Project overview  A UK customer needed one vacuum lifting system to handle four large sheet formats and tilt each load through 90 degrees. SSlifter developed an adjustable suction-frame configuration with controllable vacuum zones, UK-compatible electrical options, and CE and UKCA identification for shipment and use in the United Kingdom.

Shandong Seven Sword Machinery Equipment Co Ltd

Customer Requirements

The customer wanted a single lifting device that could be reconfigured for different sheet dimensions without changing the complete machine. The system also needed controlled tilting, clear acceptance testing, and conformity markings suitable for the UK market.

Engineering Challenge

The largest sheet is 1.6 times longer and more than twice the area of the smallest sheet. A fixed suction layout would either leave cups outside the smaller workpiece or concentrate support too narrowly on the larger sheet. The design therefore had to change its effective length and vacuum-cup spacing while maintaining balanced support during lifting and tilting.

Adjustable Suction Frame Solution

The solution uses an extendable main beam with movable cross beams and multiple suction-cup positions. Operators can move the cross beams to match the sheet geometry and isolate unused vacuum cups through dedicated valves. This allows the same machine to cover the four required formats while keeping the active suction points within the sheet boundary.

Customer-approved suction layouts for 2500 x 1250 mm  3000 x 1500 mm and 4000 x 1500 mm sheets

Functional Design

• Telescopic beam adjustment supports both shorter and longer sheets.
• Movable cross beams position the suction cups for stable load distribution.
• Individual valves allow unused suction circuits to be switched off for smaller sheets.
• Powered 90 degree tilting changes the sheet from horizontal to vertical orientation for handling and installation.
• The acceptance plan includes lifting tests for all four sheet sizes and a video showing the reconfiguration process.

UK Electrical Configuration

The electrical system was specified for UK site conditions. The customer identified two acceptable supply options: single phase 220 to 240 V or three phase 400 to 420 V. The final voltage is confirmed before production so the motor, protection devices, controls, plug and wiring match the intended site supply.

Compliance and Identification

The customer specifically required both CE and UKCA identification. The finished equipment carries the required markings on the machine body. Compliance documents, operating instructions and machine identification should remain matched to the final serialised configuration supplied to the customer.

CE and UKCA identification visible on the packed equipment

Production and Export Packing

After assembly, the adjustable frame components were protected individually with bubble wrap and arranged in an export wooden case. Separating and cushioning the long beams, cross members and machine body reduces movement and surface damage during international transport.

Adjustable frame components protected inside the export wooden case

Project Result

The project produced one configurable 800 kg vacuum lifting solution for four sheet sizes, with powered 90 degree tilting, adjustable suction geometry, isolating valves, UK-compatible electrical options, and CE and UKCA identification. The design reduces the need for separate lifting frames and gives the customer a practical method to change between sheet formats.

SSlifter  Shandong Seven Sword Machinery Equipment Co Ltd

Website  www.sslifter.com    Email  sslifter@sina.com    WhatsApp  +86 15552530066