Hubachse ZH90 für Ingots
Hubachse ZH90 für Ingots
SYSTEM AND SELECTION
WHAT IS A LIFTING AXIS?
Definition, design, and applications of vertical linear axes in industrial handling. Including load ranges and selection criteria.
A lifting axis is a vertical linear axis that moves loads straight up and down. It is the central component of every lifting aid and performs the actual lifting work while guiding the load along a precisely defined axis.
In industrial handling technology, lifting axes form the basis for manipulators, lifting platforms, and special constructions. They translate the drive energy into a linear lifting motion and ensure that loads between a few kilograms and over a ton are moved precisely, safely, and without lateral play.
In technical terminology, the term "lifting axis" is often used synonymously with "lifting column," "pneumatic lifting axis," "electric lifting axis," "linear lifting axis," or "vertical linear axis." In English-speaking regions, it is commonly referred to as "lifting axis," "lifting column," "vertical lift axis," or "linear lift axis."
CHAPTER 02 / STRUCTURE
FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE OF A LIFTING AXIS
A lifting axis consists of three main components: the profile as a supporting structure, the lifting drive with carriage or slide, and the load-bearing element at the end of the carriage. The aluminum or steel profile guides the carriage along a precisely defined Z-axis, the drive generates the lifting movement, and the load-bearing element transfers the load to the component.
The key feature of every lifting axis is the rigid load guidance without pendulum motion. Unlike cranes or cable winches, the load moves along a mechanically guided path – without lateral swinging, rotation, or tilting. This enables positioning with centimeter precision, even with the heaviest loads.
Depending on the drive concept, a distinction is made between pneumatic, electropneumatic, and fully electric lifting axes. Pneumatics require little maintenance and are ideal for standard applications. Electropneumatic and fully electric lifting axes offer higher precision and programmable motion sequences for automation and cleanroom environments.
Construction of a lifting axis with profile body, lifting element and drive.
01 Profile body
The profile body is the load-bearing element. Zeilhofer lifting axes utilize an extruded aluminum profile, which offers high rigidity with low weight. The profile guides the lifting element internally, while externally it accommodates attachments such as load cells, grippers, or operating elements.
02 Lifting system
Inside, the lifting element moves vertically along the Z-axis. Depending on the design, this is a pneumatic cylinder, an electromechanical servo drive, or a spindle. The lifting element is secured against tilting by special guide rails and enables backlash-free, pendulum-free load guidance.
03 Control & Safety
End positions, emergency shutdown, load holding in case of pressure drop, and electronic speed limiting are standard features. Safety valves prevent the load from unintentionally lowering on pneumatic axes.
CHAPTER 03 / APPLICATION
APPLICATION AND LOAD AREAS
Lifting axes are the most powerful lifting aids for cycle-controlled assembly processes and automated lines. They are used wherever heavy loads need to be moved precisely vertically – without the need for a swiveling motion like that of an articulated arm manipulator. The design is based on load, lifting distance, and frequency.
01 Lightweight lifting axles
Lightweight lifting axles, load range: 50 - 200 kg
Assembly workstations, machine loading, small parts handling, and tool holding. Often combined with quick-change grippers for high-frequency tasks in series production.
02 Medium lifting axles
Medium lifting axis load range: 200–600 kg
Bodywork, tire mounting, battery module handling, glass panes and semiconductor substrates. The standard range for most industrial lifting tasks requiring precise load guidance.
03 Heavy lifting axes
Heavy-duty lifting axles, load range: up to 1,200 kg
Engines, cylinder heads, assemblies and heavy components in final assembly. The ZH90 lifting axis with double stroke achieves its full load capacity of 1,200 kg with centimeter-accurate positioning.
More about the most powerful solution in the ZHHT program: ZH90 lifting axis
CHAPTER 04 / VARIANTS
Lift axles in detail
Lifting axes are designed with three drive concepts depending on the application: pneumatic, electropneumatic, or fully electric. The choice depends on load capacity, precision requirements, existing infrastructure, and the working environment.
01 Pneumatic
Pneumatic lifting axis
Low-maintenance, reliable, and with high repeatability. A standard solution for cycle-based production. Ideal for use with an existing compressed air supply. The most powerful variant in the ZHHT program is the ZH90 lifting axis with double stroke up to 1,200 kg.
Load capacity: up to 800 kg
Stroke: up to 2,500 mm
02 Electropneumatic
Electropneumatic lifting axis
Compressed air as the lifting medium, electronic control. Programmable motion profiles, defined end positions and interfaces for PLC connection. Ideal for semi-automated lines and applications with reproducible cycle times.
Load capacity: up to 1,200 kg
Stroke: up to 2,500 mm
03 Fully electric
Fully electric lifting axis
No compressed air required, offering maximum precision and energy efficiency. Ideal for cleanrooms, food processing, and pharmaceuticals where compressed air should be avoided. Fully electronic control with extremely fine repeatability of less than ± 0.2 mm.
Load capacity: up to 1,200 kg
Stroke: up to 2,000 mm
Detailed comparison of the three drive concepts: pneumatic or electric lifting
CHAPTER 05 / TECHNOLOGY
TECHNICAL DATA AT A GLANCE
The following values are typical configurations. Zeilhofer HHT designs each lifting axis individually for the application. Special versions for higher loads, special stroke lengths, or special environments (cleanroom, ATEX) are available upon request.
