<>euroTECH PR-Abteilung
Monika Schuster
Monika Schuster
euroTECH realizes handling solutions at the limits of vacuum technology
<>Wir heben das!
Many suppliers in the vacuum technology sector have mastered the handling of smooth and flat glass panes. The situation is different when glass segments are large, heavy and their surfaces are extremely structured. In this case, there are not many companies that can offer safe and reliable vacuum handling solutions. This is because it requires a great deal of vacuum technology, handling and industry expertise. Where others tend to rely on mechanical applications, the glass finisher Sedak opted for an innovative suction cup solution from the vacuum handling specialist euroTECH: it takes on glass components measuring 14 by 3 meters, 10 millimetres thick and weighing 3 tons, which will in future adorn the new company headquarters of a trendy American electronics manufacturer as style-defining sun protection elements.
The company was extremely proud to be awarded the contract from the USA to produce 1,800 canopy glasses ready for installation for the prestigious company headquarters of a well-known computer, cell phone and consumer electronics group. Sedak GmbH [&] Co KG, based in Gersthofen near Augsburg, is one of the world's leading glass finishers. The company manufactures high-quality glass products and all-glass constructions for sophisticated glass building architecture, including glass staircases, glass bridges and completely glass structures that do not require conventional supporting structures. Sedak has plenty of experience in finishing and handling large and heavy glass segments. However, this order placed very special demands on the engineers tasked with carrying out the project. This is because the weight and dimensions of the façade elements ordered are beyond the usual standards. For reasons of stability and installation, metal cassettes are cast over the entire glass surface with a plastic adhesive, which forms a dimpled structure that is quite unfavorable for vacuum technology applications. As the new company headquarters will be a circular building, the glass also has a slightly curved shape in the longitudinal direction.
All in all, not a routine job. Using vacuum technology alone to move large panes of glass from their horizontal assembly position to a vertical position would not have presented Sedak with any problems. But how to lift such a structured and extremely heavy giant pane with conventional suction cups, turn it, place it on edge and finally transport it into an overseas container without causing damage? "Vacuum handling technology is always our first choice. In this case, however, we didn't just think of a suction solution, but rather of a classic mechanical lifting beam," admits Andreas Wenninger, Head of Application Technology at Sedak.
It was a good thing that euroTECH heard about the handling task at hand. The company, based in Rosenfeld near Balingen, offers integrated handling and transport solutions in the field of vacuum technology and has been supplying Sedak with vacuum cups, protective covers and other vacuum technology equipment for many years. Because euroTECH wanted to demonstrate its solution expertise, Sedak was asked to provide test material. The specialist for innovative vacuum systems tested different suction cup materials, experimented with the suction cup arrangement, tested and carried out a whole series of internal trials. "It soon became clear: we can lift this! With our comprehensive technology and handling expertise, we were able to convince Sedak that we could develop and manufacture a reliable, safe and easy-to-use vacuum lifting device for this very special glass product," emphasizes Gerhard Bossert, project manager and product manager at euroTECH.
The euroTECH vacuum lifting device now in use at Sedak consists of a 9 x 2.8 meter base frame in lightweight steel construction, which can be extended on both sides to a total length of 12.6 meters. 30 special euroTECH suction pads are distributed on cross beams and are responsible for safely and reliably suctioning and lifting the component. The maximum vertical load capacity per suction plate is 2,300 N at a vacuum of 60%. The powerful vacuum handling solution from euroTECH transports the façade elements from the horizontal assembly position to a vertical transport position. The swivel device specially developed for this load and application tilts the handling device by up to 105 degrees with the help of valves and two hydraulic cylinders. An electric pump with phase monitoring generates the necessary vacuum, 3 suction circuits control the vacuum supply. If the device is in suction mode and part of the suction circuit proves to be inoperable, a warning lamp lights up and a signal sounds. In the event of a power failure, the non-return valves on the reservoirs maintain the vacuum for at least 5 minutes. Sufficient time to safely lower the glass segment. The control cabinet with device and tank monitoring is integrated into the base frame. The appliance meets all the requirements of DIN EN 13155 for internal use. "The spring-loaded and articulated suction cups are crucial for the safety and reliable operation of the vacuum lifter. A sealing ring made of soft special chloroprene ultimately creates the practically airtight connection to the component," emphasizes Andreas Wenninger.
