subject: Material Handling Products and Important Considerations [print this page] Material Handling Products and Important Considerations
Any manufacturing, industrial, or warehousing facility needs an efficient way to transport products or parts. Many other facilities do as well, where the material handling systems not only move objects from one place to another, but drive the company's processes in the most efficient way possible. There is a wide variety of products that are a part of these systems, and a multitude of things to consider when selecting and operating such equipment.
One of the most recognizable methods of material transport is the conveyor. Conveyor systems come in many forms, and comprise of a lot of different parts. They move parts from one machine to another, across an assembly line or factory, and products from manufacturing to where they are loaded onto trucks. An efficient conveyor system conserves power and is designed to last for a very long time, reducing the costs for the company to operate it. This system should also operate for long periods of time and tolerate the weight and quantity to support the business' supply chain operations.
Individual components such as rollers, brackets, tracks, and hooks can be ordered separately or complete conveyor systems can be purchased as single units. Often these come in different segments to create a whole system. Replacement conveyor belts are a popular commodity, and cable and hose carriers help safely manage the multitude of power cables, hydraulic hoses, and other equipment.
Electronic carts and trucks must be energy efficient and small enough to navigate aisles and turns in a facility. They must be able to easily lift boxes that the ordinary person could never do. Further down the supply chain, other material handling products help package products quickly, while loading dock equipment helps protect products, vehicles, and workers.
In addition to moving products, as casters and wheels are designed to do, facility-wide handling of materials also involves storage. Space-saving cabinets with high-capacity, smaller containers, and also liquid storage drums and storage lockers play a vital role.
It is important to help protect equipment, as most of it is quite expensive. Vibration mounts and pads come in many shapes and sizes for various equipment. Constant movement can damage equipment and cause it to malfunction sooner than it would otherwise, and this can incur large costs on businesses that can be avoided.
Safety for staff is also important in material handling. Products such as ladders come in many varieties, and there are also products to secure gratings. Scaffolding components are designed to ensure worker safety by being stable and preventing someone from falling off. Walking ramps provide a secure way to get to areas that would require a slower route around or unnecessary vertical climbs. These also come in various sizes to accommodate specific work spaces.
Economic considerations are strong when it comes to selecting equipment, especially during a recession. Enormous costs can be saved by using energy efficient systems. These can also operate at speeds suitable for having a constant flow of products get to where they need to, but it is also important that the equipment comply with safety regulations set forth by agencies that have enforced such policies for a reason.
It is imperative to minimize the risk of injury, as not only legal issues can cut into a company's budget, but the reduction in manpower. Efficiency also involves having everyone on duty for the most amount of time.
Material handling equipment serves many purposes, no matter its size, shape, or form. The individual components of this equipment function in unison to transport parts and finished products. Efficiency, speed, and safety are elements of a complete system that can help a company grow even in difficult economic times.
