Hubachse ZH90 für Siliziumstäbe
Hubachse ZH90 für Siliziumstäbe
PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE - LIFTING AXIS ZH90
ZH90 LIFTING AXIS IN USE: PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Where does the ZH90 lifting axis from Zeilhofer Handling Technology operate? Industries, application cases and configuration examples for the pendulum-free lifting of loads up to 1,200 kg.
CHAPTER 1
WHAT IS THE ZH90 HUPPING AXLE
The ZH90 lifting axis is a linear motion unit made of lightweight aluminum. It lifts and lowers loads precisely vertically, without pendulum movement and with high repeatability.
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Load capacity up to 1,200 kg
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Standard stroke 1,600 mm, extendable via double stroke
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Oscillation-free load guidance through rigid mechanics
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Modular system, individually configurable
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Pneumatic, electropneumatic or electric drive
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Lightweight aluminum construction, approx. 70 kg dead weight
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Can be used in a stationary or mobile manner
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Manual, collaborative or fully automated
CHAPTER 2
OVERVIEW OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AREAS OF APPLICATION
The ZH90 lifting axis is used in 18 industrial sectors. Six sectors with particularly high prevalence are:
01 Automotive
Body assembly, add-on parts, assemblies, axles and cockpit modules. Swing-free lifting of heavy structural components in final assembly.
02 E-Mobility
Safely lifting and positioning high-voltage batteries. Vibration-free handling of HV storage units up to 1,200 kg in vehicle manufacturing.
03 Foundry
Handle hot and heavy castings without vibration. Protect the operator and the component during removal from the mold and further transport.
04 Mechanical Engineering
Tool changes on CNC machines, clamping devices, fixtures and large components in assembly. Precise positioning over the entire stroke.
05 Aerospace
Controlled handling of high-quality components and engine modules. Repeatable positioning in cleanroom and pre-assembly environments.
06 Logistics & Warehousing
Lifting loads in order picking, packing stations and material flow. Also in combination with rail systems and gantries.
Other industries using lifting axes: food, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, glass and windows, cleanroom, toolmaking, special machine construction, packaging, construction industry, energy and utilities, research and development, furniture industry.
CHAPTER 3
PRACTICE: HV BATTERY ASSEMBLY IN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING
Safely lifting and positioning high-voltage batteries
In e-mobility production, high-voltage battery packs weigh between 300 and 700 kg. They are high-quality, delicate, and must be inserted precisely into the chassis. Manual lifting is impossible, and conventional cranes are too imprecise due to their swaying motion.
The ZH90 lifting axis raises the battery from its storage position to the installation position without any pendulum movement. A customer-specific fixture securely fixes the battery in place. Precise positioning throughout the entire lifting range ensures repeatable accuracy during bolting.
Advantages of this application
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Non-oscillating load guidance protects the sensitive battery.
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Precise vertical positioning in the millimeter range
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Integration with screw systems for direct screwing
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TISAX Level 2 certification with prototype protection
CHAPTER 4
PRACTICE: TOOL CHANGE ON LARGE CNC MACHINES
Precisely change heavy tools and clamping devices
Tools, chucks, and clamping devices on large CNC machines often weigh several hundred kilograms. Manual changeovers are physically demanding, slow, and carry a risk of injury. Damage to tools or machines caused by uncontrolled impacts is costly.
The ZH90 lifting axis removes the tool from the storage, guides it cleanly to the machine, and positions it precisely in the holder. The backlash-free mechanism prevents jerking and ensures the tool does not swing out of position.
Advantages of this application
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Reduced setup time thanks to fast, safe handling
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Protection of high-quality tools from impact damage
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Relief for employees, no manual lifting
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Mounts compatible with common tool standards can be integrated.
CHAPTER 5
PRACTICE: HEISE CASTINGS IN THE FOUNDRY
Controlled handling of hot and heavy castings
In the foundry, castings are removed directly from the mold. They are hot, heavy, and sometimes have sharp edges. Manual lifting is not possible, and the swinging motion of conventional lifting devices leads to collisions with the mold or the building structure.
The ZH90 lifting axis lifts the casting out of the mold without any pendulum movement, using a hook or special gripping device. The rigid mechanism prevents any vibration of the load, and the movement is completely controllable.
Advantages of this application
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Protection against burns through controlled handling at a distance
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No collisions with shape, hall support or neighboring workstation
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Devices made of heat-resistant materials are available.
