Different types and uses for material handling equipment

Material handling equipment and systems are crucial to many companies that need to handle and store bulk material. Generally, material handling equipment refers to equipment designed to move, control, protect or store material through various processes at warehouses and facilities. You can find this equipment used across many different industries, making it very versatile. By knowing more about material handling equipment, you can better outfit your facility with the right equipment and systems for your company’s needs.

Learn more about the different types of material handling equipment and how they can be used in various industries. You might also be interested in finding out more about the primary advantages of using material handling equipment and how to pick the right equipment for your needs.

TYPES OF MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Material handling equipment usually falls under four main categories: bulk handling material equipment, engineered systems, storage and handling equipment and industrial trucks.

1. BULK HANDLING MATERIAL EQUIPMENT

Bulk handling material handling equipment covers equipment that transports, stores and controls bulk materials. Generally, manufacturers design bulk handling material equipment to move and store materials in a loose form. You can find these pieces of equipment handling food, liquid, metal items and minerals.

If you want a clear idea of what bulk material equipment is, review some of the main types below:

• Hoppers: Hoppers are large funnel-shaped objects with openings that close. Companies use hoppers to pour loose materials into containers.
• Reclaimers: Reclaimers are large machines designed to pick up loose materials from a company’s stockpile.
• Conveyor belts: Conveyor belts are an essential part of a conveyor system. They use drums or pulleys to rotate their belts and move materials in bulk from one location to another.
• Stackers: Stackers are key to bulk material handling. This automated equipment can move loose materials to stockpiles on their own.
• Bucket and grain elevators: Sometimes referred to as grain legs, bucket elevators vertically move bulk materials. They’ll transport these materials on a production pathway and sometimes store them.

2. ENGINEERED SYSTEMS

Otherwise known as automated systems, engineered systems refer to automated bulk material handling equipment made to help transport and store materials. Usually, automated systems feature several pieces of equipment. They’re very popular since they remove the need for manual labor to complete various tasks. Here are some of the primary kinds of engineered systems:

• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): An AS/RS is a very popular type of engineered system, as it can handle lots of work. It utilizes a shuttle to pick up loose materials and then place them on needed parts of the system, and the picking process can be manually operated or automated. These systems also feature racks, shelves and aisles for easy processing. They can also be connected to a company’s network, making it easy for managers to monitor their stock.
• Automated guided vehicles (AGVs): AGVs are computer-operated trucks featuring sensors and detectors. These vehicles can be entirely autonomous, moving materials safely around your facility on preset pathways.
• Robotic delivery systems: Many facilities utilize automated robotic delivery systems to transport materials. Companies typically use these systems to transport materials on an assembly line.
• Conveyor systems: Conveyor systems feature several devices and mechanical assemblies that automatically transport materials throughout a facility. These conveyor systems come in multiple varieties, like apron, cleated, chain, overhead and vehicle conveyor systems. Visit to know more :- Best Weighing Scale Supplier In UAE

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