vacuum lifters

for marble, stone, granite, metal sheets and ceramic slabs

View our vacuum lifters

;

vacuum lifters

for marble, stone, granite, metal sheets and ceramic slabs

View our vacuum lifters

;

VACUUM LIFTERS
LIFTING SUCTION PADS
VACUUM LIFTING SYSTEMS

A safe, reliable and versatile material lifting and handling solution

Vacuum lifters are professional material handling systems designed to lift, move and position loads using one or more suction pads.

Vacuum lifting systems make it possible to handle heavy, large or delicate materials while reducing manual handling and improving control during lifting operations.

DAL FORNO designs and manufactures vacuum lifters for marble, granite, natural stone, sheet metal and other industrial materials, with different configurations according to load capacity, dimensions, surface characteristics, required movements and working environment.

Our range includes single-pad and multi-pad vacuum lifters, electric and compressed-air systems, manual or pneumatic tilting solutions, as well as dedicated suction pads for specific materials and surface conditions.

Vacuum lifting works by creating negative pressure between the suction pad and the load surface, generating the holding force required to grip and handle suitable materials.

This technology allows for secure gripping and manipulation of objects, especially those that are solid and non-porous, such as stone, marble, granite, metal sheets and ceramic slabs.

We don’t just supply suction cups. We design integrated, custom vacuum lifting solutions that optimize workflow efficiency, safeguard operators, and adapt to your specific material handling challenges.

"lifting the world"?

VIEW OUR VACUUM LIFTERS

Advantages of suction pads vacuum lifters

• Safety: suction pads allow for a safe and reliable grip on objects, even on wet or rough surfaces.
• Versatility: vacuum lifters can be used to lift objects of different shapes and sizes.
• Ease of use: vacuum lifters are easy to use and do not require any special equipment.
• Ease of maintenance: suction pads are easy to clean and maintain.

Vacuum lifters are available in different shapes and sizes, and different number of suction pads, in different configuration, to adapt to a wide range of objects to be lifted.
In addition to being safe and reliable, vacuum lifters are also very versatile. They can be used to lift, quickly and easily, objects of different weights and sizes: small, fragile objects or heavy, bulky objects. Furthermore, they are easy to clean and maintain, making them an ideal solution for industrial applications.

download suction pads catalogue

video playlist:
some vacuum lifters in our range

FEATURES of OUR SUCTION PADS
and VACUUM LIFTERS

Lifting capacities up to 3.000 kg | 6.600 lb:
our suction pads are designed to lift heavy objects, up to 3,000 kg. This makes them ideal for a wide range of industrial applications, such as handling stone, marble and granite slabs, metal sheets, ceramic slabs.
Made with light alloy materials, which makes them lightweight and easy to handle, while maintaining high strength. This makes them easy to use even for unskilled operators.
Equipped with specially designed suction pads and gaskets, selected according to the material and surface characteristics. Dedicated configurations are available for suitable smooth, rough, flamed and bush-hammered surfaces.
Furthermore, the material mix and the color shade of our gaskets are designed not to stain even the most delicate items.
This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including the roughest and the most delicate ones.
Can be tilted from 0° to 90°, both manually or pneumatically. This allows you to lift and place materials with the utmost flexibility and precision.
Designed and manufactured in accordance with the applicable machinery safety requirements and relevant technical standards.

DAL FORNO vacuum lifters are available in different configurations to meet the requirements of specific materials, loads and handling operations.

Vacuum generation
Vacuum can be generated by an electric pump or by a Venturi system powered by compressed air. The most appropriate solution depends on the application, available utilities and operating environment.
Single-pad and multi-pad configurations
Different suction pad arrangements are available according to the dimensions, geometry, weight and characteristics of the load.
Dedicated suction pads and gaskets
The performance of a vacuum lifting system depends strongly on the interface between the suction pad and the material. Pad geometry and gasket characteristics are therefore selected according to the surface and application.
Vacuum monitoring and reserve
Depending on the model and configuration, systems can incorporate vacuum reservoirs, gauges, vacuum switches and visual or acoustic warning devices to allow operating conditions to be monitored during lifting.
Modular and customizable configurations
Vacuum lifters can be configured according to the load, working area and production process, and integrated with jib cranes, hoists and overhead lifting systems.

