What Is A Beam Rotator And How Are They Used?

In structural fabrication orienting the beam segments for processing can be a difficult task. With limited availability of overhead cranes and lack of space for forklifts many fabricators have to wait and wait for their turn in order to reposition their beam for further processing. That is where a beam rotator comes in to save the shop time and money.

What is a Beam Rotator?

A beam rotator is a device that through support slings or chains can lift and rotate heavy structural beams to various positions to assist welding and assembly operations. Available in a variety of different sizes and styles they are operated by the fabricator or welder and can be positioned throughout the shop conveniently for performing more detailed work.

4 Reasons Why You Need a Beam Rotator?

In a busy structural fab shop there is always a need for any lifting device available and often that means a long wait. Waiting while you pay your welder, fitter and foreman for an available overhead crane, boom crane or forklift is a waste of time and money. Further once your people have to wait they tend to wander off to use the restroom, get coffee etc adding even more time to a costly project already. With a Beam Rotator they do not have to wait at all. They simply lift, tilt, and rotate the beam as needed, when needed in order to present the proper surface at a comfortable height for the welder. 

1. Immediate Availability: Beam rotators are available immediately to your welders and fitters reading down time. 
2. Speed to Rotate: With a Forklift or Crane rotating the beam can take 5 minutes or more and be a hazardous operation. Using a Beam Rotator takes just a few seconds to safely and properly rotate the beam for the next operation. 
3. Comfortable: Reduce strain and increase productivity using a beam rotator by positioning the beam to a comfortable position for welding. No more upside down and uphill welds! 
4. Safety: As Beam Rotators support the full beam during the rotating process you are not fearing the beam slipping off the forks of a forklift or of rigging snapping and dropping the beam inadvertently. 

BendmakUSA offers 2 unique styles of Beam Rotators in a variety of sizes. The Belt Style and the Chain Style rotator. The belt style provides protection from gouging or scratching beams during the turning process whereas the chain style provides heavier capacity and a simpler design. Contact us for more information about Bendmak’s ZR and HR Series Beam Rotators.