You can lift bags using vacuum lifting when the surface is smooth and non-porous enough to form an airtight seal. This is the case with many plastic bags, but also with certain paper and woven varieties under the right conditions. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about vacuum lifting of bags, from suitable materials to choosing the right vacuum lifter.
What materials are suitable for vacuum lifting?
A material is suitable for vacuum lifting when its surface is smooth, non-porous, and sufficiently rigid to allow a vacuum cup to form an airtight seal. The smoother and more uniform the surface, the more reliable the grip. Porous or rough materials allow air to pass through, causing the vacuum to be lost quickly.
In practice, these are the most suitable types of materials for vacuum lifting:
- Smooth plastic (PE, PP, film): ideal due to its smooth, non-absorbent surface texture
- Coated paper or cardboard: works well as long as the coating is undamaged and dry
- Laminates and composite materials: suitable when the outer surface is smooth and sealed
- Metal and glass: ideal for vacuum lifting, but less suitable for bags
For bags, the outer layer of the packaging material is therefore the deciding factor. A bag with a smooth plastic outer layer provides a much more reliable vacuum seal than a bag made of uncoated kraft paper or woven polypropylene.
What kinds of bags can you vacuum lift?
Bags suitable for vacuum lifting typically have a smooth, sealed outer surface that allows for a tight seal. The most common types of suitable bags are plastic film bags, laminated bags, and certain paper bags with a plastic coating on the outside.
Specifically, this involves the following categories:
- PE bags and polyethylene film packaging: their smooth exterior makes them particularly suitable for vacuum grippers
- PP woven bags with a film coating: woven polypropylene bags are porous by nature, but when coated on the outside with a smooth film layer, a vacuum lifter can still get a grip on them
- Laminated multi-wall bags: paper bags with multiple layers, in which the outer layer consists of a smooth plastic film
- Aluminum foil bags: used in the food and chemical industries and well-suited for vacuum lifting
When handling bags, the condition of the bag is also important: a full, tightly stretched bag provides a better vacuum seal than a loose or half-full bag, because its surface is flatter and tighter.
Which bags are not suitable for vacuum lifting?
Bags that are not suitable for vacuum lifting are those with a porous, rough, or irregular surface that prevents an airtight seal. As soon as air escapes through the material or along the edge of the vacuum head, the lifter loses its grip, creating a safety hazard.
The following types of bags are generally not suitable:
- Uncoated jute bags: The coarse, woven surface allows air to pass through and does not provide a sealing surface
- Uncoated paper bags (kraft paper): The paper is porous and also absorbs moisture, which further impairs adhesion
- Mesh or netting bags: their open structure makes vacuum lifting completely impossible
- Damaged or wrinkled bags: even a suitable type of bag may become unusable if its surface is damaged, damp, or heavily wrinkled
It is important to assess whether the bag is suitable for each specific application. If you are unsure whether a specific type of bag can be lifted under vacuum, a practical test using the actual packaging is the most reliable way to be certain.
How does the contents of a bag affect the vacuum grip?
The contents of a bag affect the vacuum grip in two ways: through its weight and through the stiffness of its surface. A bag filled with a solid, homogeneous product, such as granules or powder, forms a tighter and flatter surface than a bag filled with irregular pieces, which improves the grip.
Some specific effects of the contents on vacuum bonding:
- Weight: The heavier the bag, the larger the vacuum head or the greater the number of heads needed to safely support the weight
- Granularity or clumping: Products that clump or are unevenly distributed result in an irregular surface and reduce the contact area of the vacuum head
- Moist or sticky contents: may damage or deform the outer surface of the bag, making it difficult to seal
- Light or soft fill: Bags filled with light items such as chips or foam can compress when lifted, making the grip less stable
A full, tightly packed bag with a uniform filling generally yields the best results when using vacuum lifting. If you have any doubts about its suitability, it is advisable to test the lifter with the actual packaging and contents.
Which vacuum lifter is best suited for bags?
The most suitable vacuum lifter for bags is a model with a wide, flexible vacuum head that can adapt to the surface of the bag. For heavy bags, a lifter with multiple vacuum heads or a larger head is needed to distribute the weight evenly and ensure a secure grip.
The following factors should be considered when selecting a vacuum bag lifter:
- Weight capacity: The hoist must be able to handle the maximum weight of the heaviest bag in the application, including a safety margin
- Head diameter and flexibility: a larger or more flexible head adapts better to irregular or slightly curved bag surfaces
- Rotation and tilting: For applications that require bags to be rotated or tilted, a lifter with a rotation function offers significant added value
- Vacuum source: Electric and pneumatic vacuum pumps each have their own advantages, depending on the working environment and the available infrastructure
Browse our complete selection of vacuum lifters and hoists for an overview of the available models and their specifications.
How Logitrans Handling Helps with Vacuum Lifting of Bags
Logitrans Handling offers ergonomic lifting solutions for a wide range of bag types and industrial applications. Whether it’s heavy flour bags in a food processing plant or laminated chemical bags in a warehouse, we’ll help you find the right solution. Specifically, we offer:
- A free workstation analysis in which our specialists assess the specific lifting situation
- Recommendations on the most suitable type of vacuum lifter based on bag material, weight, and frequency of use
- The opportunity to test the lifter in our demo room in Drongen using your own bags and products
- Installation support and user training so your team can get started safely and efficiently right away
- A maintenance contract that ensures your lift remains in top condition at all times
Would you like to know which vacuum lifter is best suited for your bagging application? Contact us, and our specialists will work with you to find the best solution for your situation.
Related Articles
- Vacuum Lifters in the Food Industry: What Are the Possible Applications?
- What is the difference between a lifting aid and a vacuum lift?
- Who is liable in the event of a workplace accident caused by lifting in the warehouse?
- Does a vacuum lifter damage the packaging on boxes?
- What are the biggest time wasters in order picking?
