The VL series is the Schiavo vacuum lifter for horizontal handling of sheet metal and flat panels, with capacities from 400 to 3,360 kg and standard sizes up to 3000×1500 mm. Ten models, fitted with 4 to 12 vacuum cups of 300 or 430 mm diameter, let you match the lifter to the heaviest sheet in your process. Vacuum is generated by an independent on-board electric pump: the lifter attaches to a jib crane or overhead crane without any connection to a compressed-air line.
All VL series models work on the same standard size of 3000×1500 mm, which can be customised for different dimensions. What changes from one model to the next is the number of vacuum cups and their diameter — the two variables that set lifting capacity.
Why vacuum
One operator instead of two or three. Less manual handling of loads and fewer risks to backs, and to hands along the edges.
Grips all metals. Steel, but also aluminium, copper and stainless steel, which a magnet cannot hold.
One sheet at a time. Vacuum acts only on the top surface and leaves no residual magnetism.
Protected surfaces. The vacuum cups are suitable for pre-painted sheet, polished stainless steel and aluminium intended for visible finishes.
The vacuum cups are fixed in a horizontal position, parallel to the work surface. The cup plates adjust both crosswise and lengthwise, so the operator can spread the gripping points across the whole surface of the sheet and limit its deflection in transit — a decisive factor on thin gauges.
Each pad has its own shut-off valve. When the sheet is smaller than the frame footprint, the pads that would sit off the sheet are closed, and the vacuum circuit works only on the active pads.
The pads are spring-buffered. As the lifter is lowered, the springs absorb contact with the sheet and let each pad follow minor flatness variations, so every pad seats fully.
Loading and unloading are controlled by a manual valve. An additional pump is available as an option: on release it injects air into the vacuum cups, breaking the vacuum faster and shortening unloading time at the machine bed.
For sheets larger than 3000×1500 mm, higher capacities, or handling that requires load rotation or tilting, Schiavo engineers custom vacuum lifters. From load calculation to the choice of vacuum generator and handling mode (manual, pneumatic or motorised), each configuration is defined around the customer’s material and production cycle.
To identify the right VL model for your process, send our technical office the size, thickness and material of your sheets. We will work through capacity, pad count and pad diameter with you. Request a technical consultation.
Safety first: Lift enable. The vacuum gauge and audible alarm confirm that the vacuum is sufficient before lifting.
Vacuum-drop alarm during handling.
Holding during a power failure: The reserve tank and non-return valve keep the sheet gripped long enough to set it down safely.
Compliance: CE marking under Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 and design to the EN 13155 standard. Every lifter is supplied with a Declaration of Conformity and a use and maintenance manual.
Start from the heaviest sheet you need to handle, calculated from size, thickness and material density:
As a guide, a 3000×1500 mm steel sheet weighs about 35 kg per millimetre of thickness. At that size, the VL12 reaches about 34 mm and the VL12_430 about 95 mm.
Maximum size (3000×1500 mm), minimum size, voltage and overall dimensions are identical across both series. What changes is the gripping area of each pad, and therefore capacity:
Yes, down to the minimum size for each model: 1500×700 mm for 4- and 6-pad models, 2000×700 mm for 8- to 12-pad models.
The VL series safety system keeps the sheet gripped even without electrical supply, giving the operator time to set the load down. In normal operation, the audible alarm tells the operator when the vacuum level is sufficient to lift the sheet.
Vacuum is generated by an independent on-board electric pump, powered at 220/380 V. No compressed-air connection is needed: the lifter hangs from a jib crane or overhead crane and connects to mains power only.
The optional compressed-air pump is mounted on board and serves only for fast release: it injects air under the pads and breaks the vacuum in less time.
No. The VL series works in a fixed horizontal position, with pads parallel to the work surface — the configuration required to load and unload laser and plasma cutting beds, punching machines and shelf storage. For handling that requires rotation or tilting, Schiavo engineers custom vacuum lifters.
On thin sheet, the limiting factor is deflection between gripping points, not weight:
At Schiavo, we believe that the best industrial solutions are not simply sold: they are built through collaboration. Our team of designers and technicians is ready to work alongside you to find the perfect balance between your operational vision and our engineering solutions.
Whether you need to optimise a single process or design a complete custom line, we are here to listen. Share a few details about your project below, and let’s explore together how our Made in Italy technology can move your business forward.
