Crane deflection limits in the design of lifting devices

At Crosby Airpes we have wide experience in the design of all types of devices for overhead cranes and lifting systems in general. When designing a lifting device, be it a scissor lifting tongs, an lifting electromagnet, or any other system, one of the factors that must be taken into account are the deflection limits of the crane.

These limits must take into account two factors:

1. The weight of the lifting device
2. The weight of the load to be lifted

Those variables are needed to design a lifting system that fits perfectly with the crane that the customer has.

Differences between vertical deflection and horizontal deflection

In general there are two types of deflection limits: the horizontal deflection and the vertical deflection. These limits are also taken into account separately when designing our devices, since in addition to the crane, the load frames or supporting structures of the lifting system are also subject to constant stresses and bending.

Vertical deflection is more important than horizontal deflection, and legal regulations may vary from country to country. For example, in the United States deflection limits for cranes and lifting systems are measured in inches, so care must be taken when converting units and adapting any project to the US regultations.

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Extra variable: crane boom deflection

Crane boom deflection is another phenomenon that happens to all cranes, and it is necessary to happen in order for the system to operate correctly. It occurs when a crane is lifting a load and its boom (the arm of the crane) appears to be bending. All booms in every crane have this ability to flex so they can absorb the loading forces that come from lifting a heavy weight, but obviously the limits have to be taken into account so the machinery always flexes within some given limits.

In other words: it is mandatory to have some level of boom flexibility when you design a single arm crane, but this deflection should not pass certains limits.

That’s why crane boom deflection is also a necessary element of crane design. The boom of the crane has to be able to elastically deform safely without damaging the sections or shorten their life.

Test the deflection limits of your crane and equipment with our Test Bench

At Crosby Airpes we have a test bench that allows us to carry out performance tests on our products prior to their final installation. It also serves to test devices from customers and constructors, as it provides a controlled and safe environment where we can ensure that the deflection and stress calculations made during the design phase are correct.

Related: Our test bench can help you also with ISO’s and certifications for your cranes

In our test bench you can perform elevation tests up to 1,000 tons, so the range of products and machines that can be tested in our facilities is very wide.

Our test bench will give you live information about your lifting system before putting it to work in a real environment. We offer you all the necessary equipment to carry out the test in a comfortable and safe way.

Decades of experience designing cranes and lifting devices

At Crosby Airpes we have decades of experience on designing lifting devices and cranes of any kind, for any given job and no matter how heavy or big are the loads you need to carry and move. Some of our projects are these: