Suction lifters and suction cups - A detailed overview
Discover the world of suction lifters for tiles, terrace slabs or very special surfaces
Tiles are an important part of any building and it is important to get them laid correctly. In order to transport tiles efficiently and safely from A to B, a suction lifter is commonplace in modern tile laying.
2. Suction lifter when laying tiles
2.1 Suction lifters and their place of use
When you think of suction cups, the attachment of the mobile navigation device to the windshield of the car certainly comes to mind.
However, suction lifters are versatile helpers when processing glass and when transporting and laying tiles and natural stone, but they are also used for plastics and sheet metal.
3. Suction lifter - large selection - which one is the right one?
Suction lifter overview with all advantages and disadvantages
| siphon type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Solid rubber suction cup | Generates the vacuum through the restoring force of the rubber. Usually smaller diameters, suitable for smaller applications such as opening inspection covers. | Limited suction due to size. |
| rocker arm suction lifter | Widespread and versatile. The vacuum is created by enlarging the cavity. Available in different configurations (1-head, 2-head, multi-head) with high suction power. | No disadvantages mentioned. |
| Pump Suction Lifter (Vacuum Suction Lifter) | Generates the vacuum by a manually operated pump. High suction power, which can be increased by pumping during the suction phase. Can be released with a push button. Ideal for lifting heavy objects such as large format tiles. | Can be more expensive than other suction cups. |
| 1 head suction lifter | Has a toggle lever or toggle handle for vacuum generation. The tilt handle also serves as a transport handle. Universally applicable, also for transporting glass. | No disadvantages mentioned. |
| Suction lifter for special materials | Specially designed for materials with a light surface structure or slightly curved surface. Has an additional sealing lip that optimally adapts to the surface structure and prevents a loss of suction power. Ideal for laying large porcelain stoneware tiles. | No disadvantages mentioned. |
3.1 solid rubber suction cup
Solid rubber suction cups generate the vacuum solely through the restoring force of the rubber. These suction lifters usually have smaller diameters and are often used in sanitary areas, for example to open inspection covers.
3.2 Rocker arm suction lifter
Rocker arm suction cups are widely used. The vacuum is created by enlarging the cavity between the surface of the transported goods and the rubber disc. They are available as 1-head, 2-head or multi-head suction lifters, the suction power can be 100 kg and more.
3.3 Pump siphon also called vacuum siphon
Pump siphons generate the vacuum using a manually operated pump.
They have a particularly good suction capacity and the suction pressure can also be increased during the suction phase by pumping. The suction lifter can be released with a push button in the handle construction.
Our experience: From our daily business we can tell you that a vacuum lifter can be a worthwhile but somewhat expensive investment. The biggest advantage is probably that you don't need a second person to carry large format tiles.
3.3 1-head suction lifter
1-head suction lifters have either a tilting lever or a tilting handle for vacuum generation. The tilt handle has a dual function, on the one hand to generate a vacuum and on the other hand as a transport handle.
That's what the internet says: Suction lifters can be used universally and can also be used, for example, for transporting glass.
4. Suction lifter for special materials
Materials with a light surface structure or slightly curved surface place special demands on the suction power. The market offers special suction lifters for such materials.
They have an additional sealing lip on the rubber plate, which optimally adapts to the surface structure and prevents loss of suction power. In particular when laying large fine stoneware tiles (e.g. with a wood look), these suction lifters demonstrate their advantages.
5. Use of suction lifters in combination with various tools
Suction lifters are also used for laying frames with extremely large panels.
There are flexible, stable installation frames made of aluminum that can be expanded and whose suction cups can be positioned as required. Smaller toggle lever suction cups are also used for circular cutters or drilling jigs.
6. Other important laying tools that complement the work with a tile suction lifter.
6.1 Plate lifter
Slab lifters are an important installation tool in order to protect health and make work processes easier. They are often adjustable and can be equipped with different gripping jaws, depending on the thickness of the material and the structure of the surface.
6.2 Block lifters and other lifting aids
Composite stone lifters and other lifting aids such as:
- curb lifter
- curb support
- lawn grid tongs
are mainly used in gardening and landscaping and in road construction.
6.3 Areas of Application
Suction lifters and laying tools are used in many areas. They are essential for laying tiles, natural stone, plastic and sheet metal.
- cutting tiles
- grinding tiles
- Grout tiles
7. Conclusion - A tile suction lifter helps to lay tiles that are easier on the back
Suction cups and laying tools are essential for laying materials with gas-tight surfaces such as tiles. Choosing the right suction lifter depends on the required load capacity and the size of the goods to be transported. With the correct use of these tools, work can be made easier and health can be protected.
8. FAQ - Frequently asked questions about tile suction lifters
1. What is a suction cup and what is it used for?
A suction lifter is a tool that creates a vacuum to transport and lay materials with gas-tight surfaces, such as tiles and natural stone. They are also used in glass processing and when handling plastics and sheet metal.
2. What are the different types of suction cups and their specific applications?
There are different types of suction cups including solid rubber suction cups, rocker arm suction cups, pump suction cups and 1-head suction cups. Each suction cup has its specific application, for example solid rubber suction cups are often used in sanitary areas, while toggle suction cups have a wide range of applications, especially when laying tiles and natural stone.
3. How do I choose the right suction cup for my job?
The choice of the right suction lifter depends on the required load capacity and the size of the material to be transported. Special suction cups with an additional sealing lip are ideal for materials with a light surface structure or slightly curved surface.
4. What are the other important installation tools besides suction lifters?
In addition to suction lifters, there are other important laying tools such as slab lifters, interlocking stone lifters and various lifting aids, which are mainly used in gardening and landscaping as well as in road construction.