Material Handling Equiptment: Material Handling Overhead Cranes & Hoists
Material handing overhead cranes and hoists for efficient, economical and safe material handling in various industrial applications. Contact to get tailored material handling solution.Material handling can be defined by gravity, manual effort or power-activated machinery as an integrated system in order to move, manage, store and control materials.
For more than 80% of the time materials or objects or loads on a shop floor are used in waiting or transportation for material handling is important. Time and space are saved by the handling, storage and control of objects with efficient material handling.
Material handling equipment
Generally speaking, the are various types of material handling equipment which are used in material handling.
- Conveyors, cranes and hoists, and industrial trucks are examples of material-moving transport equipment.
- Positioning equipment, such as a lift table, dock lever, hoist, and industrial robot, is used to handle material in a single location.
- Unit load formation equipment, such as pallets, skids, bags, crates, and so on, to handle and maintain material integrity while transporting and storing.
- Storage equipment, such as a drive-in rack or a sliding rack, that holds or buffers materials over time.
- Identification and control equipment is used to collect and communicate information used to coordinate the flow of materials within a facility as well as between a facility and its suppliers and customers.
Material handling cranes and hoists
Material handling equipment such as cranes and hoists are frequently used. Loads handled by cranes are generally more variable in terms of shape and weight than those handled by conveyors. Hoists are typically attached to cranes for the purpose of lifting, lowering, and transporting materials or loads.
General characteristic of cranes and hoists
- Material handling cranes and hoists are used to move loads horizontally and vertically within the material handling equipment's covering area.
- Material handling cranes and hoists offer greater mobility than conveyors.
- Material handling cranes and hoists can handle loads of various shapes and weights that a conveyor cannot.
- Crane and hoist operation methods include: suspension panel, driver's cabin, remote control, or a combination of the above.
- Floor space costs: Different types of cranes and hoists require different amounts of floor space.
- Lifting height: high, can be customized to meet specific needs.
- Load capacity: Can be customized based on load requirements.
- Moving varying loads within the rated capacity of the cranes and hoists intermittently to any point within the cranes' and hoists' covering area.
Material Handling Overhead Crane
Material handling overhead cranes are a type of overhead crane that is used for material handling tasks such as load and material movement, storage, control, and protection. A material handling crane is commonly used to lift and transfer heavy materials, thereby avoiding unnecessary strain on workers. As a result, a material handling crane not only serves as a hoisting equipment for lifting and transporting loads and goods, but it also aids in the prevention of injuries during the operation process.
Main configurations of overhead material handling cranes
Material handling overhead cranes are available in four basic configurations to meet nearly all types of lifting needs in your facility:
- A single girder is made up of one bridge girder and two end trucks. Single girder cranes are ideal for light duty and moderate service, as they are less expensive, easier and faster to install, and operate in a convenient and safe manner.
- A double girder bridge is made up of two bridge girders and two end trucks. A two-girder crane is ideal for heavy-duty applications. It outperforms a single-girder overhead crane in terms of efficiency and durability.
- Top running overhead crane: The most common crane system is top running crane. With a larger span and higher lifting height, a top running crane can lift several hundred tons.
- Underhung crane: It is suspended from the structure of the building's ceiling or roof. The overhead material handling crane provides an excellent side approach and makes the most of the building's width and height.
Gantry crane for material handling
What is a gantry crane, exactly? Gantry cranes are one of the most commonly used overhead travelling cranes, with freestanding Goliath gantry structures in full gantry or semi-gantry designs with single girder crane & double girder crane configurations for indoor and outdoor material handling with a wide range of gantry crane specifications from 500 kg to 320 tons, including 2 ton gantry cranes, 3 ton gantry cranes, 5 ton gantry cranes, and 6 ton gantry
Features of material handling gantry cranes：
- For various material handling, semi-gantry cranes with a single leg, full gantry cranes with double legs, and mobile gantry cranes are available.
- The gantry crane is similar to a bridge overhead crane, except that it is supported by crane legs rather than walls.
- Gantry crane supports can be fixed in place or can move along a rail track.
- Gantry cranes are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Jib cranes for material handling
Jib cranes are the best lifting equipment for short-distance transfers. For material handling, a variety of jib cranes are available, including wall travelling jib cranes, pillar jib cranes, and wall mounted jib cranes. Material movement Jib cranes can lift and transport materials in semicircles or full circles around their support structures to provide localized material handling in work cells, supplement a large overhead crane system, transfer materials from one work cell to the next, and safely lift a line load up to the rated capacity.
