New Electric Chain Hoist for Positioning Applications

Providing best-in-class safety and precision control, the new STAHL CraneSystems® STF electric chain hoist from Columbus McKinnon is specially designed for stepless lifting and positioning applications. Columbus McKinnon is a leading designer and manufacturer of motion control products, technologies, and services for material handling. Equipped with industry-leading Magnetek® IMPULSE®•G+ Mini drives, STF hoists provide infinitely variable speed for applications requiring precision control, ensuring greater operator safety and lower stress on the crane mechanical and control components.

“The STF hoist combines the high-performance and reliability you expect from a STAHL CraneSystems chain hoist with industry-leading design and control features Magnetek provides,” said Marc Döttling, STAHL CraneSystems Product Manager. “Since the frequency inverter can be connected to field bus systems, such as Modbus, Profibus, or Ethernet, the STF chain hoist is an important step towards Industry 4.0. The control technology of the IMPULSE drive not only enables precision movement, but also provides valuable diagnostic and performance information, such as hoist status, through communication with IoT networks.”

The STF hoist also offers increased safety. If the hoist controls detect unintentional movement, for example the motor brake slips under load, the hoist drive will stop, and it can no longer be operated. This helps prevent the load from dropping and potentially damaging equipment and injuring the operator. In addition, an overspeed protection device prevents the motor from exceeding its maximum allowable speed range in the event of a drive malfunction, which protects the hoist against a possible load drop.

The hoist features a 1024 PPR encoder with a simplified mounting for reliable feedback in rugged operation and permits rapid evaluation of speed signals. The quick programming feature of the Magnetek frequency inverter paired with the ease of chain hoist commissioning gives customers a safe, highly reliable, and simple plug-and-play application.

Like all STF chain hoists, the new variable speed model is designed for ambient temperatures from -10° C to 40° C (14°F to 104°F), optionally up to 50°C (122°F) and is suitable for all available mains voltages with a large number of adaptation options.

In addition, the STF chain hoist meets the special requirements of protection class IP54 (optional IP65 / IP67 for outdoor use), which prevents the ingress of water and moisture. The STF is also extremely durable and maintenance friendly, featuring hard-wired control elements in place of commonly used board controls.

The STF is available in EMEA, APAC, and Latin America. For more information on the STAHL CraneSystems and Magnetek product portfolios, visit www.columbusmckinnon.com.