3 Reasons Why Pneumatic Crane Hoists Are Ideal For Metal Fabrication Workshops

In any metal fabrication workshop, the ability to easily lift and transport large steel or aluminium objects across the workspace can be invaluable. A strong, reliable crane hoist installed in a workshop's ceiling can provide an efficient, safe way to lift and carry newly fabricated objects and components. 

However, there many different types of chain hoists available to commercial and industrial customers, and some are more suited to the unique riguors of metal fabrication works than others. While you shop around for the best crane hoist for your needs, consider choose a pneumatic hoist, as these compressed air–powered hoists have a number of advantages over conventional electric hoists.

What are the advantages of installing a pneumatic crane hoist in a metal fabrication workshop?

Suitable for continuous use

The vast majority of electric motor–driven crane hoists are only rated for intermittent use. When placed under continuous heavy loads for long periods, they can rapidly overheat, causing serious damage to the motor and potentially leading to catastrophic hoist failure.

Pneumatic crane hoists are much more suited to continuous heavy use and are invaluable in busy fabrication workshops that need to turn out large fabrication orders quickly. The compressed air they use to provide lifting power is also channeled through heat-sensitive components of the hoist itself, so they are much less vulnerable to overheating.

Can operate in extreme conditions

Pneumatic crane hoists are also capable of operating in adverse conditions that would cause sub-par performance or even complete failure in electric chain hoists. Their unique self-cooling method means they can operate in very hot environments without loss of efficiency or reliability -- a useful quality in a hot, busy metal fabrication workshop.

Because pneumatic crane hoists do not have rotating electric motors and contain very few moving parts, they are also much less vulnerable to dust and moisture than electric hoists. This is particularly useful in metal fabrication workshops, which tend to contain large amounts of airborne metal dust and shavings.  They can also be used safely in semi-open workshops that fabricate large objects and components since they are not bothered by exposure to the elements.

Cost-effective

Compressed air is a highly efficient power source, and if you are canny about sourcing your compressed air supplies, running a pneumatic crane hoist can be significantly cheaper than running an electric hoist. Buying compressed air in bulk and/or having compressed air storage tanks installed on-site can make them even more cost-effective.

Installing a pneumatic crane hoist can also be cheaper than installing an electric model since they tend to require less additional infrastructure. Most electric crane hoists used in industrial settings need to be fitted with heat shields, as well as shields designed to prevent interference caused by radio transmissions. Most pneumatic hoists can function safely without any additional shielding.

Increased safety

Compressed air is also a very safe power source, and a pneumatic crane hoist does not contain a dangerous electrical current. Errant sparks and electrical arcs produced by the motor of a worn or overloaded electric hoist can present a serious fire hazard, particularly if your workshop makes use of oil-based lubricants or other highly flammable substances. 

To learn more, contact a crane hoist supplier.