The characteristics of a jib crane are as follows:
The following are typical characteristics of a material handling jib crane:
- Material handling jib cranes are a type of material handling equipment that can be utilized freely in three dimensions.
- Material handling jib cranes are built with a unique construction that provides great safety, reliability, and efficiency, allowing you to save energy and time.
- Material handling jib cranes have a compact working area, are simple to operate and maintain, and are rotary versatile, cost-effective, and long-lasting.
Workstation crane for material handling
Workstation cranes are used to assist workers in doing jobs more efficiently and with less danger of damage. Workers can move objects or loads with workstation cranes by moving the load with the help of a vertical lifting device, such as a hoist or other attachment.
Truss kbk crane for material handling
Workstation crane system benefits
- Boost efficiency: Workstation cranes allow workers to efficiently carry relatively large objects from one workstation to the next, increasing productivity.
- Allowing your overhead crane to handle greater loads or supplementing or replacing multiple jib cranes and other lifting equipment like forklifts.
- Workstation cranes can be placed in a variety of ways: The installation of a freestanding workstation crane is flexible, as it only requires a standard concrete floor and may be shifted when the work flow changes.
- The cost of a workstation crane is low enough that it can be dedicated to individual workstations.
- Boost employee happiness and safety.
- Increased productivity yielded a quick return on investment.
KBK stacker crane for material handling
A kbk stacker crane is a double girder kbk crane with suspension crane design and a specialized stacker trolley, which is usually adopted for material handling with the operations of in-stock, out-stock, transport, sort, store and access in rack warehouse, stores and workshops, etc.
Overhead stacker crane for material handling
Overhead stacker crane for material handling
Overhead stacker crane for material handling
Overhead stacker crane for material handling
Benefits of the kbk telescopic crane
- When compared to traditional hoisting systems, the KBK telescopic crane provides a cost-effective alternative, especially in workshops with limited working height and space.
- The kbk crane's modular architecture allows it to be customized with a variety of features and multi-functions, resulting in a safe and dependable overhead traveling crane solution in practice.
- The kbk crane's extended service life and low maintenance rate are due to its strong and robust design and high standard quality and fabrication.
- The telescopic beam kbk cranes have an overhung and extending crane design that gives them more room to maneuver and makes the most of the available area.
Selection of material handling cranes
Choosing the right material handling overhead crane is critical for improving work efficiency and safety, maximizing crane effectiveness, lowering operating costs, increasing economic benefits, and ensuring safe operation. A few factors must be considered when selecting a material handling overhead crane in order to find the best one for the job.
Specify the crane's basic parameters
Material handling overhead crane basic parameters include rated load capacity, span, lifting height, work duty, working speed, and so on. This information is critical for the proposal.
Determine the crane's structural form
Choosing the right bridge, trolley, control mode, and lifting attachments can help the crane meet the demands of various installation sizes and operating methods.
The bridge is the crane's main load-bearing member, consisting of one or two main beams and one end beam on each side of the span. When the lifting capacity is less than 10 tons, the work duty is low, the running speed is not fast, and the crane is not used frequently, a single beam overhead crane can be used. As a lifting mechanism, a single beam crane typically employs an electric hoist, which has a compact structure, is light in weight, and is relatively inexpensive. The double beam crane is ideal for heavier-duty applications due to its good stability, high work efficiency, and high performance.
Hoist and trolley are lifting mechanism of the crane. Single girder crane usually uses electric hoist as the lifting mechanism, and the hoist is suspended from the lower part of the single-beam. Top-running hoist trolleys with large load carrying capacity and stable operation are commonly used in double girder cranes.
The overhead crane can be operated from the ground via a handheld pendant control or wireless remote control, or from the driver's cabin. The driver's cab is typically used to ensure safe operation of cranes with large lifting capacity, high working level, and fast running speed.
Choosing the right picking device is critical to ensuring high work efficiency and safety. Material handling overhead cranes can be outfitted with a variety of lifting devices to meet the lifting, loading, and unloading requirements of various materials. The most common picking device is the hook. Grab is primarily used for bulk material handling. Magnetic black metals can be handled with an electromagnetic chuck.
Other special requirements
Do you have any specific needs for the crane? Special requirements on the crane's operating performance, such as environmental requirements, safety protection requirements, and so on, can be put forward in order to make the overhead cranes meet the use requirements under special environmental conditions or under specific working conditions.
