Horizontal Panel Handling
Horizontal Vacuum Lifters for Panels
Horizontal vacuum lifting can simplify the transfer of full-size metal sheets, glass panes, plastic sheets and dense, vacuum-tight boards. The right lifting device depends on the workpiece’s weight and dimensions, as well as its surface, stiffness, centre of gravity, available vacuum supply and crane. EUROTECH’s eT-Hover-panel family is designed for horizontal handling of vacuum-tight sheet materials.
Match the load and sheet size to the same version
The eT-Hover-panel range includes different frame, cup and vacuum-source configurations. Its largest listed load rating and largest listed workpiece dimensions belong to different example devices. The 2026 catalogue gives these examples:
| Example version | Listed capacity | Listed workpiece dimensions up to |
|---|---|---|
| Large-format example | 270 kg | 6,300 × 6,000 mm |
| Mid-range example | 1,200 kg | 4,000 × 2,000 mm |
| High-load example | 4,000 kg | 4,000 × 1,500 mm |
Swipe sideways to see every comparison column.
These are catalogue examples, not interchangeable limits. Give EUROTECH the exact sheet size and mass so the frame, suction arrangement and support crane can be reviewed as one system.
When eT-Hover-panel is a useful starting point
- Sheet metal: horizontal transfer of suitable airtight sheets in fabrication, storage or production. Surface oil, coatings, flexing and exposed edges need review. For cup-level choices in a machine, see vacuum suction cups for sheet metal handling.
- Glass or plastic sheets: horizontal handling where cup contact, surface protection and the movement path are appropriate.
- Dense wooden boards: only where the gripping surface seals sufficiently. Rough-sawn or air-permeable timber needs a different gripping assessment; wood-board materials vary substantially in porosity.
If the task also requires a 90° pivot or rotation, compare an appropriate eT-Hover-allround or eT-Hover-univac configuration rather than assuming a horizontal panel lifter provides that motion. For irregular or porous timber, eT-Gripper area gripping may be a better engineering starting point.
What to confirm before requesting a quote
- Maximum and minimum sheet weight, length and width; material and thickness.
- Flatness, surface finish, oil or coating, porosity and any holes or cut-outs.
- Horizontal-only transfer or a need to pivot, rotate or turn the sheet over.
- Pick-up and placement positions, available headroom, crane capacity and power supply.
- Required cycle rate and whether one device must handle several sheet formats.
Common selection questions
Does “up to 4,000 kg” apply to a 6,300 × 6,000 mm sheet?
No. Those figures come from different catalogue examples. Capacity and permitted workpiece size must be checked together for the chosen frame and suction arrangement.
Can the same lifter handle porous wood and metal sheets?
That cannot be decided from material names alone. Leakage and surface condition determine the vacuum system and gripping interface; a test or a different gripper design may be required.
Product examples are based on the EUROTECH 2026 catalogue, pp. 462–463. Final capacity, geometry and application suitability must be confirmed for the selected configuration.