01-06-2012, 12:50 PM
MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT
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Introduction
Need of the present day is for the equipments to handle heavyloads with fast speed, reliability, safety and economy. In order tomeet the variety of requirements, equipments of different types andsizes have been developed and are being manufactured. Applicationof material handling devices is a prime consideration in designingnew plants and for modifying existing plants. These devices increaseoutput, improve quality, speed up the deliveries and therefore,decrease the cost of production. Utility of these devices have furtherbeen increased due to increase in labour costs and problems relatedto labour management.
Materials handling equipment are mechanically, electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated or uses their combination.Materials handling equipment are not production machinery. Theseare auxiliary equipments which improve the flow of materials whichin turn reduce stoppages in production machines and thus increasetheir production.
Objectives
After studying this unit we are able to understand
Selection of Material Handling Devices
Material handling devices, should be able to give maximumefficiency, economy, life and reliability of service. Under-utilisation and faulty selection of the materials handling equipment is anexpensive luxury which gives rise to increase in operating costs. The equipment selected should be according to the requirement of thejob in respect to the size, shape, weight, material to be handled etc.
According to George Hageman, the important "Engineering andEconomic" factors to be considered in every materials handlinginstallation can be classified as:
• Factors relating to the plant and operating methods.
• Factors depending on materials or parts handled.
• Factors relating to the handling equipment.
• Money factors.
Factors relating to the Plant and Operating Methods
• Are the present manufacturing or operating method permanent or temporary?
• How long will the present buildings remain in service?
• Is the general plant layout the beat for manufacturing and handling requirements?
• Is the sequence of operations that which gives greatest efficiency?
• What processes and departments must be tied together?
• If trucks or floor types of equipment are to be used, are aislesand passage ways ample for conveniences in handlingspeed, safety and non-interference with production? Arethe floors made of water-resistant materials? Are they leveled and smooth? Will they withstand the loads?
• If overhead systems are contemplated, is the buildingstructure strong enough to hold them and are clearances sufficient for their installation?
Factors Depending on the Materials or Parts Handled
• Kinds or nature of materials or parts handled.
• Bulk or units
• Large or small
• Heavy or light
• Shape
• Rough or fragile.
• Handled separately or in containers
• Quantities handled
• Continuous or intermittent flow
• Under processing while moving
• Distances over which transported.
Factors Relating to the Handling Equipment
• Kind or kinds suitable for the job.
• Capacity of equipment.
• Hours it will be in service daily.
• Size of equipment.
• Space required for operation (For trucks this factor covers, aisles, passage ways, elevators, platform sizes etc.)
• Flexibility (According to loads etc.)
• Adaptability to other service.
• Power requirements.
• Ease of operation.
• Speed of operation.
• Durability.
• Relationship to other handling equipment in use or contemplated.
• Auxiliary equipment which is required, and economical toinstall loading platforms, etc.
Money Factors
• Initial cost of equipment
• Cost of installation, re-arrangement, and alterations topresent equipment, buildings etc.
• Cost of maintenance, repairs, supplies etc.
• Cost of power.
• Rate of depreciation.
• Rate of obsolescence.
• Probable salvage value when finally discarded.
• Cost of labour to operate
• Cost of any necessary auxiliary equipment (such ancharging equipment for truck batteries, etc.)
• Taxes and Insurance.
• Interest on Investment.
• License fees (for trucks that may operate on highways).
• Rent of space (also garage rent for trucks).
• Cost of supervision.
• Savings that the equipment will bring about in direct labour cost (number of men released for other work).
• Saving in labour burden (supervision etc.)
• Increased production brought about.
• Savings in fixed charges on equipment discarded.
• Unamortized value of equipment discarded.
Types of Material Handling Equipments
1. Conveying Equipment: These follow horizontal, vertical or compound motions through the air, over fixed routes by gravity or by power. Conveying equipment is a group of machines which move loads in a continuous flow and which may have no lifting gear.