September, 18th 2025
Stationary Sheet Metal
Turning Unit – Flexibility for
Large-Format Sheets
Impressive dimensions, uncompromising precision.
This stationary turning unit was developed for one of our long-standing customers, with whom we have successfully completed numerous projects over the years. What makes this project particularly impressive is the sheer size of the system: it can rotate sheet metal panels up to 14 meters in length by 180 degrees – with maximum precision and safety.
Flexible Adaptation to Various Sheet Sizes
The turning system impresses with its versatile handling capabilities:
The suction plates can be switched on or off individually or as a complete arm assembly. This allows sheets ranging from 2 to 14 meters in length to be lifted with ease.
A visual safety indicator provides additional protection:
Red and green signal lights inform the operator at all times whether the lifting arm is active or inactive.
The system offers a lifting capacity of up to two tons – suitable for sheets up to 14 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 10 millimeters thick.
Why Rotate Sheet Metal by 180 Degrees?
For this particular customer, the main reason was surface inspection: both sides of the sheet must be visually checked for quality assurance.
The process runs as follows:
The workpiece moves via a roller conveyor onto the turning station.
The vacuum arms are positioned beneath the conveyor and lift the sheet from below. It is then rotated 180 degrees and placed onto a parallel roller conveyor. Afterward, the arms automatically return to their starting position.
Both drive units are equipped with frequency converters, allowing the arm speed to be adjusted individually.
The system is controlled via a centrally positioned control panel.
For safety reasons, sheet release is only possible via two-hand operation — a critical measure that prevents accidental detachment or dropping of the sheet.
Smart Design Detail for Maximum Flexibility
A closer look reveals a clever design feature:
The individual arms are not welded to the main beam but are instead mounted with clamping plates.
This design offers clear advantages:
- The system can be packaged and transported more compactly.
- The arm spacing can be adjusted individually, allowing optimal adaptation to various sheet sizes.
This well-engineered construction makes the turning unit not only efficient and low-maintenance, but also extremely versatile — ideal for applications in metal processing, industrial production, and automated sheet handling.
Would you like to learn more about our customized solutions for handling large-format sheets?
Contact us—we will be happy to advise you personally and work with you to develop the right system for your requirements.