Roll Lifter with Fixed Arm Clamp Design for Confined Food Production Areas

The Handling Challenge

A food industry manufacturer approached Packline with a specialist roll handling requirement. The application involved lifting and rotating horizontal rolls in an extremely confined space, with as little as 50 mm of clearance available for the clamping mechanism. Standard dual-moving clamp roll lifters were unsuitable due to limited access and restricted side clearance.
The customer required a safe, hygienic, and reliable roll lifting solution that would integrate seamlessly into their existing production environment while eliminating manual handling.

The Packline Solution
Packline engineered a bespoke Roll Lifter with a Fixed Arm Clamp Design, purpose-built to operate in restricted spaces. By using one fixed clamping arm and one powered moving arm, the lifter delivers secure roll gripping while maximising available clamp travel.

This innovative configuration enabled the handling of a wider roll diameter range than conventional systems, without increasing the overall footprint of the equipment. The lifter also incorporates lift and rotate functionality, allowing precise roll positioning during loading, unloading, or processing.

Key Features & Benefits

• Fixed Arm Clamp Roll Lifter
  One fixed arm and one moving arm provide a simple, robust, and reliable clamping solution.
• Minimal Clearance Roll Handling
  Designed to grip horizontal rolls with only 50 mm side clearance, ideal for confined food production areas.
• Lift and Rotate Capability
  Enables controlled lifting and powered rotation for accurate roll alignment and transfer.
• Extended Roll Diameter Capacity
  Increased clamping travel allows a broader roll size range without compromising safety or stability.
• Bespoke Engineering Design
  Custom-engineered to suit specific roll sizes, weights, materials, and hygienic requirements.

Technical Overview

• Roll Diameter Range: 125 mm – 650 mm
• Clamping Method: One fixed arm, one powered moving arm
• Roll Orientation: Horizontal
• Minimum Clearance Required: 50 mm
• Operation: Lift and rotate
• Construction Options: Stainless steel or coated mild steel, depending on application

Industries & Applications

• Food and beverage manufacturing
• Film, foil, and paper roll handling
• Packaging and converting lines
• Pharmaceutical and hygienic environments
• Production areas with restricted access or limited space

Optional & Custom Enhancements

• Bespoke clamp profiles for soft or delicate rolls
• Higher lift capacities
• Integration with Packline lifters, manipulators, or vacuum handling systems
• Hygienic and cleanroom-compliant finishes

Result
The bespoke fixed arm clamp roll lifter enabled the customer to safely handle rolls in a previously unworkable space, improving operator safety, reducing manual handling, and increasing process efficiency within a food-grade environment.

Design & Manufacture
This roll lifter was designed and manufactured in the UK by Packline, reinforcing Packline’s expertise in bespoke roll handling and lifting solutions.
To discuss a similar roll handling challenge, contact Packline’s engineering team for a tailored solution.