss 6/22.