The RUD ACP-TURNADO lifting point eliminates dangerous shock loads caused by standard shackles jamming during rotation. By featuring a unique spring-loaded mechanism that automatically aligns with the direction of force, it ensures smoother, safer handling and protects expensive equipment from damage.

In the injection moulding sector, particularly within the automotive supply chain, handling heavy moulds is a daily operational critical task. Activities such as lifting, rotating and opening these moulds carry inherent safety risks. Moreover, given the urgency of automotive production schedules, even minor delays or mishaps can have serious consequences.

Every mould must be lifted in and out of the injection-moulding machine with precision. Tight schedules mean that delays in tool handling can disrupt production lines, potentially incurring penalties from vehicle manufacturers. Consequently, safe and efficient handling is essential, not only for productivity but for the protection of workers and equipment.

Sudden Loads and Stress Points

When moulds are turned while suspended, the lifting system is often subjected to "shock loads." These occur when standard lifting points become stuck in a 90-degree position during the turn. As the lifting point snaps back into alignment with the direction of the force, the load shifts abruptly, placing immense strain on the bolts, shackles and crane components.

These sudden movements can cause:

• Severe wear on crane brakes and components
• Damage to expensive tools or moulds
• Serious safety risks for personnel

Maintaining efficiency under time pressure while reducing these risks and ensuring safety remains one of the biggest challenges in tool handling.

Enter A Smarter Lifting Solution - ACP-TURNADO

To eliminate these risks, RUD developed the ACP-TURNADO, an advanced lifting point designed to prevent shock loads and unintentional load drops.

The core innovation of the ACP-TURNADO is a unique spring-loaded mechanism that ensures the shackle automatically aligns in the direction of the pull. This means it cannot get stuck in the dangerous 90-degree “worst-case” position. The result is smoother lifting and rotating, without sudden impacts or excessive shear forces.

Key Features of the ACP-TURNADO

• Automatic alignment in the direction of force - eliminates shock loading
• Higher load capacity by up to 30% compared with similar lifting points
• Versatile range of availability from M8 to M100 (½" to 4") for a wide range of applications
• RFID-equipped for quick identification and digital documentation
• DGUV-approved, tested to 20,000 load cycles and compliant with European and US (ASME) standards

All ACP-TURNADO variants also include wear indicators for easy inspection. From size M36, they also include torque and load data on the bushing, as well as angle markings for quick alignment checks.

Lifting and Lashing

The ACP-Turnado is not limited only to lifting. It can also be used as a lashing point for securing loads during transport or between production and storage. Its automatic alignment in the pulling direction helps maintain correct load restraint.

Safety Note: A lifting point used for lashing (Safety Factor 2:1) must not be reused for lifting (Safety Factor 4:1).

This dual functionality makes the ACP-Turnado particularly valuable in injection-moulding environments where moulds are frequently moved between production, maintenance and storage areas.

Smarter and Connected Handling

RUD offers digital tools to make lifting operations safer and more efficient. ACP-TURNADO lifting points include integrated RFID transponders. This allows users to instantly access manuals, inspection records and technical data sheets, streamlining compliance and maintenance.

Safe and Efficient

The ACP-Turnado is more than a lifting or lashing point - it’s a safety engineered system for modern manufacturing. By combining automatic alignment, robust construction and digital traceability, it helps automotive and industrial operators to:

• Prevent shock loads and equipment wear
• Increase operational safety
• Maintain efficient and traceable workflows

In demanding environments like injection moulding, the ACP-Turnado delivers the reliability and safety required to keep production moving efficiently and without compromise.

Do you want more information on our lifting solutions? Call us on 07 3809 1300 or email us.

Original article in German by Fabian Bihlmaier, Product Manager Lifting, RUD Group in Kuhn Fachmedien. English article copyright to RUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.