Comparison:
Pneumatic
Maximum load capacity: up to 800 kg
Stroke: up to 2.5 m
Repeatability: ± 1 mm
Compressed air requirement: yes
Operating force: a few Newtons
Suitable for cleanrooms: no
Programmability: no
Electropneumatic
Maximum load capacity: up to 1,200 kg
Stroke: up to 2.5 m
Repeatability: ± 0.5 mm
Compressed air requirement: yes
Operating force: a few Newtons
Suitable for cleanrooms: conditionally
Programmability: yes
Fully electric
Maximum load capacity: up to 1,200 kg
Stroke: up to 2.5 m
Repeatability: ± 0.2 mm
Compressed air required: no
Operating force: a few Newtons
Suitable for cleanrooms: yes
Programmability: yes
CHAPTER 06 / INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRIES AND AREAS OF APPLICATION
Lifting axes are used in virtually all industrial sectors where heavy loads need to be moved precisely vertically. Zeilhofer HHT supplies OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in 18 industries and over 50 countries – with customized designs from load cells to control systems.
Automotive
Doors, seats, cockpits, bumpers, body parts
Glass and window industry
Glass panes, solar panels, mirror panels
Cleanroom / Pharmaceuticals / Food
Sensitive components, containers, containments
E-Mobility
High-voltage batteries, battery modules, battery trays
logistics
Pallets, bulk packaging, machine assembly
Chemistry and semiconductors
Barrels, containers, wafer carriers, semiconductor carriers
Mechanical engineering
Engines, cylinder heads, assemblies, clamping devices
Special machine construction
Tools, fixtures, test benches, robot cells
Industry not listed? Special assignments in foundries, the wood and furniture industry, waste management, or the textile industry are also possible. → Request a consultation
CHAPTER 08 / PROJECT PROCESS
FROM CONCEPT TO DELIVERY
Every lifting axis project with Zeilhofer HHT follows a structured process – from the initial technical consultation to on-site commissioning. Design and manufacturing take place centrally in Holzkirchen, while assembly and commissioning are carried out at the customer's site worldwide.
01 Consultation
Initial technical consultation
Analysis of load, stroke, connections, and working environment. Review of safety and certification requirements. Free of charge and without obligation.
03 Manufacturing
Design and manufacturing
Engineering and manufacturing in Holzkirchen, Germany. In-house designers and technicians. ISO 9001 and TISAX Level 2 certified. Made in Germany.
02 Concept
Individual concept
Design concept including installation plan, profile design, control system and load cell. Binding offer with delivery date and commissioning conditions.
04 Commissioning
Assembly and commissioning worldwide
On-site assembly, operator training, and commissioning by our own technicians – worldwide in over 50 countries. Optional maintenance contract and spare parts supply for the entire product lifespan.
FAQ / Q&A
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LIFTING AXIS
01 What is the difference between a lifting axis and a lifting column?
The terms are used synonymously. Lifting axis emphasizes the guided axis as a structural element, while lifting column refers to the column-like design. Both describe the same type of construction: a vertical linear axis with pendulum-free load guidance. In English, it is commonly referred to as "lifting axis" or "lifting column".
02 What loads can a lifting axis move?
Industrial lifting axes lift loads from 50 to 1,200 kg. Electropneumatic and fully electric versions from Zeilhofer HHT reach up to 1,200 kg, pneumatic lifting axes up to 800 kg. For lighter applications under 100 kg, there are compact mini lifting axes with battery operation.
03 Lifting axis or articulated arm manipulator – which is better?
The lifting axis is the right choice when loads are primarily moved vertically. The articulated arm manipulator is superior when additional swiveling movements and a large working radius are required. For combining both movements, the ZH90 Flex-Arm lifting axis is recommended, as it combines linear lifting motion and a swiveling articulated arm.
04 What types of drive systems are available for lifting axles?
Pneumatics is standard – low-maintenance and reliable. Electropneumatic lifting axes offer programmable motion sequences and PLC interfaces for automation. Fully electric lifting axes are ideal for cleanrooms, food processing, and pharmaceuticals, where compressed air should be avoided.
05 Is a lifting axis subject to inspection?
Yes. Lifting axles are subject to annual safety inspections according to DGUV Regulation 54. The inspection must be carried out and documented by a qualified person. More information can be found in the guide "Safety Inspections for Lifting Aids".
06 How much does an industrial manipulator cost?
Pneumatic lifting axes cost between €35,000 and €80,000, depending on load capacity, stroke, and load-bearing capacity. Fully electric versions cost 20 to 30 percent more. A detailed price breakdown can be found in the guide "What does an industrial manipulator cost?"
07 Where are Zeilhofer lifting axles manufactured?
Design and manufacturing take place in Holzkirchen, Germany. Delivery worldwide to over 50 countries. All lifting axes are CE compliant according to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and ISO 9001 certified. Additionally, they are TISAX Level 2 certified with prototype protection.
TERMS
SYNONYMS AND RELATED TERMS
In technical terminology, the lifting axis is also referred to as a lifting column, vertical linear axis, pneumatic lifting axis, electric lifting axis, linear lifting axis, or simply Z-axis. A special combination of lifting axis and articulated arm manipulator is the ZH90 Flex-Arm lifting axis .
Related designs include the articulated arm manipulator (swivel-mounted instead of linear), the rope manipulator (load guided by a cable), and the ZH lift (mobile instead of stationary). In English-speaking countries, these are commonly known as lifting axis, lifting column, vertical lift axis, or linear lift axis.
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FURTHER GUIDES ON THIS TOPIC
BASICS
What is a manipulator?
Definition, structure and function of industrial manipulators. Plus a comparison with cranes and chain hoists.
TECHNOLOGY
Pneumatic or electric lifting?
Advantages and disadvantages of the three drive concepts for lifting aids in comparison.
OVERVIEW
Lifting aids for production & industry
An overview of four types of lifting aids, selection criteria and legal framework.