Material handling Equipment refers to a range of industrial machinery that is designed to support and automate workflow. These tools reduce worker injury and fatigue, minimize product damage, and maximize space usage.
Forklifts are a great example. They eliminate the need for workers lifting and transporting heavy materials beyond their physical capabilities. Other examples include sortation conveyor systems, hoppers and silos.
Conveyor Systems
Material handling equipment conveyors keep your facility working as smoothly and efficiently as possible. They minimize MHE personnel movements and allow more accurate material transfer, ensuring production remains on track. They also help meet seasonal demands without increasing overall company costs.
The type of conveyor system that you will need to handle the material handling process depends on your specific needs. For example, if you need to transport granular materials in bulk, then a drag conveyor or screw conveyor will be ideal. Bucket conveyors are better suited for moving boxed materials with greater precision. If you need to move large or heavy materials, then a belt or roller conveyor can assist.
For warehouses that have to deal with multiple orders at a time, then a sorting conveyor can be very useful. It allows workers to quickly sort and transport orders for delivery to customers, reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency. Modular conveyors can also be reconfigured to suit changing warehousing requirements. They are often used to feed other pieces of equipment like palletizers and stackers.
Engineered Systems
Material handling equipment is required by businesses for efficient operations, whether moving raw materials to production or finished products to transportation. Choosing the right tools depends on the type of materials and products to be handled, the volume of goods, and facility design. All material handling equipment will perform better and last longer with proper maintenance and safety procedures.
Engineered systems automate processes and reduce manual labor, speeding up production times and improving employee safety. They include components like conveyor belts, storage racks and palletizers to move heavy loads with precision and ease.
Bulk materials can handle massive quantities of raw or unpackaged products, including food grains and minerals. They need machinery like stackers, hoppers and reclaimers to manage large quantities of bulk goods efficiently. In addition to facilitating continuous transport over long distances, engineered systems can help organize and manage large stockpiles.
Bulk Materials
The equipment in bulk material handling systems handles large items that are too heavy for workers to lift manually. These systems include conveyors and silos that transport and store materials until they are needed for a production process. They are crucial for ensuring that necessary materials are available for real-time manufacturing, and boosting productivity.
The bulk material’s properties determine the type of transport it will receive before and after its processing. For instance, if the material is abrasive or corrosive, then it requires special linings. Its flammability also determines how the system should be designed, including the use of explosion suppression technology.
A volumetric feed is a mechanical system which delivers a constant flow of bulk materials to a production from a bin. These systems are capable of handling a variety of bulk materials such as food ingredients, pharmaceutical powders or pellets, plastic flakes or pellets, processed chemical, rubber, cement and more. They are an essential part of nearly every industry, simplifying a labor-intensive process and saving manufacturers time and money. They can be powered with gas, electricity, water or steam.
Dock Equipment
A well-equipped docking station improves the workflow and creates a safe environment for warehouse workers. Dock equipment includes door systems, seals and shelters that prevent the ingress of external elements and secure vehicles to the dock. They also allow for smoother loading and unloading processes.
Vehicle restraints help reduce the risk of trailers, shipping containers or railcars falling off the dock face. These safety devices connect to the truck bed and are secured with a chain, strap or cable. These safety devices have indicators that show when the restraints are ready to engage vehicles. This allows workers to prepare for a smooth and easy transfer of goods.
Dock levelers raise a dock’s surface to match the height a vehicle. This creates a smooth transition between forklifts, trucks and other vehicles. The levelers can be mounted in a pit or on the edge of the dock (EOD), depending on the facility’s needs. EOD levelers offer a lower cost but a limited range of service due to their short, steep ramps. While pit-mounted levelers can accommodate varying load capacities, they are less expensive. Both options are backed by a variety of warranties to fit an organization’s budget and service requirements.
Forklifts
With so many options available for material handling equipment, there’s a solution to fit every application. There are machines that can make your life easier, whether you’re loading and unloading dirt, hardscape or moving materials in a factory or warehouse.
Forklifts, also known as industrial lift trucks, are a popular type of material handling equipment. These motor-driven vehicles are used to move and transport palletized loads in commercial settings such as large retail centers, distribution centers, storage facilities and transportation yards.
Forklifts have a wide range of models with varying capacities, lift heights, and features. Common forklift types include pallet jacks, walkie stackers, order pickers and telehandlers. Each forklift type has a purpose. Pallet jacks are low lift trucks that are perfect for moving palletized goods and navigating aisles in warehouses. Telehandlers are equipped with a long, extending arms that make them more useful when lifting, reaching, and transporting heavy loads. Some forklift attachments, such as drum handlers, rotators and man baskets require separate training and certification to use.