Types of Conveyors

Conveyor systems are used for moving materials from one point to another; over a fixed path. Hence, there must be a sufficient volume of movement to justify dedicating the equipment to the handling of task. Depending on the types of material handled, a variety of conveyors can be used.
Conveyors can be classified in several ways. For example, conveyors can be classified according to the type of material being handled and the location of the conveyors.

(i)Flat Belt Conveyor

It is used for transporting light- and medium weight loads between operations, departments, levels, and buildings. It is especially useful when an incline or decline is included in the conveyor path.
Advantages: It provides a considerable control over the orientation and placement of the load.
Disadvantages: Friction prevents smooth accumulation, merging, and sorting of the load.

(ii)Slat Conveyor

It can operate horizontal and inclined, and handle heaver or more awkwardly shaped units than belt conveyors.

(iii)Chain Conveyor

It consists of one or more endless chain on which loads are carried directly. Chain conveyors are usually used to transport bulk materials that are not suitable for roller conveyors. They are often used to transport tote boxes and pallets.

















Types of Cranes

Cranes are used to move material over variable paths within a restricted area and when there is insufficient flow volume such that the used of a conveyor is not justified. It provides more flexibility in movement than s conveyor but less than an industrial truck. Materials handled are more varied in their shape and weight compare to a conveyor.

(i)Bridge Crane

A bridge is mounted on tracks that are located on opposite walls of the facility so that a wide area can be covered. A bridge crane can provide three-dimensional coverage of a department. The bridge can either be top riding or underhung. A top-riding crane can accommodate heavier loads than an underhung crane.

(ii)Stacker Crane

It is similar to bridge conveyor. Instead of using s hoist, it uses a mast with forks or platform to handle unit loads. It is used for storing and retrieving unit loads in storage racks, especially in high-rise applications in which the height of the racks are above 50 feet high.



Types of Material Handling Equipment














(i)Industrial Trucks

They are used to move materials over variable paths with no restrictions on the area covered. It provide vertical movement if the truck has lifting capabilities. Industrial trucks provide more flexibility in movement than conveyors and cranes.














(ii)Pallet Jack

An operator operates it manually. The operator manually lifts a pallet up and pulls the pallet jack around the warehouse. Stacking of pallets is not allowed when using it.

















(iii)Order Picker

It is used during order picking process. It allows the picker to retrieve goods from the racks beyond his reach. It has forks to allow the truck to be used for pallet stacking and to support a pallet during less-than-pallet-loads picking.



(iv)Narrow Aisle Reach Truck

It is used for narrow aisle racking. It requires 8-10 ft width. Load rests on the outrigger an arm during transport, but a pantograph (scissors) mechanism is used for reaching, thereby eliminating the need to straddle the load during stacking. Reaching capability enables the use of shorter outrigger arms (arms > 1/2 load depth) as compared to NA straddle truck (arms = load depth). Counterbalance of the truck used to support the load when it extends beyond the outrigger arms.Below is a link where you can read more about the birth of NA reach truck.
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