An electric hoist crane equipped with customized grippers is the “special ops” tool of the material handling world. While a standard hoist uses a simple hook, a customized gripper allows you to lift objects that are fragile, oddly shaped, or require specific orientations—like engine blocks, glass sheets, or heavy rolls of paper.
The hoist is the muscle of the operation. Depending on your needs, you usually choose between:
Electric Chain Hoist: Best for precision and durability in heavy-duty industrial settings.
Electric Wire Rope Hoist: Ideal for very high capacities and faster lifting speeds over long distances.
The gripper is where the “customization” happens. These are engineered based on the weight, surface texture, and shape of your specific load.
| Gripper Type | Best For… | Mechanism |
| Mechanical/Scissor | Heavy, solid objects (crates, ingots) | Uses the load’s own weight to tighten the grip. |
| Vacuum Lifters | Flat, non-porous surfaces (glass, sheet metal) | Uses suction pads and a vacuum pump. |
| Magnetic Grippers | Ferrous metals (steel plates, pipes) | Uses electromagnets or permanent magnets. |
| Pneumatic Clamps | Precise assembly (automotive parts) | Uses compressed air to open and close “fingers.” |
| Expanding Mandrels | Hollow items (coils, rolls of film) | Expands inside a core to lift from the center. |
When spec-ing out a customized system, you have to look at more than just the weight.
Center of Gravity: If the gripper doesn’t align with the load’s center of gravity, the object will tilt, which is a major safety hazard.
Rotation & Tilt: Do you need to flip the object 90° or 180° after lifting it? Custom grippers can be motorized to handle this.
Safety Interlocks: High-end systems include sensors that prevent the gripper from “releasing” the load until the hoist confirms the object is securely on the ground.
Duty Cycle: If you’re lifting an item every 30 seconds, 24/7, you need a hoist rated for high “Class” service (e.g., H4 or H5)
Using a standard hook with slings is often slow and requires manual labor to “rig” the load. A customized gripper:
Reduces Labor: One operator can do the work of three.
Prevents Damage: Soft-touch grippers protect finished surfaces from scratches.
Increases Safety: Eliminates the risk of slings slipping or breaking.
Based on the product information, usage conditions, installation site environment, and layout provided by the customer, we provide customized solutions for free.
All accessories have passed factory testing and meet specifications, enabling continuous and unobstructed operation.
For complex on-site conditions or special workpieces, Tongli can provide on-site investigation and measurement services to make appropriate solutions.
Having a professional equipment installation team, with excellent skills and tools, we provide fast and reliable robotic arm installation services.
