Month: June 2020

Why Do Pneumatic Systems Continue To Dominate Industrial Operations?

Pneumatic systems are tools that use compressed air as a source of energy. Through capturing air, they carry it around a circuit and, in doing so, complete designated tasks with the generated energy. Making their presence felt, pneumatic systems are found to be effective in different industries. These systems are operative in moving around heavy loads around an assembly floor, a logistical warehouse or a manufacturing unit. Referred to as the fourth utility within industrial settings, pneumatic systems offer tremendous lifting power, without any of the drawbacks associated with electromotive systems.

Being highly useful tools, machine movers such as a skating machine is a modern take on moving around machinery. Fitting snugly underneath a load, a skating machine works to assist industrial locations in a comprehensive manner. The powerhouse of the entire process is the black diaphragm fitted at the bottom of each load.

With compressed air creating a film or seal between the load and the surface, the load virtually floats across the assembly floor. Such tools typically outperform overhead cranes and forklifts, as they offer versatile applications. Be it an awkwardly shaped load or be it uneven load distribution, moving casters cover all grounds.

The Reasons for This Sustained Dominance

  • Workplace Safety: Given how industrial units operate, there is a huge score of personnel working on the ground at any given time. Due to lacking an electric-drive motor, pneumatic systems are more compact and safer for working around with. Being reliable and durable, there is no possibility of explosions and sparks when operating such systems. Reducing user fatigue, or any potential injuries that may arise from fatigue, air-powered systems work to uphold the standards of workplace safety. Additionally, air-powered systems deter the development of hand-arm vibration syndrome, which is caused by exposure to vibrating tools.
  • No Maintenance: Unlike other systems, air powered systems such as machine skates don’t require regular lubrication and don’t entail a maintenance schedule. Less likely to overheat or cause any glitches, these systems typically tend to have a longer service life when compared to electrical systems.
  • Potential Savings: Air-powered systems don’t cause any damage to the flooring of the manufacturing unit. Saving the operator hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, air-powered systems work to cut down costs. Requiring no electrical source and operating purely on compressed air, the operator gets to benefit from a limitless energy source.
  • A Clean System: With compressed air flowing through, there are no possibilities of blockages occurring. Such a system keeps the instrument free from containments, which can play a part in breaking down the system.
  • Inexpensive: Saving the operator or manufacturer the initial cost, pneumatic systems are relatively cheaper than their counterparts. This leads the operator to not just save the initial cost, but also save ensuing costs that arise with other electromotive systems.
  • Requires No Specialized Training: At the end of the day, the operator aims to increase the productivity, profitability, and efficiency of its manufacturing unit. Facilitating this need, unlike other systems, pneumatic systems don’t require specialized training. Along with this, such systems also increase a unit’s productivity, as the job carried out by several people, can easily be carried out by one person.
  • No Dangers If It Leaks: If working within a food-processing unit, it is extremely important for the manufacturer to ensure their unit is squeaky clean. Thus, even if a pneumatic system leaks, it won’t cause any harm to the external atmosphere. Being a cost-effective and hazard-proof system, an operator gets to benefit immensely.

Pneumatic systems play an instrumental role in ensuring an assembly floor stays safe, efficient, and resourceful. Owing to this, they have continued to dominate industrial spaces for ages now.

Why Choose Hovair?

Hovair understands the science behind harnessing compressed air for powering systems. Experienced in providing the material handling industry with air bearing systems for the past 50 years, Hovair works to provide innovative and quality pneumatic systems. Be it industrial turntables, vehicle turntables, or air handling systems, Hovair is well-aware of all matters pneumatic systems.

The Use of Pneumatic Systems within Different Industries

Improving and supplementing manufacturing floor changes, pneumatic systems work to optimize processes. With profitability and productivity being the key concern for most industries, possessing heavy equipment movers is paramount for manufacturers. Assisting in completing production processes and logistical procedures, a pneumatic system seamlessly adapts to the ever-evolving manufacturing configurations. Loading off loads with their own footprint, pneumatic systems use compressed air to create a seal between heavy objects and the floor for moving around heavy equipment.

With today’s assembly and production plant floor becoming increasingly dynamic, it is important to adopt the use of reconfigurable manufacturing systems. Entailing the following benefits, a pneumatic system extends its functionality and flexibility across the board for different industries.