VACUUM FEEDING OPTIONS
of PADS AND LIFTERS

Our suction pads and lifters can be powered by a vacuum from either an electric pump or by means of a compressed air vacuum generator (Venturi pipe).
The choice of the most suitable feeding option depends on the specific needs of the application.

The unit usually consists of: electric vacuum pump + connecting pipe + vacuum suction pad.
The vacuum pump is to be placed nearby the working place.

For special applications can be supplied pumps with single-phase, DC electric motors (to be installed on fork lift and hydraulic crane), internal combustion ones.

In the compressed air operating unit, the vacuum generator is assembled directly on the suction pad. The unit consist of: suction pad complete with compressed air-vacuum generator + connecting pipe.

Advantages and disadvantages
of the different vacuum feeding options

Electric vacuum pump
• Advantages: high vacuum generation power, low energy consumption, low noise, reduced maintenance.
• Disadvantages: requires an electrical power source, can be bulky and heavy, higher purchase and repair costs.

Compressed air vacuum generator
• Advantages: compact and lightweight, easy to install, does not require an electrical power source, lower purchase cost.
• Disadvantages: high compressed air consumption, high noise, more frequent maintenance than the electric vacuum pump,

Which vacuum feeding option
to choose?

The choice of the most suitable vacuum feeding option depends on several factors, such as:
• Type of application: for applications that require a high and constant vacuum, it is recommended to use an electric vacuum pump. For applications that require a lower vacuum or that involve the use of an existing air compressor, it is possible to use a compressed air vacuum generator.
• Work environment: if the work environment is noisy or dusty, it is recommended to use an electric vacuum pump. Compressed air vacuum generators are more sensitive to dust and moisture.
• Availability of electrical power: if an electrical power source is not available, it is necessary to use a compressed air vacuum generator.

Some examples of the use of suction pads

Lifting and handling of:

stone, marble and granite slabs

sheet metal

ceramic slabs

glass and mirrors

VACUUM LIFTERS
SELECTION CRITERIA

One of the conditions necessary to assure the proper functionality of the vacuum lifters for their agreed use, is the correct selection of the model of the lifting suction pad: single pad (plate), double-pad, multi-pad, special flexible pad, with manual or pneumatic tilting.

The main parameters to be carefully observed for the selection are:

Capacity: the maximum weight to be lifted should be considered and increased for flexible materials, load inclination with respect to the horizontal plane, dynamical inertia, etc.
Dimensions and shape: plane, concave or convex, regular o irregular element.
Nature of the load: compact material, rigid or flexible, polished or raw surface, etc.
Type of lifting system used: jib crane, bridge crane, self-driving carrier, etc.

Other factors to consider:

Type of dynamic load: if the load is dynamic (e.g., a part moving quickly on a production line), it is necessary to use a suction pad with a higher capacity and better seal.
Time of handling : if the vacuum must be maintained for a long period of time, it is necessary to use a suction pad with a larger contact surface, a better seal, a larger pre-vacuum tank.
Need to move small pieces or larger cuts: for small pieces or larger cuts, it is advisable to use specific vacuum lifters.
Curved materials: for concave or convex surfaces it is necessary to use a vacuum lifter with flexible pads (OMNIA)
Shape of the workpieces to be lifted and positioned: if the workpieces have a complex shape, it is advisable to use a vacuum lifter with multiple suction pads and contact points.
Fragility of the materials involved: if the materials are fragile, it is advisable to use a suction pad with a soft contact surface.

Engineering Experience Behind Every Vacuum Lifter

DAL FORNO has been working with professional lifting and material handling systems for nearly 60 years, developing extensive experience particularly within the Carrara marble and natural stone industry.

This experience has shown us that selecting a vacuum lifter is not simply a matter of lifting capacity.

The material, surface characteristics, dimensions and geometry of the load, centre of gravity, required movements, frequency of use and working environment all contribute to determining the most appropriate solution.

For this reason, DAL FORNO does not approach vacuum lifting as an isolated product: our technical and engineering team can analyse the complete handling process and configure the vacuum lifter together with the suction pads, jib crane or overhead lifting system, hoist and working area.

The same engineering experience developed over decades in the stone industry is now applied to sheet metal and other industrial material handling applications, where loads, surfaces and production processes present different technical challenges.