Existing Steel Plate Handling Process at the Customer Site
The customer is required to transport steel plates and bundled packs throughout its operations, from loading and unloading vehicles through to storage and internal relocation.
During handling, up to three steel packs must be moved at once, with a combined load of up to 7.5 tonnes. The packs vary in size, typically measuring between 2 m and 4 m in length, 1 m to 1.6 m in width, and 0.7 m to 1 m in height.
A key challenge is that the steel plates have sharp edges and no designated lifting points, making them unsuitable for handling with conventional slings or standard lifting equipment.
Bespoke Lifting Clamp Solution for Steel Plates and Packs
To accommodate the varying load dimensions and requirements, Carl Stahl developed and manufactured a bespoke steel plate lifting clamp in accordance with BS EN 13155. The system is adjustable in both length and width and has a maximum load capacity of 8 tonnes.
A key feature of the solution is an integrated electric chain hoist from HADEF, with a load capacity of 1 tonne. This is operated via the crane hook block and is used to open and close the clamp, allowing for controlled and efficient handling.
With decades of experience in the design and manufacture of bespoke lifting attachments, Carl Stahl delivers high-quality solutions tailored to demanding industrial applications. Production takes place across four facilities in Germany, covering a combined area of approximately 1,250 square metres. Consistently high quality is ensured through certified processes and skilled personnel.
For more straightforward applications, the Carl Stahl truss configurator also provides a practical solution for standard lifting beams.
FAQ: Handling steel plates and packages
Are there alternatives to a Bespoke solutions for handling steel plates and packages?
Steel plates can also be handled as follows:
- With sling chains, sling ropes, textile slings. However, due to the sharp edges on the load, it is important to ensure that the slings are equipped with edge protection solutions such as edge protectors or special protective sleeves or coatings. The disadvantage of these lifting devices is that they always harbour a certain safety risk and have to be laboriously attached and removed by hand.
- With Lifting magnets (only for individual steel plates up to a certain thickness)
- With vacuum technology. Expensive to purchase, compressed air line must be available (only for individual steel plates up to a certain thickness).
- With sheet metal clamps (only for individual steel plates up to a certain thickness)
For which target groups is this special gripper solution interesting?
- Steel traders
- Wood traders
- Customers with requirements for special load handling attachments