We are HULK Metal, a Chinese supplier of Precast Concrete Lifting Anchors. Through this article, we aim to provide you with a deeper understanding of Precast Concrete Lifting Anchors, helping you find a supplier that can consistently deliver high-quality service. Our teams in technology, procurement, production, quality control, and logistics are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive services, including quality assurance. You can use us as a benchmark for comparison.

Precast Concrete Lifting Anchors:  

Precast Concrete Lifting Anchors are embedded in precast concrete elements to provide lifting points. Over time, three main types of anchors have been developed to handle various scenarios. In practice, engineers must calculate and select the most appropriate lifting systems based on the shape, size, and other parameters of the concrete precast blocks. After selection, they will also need to guide the placement, number of anchors, and lifting methods. Currently, companies like Halfen offer well-developed guidance in this area. As a supplier, we can provide high-quality products but are unable to offer technical support for their use. Therefore, this article focuses on product knowledge to help you better evaluate product quality during procurement rather than on technical parameters. If you require technical specifications, we recommend consulting other resources.

Types:  

When searching for precast concrete lifting anchors, you will often come across four main types: Spherical Head Lifting Anchors, Thread Lifting Sockets, Spread Lifting Anchors, and Utility Anchors. These are the most commonly used types in the production of concrete precast blocks. All of them adhere to the CE certification standard, ensuring safe and reliable use. Below, we will discuss these four products in detail.

Spherical Head Lifting Anchors:  

Spherical Head Lifting Anchors are the most widely used type in concrete precast blocks, forged from high-performance alloy steel. They are named for the spherical shape of both the recess former and lifting clutch. They are also known as lifting pin anchors or dog bone lifting anchors. We have a detailed article specifically about them, which you can read here: Spherical Head Lifting Anchors.

Types:  

Currently, there are three variants: Single Head Lifting Anchors (Figure 1), Double Head Lifting Anchors (Figure 2), and Eye Lifting Anchors (Figure 3). The Single Head Lifting Anchors are more widely used, with a single Safe Working Load (SWL) ranging from 1.3 to 32 tons. The SWL range for Double Head Lifting Anchors is from 1.3 to 5.0 tons, and for Eye Lifting Anchors, it is from 1.3 to 32 tons.

Material:  

These anchors are made from high-performance alloy steels such as 20Mn2, Q345D, CM490, and stainless steel. The material choice must meet the required tensile test standards. We use a safety factor of 3 times the load capacity to test their lifting strength. We conduct rigorous sampling inspections, ensuring that the products you receive have not been used before. During sampling, we also perform break tests to verify strength.

Production:  

Spherical Head Lifting Anchors are manufactured using an open-die hot forging process. The general production process includes cutting steel bars to length, heating, free forging preform, open-die forging, cooling, fine machining, and surface treatment. Throughout production, strict sampling inspections are conducted on both semi-finished and finished products.

Surface Treatment Options:  

There are three surface treatment options: hot-dip galvanizing, electroplating, and natural finish (no surface treatment). In terms of price (under standard conditions): hot-dip galvanizing > electroplating > natural finish.

System:  

The installation and use of these anchors require additional products to form a complete system. When installing on a concrete precast block, a spherical recess must be created around the anchor to allow for the lifting clutch insertion. This requires a spherical recess former. Together, these accessories and the spherical head lifting anchor create a functional system.

Installation:  

Installation specifics must take into account factors such as the thickness, weight, and shape of the concrete slab. Based on these factors, engineers will determine the parameters of the spherical head lifting anchors, the number of anchors needed, and their placement. These calculations require the expertise of a professional project engineer, which is beyond the scope of what a supplier can provide.

Thread Lifting Sockets:

Thread Lifting Sockets are another type of lifting device used in precast concrete blocks. They are made by threading high-performance steel bars or tubes. The threads primarily come in two types: M and RD. During lifting, they need to be used together with lifting loops. Below, we will discuss their types, materials, production process, system, and installation.

Flat End Lifting Sockets: 

These sockets have a flat, pressed end with a hole, making it easy to thread rebar through. They are made of Q345, Q235, 20#, or stainless steel. The production process involves threading the steel tube, pressing the end with a punch, and creating the hole. The SWL (Safe Working Load) range is typically from 0.5 to 2.5 tons. Specific parameters can be found in our product catalog. The surface treatment options include raw black, electro-galvanized, and hot-dip galvanized finishes. The load testing standard is at least 3 times the safety factor.

