Schmalz: Suction Plates SUF – Strong Alternative for the VacuMaster Modular System
September 2, 2021
Lighter, more powerful and more intelligent. The suction plate SUF has been demonstrating its capabilities in automation for more than two years. Now users of the vacuum lifting device VacuMaster also benefit from the properties of the blue suction pad for universal use.
The vacuum lifting device VacuMaster from J. Schmalz GmbH facilitates the handling of loads weighing up to 2,000 kilograms. Five different versions – VacuMaster Basic and Comfort, VacuMaster Vario, VacuMaster Light and VacuMaster Eco – can be combined with a large selection of suction pads from the modular system and provide an ergonomic handling solution for almost any application. A new addition is the round suction plate SUF as an alternative to the SPU suction plate for universal use. It is up to 42 percent lighter thanks to the use of glass-fibre reinforced plastic for the connecting disc. By optimising the design of the suction plate structure, it was possible to increase the effective suction area. Depending on the plate size, this increases the suction power by up to 33 percent for vertical lifting tasks and by up to 24 percent for horizontal lifting tasks. This effect is further enhanced by the innovative spider web structure of the inner friction surface.
When worn, the sealing ring of the suction plate can be quickly detached from the connection disc and replaced without tools. Spare parts can be easily determined via smartphone or tablet: If the user holds their NFC-enabled device close to the NFC interface in the form of the small logo on the surface of the suction plate, they are redirected to the Schmalz website or the Schmalz ControlRoom app. Here, they can directly access information on article numbers and spare parts, take a look at the operating instructions, the installation video or the instructions for changing wear parts. The declaration of conformity and the contact details for the Schmalz service team are also stored directly.
The blue SUF is available in diameters of 125, 160 and 210 millimetres and is made of ozone-resistant nitrile rubber (NBR-60). Combined with the vacuum lifting device VacuMaster, the suction plate holds smooth, thin workpieces such as sheet metal or plastic sheets from 0.5 millimetres thick – even with an oily surface or in a dirty environment. Schmalz chain hoists as well as smooth-running aluminium crane systems complete the ergonomic vacuum handling solution.
