Loading sheet metal onto a laser cutting bed demands precision and repetition. Operators lift sheets from storage, carry them to the machine, align them on the bed, and repeat the cycle dozens of times per shift. Manual loading of 300 kg sheets is physically unsustainable and creates quality problems when operators fatigue and positioning drifts. An ergonomic jib crane vacuum lifter removes the lifting burden while adding controlled positioning accuracy that manual handling cannot match.
Herochu builds jib crane vacuum lifters configured specifically for laser cutting machine loading. The jib crane mounts to a floor-anchored column, sweeps the boom across the work area, and lowers sheets directly onto the cutting bed with minimal operator effort.
The Jib Crane Configuration
A jib crane provides a fixed pivot point with a horizontal boom that rotates through the work envelope. The column stands 3600 mm tall with a 3600 mm boom, giving the vacuum lifter access to both the sheet storage area and the laser cutting bed within a single sweep.
The 220° rotation angle covers the majority of workshop layouts without requiring a full 360° base. For operations needing broader coverage, floor rail mounted configurations extend the travel range along the rail axis.
Ergonomic Advantages
The Herochu jib crane vacuum lifter requires minimal operator force to move a sheet through three-dimensional space. The vacuum system handles the vertical lifting, the jib crane handles the horizontal travel, and the operator guides the sheet into position with light directional input. The sheet stops at any point in its travel path and holds position without constant operator support.
This design eliminates the bending, reaching, and twisting motions that cause lower back injuries in sheet handling operations. Operators work standing upright, controlling the sheet through a handle rather than gripping the material directly.
Precision for Laser Cutting Beds
Laser cutting machines require sheets positioned within tight tolerances on the bed. Misalignment wastes material and requires repositioning cycles that cut into productive cutting time. Herochu equips its jib crane vacuum lifters with servo-driven actuators and a computer-controlled positioning system that achieves repeatable positioning accuracy within ±2 mm.
The servo system automates the loading sequence: the vacuum cups descend, grip the sheet, lift, traverse to the cutting bed, lower, and release. The operator monitors the cycle rather than performing each motion manually.
Sheet Separation for Stacked Material
Sheets delivered from suppliers arrive in stacks with oil between layers to prevent corrosion. When an operator picks the top sheet, the oil film often causes the second sheet to lift as well. A double-sheet pickup on a laser cutting bed interrupts production and can damage the machine.
The Herochu sheet separation function applies mechanical force to break the oil film bond before the vacuum cups fully lift the sheet. This ensures single-sheet pickups on every cycle, keeping the laser cutting machine fed without interruptions.
Technical Parameters
The HC-RP series covers two standard configurations:
| Parameter | HC-RP3015-300 | HC-RP4020-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet Dimensions | 3000 × 1500 mm | 4000 × 2000 mm |
| Max. Load Capacity | 300 kg | 500 kg |
| Rotation Angle | 220° | — |
| Lifting Stroke | 700 mm | — |
| Column Height | 3600 mm | — |
| Boom Length | 3600 mm | — |
| Vacuum Cups | 8 groups | — |
| Cup Diameter | 200 mm | — |
| Applicable Materials | Carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum | — |
Safety Systems
The jib crane vacuum lifter includes emergency air cut-off protection that maintains vacuum during power loss. The automatic braking system locks the boom and vertical mechanism in position if the operator releases the controls during a lift. These features prevent uncontrolled sheet descent and boom swing.
Integration with Laser Cutting Workflows
Modern laser cutting machines operate at cutting speeds that outpace manual loading. A 6 kW fiber laser can complete a cutting cycle on a standard sheet in minutes, but manual loading and positioning of the next sheet takes longer than the cut itself. This mismatch creates idle time where the laser sits waiting for material.
The Herochu jib crane vacuum lifter closes this gap. The servo-driven loading cycle moves a sheet from storage to cutting bed in a controlled sequence that matches the laser’s cycle time. The operator initiates the loading cycle as the laser approaches completion, and the next sheet is positioned on the bed before the previous cut parts are removed.
For multi-machine workshops, the floor rail mounted configuration lets a single jib crane serve two or three laser cutting machines along a rail. The crane travels between machines on the rail, loading each in sequence. This configuration reduces equipment investment compared to dedicating one lifter per machine.