Tubular Lifting Sockets:  

These sockets are cylindrical with a hole at the end for rebar to pass through. The internal part connected to the hole must be sealed with plastic to prevent concrete from entering the threaded area during installation, which could hinder its proper function. The materials used include Q345, Q235, 20#, or stainless steel. After threading, the end is drilled. Drilling is more suitable than punching, as punching could deform the socket. The SWL can go up to 12.5 tons, with more detailed parameters available in our catalog. Surface treatment and load testing standards are consistent with other precast concrete lifting anchors.

Solid Rod Lifting Sockets:

These sockets are solid cylinders with a hole at the end for rebar. They are made from Q345, Q235, 20#, or stainless steel. Custom materials can be used, but they must pass load testing with at least a 3 times safety factor. The sockets are made by drilling the solid steel rod, threading it to form the threaded end, and then drilling the hole at the end. Being solid, they do not require protection from concrete entering the threaded area during installation. We currently support production for SWLs up to 8 tons. You can click the link to our website's Precast Concrete Accessories section to download our product catalog for more information.

Wavy Lifting Sockets:

These sockets consist of a threaded section and a rebar section. They come in two types: long and short, depending on the proportion of rebar in the overall length. The threads are available in M and RD types. The threaded section is made of Q345, Q235, 20#, or stainless steel, while the rebar section is made of HRB 400. The steel tube is pressed onto the rebar, and then threaded to produce the final product. The use of any of these products requires strict calculation by professional project engineers. In most cases, additional factors must be considered.

Combined Lifting Sockets:

These sockets replace the rebar section of the wavy lifting sockets with alloy steel rods made of 20Mn2 material. We currently produce M or RD threads up to 30.

Flat Plate Lifting Sockets:  

These sockets are made by welding a threaded socket onto a square steel plate. The welding process uses argon arc welding, typically employing a surfacing technique. We currently offer a maximum thread size of RD 52, with an SWL of up to 12.5 tons.

Bolt Anchor Lifting Sockets:  

These sockets consist of a threaded socket and a standard bolt. The bolt is screwed into the socket from the rear, and then a hole is punched into the socket to secure the bolt's position. Both the bolt and socket parts are made from high-performance alloy steel.

Usage:

Before installation on a precast concrete block, the location of the socket must be determined. This calculation should be done by a professional engineer. As a manufacturer of lifting sockets, we can only provide CE-certified products and do not have the capability to perform these calculations. Companies like Halfen currently have the ability to do so. The lifting of concrete blocks should be carried out by a professional construction team.

Spread Lifting Anchors:

Spread Lifting Anchors are manufactured using high-performance alloy steel through processes like cutting, bending, punching, and welding. They serve as a third type of accessory for lifting precast concrete blocks. The use of a recess former is necessary to create a groove in the concrete block that can accommodate a ring lifting clutch. Below, we introduce the materials, production processes, and our supply capabilities for six common types of spread lifting anchors, along with a brief usage guide.

Two Hole Spread Anchors:

Two Hole Spread Anchors are made by cutting or bending high-performance alloy steel plates after stamping. Surface treatments include raw black, electro-galvanization, and hot-dip galvanization. The two legs that spread out at the bottom help distribute the load more effectively into the concrete. There are two holes: one near the bend for connecting to the steel reinforcement in the concrete and one at the top for attaching the ring clutch. A specialized recess former, as shown in the figure, is used to create the groove in the precast concrete block where the ring clutch can be inserted. We currently offer load groups of 2.5 tons, 5 tons, 10 tons, and 26 tons. You can click the link below to download the catalog for more information.

Two Hole Anchor:

Unlike the above product, this anchor does not have bent legs, making its structure simpler. Other features and usage methods are basically the same as those of the two-hole spread anchors. This product is also included in our catalog.

Erection Lifting Anchors:

The head of the erection lifting anchor is wider and specially shaped. The rebar can be tied into the grooves on both sides, allowing it to be lifted laterally. There are two holes at the bottom that can accommodate rebar. We can produce these anchors using stamping, cutting, and bending processes. The inspection standard also involves random testing with a safety factor of three times or more. You can download our product catalog for more details.

