Material handling equipment (MHE) is literally the backbone of logistics and supply chain operations. From a factory to a warehouse, distribution centre, or construction site, this equipment is used to move, store, regulate, and protect products and materials. Properly equipped buildings maximize efficiency, minimize worker risk, save capital, and boost productivity.
We are going to discuss, with the help of Material Handling Equipment Manufacturers, the most important types of material handling equipment and their common applications in industries.
What is Material Handling Equipment?
Material handling equipment is a mechanical device utilized for the aim of moving, storing, regulating, and protecting products, goods, and materials during the process of manufacturing, consumption, distribution, and disposal.
Material handling may be broadly classified into four categories:
- Transport Equipment
- Positioning Equipment
- Unit Load Formation Equipment
- Storage Equipment
We shall discuss each category separately.
1. Transport Equipment
Transport equipment is employed to move material from point to point, i.e., factories to warehouses and loading docks. They are employed for moving goods rapidly and securely.
a. Conveyors
Use: Conveyors are employed for continuous movement of material along a fixed route. Used for moving objects from assembly lines to warehouses.
Types
- Belt Conveyors
- Roller Conveyors
- Chain Conveyors
- Pneumatic Conveyors
Uses: Factories, airports (transport of bags), and warehouses.
b. Industrial Trucks
Application: They are variable-route material handling machines and are generally operator-controlled.
Types:
- Forklifts
- Pallet jacks
- Hand trucks
- Side loaders
- Order pickers
Applications: Mostly used in piers, construction building grounds, and warehouses.
c. Hoists and Cranes
Application: To lift heavy loads vertically and transport them horizontally.
Types:
- Overhead Cranes
- Jib Cranes
- Tower Cranes
- Chain Hoists
Uses: Construction building, heavy industry, shipyards.
d. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
Usage: Self-guiding vehicles on a path or GPS technology for self-guiding freight transport.
Applications: Intelligent warehouses, logistics centres, and smart production facilities.
2. Positioning Equipment
Positioning equipment is applied to transfer material to a position where it's at the proper place for further machining, transportation, handling, or storage.
a. Lift Tables
Application: To lift and lower loads to ergonomic heights and to grip.
Use:
Applications: Packing stations, assembly lines, machine feeding.
b. Rotary Tables
Application: To transport heavy loads to a location where all sides will be reachable for all without the necessity to lift them.
Utilizations: Welding, car manufacturing, inspection facilities.
c. Dock Levelers
Purpose: Establish truck bed-dock gap space for loading and unloading.
Applications: Shipping docks, building warehouses.
d. Manipulators and Robots
Applications: Manipulators or robot arms that deliver products to places to assemble them or inspect them.
Applications: Pharmaceutical, vehicles, electronics.
3. Unit Load Formation Equipment
Unit load equipment to assist the material in such a manner that they would be moving in a unit, easy to store as well as move.
a. Pallets
Use: Flat carrying structure to hold products safely.
Materials: Plastic, metal, and wood.
Uses: Everywhere shipping, warehousing, and storage are utilized.
b. Skids
Use: Same as pallets but no bottom deck; temporary storage use.
Uses: Manufacturing, temporary mounting.
c. Containers
Uses: Effective and safe storage of loose materials in boxed containers.
Types:
- Baskets
- Totes
- Bulk containers
Uses: Food processing, automotive, e-commerce. d. Strapping, Stretch Wrapping, and Shrink Wrapping
Application: Load support on pallets or containers to stabilize and protect.
Applications: Export shipments, logistics, retail packaging.
4. Storage Equipment
Storage equipment is used to store material for short periods, awaiting further processing or shipment.
a. Racking Systems
Application: Vertical frames are used to store boxes or palletized material.
Types:
- Selective Racks
- Drive-In/Drive-Thru Racks
- Cantilever Racks
- Push-Back Racks
Applications: Distribution centers, warehouses, retail warehousing.
b. Shelving Systems
Application: Open or closed cabinets used for small tools or parts.
Types:
- Static Shelving
- Mobile Shelving
Applications: Retail, backrooms, libraries.
c. Mezzanines
Applications: Factories, warehouses.
d. Carousels and Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)
Application: Automatic machines that transport products to the operator, enhancing picking accuracy and saving space.
Applications: Electronics, pharmaceuticals, high-density storage.
Future Trends in Material Handling Equipment
Material handling is changing at a fast pace today with digitalization, automation, and sustainability needs. Some of the recent trends are:
- Automation and Robotics: Automated picking machines, AGVs, and robot arms find wide application in smart warehouses and factories to minimize the role of human beings and maximize throughput.
- IoT Integration: IoT offers real-time tracking and monitoring of products, minimizing loss and maximizing inventory management.
- Sustainable Equipment: Energy-saving conveyor belts, reusable packages, and forklifts driven by batteries reduce the carbon footprint.
- AI and Data Analytics: AI optimized the routing, inventory level, and forthcoming maintenance schedule of material handling equipment.
Proper equipment is selected depending on an infinite number of factors:
- Material Type: Fragility, perishable condition, size, weight.
- Volume and Cycles: Automated trades can be performed for high-volume trades.
- Facilities and Layout: Narrow aisle conditions may need a specialized type of shelving or forklift.
- ROI and Cost: Equipment must save the cost of ownership.
- Safety and Ergonomics: Reduce risk of injury and maximize operator comfort. A detailed material flow analysis and analysis with logistics professionals will assist in identifying the optimal equipment combination.
Final Thoughts
Material handling equipment is the hub of gravity for the smooth operation of almost all businesses. Whether robotic arms, conveyors, or forklifts, each one has its specific role to play in reducing logistics and maximizing working efficiency. It saves time and effort and lives, accelerating and simplifying competitiveness in a competitive marketplace by investing in the appropriate machinery. With advancements in technology and automation, organizations utilizing new material handling solutions to the fullest possible extent will be a strategic advantage to the company.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Foundation Repair Material Supplier
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We are going to discuss, with the help of material handling equipment manufacturers, the most important types of material handling equipment and their common applications in industries.