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What is Beam Rotators and Why Do We Use Them?

Author: Ruby

Apr. 07, 2025

What Is A Beam Rotator And How Are They Used? - Bendmak USA

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.

With competitive price and timely delivery, OLIVET sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

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. 

Slinger Beam Rotator - Ocean Machinery Inc

Here are some of the more commonly asked questions

Can the SLINGER be run on 110V single phase?

No, it cannot. It needs 3-phase 460v/480v to drive the hydraulic unit which powers the lifting cylinders as well as the direct drive rotational motor

How much electrical power is needed?

The SLINGER needs 3KW

The company is the world’s best Benchtop Welding Positioner supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

How do you load the SLINGER / Trestles?

Trestles are typically loaded with an overhead crane or forklift

Do you offer work trestles as an option?

No, we do not but we can supply drawings, but honestly any type of saw horse will do as long as the height is not too tall and not too low. If they are too tall, then the Slinger will not be able to rotate the part without interference, and it they are too low, the SLINGER will not be able to lift the part sufficiently to rotate it

What is the ideal height of the work trestles?

  • For the OSL4T the trestles need to be 31.5” tall (800mm)
  • For the OSL6T the trestles need to be between 23.5” and 29.5” (600-750mm)

How high does the SLINGER lift the profile off the trestles?

  • Vertical lift height for OSL4T = 23”
  • Vertical lift height for OSL6T = 39″

What is the maximum weight of profile that can be picked up by the SLINGER?

Please see the Specifications tab, for all the specs

What is the maximum size of profile that can be rotated?

Please see the Specifications tab, for all the specs

What material is used to make the Slings?

The slings are made from Heavy Duty Polyester that meets EN and CE Specifications. Each individual sling can support 6,600lbs

Does the SLINGER need to be bolted to the floor

The SLINGER is self-supporting and does not need to be secured to the floor, as long as the floor is even and level. This allows the SLINGER to be moved in and out to accommodate beams of varying lengths

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