- Overhead cranes typically operate in temperatures ranging from -20 °C to 40 °C. When the range is exceeded, special precautions should be taken when designing the cranes.
- When using cranes outside, rainproof measures should be taken. Rain covers should be installed on the hoist and trolley, as well as the crane's traveling mechanism and electrical device.
- If the crane will be used in a dusty environment, the electrical device should be dustproof.
- Explosion-proof cranes should be used in environments with explosive and flammable mixed gases.
Material handling principles
According to a study conducted by CIC-MHE and the Material Handling Institute, the following material handling principles have been compiled:
1. Material handling should be the result of a deliberate plan, according to the planning principle. The material handling plan should specify the material (what), the moves (when and where), and the method of handling (how and who).
2. Standardization principle: Wherever possible, standardize handling methods and equipment.
3. To ensure safe and effective operations, human capabilities and limitations must be recognized and respected in the design of material handling tasks and equipment.
4. Work principle: Material handling work should be minimized or simplified without sacrificing the operation's productivity or level of service.
5. Unit load principle: Unit loads must be appropriately sized and configured to meet material flow and inventory goals at each stage of the supply chain.
6. The principle of space utilization. All available space must be used effectively and efficiently.
7. The system principle states that all material handling activities should be integrated to form a coordinated, operational system.
- The principle of automation. Material handling operations should be mechanized and automated whenever possible to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety, among other things.
- Principle of the environment. When designing or selecting material handling equipment, the application environment and conditions should be considered.
- The life cycle cost principle is ten. The entire life cycle of all material handling equipment should be subjected to an economic analysis.
Material handling hazards
Material handling is the movement, handling, and storage of materials in a facility through the use of manual force, employee-operated equipment (forklifts), and automated equipment (conveyors). Material handling and storage within a facility includes activities such as:
- Lifting boxes from shelves and placing them on a cart or pallet; Using forklifts to move finished product pallets from the warehouse to the loading dock;
- Installing conveyor belts to transport product from the finishing area to the warehouse;
- and Using overhead cranes to transport raw material from the loading dock to the manufacturing area.
- Improper material handling and storage can cause damage to the materials being moved, damage to the facility, and employee injuries.
Protect your employees
Your goal should be to reduce workplace accidents that involve material handling. Employee training is critical for reducing accidents and protecting employees, the facility, and your product.
Employees should be trained in the proper work practices you've established as well as the safe operation of any equipment they may use. Your employees must be aware of the potential hazards they may encounter while performing a task and be aware of how to mitigate those hazards in order to avoid injury.
Manually moving materials
Manually moving materials is the least efficient way of getting something from A to B. However, it is frequently the only option. Employees may misjudge the size and weight of objects when attempting to lift them manually. Couple that with poor lifting techniques, and back injuries like strains or sprains may occur.
Employees should use lifting devices as needed when manually moving materials. Furthermore, proper lifting techniques must be used. Employees should get help with a lift when a load is so bulky that they cannot properly grasp or lift it or see around it. Reminding them to wear personal protective equipment can also help to avoid injuries.
When managing loads safely, one best practice is to use blocking materials to keep the load off the ground, making it easier to lift. Employees must exercise caution when placing blocks beneath a raised load to ensure that the load is not released until their hands are removed from beneath the load. The blocking materials must be strong enough to hold the load safely.
Using equipment to move materials
Using mechanical equipment to move and store materials can increase efficiency, but it can also increase the risk of employee injury. Employees must be aware of the equipment's safe operating procedures in order to protect themselves.
The following are some issues to be aware of:
- Equipment overloading occurs when the rated load capacity is exceeded.
- Inadequate equipment for the size and shape of the material being moved.
- Using the equipment in places it was not intended to be used.
- Failure to exercise caution when stacking materials.
Forklifts are frequently used to transport a load. However, in order to do so safely, the operator must follow the following guidelines:
- If the load being carried obstructs the forward view, travel with the load trailing.
- Gradually ascend and descend. Drive the loaded forklift with the load upgrade when ascending or descending grades greater than 10%.
- Tilt the load and load engaging means back and only raise them as far as needed to clear the road surface.
- Handle only stable and well-organized loads.
- When working with off-center loads, exercise extreme caution.
- Handle loads that are within the truck's rated capacity.
