Look At All The Material Handling Options
Joe Harnest

Moving materials around the shop floor can be a complicated matter, much depends on the type of materials to be handled and the equipment that is available to do the job. The most common material handling applications involve hand trucks, pallet trucks, conveyors and forklift trucks used for moving boxed loads.

When individually handled materials become unwieldy because they have odd shapes or are heavy, a different approach should be taken. Look overhead for the solution! Product movement can be achieved through monorails, bridge cranes and other overhead systems. There are many standard products available, the governing factors of any particular application need to be evaluated to determine the right solution.

When the materials are granular or semi fluid the situation gets more interesting. The options available for handling of such an item are limited. Naturally, a container can be used in which to put the materials, in that case, you can revert to the above standard methods for handling.

Considering labor costs, packaging and possible damage due to the extra handling involved with boxed loads, handling in bulk is a logical alternative. You might consider a vacuum system, which can involve piping that is not always practical, from an installation point of view. Another solution may involve a screw conveyor, which is an alternative for restricted, short distance movement, although it is usually limited to handling the specific material for which it was designed.

Bulk shipping containers can be an effective handling method when dealing with semi fluids. These containers can reduce material handling costs, improve productivity and minimize waste by reducing packaging materials, but the removal of product can be difficult unless a hydraulic dumper is used. Many industries utilize dumpers as an essential part of the manufacturing process.

Material handling equipment has been developed for all the challenges required by industry. The experienced professional is essential in evaluating the optimal solutions for you. Often there may be more than one answer, a review of the criteria, based on practicality, economy, and efficiency will reveal the applicable equipment.

copyright Joe Harnest
Rival Material Handling Systems www.rivallift.com
Reprint with permission and credits intact only

Rival Material Handling is pleased to assist your company with workplace crane inspections. Please visit our web site for more information.

Back to Business Article