Unilateral Erection Anchors:

Unilateral Erection Anchors are like a combination of the two-hole spread lifting anchors and erection anchors. It has only one side that can be clamped with rebar, with a hole at the top for lifting and two holes at the bottom for connecting rebar. Currently, we offer production for load groups of 2.5 tons, 5 tons, 10 tons, and 26 tons. Our full-capacity production can reach 30,000 pieces per month.

Flat Foot Spread Anchors:

The two legs of the flat foot spread anchors extend outwards on both sides of the body. When installed, the rebar needs to press down on the foot surface to secure it. The recess former is fixed to its hole, and the surface aligns with the concrete surface. We use high-performance alloy steel plates to manufacture these anchors, and the production process primarily involves cutting or stamping (depending on factors such as plate thickness, the distance between holes and edges, order quantity, delivery schedule, etc.) before bending the two legs to a 90° angle. We attach an installation image, and you can download the product catalog to learn more. In specific usage, the calculations should be done by a professional engineer.

Weld Plate Lifting Anchors:

Weld Plate Lifting Anchors consist of a perforated section and a square plate. The production process typically involves cutting, stamping, and welding, followed by surface treatments such as electro-galvanization, hot-dip galvanization, or simply a basic rust-proofing treatment without further surface processing. During installation, rebar is used to press down on the square plate to effectively transfer the load. We will attach installation images below. We offer Weld Plate Lifting Anchors in load groups of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 tons. Direct factory sales ensure better pricing, and these anchors are CE-certified.

Utility Anchors:

Utility Anchors are a special type of lifting anchor that requires a unique hook for lifting precast concrete blocks. They are made from the same materials as standard lifting anchors. They are produced by forging both ends and bending the middle. A specialized Recess Former is also used to create a groove that accommodates the hook.

Quality Inspection:

CE standards for precast concrete accessories are globally recognized. For lifting anchors, the inspection primarily focuses on material quality and safety factor. Currently, the most widely used standard is to complete testing with a safety factor of at least three times the load. Each batch of goods should include a complete inspection report.

Lifting:

We previously compiled an article about Lifting Clutches. You can click here to learn more about lifting clutches.

Choosing a Supplier:

When selecting a supplier, you need to consider various factors such as product quality, pricing, supply capacity, production capability, and service level. A suitable supplier will help you complete your procurement tasks more efficiently.

Product Quality and Pricing:

Quality:

Companies with technical teams can provide professional advice based on customer needs and develop comprehensive solutions for customized products. For established products like spherical head lifting anchors, quality is usually stable and meets standards. However, for special or customized products, suppliers with technical expertise can ensure that the product quality meets your specific requirements.

Pricing:

A supplier’s pricing is closely related to their supply method and production model. Suppliers with stock may have higher unit prices due to warehousing and capital costs. In contrast, suppliers without stock can offer more competitive prices through flexible production and resource management. Choosing the right supplier based on the urgency of your purchase can help you get a more reasonable price while ensuring quality.

Supply Capacity:

With Stock:

Suppliers with stock generally maintain a large inventory to meet urgent and bulk order needs. These suppliers can deliver quickly, making them ideal for urgent situations, although their prices may be higher.

Without Stock:

Suppliers without stock rely on their strong production capabilities and management efficiency to quickly arrange production after receiving orders, ensuring timely delivery. By reducing inventory-related costs, they can offer more competitive prices, suitable for non-urgent orders.

Production Capability:

Factory Resources:

Suppliers without stock typically depend on extensive factory resources and flexible production arrangements to handle multiple orders simultaneously and ensure on-time delivery. Their production capacity and management efficiency enable them to respond swiftly to market demands.

Quality Control Ability:

The quality control ability of a supplier is crucial. Whether with stock or without, suppliers must have stringent quality control processes to ensure every batch meets quality standards and satisfies customer requirements.

Service Capability:

Service Offerings:

Suppliers with strong service capabilities not only provide products but also integrate the supply chain to offer additional services such as packaging and transportation, helping customers save time and resources.

Service Quality:

High-quality service is reflected in quick responses to customer needs and comprehensive support. Suppliers should actively meet customer requirements and provide timely updates on order progress through efficient communication. Choosing a supplier with strong service capabilities allows customers to manage multiple orders more efficiently without significantly increasing costs, as efficient service usually means greater savings.

Give HULK Metal a chance and experience the quality service you will never refuse.