Jul 16, 2026Success Stories

Case Study | SWL10T Screw Jack Powers a Heavy-Duty Telescopic Beam for a Vacuum Lifting System

Heavy-duty telescopic beam solution using an SWL10T screw jack and 48V DC motor for smooth, precise, and reliable linear motion.

37bb57ea3cf05155546271dbca3dc006



In industries such as glass installation, curtain wall construction, and heavy material handling, vacuum lifting systems have become essential equipment for improving safety and productivity. As building dimensions continue to increase, fixed-length lifting beams are no longer sufficient for many installation scenarios. As a result, telescopic beams have become an increasingly popular solution for extending the working reach of vacuum lifters.
Recently, we worked with an overseas customer to develop a heavy-duty linear drive solution using an SWL10T screw jack powered by a 48V DC motor. The system enables the inner beam of a vacuum lifting device to extend smoothly, providing greater operating flexibility while maintaining excellent load capacity and positioning accuracy.

Project Requirements

The customer wanted to integrate a linear drive mechanism inside the main beam of an existing vacuum lifting system, allowing the inner beam to extend horizontally and increase the operating reach.
The project specifications included:
  • Maximum equipment load: 2,000 kg
  • Rated hook load: 1,500 kg
  • Drive method: SWL10T screw jack pushing the inner beam
  • Screw jack configuration: Translating Nut Type
  • Motor: 48V Brushless DC Motor
  • Motor power: 2.2 kW
  • Rated speed: 1,800 rpm
  • Total extension time: 40 seconds
Because the complete drive system is installed inside the beam, the customer required a compact solution capable of delivering high thrust, smooth motion, and long-term reliability.


Why Choose the SWL10T Screw Jack?

Although screw jacks are traditionally associated with vertical lifting, the SWL series is equally suitable for horizontal pushing, positioning, clamping, and telescopic applications.
The worm gear combined with a trapezoidal lead screw provides excellent load-handling capability and offers self-locking characteristics under appropriate operating conditions, helping maintain the beam position when power is removed.
For this application, the SWL10T offered several key advantages:
  • High axial load capacity for heavy-duty telescopic movement
  • Smooth and stable linear motion
  • Excellent positioning accuracy for glass installation applications
  • Compact modular design for easy integration with motors and structural components
  • Support for the translating nut configuration, making it ideal for enclosed beam installations


Why Use the Translating Nut Design?

This project adopts the Translating Nut configuration.
Unlike conventional designs where the lead screw extends with the stroke, the screw remains stationary while the nut travels along it. This arrangement significantly reduces the required installation space and is particularly suitable for enclosed box-beam structures.
The translating nut design offers several benefits:
  • Better utilization of internal beam space
  • No exposed long screw, improving operational safety
  • Easier integration of dust protection and sealing
  • More suitable for long horizontal travel


Motor and Gear Reduction Selection

To achieve the required full extension time of 40 seconds, the system was paired with a 48V, 2.2 kW brushless DC motor operating at 1,800 rpm.
Compared with conventional AC motors, a DC drive offers several advantages for mobile lifting equipment:
  • Battery-powered operation
  • Easy speed control
  • Smooth starting and stopping
  • Compatibility with soft-start and soft-stop controllers
  • Convenient integration with wireless remote control and automation systems
By selecting an appropriate gear reduction ratio, the drive system delivers the required extension speed while maintaining sufficient output torque for moving heavy loads smoothly and reliably.
In heavy-duty linear motion systems, the gearbox plays a much more important role than simply reducing speed. It directly affects output torque, transmission efficiency, operating stability, and overall service life.


Key Engineering Considerations

Designing a heavy-duty telescopic mechanism requires much more than selecting a screw jack based solely on the rated load. Several engineering factors must be carefully evaluated.

1. Thrust Calculation

Although the hook is rated for 1,500 kg, the drive system must also overcome:
  • The weight of the telescopic beam
  • Friction between guide rails
  • Dynamic loads during acceleration and deceleration
  • Safety factors required for reliable operation
Proper sizing ensures long-term durability rather than simply meeting static load requirements.

2. Horizontal Installation

The SWL screw jack performs equally well in horizontal applications.
To achieve smooth operation, designers should carefully control:
  • Guide rail alignment
  • Beam rigidity
  • Shaft concentricity
  • Bearing support arrangement
A well-designed mechanical structure reduces resistance, improves efficiency, and extends equipment life.

3. Self-Locking Performance

One important advantage of the worm gear screw jack is its ability to provide self-locking under suitable design conditions. This helps prevent unintended movement of the telescopic beam after power is removed, enhancing operational safety. The actual self-locking capability should always be verified according to the lead, transmission efficiency, and specific application conditions.


Typical Applications

This type of heavy-duty linear drive solution is suitable for many industrial applications, including:
  • Vacuum glass lifters
  • Curtain wall installation equipment
  • Telescopic lifting beams
  • Heavy-duty material handling systems
  • Industrial manipulators
  • Stage machinery
  • Automated production lines
  • Heavy positioning platforms
Any application requiring high thrust, long travel, precise positioning, and reliable linear motion can benefit from an SWL screw jack solution.


Conclusion

The performance of a heavy-duty telescopic mechanism depends not only on motor power, but also on the proper integration of the screw jack, gearbox, motor, and overall mechanical design.
In this project, the combination of an SWL10T screw jack and a 48V 2.2 kW brushless DC motor enabled a vacuum lifting system with a 2,000 kg equipment capacity, 1,500 kg hook load, and a 40-second full extension cycle, while maintaining a compact structure, smooth operation, and reliable positioning accuracy.
If your equipment requires heavy-duty linear pushing, horizontal telescopic movement, or precision positioning, our engineering team can provide complete drive solutions tailored to your load, travel, speed, and installation requirements, including the optimal selection of gearboxes, screw jacks, and motors.