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Long service life even in harsh industrial environments
CHAPTER 6
CONFIGURATION AND VARIANTS
The ZH90 lifting axis is designed as a modular system. The most important configuration levels are:
01 Hub
Standard 1,600 mm. Extendable via double stroke for high vertical movements. Shorter strokes are also possible for confined spaces.
02 Drive
Pneumatic, electropneumatic, or electric. Choice based on energy source, speed, and level of automation.
03 Mounting type
Stationary on ceiling or floor, movable on rail carriages or integrated into crane runways and portal systems.
04 Device
Grippers, suction and magnetic devices, hooks, screwdrivers and screw spindles. Customized special solutions from our own design.
05 Control variant
Four control options: operating unit on the device, mobile control, PLC connection or fully automatic integration.
06 System integration
Can be combined with articulated arm manipulator, rotary module arm ZH3 and swivel mechanisms for complex movement sequences.
CHAPTER 7
Lifting shaft ZH90 or ZH90 flex arm
Both systems utilize the same linear mechanics. The difference lies in the additional flexibility, load-bearing capacity, and typical application range.
01 Lifting axis ZH90
Heavy vertical movements. Rigid, pendulum-free linear guide for the highest loads.
Load capacity up to 1,200 kg
Standard stroke 1,600 mm, extendable
Purely vertical movement, precisely guided
Ideal for high-voltage batteries, castings, heavy tools
02 Hub axis ZH90 FLEX-ARM
Linear lifting motion combined with a flexible arm. Greater reach under medium load.
Load capacity up to 200 kg
Hub with additional working radius
Flexible handling in multiple axes
Ideal for assembly, pick-and-place, tool guidance
CHAPTER 8
ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND ROI
The ZH90 lifting axis is an investment that pays for itself through reduced sick days, increased cycle times, and lower damage rates. Four key levels of impact:
Fewer sick days
Fewer back problems and strain-related absences through relieving lifting.
Clock speed
Faster, more precise handling than manual. Consistent quality throughout the shift.
Product defects
Pendulum-free guidance prevents impact damage to sensitive components.
Employee satisfaction
Physically less demanding workplaces, less strain during shifts.
The amortization period depends on load, frequency, and previous costs. In typical applications, a ZH90 lifting axis amortizes within 18 to 36 months, taking into account sick days, breakdown rates, and cycle time.
FAQ / Q&A
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions about the ZH90 lifting axis in use
01 In which industries is the ZH90 lifting axis used?
The ZH90 lifting axis is used in 18 industries, including automotive, e-mobility, foundry, mechanical engineering, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and logistics. Typical applications include the pendulum-free lifting of high-voltage batteries, tools, components, and heavy parts.
02 What is the maximum load capacity of the ZH90 lifting axis?
The ZH90 lifting axis supports loads up to 1,200 kg without oscillation. This makes it one of the most powerful linear lifting axes for industrial load handling and the system for the heaviest loads within the ZHHT portfolio.
03 What lifting distance is possible with the ZH90 lifting axis?
The standard stroke is 1,600 mm. The double-stroke option extends the stroke to accommodate large vertical movements. Its compact design allows for use in halls with limited headroom.
04 Is the lifting axis ZH90 stationary or movable?
Both options are possible. Depending on the application, the ZH90 lifting axis can be mounted stationary on the ceiling or floor, or designed to move on a rail carriage. Integration into crane runways and gantry systems is also possible.
05 Which devices can be attached to the ZH90 lifting axis?
The ZH90 lifting axis is designed as a modular system. Grippers, suction and magnetic devices, hook attachments, screwdrivers and screw spindles, as well as customer-specific special solutions, can be attached. Zeilhofer develops the fixture to match the component.
06 What distinguishes the ZH90 lifting axis from the ZH90 Flex-Arm?
The ZH90 lifting axis lifts loads up to 1,200 kg purely vertically and is optimized for heavy linear movements. The ZH90 Flex-Arm combines the linear lifting motion with a flexible arm and is designed for lighter loads up to 200 kg with a large working radius.
07 How is the ZH90 lifting axis controlled?
The ZH90 lifting axis can be controlled manually, collaboratively, or fully automatically. Drive options include pneumatic, electropneumatic, and electric. Four control variants are available, ranging from a simple operator panel to PLC integration.