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A vertically working guided axis that raises and lowers the load rigidly. It is slim, torsionally stiff and particularly suited to joining tasks in which the load has to be guided exactly vertically.
A lifting axis is a vertical linear guide with the load attached at its lower end. A profile runs up and down in a guide; the connection between suspension and gripper is rigid throughout. That distinguishes it from any rope or chain unit: the load cannot swing and cannot tilt.
A rope transmits tension only. A lifting axis additionally transmits lateral forces, moments and compression. Three abilities follow that a rope unit does not have.
In hand-guided handling the pneumatic drive is widespread: a cylinder compensates the weight and the operator moves the load by hand or controls lifting and lowering through the handle. Electric lifting axes work with a spindle, toothed belt or rack; they are the choice when defined positions are to be approached.
The axis is normally free to rotate about its vertical axis. Rotating or tilting the load itself is done by the gripper with its own rotating or tilting unit.
The axis itself moves the load only vertically. The horizontal working area comes from what it is fixed to: the trolley of a rail system for a line or an area, a slewing or articulated jib on a pillar for a circle, or a mobile base plate for changing locations.
The moments the axis absorbs are passed on to this suspension. Trolley, rail and jib must therefore be designed for the off-centre load as well, not only for the weight.
The main limit is headroom. In the retracted position a one-piece profile projects upwards by roughly the length of the stroke; the possible stroke therefore depends on the room height. Where it is insufficient, a telescopic axis helps.
The second limit is the permissible moment. Every guide tolerates only a certain amount of off-centre load; the further the centre of gravity lies from the axis, the smaller the usable capacity. For long strokes with a freely hanging load the rope unit remains the simpler solution.
What Entracon offers here is on the matching page.
See what we offer| Criterion | Lifting axis | Rope unit |
|---|---|---|
| Guidance of the load | Rigid and vertical | Freely hanging, can swing |
| Off-centre load | Guide absorbs the moment | Load tilts |
| Downward force | Possible | Not possible |
| Stroke | Limited by headroom | Long |
| Space above the load | High, except with telescopic axes | Low |
The terms are often used interchangeably. In the narrower sense a lifting axis hangs from above and carries the load at its lower end, while a lifting column stands on the floor and raises a platform or jib from below.
That depends on the room height: the retracted profile needs about as much space above the guide as the stroke is long. If the height is insufficient, a telescopic axis made of several nested stages can be considered.
Yes. On the trolley of an area system it reaches every point of the area. Rail and trolley must then also be able to take the moments from off-centre loads.
For everything joined vertically and accurately: placing workpieces into clamping devices, lowering parts into containers or fixtures, holding components level that are gripped off-centre.
One short conversation usually settles more than three quotations. Call or write — you will reach an engineer directly.
Start typing – for example “balancer”, “SAP” or “pipe stress”.
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