WOLIFT Vacuum Tube Lifter for CNC Wooden Board Loading and Unloading
In wood product factories, loading and unloading boards around CNC machining centers is a frequent and physically demanding task. Large wood-based panels are heavy, difficult to position accurately, and easy to damage during manual handling. WOLIFT provided a 100 kg pneumatic vacuum tube lifter with a column-mounted jib crane to help the customer replace short-distance forklift handling and improve board transfer efficiency around the CNC workstation.
The challenge: board handling around CNC machining centers
The customer is a wood products factory using CNC machining centers for board processing. Before the WOLIFT system was installed, boards were moved by forklift for short-distance transfer, then manually assisted during loading and unloading. This workflow created several problems. Forklifts occupied workshop aisles and interrupted production flow, while manual handling increased the risk of surface scratches, edge impact, board breakage and operator injury. Large boards also required careful alignment on the CNC machining station, making repeated manual positioning slow and tiring.The solution: vacuum tube lifter with column-mounted jib crane
WOLIFT supplied a customized vacuum tube lifter for boards and cement products mounted on a column-mounted jib crane. The system was configured according to the customer's workshop layout, board stacking positions and CNC machining station requirements. The jib crane has an overall height of 3700 mm and a 4000 mm aluminum-alloy arm. With 270° rotation, it covers the two main board stacking areas near the CNC workstation, reducing the need for forklift short-haul movement inside the workshop. The aluminum arm keeps operation light and smooth. Compared with a heavier steel arm, it is easier for the operator to swing and position during repeated loading and unloading cycles.
Adjustable four-cup frame for different board sizes
The 100 kg pneumatic vacuum tube lifter uses a stable frame-type structure with four independently adjustable suction cups. The suction cup positions can be changed to match different board dimensions and weights. For larger processed panels, the operator can adjust the cup spacing to create balanced force distribution and stable pickup. For smaller cut-to-size pieces, manual removal can still be used when it is more practical, so the system supports mixed board sizes without changing the whole equipment setup.The 270° jib crane coverage and adjustable four-cup lifter helped replace repeated forklift movement around the CNC workstation.
Simple control, hovering and safer handling
The lifter is designed for straightforward daily use. Lifting, lowering and releasing the board are controlled with simple one-button actions, so ordinary workers can learn the process after brief training. The no-load and load-holding hovering functions allow the operator to stop and hold the board at any height. This is useful when positioning a panel over the CNC machining center, because the operator can fine-tune the board position before placement instead of relying on direct manual lifting. The equipment also includes a pressure-holding safety function. If an abnormal condition or air supply interruption occurs, the vacuum does not disappear instantly. The board descends slowly and steadily, helping protect the operator, the board surface and the machining area.The result: smoother board transfer and less manual lifting
After implementation, the customer's CNC board loading and unloading process became more organized. The jib crane covered the nearby board stacks and machining station, reducing forklift dispatching and back-and-forth travel inside the workshop. The vacuum lifting method also reduced the physical effort required from workers and lowered the risk of board damage caused by manual handling errors. For the customer, the system improved loading efficiency, workshop flow and daily operating safety around the CNC machining center.RFQ questions for a similar board handling solution
After seeing this CNC board handling case, wood product factories usually ask these practical questions before selecting a similar system.
Can this replace forklift movement around our CNC machine?
For short-distance transfer between nearby board stacks and the CNC workstation, a properly positioned jib crane can reduce forklift movement and keep the working area more organized.
Will the suction cups work with different board sizes?
The frame-type lifter can use adjustable suction cups, so the cup spacing can be changed for different board dimensions. WOLIFT still checks the maximum and minimum board sizes before confirming the design.
Can one operator position boards accurately on the CNC table?
For suitable board size and weight, one operator can lift, hover and fine-tune the board position before placement. The hovering function is useful when alignment over the CNC table needs more control.
What happens if the air supply is interrupted?
The lifter can include pressure-holding safety so the board does not lose vacuum instantly. This helps protect the operator, the board surface and the CNC workstation.
Discuss a similar handling requirement
Share the workpiece data and site conditions for an initial engineering review.