On July 1, Aerolift launched the EU-series. A new concept to fill a gap in the current lifting market. We asked Robert Lemm, CEO of Aerolift, some questions about the concept. In the interview below, Robert talks about the idea behind this new concept and much more.
“Currently we see a gap in the vacuum lifting market for products with a capacity between 1,000 kg and twenty tons. A part of the market where people expect a solution to be available but find none. They search on the internet for vacuum lifters and come across all kinds of lifters. But the standard solutions are too light and too fragile for the heavier industry. And a custom-made lifting solution is not worth the investment for every company. A vacuum lifter would make things easier. But if they only lift a product now and then, they are not looking for a customised solution. And all standard solutions go up to only 1,000 kg. We came up with an affordable lifting solution for relatively simple applications. Think of demoulding precast concrete and lifting metal sheets.”
“We designed a modular vacuum lifter, the EU-series. With the EU-series we provide a wide range of solutions within a certain standard configuration. This allows Aerolift to deliver more quality in a shorter time and at a lower price.”
“We have designed a vacuum lifter composed of several modules. A lifter consists of at least a vacuum unit and a suction pad. Additionally, we have a beam, crossbeam, and several options. Each module consists of a few options to choose from. The composition of the modules depends on the application. First, we look at the required lifting capacity and choose a vacuum unit. Then the dimensions of the products which need lifting. With more than one suction pad, we add a beam. And a crossbeam depending on the shape.”
“It is quite a challenge to choose the right configurations. We have spent a lot of time thinking about the most efficient configurable solution. And of course, we used our more than sixty years of experience in the vacuum lifting market. What has sold a lot in the past? Which questions have been asked many times, but bounced back due to price and delivery time? With this experience and knowledge, the configurations were established. As a result, many different possible vacuum lifters within a standard configuration.”
“Aerolift still makes solutions, only this time it is built from standard modules. Choosing the right configuration is always done in consultation with an Aerolift sales representative or agent. The representatives and agents received training for this purpose. Of course, many customers know what they want, but it is not always the best. With more than 60 years of experience, we have seen many different customers, products, and situations, which allows us to provide additional advice on aspects that the customer may not have thought of. This is the added value that Aerolift provides in combination with the machine. We do not deliver just a machine, but we offer the most efficient and safe solution. We look at how to optimise the process beyond the machine. Our goal: a safe and efficient process, with all its benefits.”
“No, our core business remains custom-made lifting solutions. The modular vacuum lifter is meant to satisfy a wish we see in the lifting market. However, also a hybrid solution is possible. A combination between configurable and customised. Think of a configurable vacuum lifter with customised suction pads. The majority of what Aerolift makes will continue to be customised as this is the only and best way to solve all issues most efficient and safe.”
“The gap in the market is between one ton up to twenty tons. And the EU-series is just meant for the smallest products up to six tons. The gap up to twenty tons will be covered with the ES-series. Another modular vacuum lifter is currently in development. We expect the official launch to happen this autumn.”
Read more about the modular vacuum lifter.
