right number of cups

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Selecting the Right Number of Cups for a Vacuum Lifter

for metal sheet and plate and similar fairly rigid materials

Vacuum Lifters are designed in a modular fashion. Standard components are selected to match your application. Given the vast selection and inventory that we offer, this means a lifter to match almost any application can be quickly built. Lifters are designed so that each pad bears an equal load weight.

Lifters are designed with a 2-inch deflection factor when determining the number of pads and required beam length. Based on our 30+ years experience in thousands of vacuum lifter applications, we have found that a 2-inch deflection offers an extra measure of lifting safety by reducing the curvature under the pads while at the same time making it easier to position the lifter on the load. In practice, it is difficult for operators to center a lifter using more than 2" deflection. More information is explained on the bottom of this page.

Small Single Pad Vacuum Lifter

4ft. x 4ft. Max Recommended

Large Single Pad Vacuum Lifter

5ft. x 6ft. Max Recommended

A maximum of approximately 4' square is recommended for small single pad lifters and 5' x 6' for large single pad lifters. It is difficult to center the vacuum lifter consistently on larger loads. Note: Make sure the operator is completely clear of the load. An operator's feet, hands, etc. should be well clear of the load being handled.

Identify the size of the material to be lifted

Determine the minimum and maximum dimensions and maximum weight of the load. The minimum and maximum thickness are also critical.

Determine the amount of allowable load overhang

Overhang (L) and spacing between pads (2L) are based on the minimum thickness of material. Click here for acceptable Steel Plate Overhang or Aluminum Plate Overhang or Glass Plate Overhang. The thinnest material to be lifted has the greatest deflection and should always be considered when determining the allowable overhang.

Determine the number of pads Lengthwise

Referring to the appropriate table, determine the minimum number of pads required for the maximum load length, rounding up to the next highest number. For example, if the maximum length is 120 inches and the recommended spacing between pads is 60 inches, use a lifter with a minimum of two cups (120/60=2). Determine the minimum number of lifting pads required for the maximum load length by dividing the maximum load length by 2L and rounding up to the next highest number.

Determine the number of pad rows

Determine the minimum number of lifting pads required for the maximum load width by dividing the maximum load width by the 2L number from the table and rounding up to the next highest number. For example, a load width of 72 inches with a recommended spacing between pads of 60 inches (72/60=1.2: rounded up to 2) requires a minimum of two pads along the width of the load.

Determine the beam length

The beam length is calculated by subtracting 2L from the maximum load length, then adding 6 inches to it. For example, with a maximum load length of 120 inches with a 2L of 60 inches, the minimum beam length would be 66 inches (120-60+6). If this is not a standard length, select the next longest standard beam length.

Determine the Required Length of Crossarms

Subtract 2L from the maximum load width and add 6 inches. If this is not a standard length, select the next longest standard crossarm length.

Selecting Vacuum Lifting Pad Size and Style

Consider the following points when selecting the proper vacuum pads:

The maximum weight to be lifted

The number of pads (calculated as explained above)

The lifting surface and porosity of the load

Follow these guidelines for selecting vacuum pads:

Use the fewest number of pads necessary
Use pads with the largest possible diameter
The load width should never exceed five times the lifting pad width or diameter when handling a load with a single row of pads
Pad capacities must be derated by 50% when used for vertical handling or upending (tilting) applications
Select the proper material for the vacuum pad.

Notes Regarding Deflection (Bending):

Brittle materials such as glass should be held nearly flat.
For other materials such as wood, particleboard, etc., deflection can be estimated by direct measure.

NOTE: Although multiple rows may not be required when using the above guidelines, they should be considered if load tipping is a concern. When choosing the number of crossarm members on a vacuum lifter designed for up-ending (tilting), an even number of crossarms must be specified to prevent interference with the up-ending yoke.