Working with automated material handling
Reduce the number of accidents associated with automated material handling equipment by training employees on how to use the equipment and its limitations. This includes understanding how to use automated equipment such as conveyors safely and effectively.
Common hazards that employees are exposed to when using conveyors include:
- Getting caught in nip points with body parts.
- Getting caught in the conveyor and drawn into the path of the conveyor.
- Being hit by material that has fallen off the conveyor.
Prevent injury by taking the following precautions:
- Install an emergency stop button or a pull cord to stop the conveyor.
- Install emergency stop cables along the entire conveyor's length.
- Before the conveyor can be restarted, the emergency stop switch must be reset.
- Before restarting a conveyor, inspect it and clear any stoppages.
- Employees should not be allowed to ride the conveyor belt.
- Conveyor guards should be installed where conveyors cross work areas or walkways.
Operating & working around overhead cranes
Overhead cranes are frequently seen in a facility moving material from one location to another.
Recognize that overhead cranes pose risks that can be more severe than those posed by other mechanical equipment. The load falling off the hook or the suspended load striking someone are two common hazards.
Prevent these types of accidents by adhering to the following guidelines:
- Only trained and competent employees are allowed to operate overhead cranes.
Train employees to:
- Examine the crane's load chart to ensure that the crane will not be overloaded as a result of the operating conditions.
- Ensure that hoisting chains and ropes are free of kinks and twists, and that they are never wrapped around a load.
- Attach loads to the load hook with slings, fixtures, or other devices that can support the load on the hook.
- Pad sharp edges of loads to prevent slings from cutting.
- Maintain proper sling angles to ensure that slings are not loaded beyond their capacity.
- Inspect critical crane parts on a daily basis for any misalignment, deterioration, leakage, deformation, or other damage, such as crane operating mechanisms, hooks, air or hydraulic system components, and other load-carrying components.
Takeaways
Controlling the flow of materials is critical for a company's profitability and employee safety. Reduce workplace accidents caused by material handling by training employees, which protects workers, the facility, and your product.
Material handling overhead crane operation safety
How should you transport loads safely? Of course, you must move the crane controls smoothly and avoid abrupt and jerky load movements. Before lifting objects, make sure that everyone who is not in the path of the load is safe. When you exit the crane, you must remove the load and take into account the control system operation model and electric work operation. It is critical to adhere to the work process when feeding, loading, unloading, and orienting material. We can provide the ideal solution for track installation and travel planning.Single circuits can be installed directly into a facility's ceiling, depending on the needs of the customer. These crane devices are extremely precise. Through the use of fixed track systems, these tools eliminate the risk of human error.
Material handling crane safety tips
Though using a material handling crane has many advantages, it can also be a dangerous function for the workers involved if used incorrectly. For your convenience, the following material handling crane safety tips are provided. Every material handling crane safety instruction, whether before, during, or after, should be mastered by every operator.
- The lifting load of the material handling crane should not be greater than the maximum lifting capacity of the overhead crane, which should be clearly and visibly marked on the crane.
- A material handling crane is not permitted to operate when the limit switches are in the down or out of order positions. Before each use, the operator should inspect the cable.
- Stopping or starting abruptly is strictly prohibited because it can damage the material handling crane and endanger the workers.
- Before turning off the main switch, all controllers should be in the "off" position.
- When a material handling crane is not in use, it should be stored in a planned or safe location.
Why to use our material handling crane
- Quality that is dependable- The overhead crane for material handling is of excellent and dependable quality. On the one hand, the machine uses world-renowned technology, resulting in a high technological content. On the other hand, we have professional engineers and skilled workers who are dedicated to machine innovation.
- It is both safe and simple to use - The machine has a compact structure that makes it simple to operate. Our machine is outfitted with a variety of safety features, including an overload protective device and an emergent stop device. Overall, it is safe to operate and maintain.
- Eco-friendly, with low noise and energy consumption -The machine is designed and tested for low noise and energy consumption in order to save money on energy. The machine's low noise level contributes to a pleasant working environment. Meanwhile, the low noise will demonstrate that the machine's quality is quite good.
- Perfect service, including pre-sale and post-sale support -Our company can provide excellent service so that customers can get a response no matter when or where they encounter our products.
Article by Bella ，who has been in the hoist and crane field since 2016. Bella provides overhead crane & gantry crane consultation services for clients who need a customized overhead travelling crane solution.Contact her to get free consultation.
