Overcoming Common Challenges in Glass Lifting with Innovative Tools
It is well-known in the industry that glass installing and removing can be dangerous. With hazards around every corner, looking for new innovative ways to make glass lifting safer and more efficient is the way forward in an industry with growing demand. In this guide, we take a closer look at the Glass Boy range, from the industry-leading brand VIAVAC, so you can see how these innovative glass lifting tools can transform your business processes.
- Common Glass Lifting Challenges in the Industry
- Innovative Glass Lifting Tools for a More Efficient Process
- Benefits of Advanced Glass Lifting Equipment
- Elevate Your Glass Lifting Process Today with 4 Cladding Services
Common Glass Lifting Challenges in the Industry
When it comes to glass installation and removal, there are many things that can go wrong. From simply lifting a glass panel to placing the panel in exactly the right position, glass handling can be a complicated process. Here are some of the challenges you might encounter when handling glass in your business.
Weight
Glass panels are a lot heavier than they look. Plus, with different sizes and types of glass, the weight variations of each panel will affect the way you handle the item. For example, larger architectural glass panels can weigh hundreds of kilograms which makes traditional lifting methods ineffective and potentially dangerous.
Fragile Glass Panels
Glass panels are fragile by nature so it’s no surprise that they must be handled with care, especially when on a construction site. Manually handling these glass panels could result in damage or even breaking the glass which not only poses a risk to the health and safety of workers but can also cost a business a fortune in replacing building materials.
Curved Glass Panels
Curved glass panels pose an added problem when transporting and installing. The curved nature of these panels leads to an uneven weight distribution and an increase in stress points meaning more planning is needed when moving these panels around the construction site.
Environmental Factors
From wind to temperature fluctuations and uneven ground, there are many factors to consider when moving and installing glass panels. In particular, when installing glass panels outside, you must plan for substantial changes that can risk maintaining a controlled environment for lifting and installing.
Tight Spaces
Handling glass panels in tight spaces can be difficult given the group of workers that may be needed to lift the panel itself. A lot of planning and coordination is needed to ensure workers do not injure themselves and the glass panel remains in one piece. In extremely tight spaces, it may not even be possible to manually handle a glass panel!
Innovative Glass Lifting Tools for a More Efficient Process
As architectural designs increasingly incorporate glass surfaces, businesses must modernise their glass installation processes to meet demand and keep up with competing businesses. By prioritising safety and efficiency, your business can easily accommodate these growing demands without compromising the wellbeing of your workers.
That’s where the Glass Boy Range comes in. With unbeatable suction technology and compatibility, each of the Glass Boy products can add something new to your glass installation process. Here’s a detailed overview of how each Glass Boy product can elevate your business.
Glass Boy GB-L
The Glass Boy GB-L is the smallest of the Glass Boy range. With lifting configurations of up to 500kg, this glass lifter is perfect for lifting smaller loads in tighter spaces, reducing the need for huge teams to be squashed into tight areas.
Glass Boy GB-X
With the capability of lifting between 400kg to 800kg, the Glass Boy GB-X can be arranged into six different configurations to ensure you can lift almost anything. Plus, it can be remote controlled to allow for more precise installation, ensuring you are only providing the best service to your customers.
Glass Boy GB-H
The most heavy-duty vacuum lifter in the range, the Glass Boy GB-H can lift glass panels of up to 1,800kg meaning even your most ambitious architectural projects can be handled with ease. This vacuum lifter allows you to take on a greater range of projects, exposing your business to more opportunities in a growing market.
Glass Boy GB-XL
The newest addition to the Glass Boy range is the Glass Boy GB-XL, capable of handling a wide range of glass panels. With up to five different configurations, this vacuum lifter can handle glass panels weighing anywhere from 250kg to 1,000kg making it the most versatile in the collection. But that’s not all. The GB-XL can also handle curved glass panels making it one of the most flexible vacuum lifters on the market.
Benefits of Advanced Glass Lifting Equipment
Glass lifting equipment combined with advanced glass lifting techniques allows businesses to take on a greater range of projects that may have otherwise been out of reach. Businesses can now benefit from a streamlined process that prioritises safety meaning glass installation isn’t as scary as it once was. With these solutions for glass installation, you could also benefit from:
- Reduction in Injuries: With less reliance on manual handling, workers are not put in harms way meaning injuries due to physical strain are less likely.
- Cost Savings: The secure grip of vacuum lifters also minimises damage or even the breakage of glass panels which can save your business money in replacing materials.
- Precision and Control: Manoeuvering large glass panels can be difficult, especially when placing them in certain positions. With a vacuum lifter, you can place your glass panels exactly where you need them to be.
- Efficiency: Manually handling glass panels takes a lot of planning. But, with a vacuum lifter, you can easily move heavy panels with a click of a button as the vacuum seal can be created in a matter of minutes.
- Versatility: Not only is there a model of Glass Boy for any job but you can also configure each Glass Boy to your liking, allowing you to have full flexibility when it comes to handling different materials and projects.
- Increase in Projects: Having a vacuum lifter in your arsenal of tools allows you to broaden your horizons when it comes to choosing projects. You could take on those larger projects that were once out of reach.
Elevate Your Glass Lifting Process Today with 4 Cladding Services
Glass lifting can be made easy with glass lifting equipment innovation from VIAVAC. At 4 Cladding Services, we understand the challenges of glass installation which is why we are the sole distributor of the Glass Boy range in the UK. We strive to ensure all construction projects are made safer and more efficient with innovative technology leading the way. Explore our range of glass vacuum lifters today to tackle the challenges of glass installation head on.
FAQs
How does a glass suction lifter work?
A glass suction lifter uses powerful vacuum technology to create a secure, even grip on smooth glass surfaces. You simply attach multiple suction cups to the glass panel and activate the vacuum. The pump will remove air from the suction cups, generating a significant holding force that allows workers to safely lift and manoeuvre glass panels without direct physical contact or risk of surface damage.
What are the risks of handling glass?
Handling glass panels can come with many risks including injuries due to strain or cuts and grazes from sharp edges as well as costly damage to the glass itself due to improper lifting, dropping or excessive pressure. With a vacuum lifter, you can minimise the risk of injury to your workers and save material costs increasing the safety of your workplace.
What are the benefits of vacuum lift?
Vacuum lift technology provides a secure, damage-free method of handling fragile glass panels by creating an even, consistent suction grip that eliminates direct physical contact and minimises the risk of scratches or breakage. These systems offer increased safety for workers, improved efficiency in glass installation, and the ability to handle a wide range of glass sizes and shapes with precision and minimal manual intervention.
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