2t BZ Jib Crane Equipped with Vacuum Suction Cup

This case study examines how a 2t BZ pillar‑mounted jib crane, fitted with a CD hoist and a vacuum suction cup, transformed material handling in a mid‑size glass‑panel manufacturing facility. After our communication with the customer, we finally determined the lifting height of 2.35, lifting speed of 8m/min lifting program, which helps the factory to safely lift 1.2m * 2.4m glass panels.

Industry Profile And Customer Background

The customer is a glass‑panel fabricator supplying architectural and automotive glazing. Their workshop cuts, temperizes, and drills glass panels up to 12mm thick. Handling these panels safely and quickly is essential to meet delivery schedules and maintain quality. Previously, operators used trolleys and manual lifts. This method caused frequent panel damage and operator strain. Forklifts could not reach certain workstations, leading to workflow interruptions and safety risks.

Customer Needs And Challenges

In the process of communicating with our clients we learned that they have the following main needs:

• The workshop's ceiling height limited lifting systems to a maximum 2.5m hook height. The customer required a solution with at least 2.35m of vertical travel to clear workstation benches without interfering with overhead lighting or ventilation ducts.
• Glass panels arrive and depart at a rate of 150 units per shift. Manual repositioning took 4min per panel, limiting capacity to 40 panels daily. The plant needed a method to cut handling time by at least 50% to meet growing orders.
• According to the customer, they often use manual labor to move glass panels, which not only risks scratches, but also leads to excessive fatigue and physical injuries due to long hours and multiple bending. Therefore, the customer hoped that the new solution would take into account the health of the workers.
• Since the customer's production could not be stopped, the customer wanted us to provide a solution that could be put into operation quickly. In addition, due to the limited space in the old factory, the customer wanted us to provide a solution that would take up as little space as possible.

Selection Criteria For The 2t BZ Jib Crane

1. Rated Capacity And Duty Classification

The crane's safe working load (SWL) of 2t met the requirement to lift two 120kg panels simultaneously. Its ISO 4301‑1 duty class M4 rating, suitable for 125000 cycles per year, matched the plant's high throughput needs.

2. Lifting And Running Speeds

An 8m/min lifting speed ensured vertical travel occurred within production takt times. A 20m/min slewing speed enabled rapid transfer between loading, tempering, and unloading stations, cutting repositioning time to under 20s per move.

3. CD Hoist And Vacuum Suction Cup Integration

The CD electric hoist provides reliable, variable‑speed lifting. The vacuum cup attachment uses four 300mm diameter pads, each rated at 500kg at 600mbar differential. An onboard vacuum pump maintains the grip, with an emergency reservoir holding vacuum for 5min in case of power loss.

Product Features And Technical Specifications

1. Pillar‑Mounted Jib Crane Structure

The BZ model features a 180° slewing radius on a 300mm diameter column. The 4m jib arm covers a 5m diameter work zone. Foundation work was limited to one day's installation of chemical anchors on the existing slab.

2. Vacuum Suction Cup System

The vacuum lifter uses a dry‑running pump to reach –600mbar. A vacuum switch and audible alarm warn before vacuum drops below 80% of setpoint. The emergency reservoir holds vacuum for 5min, allowing safe panel placement in case of pump failure.

3. CD Electric Wire Rope Hoist

The CD hoist includes dual‑speed gears, IP54 protection, and limit switches. It offers smooth acceleration and deceleration, reducing shock loads on the crane structure. It requires only 10A at 400V three‑phase supply, minimizing electrical upgrade costs.

4. Control And Safety Devices

A pendant control with dead‑man switch ensures operator presence. Overload protection stops lifting if load exceeds 2t SWL. Slewing brakes engage at end stops. Rubber bumper guards protect the column base from collisions.

Operator Training And Documentation

Our engineers conducted crane training covering safe crane operation, vacuum system inspection and routine maintenance. Each operator received an operating manual and maintenance checklist.