Do you always have to wonder why your vacuum lifter is not working as you expect it either? There are so many reasons that could be causing its poor performance, and one of these could be the vacuum lifting pad.
The vacuum pad known as the suction cup, and it comprises the rubber part which is placed on the surface of the object to be moved. Certain factors can cause poor performance of the vacuum pad, and they include exposure to harsh environmental conditions, chemical contamination, and damage to the sealing edges of the vacuum pads. Maintaining a good state of the suction pad can be a daunting task, but it’s usually all about common sense in most cases.
Manufacturers of these suction pads usually ensure that the vacuum lifting pads are safe, reliable, and durable. However, they cannot continue to provide this after the products have left the factory. It lies with the final user to ensure that they properly maintain the suction pads so that they can stand the test of time. That is why it is important to learn how to take care of the vacuum lifting pads so that its life can be extended and the chances of fatigue and injuries are significantly reduced. Efficiency, safety, and speed should also be increased.
Sealing Edge Damage
Vacuum lifting pads are usually subjected to damage by abrasions and cuts, especially on the sealing edges. This is usually caused by sharp objects, contaminants, and rough surfaces. It is important to pay attention whenever you are playing the surfaces you are placing the vacuum pads on. That way, you will be able to prevent damages that may occur to the pad.
Another important thing is to ensure that you remove any debris like dust, metal shavings, and glass chips. These can compromise the edges and even damage the surface of the load. The vacuum pads should always be laid facing downwards, whenever it is not in use. They should always be kept in their case, and they should be clean at all times.
Another effective way to prevent damage to the sealing edge is to ensure that air flows into the system are natural whenever you release the load.
Chemical Contamination
Different compounds are usually used to design vacuum cups, which is to confer them with certain advantages. Different natural and synthetic rubber compounds are now employed in the material handling of items that usually come in contact with coatings, oils, or other chemicals.
It is important to choose an ideal pad if you want to reduce load damage and improve handling. Vacuum lifting pads, when exposed to certain chemicals, can get damaged. This may be due to chemical interactions between the components of the vacuum system and the chemicals it comes in contact with. These interactions can cause the vacuum pads to wear, which can ultimately lead to failure and severe damage. It will interest you to know that almost all the chemicals can damage the vacuum lifting pads. However, the substances that actually cause the damage are usually applied during cleaning or when trying to restore the rubber. That is why it is important to ensure that the vacuum pads are only cleaned with mild cleansers or soapy water alone. Petrol, petroleum-based solvents, paraffin, or diesel fuel should never be used to clean the vacuum pads. Another solvent that should be avoided is chlorinated solvents like mastic cleaner and white spirits.
Environmental Exposure
The environment also has a role to play in the maintenance of vacuum lifting pads. High degrees of cold, ozone, ultraviolet rays and heat are present in the environment, and with time, these environmental conditions can affect the vacuum lifting pads, thereby causing them to glaze, leach chemicals, or harden, and this can reduce their ability to lift items or attach to items firmly. Any vacuum lifting pad that appears to have glazed or chemically leached or lifting pads that are hard should be replaced without hesitation.
Inspection and Maintenance
One of the most effective ways to ensure that your vacuum suction pads function well all the time is by carrying out regular inspection and testing before you use the vacuum lifter. Always inspect the vacuum lifting pad to check for glaze, dust, oils, stiffness, or other contaminants that can reduce its performance. Vacuum pads that show signs of exhibiting these problems should be replaced immediately and without hesitation. You can also first clean them to be sure. The need to inspect your vacuum lifting pad before any operation cannot be overemphasized. You don’t want the pads to fail during any lifting operation.
Have you ever experienced a vacuum lifting pad failure that left you wondering what could have been the issue? The fact is that even though these devices are designed to improve safety, they can fail, and when that happens, it could be detrimental to you and the item you are lifting. We have outlined the significant factors that could cause these pads to fail and avoid these failures from occurring. The most important thing of all is maintaining the vacuum lifting pads well, and you can do this by performing regular inspections before you use the vacuum lifting pads.