The ergonomically designed radio remote control can be used to switch the vacuum pump or the suction function on and off (2-button operation) and to trigger the swivel function and the emergency stop command. The vacuum supply also has an economy function: if the system reaches a relative pressure of -780 mbar, the pump switches off automatically. If the relative pressure falls below -650 mbar, the pump starts up again. If the radio remote control should ever fail, the system can continue to be operated via a control bulb with a plug-in cable.
Once the order has been completed, the lifting device for special cases can be easily and flexibly adapted by euroTECH to new large glass or façade handling tasks. "We relied completely on euroTECH's expertise for this project and ended up with a reliable, safe and cost-effective handling device that meets all requirements," summarizes Andreas Wenninger. Certainly a solid basis that will continue to be the foundation for productive cooperation between the two companies in the future.
Characters incl. spaces: 6,612, two images, reprint free
Pictures: Sedak GmbH [&] Co KG
Many suppliers in the vacuum technology sector have mastered the handling of smooth and flat glass panes. The situation is different when glass segments are large, heavy and their surfaces are extremely structured. In this case, there are not many companies that can offer safe and reliable vacuum handling solutions. This is because it requires a great deal of vacuum technology, handling and industry expertise. Where others tend to rely on mechanical applications, the glass finisher Sedak opted for an innovative suction cup solution from the vacuum handling specialist euroTECH: it takes on glass components measuring 14 by 3 meters, 10 millimetres thick and weighing 3 tons, which will in future adorn the new company headquarters of a trendy American electronics manufacturer as style-defining sun protection elements.
The company was extremely proud to be awarded the contract from the USA to produce 1,800 canopy glasses ready for installation for the prestigious company headquarters of a well-known computer, cell phone and consumer electronics group. Sedak GmbH [&] Co KG, based in Gersthofen near Augsburg, is one of the world's leading glass finishers. The company manufactures high-quality glass products and all-glass constructions for sophisticated glass building architecture, including glass staircases, glass bridges and completely glass structures that do not require conventional supporting structures. Sedak has plenty of experience in finishing and handling large and heavy glass segments. However, this order placed very special demands on the engineers tasked with carrying out the project. This is because the weight and dimensions of the façade elements ordered are beyond the usual standards. For reasons of stability and installation, metal cassettes are cast over the entire glass surface with a plastic adhesive, which forms a dimpled structure that is quite unfavorable for vacuum technology applications. As the new company headquarters will be a circular building, the glass also has a slightly curved shape in the longitudinal direction.
All in all, not a routine job. Using vacuum technology alone to move large panes of glass from their horizontal assembly position to a vertical position would not have presented Sedak with any problems. But how to lift such a structured and extremely heavy giant pane with conventional suction cups, turn it, place it on edge and finally transport it into an overseas container without causing damage? "Vacuum handling technology is always our first choice. In this case, however, we didn't just think of a suction solution, but rather of a classic mechanical lifting beam," admits Andreas Wenninger, Head of Application Technology at Sedak.
It was a good thing that euroTECH heard about the handling task at hand. The company, based in Rosenfeld near Balingen, offers integrated handling and transport solutions in the field of vacuum technology and has been supplying Sedak with vacuum cups, protective covers and other vacuum technology equipment for many years. Because euroTECH wanted to demonstrate its solution expertise, Sedak was asked to provide test material. The specialist for innovative vacuum systems tested different suction cup materials, experimented with the suction cup arrangement, tested and carried out a whole series of internal trials. "It soon became clear: we can lift this! With our comprehensive technology and handling expertise, we were able to convince Sedak that we could develop and manufacture a reliable, safe and easy-to-use vacuum lifting device for this very special glass product," emphasizes Gerhard Bossert, project manager and product manager at euroTECH.
