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4 views

NIT 1 Introduction to Material Handling Sy...

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sdmatiur25
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1.

1 Main types of material handling equipments & their applications


Material handling equipment encompasses a wide range of machinery and tools used to move,
store, and control materials within a facility or between different locations. Here are some of the
main types and their applications:
1. Industrial Trucks:
● Forklifts: Versatile for lifting, transporting, and stacking palletized loads.
● Pallet Jacks: Manual or powered hand trucks for moving pallets over short distances.
● Order Pickers: Raise operators to high shelves for efficient order picking.
2. Conveyors:
● Belt Conveyors: Transport materials continuously on a moving belt.
● Roller Conveyors: Move items on rolling cylinders, often used for sorting and
accumulation.
● Chain Conveyors: Utilize chains to move items, suitable for heavy or bulky loads.
3. Cranes:
● Overhead Cranes: Lift and move heavy loads using a hoist and overhead beam.
● Gantry Cranes: Similar to overhead cranes but with legs that run on rails on the ground.
● Mobile Cranes: Self-propelled cranes for lifting and moving loads outdoors.
4. Storage Equipment:
● Pallet Racks: Store palletized goods in multiple levels for efficient space utilization.
● Shelving: Store smaller items on shelves, often adjustable for different sizes.
● Bins and Containers: Hold and transport small parts and components.
5. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs):
● AGVs: Self-guided vehicles that follow pre-programmed paths, often used in warehouses
and factories.
6. Robotic Systems:
● Robots: Perform tasks like picking, packing, and palletizing, increasing efficiency and
accuracy.
1.2 Types of load to be handled- unit load, bulk load and their designation by code
Unit Load:
● Definition: A quantity of material that is handled and moved as a single unit.
● Examples: Pallets, boxes, cartons, skids.
● Designation: Often identified by size, weight, and material type.
Bulk Load:
● Definition: Loose, unpackaged materials handled in large quantities.
● Examples: Grains, powders, liquids, ores.
● Designation: Typically by weight, volume, or material type.
1.3 Types of movements; Methods of stacking, loading & unloading systems
Types of Movements:
● Horizontal: Moving materials laterally, e.g., using conveyors, AGVs.
● Vertical: Moving materials up or down, e.g., using elevators, lifts.
● Combined: A combination of horizontal and vertical movements.
Methods of Stacking:
● Block Stacking: Simple stacking of units in a block formation.
● Drive-In/Drive-Thru Racking: Allows for direct access to pallets, efficient for FIFO
inventory.
● Push-Back Racking: Uses inclined rails to push pallets back as new ones are added.
● Flow Racking: Uses gravity to move pallets down inclined tracks.
Loading & Unloading Systems:
● Conveyors: Efficient for continuous flow of materials.
● Forklifts: Versatile for loading and unloading various types of loads.
● Cranes: Ideal for heavy or bulky loads.
● Automated Systems: Robotic arms and AGVs for precise and efficient handling.
1.4 Principles of material handling systems
● Unit Load: Handling materials in units for efficient movement and storage.
● Gravity Flow: Utilizing gravity to move materials, reducing labor costs.
● Shortest Distance: Minimizing the distance materials travel to reduce handling time.
● Ergonomics: Designing systems to minimize physical strain on workers.
● Safety: Prioritizing safety in all aspects of material handling.
● Flexibility: Adapting systems to changing needs and demands.
● Cost-Effectiveness: Balancing efficiency and cost to optimize the system.
1.5 Modern trends in material handling
● Automation: Increasing use of robots, AGVs, and automated guided vehicles.
● IoT: Integration of IoT sensors and data analytics for real-time tracking and optimization.
● Sustainability: Focus on energy-efficient equipment and eco-friendly practices.
● Ergonomics: Designing systems that prioritize worker safety and comfort.
● Lean Principles: Applying lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve
flow.
● Artificial Intelligence (AI): Utilizing AI for predictive maintenance, demand forecasting,
and optimized routing.
By understanding these key aspects of material handling systems, businesses can improve
efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall operations.

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