Mombarg Beton, a leading precast concrete supplier in the Netherlands, optimized its production process with two Aerolift vacuum tilters for demoulding, lifting, tilting, and moving of precast concrete elements. The tilters can operate independently or in tandem, allowing to handle a wide range of concrete elements with different dimensions and weights.
The challenge
Mombarg Beton wanted to improve the handling process between production, finishing, and storage. Previously, lifting anchors and slings were used for demoulding and lifting. Embeds had to be fixed manually into the concrete element. When the concrete had sufficient inherent strength, the hoist was attached, and the product demoulded. After demoulding, additional equipment was needed to turn the elements.
Additionally, the new solution had to accommodate different product sizes and weights, while working with the limited lifting capacity and electrical supply of the existing overhead cranes.
The solution
Aerolift supplied two 180-degree vacuum tilters, each with a lifting capacity of 6 tons. For smaller loads, the tilters can operate independently.
To handle larger elements weighing up to 12 tons, the machines can be connected in tandem. To ensure that the tilters operate in sync, a frame is used to facilitate their coordinated movement. We designed three separate frames for three different lengths instead of an adjustable frame to keep them light enough for one person to handle manually.
The tilters are also equipped with a quick-change system for different suction pads. When a suction pad is attached, the vacuum hose connects automatically, reducing changeover work and the risk of incorrect connections.
To work within the available power supply of the existing overhead cranes, frequency converters limit peak electrical currents.
The vacuum tilters will be stored at a set position in the factory. For maintenance purposes, a stationary platform with stairs is fixed to the floor between the machines.
The result
According to Mombarg Beton, the vacuum tilters have significantly reduced the production cycle time. Demoulding is faster, with almost no damage to the concrete elements or moulds. The reduced finishing work also allows the company to operate with one fewer FTE in this part of the production process.
Would you like to handle concrete elements in your factory faster, safer, and more efficiently? Feel free to contact us to discuss the advantages of using vacuum technology in your specific situation.
Specifications
- The Netherlands
- 2022
- 6 tons (12 tons in tandem)
- 180°
Project at a glance
- Faster demoulding and shorter cycle times
- Minimal damage to product and moulds
- Flexible handling of different product sizes
- Reduced manual work during finishing
- Compatible with existing overhead cranes
T-series vacuum tilters
Aerolift T-series vacuum tilters are modular vacuum lifters with a tilting function.
Comparative projects
-
- Concrete
- Customer stories
Vacuum tilters – the solution for Mombarg Beton
Since we started using Aerolift vacuum tilters, the cycle time has greatly reduced. Demoulding is much faster and gentler because the force is distributed over the entire suction pad. As a result, there is...
-
- Concrete
Vacuum lifting of precast concrete piles
For Centrum Pile in the United Kingdom, we supplied three identical 16-ton vacuum lifters for handling precast concrete piles at an outdoor storage yard. The machines lift and transport square concrete piles ranging from 3 to 16 metres in length, covering the yard's full range of pile dimensions.
-
- Customer stories
- Metal
Battery-powered vacuum lifter – the perfect solution for shipyard Royal IHC
If there’s one industry where large and heavy steel plates are used extensively, it’s shipbuilding. The Dutch shipyard Royal IHC in Kinderdijk chose to use an Aerolift vacuum lifter for handling. Bert de Kwant, Technical Services Manager at Royal IHC, explains why.
-
- Customer stories
- Wind energy
Aerolift develops a unique lifting solution for a unique factory
For the production of monopile foundations for the offshore wind industry, Sif chose a factory with unique processes and machines. For the development and production of special lifting solutions, ...
-
- Customer stories
- Metal
Stigterstaal has been satisfied for decades with Aerolift vacuum lifters
Being a global brand, Stigterstaal is a leading steel supplier for the shipbuilding and offshore industries. For decades, the company based near Rotterdam, the Netherlands has used Aerolift...
About aerolift
With over 60 years of experience in lifting and handling solutions for loads ranging 1 to 200 tons, we combine deep industry knowledge with innovative engineering. Since our start in precast concrete in 1963, we have expanded to serve key sectors such as metal, tunnelling, pipes, and wind energy. By asking the right questions and truly understanding industry needs, we deliver solutions that go beyond standard expectations.