CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM 2: EVALUATING FLEXIBILITY AND MANEUVERABILITY

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM 2: EVALUATING FLEXIBILITY AND MANEUVERABILITY

Selecting the appropriate material handling system for a specific production line or industrial application is not an easy task. The multitude of available options often leads to confusion, and many businesses end up making suboptimal choices simply because they prefer the methods they are familiar with. This article series is designed to organize and systematize the decision-making process by addressing fundamental questions. In our previous article, we discussed the importance of load weight. In this article, we focus on maneuverability, which is just as crucial.?

Assessing Your Material Handling Needs

When choosing the right material handling solution, it's essential to consider not only what you're transporting but also where and how you're transporting it. Different scenarios require varying levels of flexibility and maneuverability. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:?

1. Path Flexibility: Fixed or Variable?

Is the Path Fixed and/or Permanent?

Certain material handling options, such as cranes, rails, and conveyors, necessitate permanent installations. If you are certain that the path of the load will remain static, these options excel in efficiently moving large quantities of material quickly. However, even fixed paths may have limitations. For instance, while rails and conveyors work well with straight-line paths, they struggle to adapt to U-shaped production lines. Cranes might offer a solution, as would transfer cars or air-cushioned carriers.?

It's crucial to remember that a fixed path can limit flexibility, potentially reducing production efficiency over time. If there's a possibility of future reconfiguration or load redirection, a material handling system restricted to a single fixed path may prove inadequate.

Is the Path Variable and/or Subject to Frequent Changes?

Material handling systems that can accommodate variable paths or changing movement patterns provide manufacturers with valuable flexibility. Air-cushioned carriers, wheeled vehicles (including forklifts), and, to some extent, cranes excel in this regard. These adaptable solutions not only grant operators the ability to navigate variable paths but also to modify them as needed.?

This flexibility allows facilities to add or remove workstations without disrupting ongoing processes. Additionally, it eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming installations, ensuring adaptability in case of facility remodeling or relocation.?

2. Facility Constraints

Apart from the path of the load, the layout of the facility itself can influence which material handling options are more effective. Consider the following factors:?

Space Constraints:

For instance, forklifts require ample space for maneuvering. Attempting to navigate a crowded workshop with forklifts could lead to frequent collisions with machinery and personnel. On the other hand, systems like cranes or transfer cars, capable of moving in all directions and rotating in place, can operate effectively in limited spaces. Some systems, such as floor-based air or wheel casters, perform well in narrow areas. Additionally, don't forget to consider the vertical space within the facility. Do you need a system like an overhead crane that can reach high or hard-to-reach areas? Cranes can access nearly any location within their range. Similarly, if you need to lift a load to a significant height, consider the lifting height of the vehicle. Forklifts and transfer cars typically raise loads several inches to several feet off the ground, whereas air-cushioned carriers keep the load just inches above the floor.?

In conclusion, the flexibility and maneuverability of material handling systems are complex topics that cannot be fully explored in a single article. To thoroughly analyze these aspects and the suitability of various material handling systems for different scenarios, please feel free to reach out to us. Our expert team meticulously evaluates the merits of each material handling system and carefully addresses your unique requirements to provide you with the perfect solution.?

By assessing your material handling needs in detail, taking factors like path flexibility and facility constraints into account, we can provide you with a solution that optimizes efficiency and productivity in your industrial operations. We will get back to you as soon as we have examined your facility's layout.