The euroTECH vacuum lifting device now in use at Sedak consists of a 9 x 2.8 meter base frame in lightweight steel construction, which can be extended on both sides to a total length of 12.6 meters. 30 special euroTECH suction pads are distributed on cross beams and are responsible for safely and reliably suctioning and lifting the component. The maximum vertical load capacity per suction plate is 2,300 N at a vacuum of 60%. The powerful vacuum handling solution from euroTECH transports the façade elements from the horizontal assembly position to a vertical transport position. The swivel device specially developed for this load and application tilts the handling device by up to 105 degrees with the help of valves and two hydraulic cylinders. An electric pump with phase monitoring generates the necessary vacuum, 3 suction circuits control the vacuum supply. If the device is in suction mode and part of the suction circuit proves to be inoperable, a warning lamp lights up and a signal sounds. In the event of a power failure, the non-return valves on the reservoirs maintain the vacuum for at least 5 minutes. Sufficient time to safely lower the glass segment. The control cabinet with device and tank monitoring is integrated into the base frame. The appliance meets all the requirements of DIN EN 13155 for internal use. "The spring-loaded and articulated suction cups are crucial for the safety and reliable operation of the vacuum lifter. A sealing ring made of soft special chloroprene ultimately creates the practically airtight connection to the component," emphasizes Andreas Wenninger.
The ergonomically designed radio remote control can be used to switch the vacuum pump or the suction function on and off (2-button operation) and to trigger the swivel function and the emergency stop command. The vacuum supply also has an economy function: if the system reaches a relative pressure of -780 mbar, the pump switches off automatically. If the relative pressure falls below -650 mbar, the pump starts up again. If the radio remote control should ever fail, the system can continue to be operated via a control bulb with a plug-in cable.
Once the order has been completed, the lifting device for special cases can be easily and flexibly adapted by euroTECH to new large glass or façade handling tasks. "We relied completely on euroTECH's expertise for this project and ended up with a reliable, safe and cost-effective handling device that meets all requirements," summarizes Andreas Wenninger. Certainly a solid basis that will continue to be the foundation for productive cooperation between the two companies in the future.
Characters incl. spaces: 6,612, two images, reprint free
Pictures: Sedak GmbH [&] Co KG
Many suppliers in the vacuum technology sector have mastered the handling of smooth and flat glass panes. The situation is different when glass segments are large, heavy and their surfaces are extremely structured. In this case, there are not many companies that can offer safe and reliable vacuum handling solutions. This is because it requires a great deal of vacuum technology, handling and industry expertise. Where others tend to rely on mechanical applications, the glass finisher Sedak opted for an innovative suction cup solution from the vacuum handling specialist euroTECH: it takes on glass components measuring 14 by 3 meters, 10 millimetres thick and weighing 3 tons, which will in future adorn the new company headquarters of a trendy American electronics manufacturer as style-defining sun protection elements.
The company was extremely proud to be awarded the contract from the USA to produce 1,800 canopy glasses ready for installation for the prestigious company headquarters of a well-known computer, cell phone and consumer electronics group. Sedak GmbH [&] Co KG, based in Gersthofen near Augsburg, is one of the world's leading glass finishers. The company manufactures high-quality glass products and all-glass constructions for sophisticated glass building architecture, including glass staircases, glass bridges and completely glass structures that do not require conventional supporting structures. Sedak has plenty of experience in finishing and handling large and heavy glass segments. However, this order placed very special demands on the engineers tasked with carrying out the project. This is because the weight and dimensions of the façade elements ordered are beyond the usual standards. For reasons of stability and installation, metal cassettes are cast over the entire glass surface with a plastic adhesive, which forms a dimpled structure that is quite unfavorable for vacuum technology applications. As the new company headquarters will be a circular building, the glass also has a slightly curved shape in the longitudinal direction.