The new euroTECH vacuum lifting device integrated in a cantilever rack system consigns half-format boards using four pick-up and set-down stations in a linear configuration. The efficiently and space-saving accommodated stacker sorts board formats with dimensions measuring up to 2800 mm x 2070 mm and weight of up to 200 kg. This versatile handling solution can also be extended by additional stations according to requirements.

At one of Europe’s largest producers of timber materials for the furniture and building industries, the innovative euroTECH vacuum lifting device semi or fully automatically sorts half-format products such as chipboard and lightweight structural boards with varying dimensions. The stacker was integrated into the existing bearing and racking system to customer specifications and thus required no additional supporting structure. The consignment system runs on suspension rails and serves four pick-up/set-down stations extending over a length of 12 metres.

The electrically operated scissor-lift mounted on the guide carriage lowers the installed light-alloy suction cup frame at the pick-up point. The variably positionable flat suction cups set down on the stack of boards and a powerful side channel blower with change-over valve provides the necessary vacuum. Four additionally installed bellows suction cups guarantee effective board singling. The vacuum lifting beam lifts up the securely held board, which is then carried along the suspension rail to the desired set-down station. A toothed drive belt, geared motor with integrated DC brake and incremental position encoder ensure the required accuracy. During set-down, an integrated measuring system checks that the board is precisely set down and cannot slide off. To protect the sensitive components, a separate suction cup set is activated to lift up the occasionally soiled protector boards. The vacuum lifting device developed for the timber and furniture industry can be operated manually or fully automatically and can also be used in other types of business. If necessary, the system can be extended by additional loading and removal stations along the horizontal axis. This efficient handling solution is suitable for a large variety of singling, sorting and consignment tasks and can be linked up both with warehouse logistics and production systems.

The euroTECH provides handling and transport solutions in the area of vacuum technology. The company develops customer-specific vacuum systems and components for automated handling tasks. The euroTECH modular construction system enables flexible adjustment of the components to the corresponding customer requirements and fast and cost-saving exchange of replacement parts.