Material handling equipment (MHE) encompasses a wide range of tools, vehicles, storage units, and systems designed to aid in the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. Here are some common types of material handling equipment:
-
Conveyors: Conveyors are used to transport materials horizontally, vertically, or on an incline. They can be belt conveyors, roller conveyors, chain conveyors, or overhead conveyors.
-
Forklifts: Forklifts are versatile industrial trucks used to lift, move, and stack materials. They come in various configurations including counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, and order pickers.
-
Cranes: Cranes are used to lift and move heavy materials and objects. They can be stationary or mobile, and come in different types such as overhead cranes, gantry cranes, tower cranes, and jib cranes.
-
Hoists: Hoists are devices used to lift and lower loads vertically. They can be manual, electric, or pneumatic and are often used in conjunction with cranes or as standalone units.
-
Pallets and Pallet Jacks: Pallets are flat structures used to support goods in a stable manner while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, or conveyor. Pallet jacks, also known as pallet trucks, are used to lift and move pallets within a warehouse or distribution center.
-
Stackers: Stackers are used to stack and retrieve loads at various heights. They can be manual or powered and are commonly used in warehouses and distribution centers.
-
AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles): AGVs are autonomous vehicles guided by markers, wires, or sensors, used for transporting materials within a facility without human intervention.
-
Robotic Material Handling Systems: Robots equipped with specialized end-effectors are used for tasks such as picking, packing, sorting, and palletizing in warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
-
Shelving and Racking Systems: These systems provide storage solutions for materials and products, allowing for efficient organization and retrieval.
-
Lift Tables: Lift tables are used to raise and lower materials to ergonomic working heights, facilitating loading, unloading, and assembly operations.
-
Dock Equipment: Dock equipment includes dock levelers, dock seals, and dock shelters used to facilitate the loading and unloading of materials from trucks at loading docks.
-
Conveyor Systems: Conveyor systems move materials along a fixed path, allowing for automated transportation and accumulation of goods within a facility.
-
Drums and Barrels Handling Equipment: Equipment such as drum lifters, drum handlers, and barrel tongs are used to safely lift, move, and pour drums and barrels.
-
Carts and Trucks: Various types of carts, hand trucks, and dollies are used for manual transportation of materials over short distances.
These are just some examples of material handling equipment, and there are many variations and specialized types designed to meet specific industry needs and applications.