  • It runs solely on compressed air. Having no dependency on an electrical power source, they eliminate the fear of causing any sparks or facing down-time due to power outages. With certain industrial spaces facing frequent power outages, pneumatic systems allow manufacturers to continue working, without facing any negative impact on their productivity or manufacturing ability.
  • If operated in an appropriate manner, pneumatic systems are one of the safest systems for moving around heavy loads. Facilitating manufacturers to move around an awkward-shaped and uneven load, they don’t expose the operators to any toxic hydraulic fluid or lubricants. Eliminating the possibility of electrical shocks, equipment moving casters are an efficient and safe option for everyday use.
  • Helping the manufacturer incur a low-initial cost for setting up their facility, pneumatic systems don’t cost as much as other technologies. With small companies or industries being uncertain about their ROI, these systems are a cost-effective option.
  • Involving no significant troubleshooting or a consistent maintenance schedule, these systems spare the manufacturer the cost of having them repaired and looked after. Moreover, entailing no specialized training, such as required by forklifts, operators get to operate these systems with relative ease and convenience.
  • Working continuously with no hassle of overheating, these systems allow manufacturers to keep up their productivity. Designed in a simple and robust manner by Hovair, operators get to customize any configuration to fit the framework of their needs.
  • Being environmentally-friendly, such systems are optimal for clean-room operations, e.g., a food processing unit.
  • With their storage and utilization being easy, they seamlessly fit into a production unit. Moreover, unlike forklifts, they do not cause damage to the floor, leading the manufacturer to not incur any unnecessary renovation charges. Proving their efficacy through moving objects on uneven flooring, a pneumatic system is truly an ingenious invention.

The Use within Different Industries- Pneumatic Systems

Formulated with aluminum by Hovair, these systems play a unique role in each unique industry. Moving at the speed of light, different industries produce different products. Hence, they accordingly use these systems to their advantage.

With the following tools assisting in differing scenarios, a pneumatic system is a cost-effective and time-effective solution for all industries.

  • Air Planks: This tool allows for the fast transfer of products with large variations in lengths and small variations in widths.
  • Air Pallets: This tool allows for the entire load to be loaded on top of the surface for moving around.
  • Rigging System: This tool is specifically used for equipment and machinery where height distribution, width, length, and load sizes fluctuate drastically. Being a key role within the aviation industry, this tool harnesses its excellent maneuverability and helps in moving a load of up to 100 tons and beyond.
  • Industrial & Vehicle Turntable: Specifically used by the automobile and exhibition industry, the industry uses this rotating platform to complete the production process or to exhibit vehicles during a convention. Equipped with a foot pedal and pedestal panel, operators get to rotate this system forward and backward accordingly.
  • Skate Machine: Outperforming an overhead crane or a forklift, a skate machine is ideal for moving around heavy machinery. Generating immense lifting power, these systems carry off loads with differing weight proportions.

Involving expedited processes and increased efficiency, the operator gains complete autonomy when operating moving casters.

What to Consider When Moving Heavy Machinery?

Have you ever moved from one house to another? If yes, then you must be aware of all the work that comes along with it. It involves moving heavy furniture, making sure that everything is moved safely, double-checking the fragile stuff, and a lot more. Now imagine the same, but it’s your business that is moving. The tasks just go multiplied by 100.

When you’re moving your business, is usually requires moving heavy machinery, and you can’t just throw all that stuff in a moving truck. You have to make sure that everything is moved carefully because these heavy machines could be your business’ most valuable and, at times, irreplaceable assets. Therefore, handling your heavy machinery adequately becomes a priority when moving your business.

If you’re moving your business for the first time, then you might consider the following things before moving your heavy machinery as you don’t want to take any chances.

Make a strategy

The first thing that you should do is make a strategy. You exactly need to know how things should be moving from one place to another. Make a plan a stick to it; what equipment goes in the first batch and goes in the later ones should already be decided by you. Make sure to transport the heaviest and most important machinery first, and what comes later will only make things easy.

Moving such heavy machinery will require heavy equipment movers, which you won’t find lying around. We advise that you contact moving companies as they will help you out with your transportation needs.

It is important to note that if you DIY everything, then there is a risk that you might end up mismanaging a lot of things. That’s why we advise you to contact a reputable moving company who are experts in moving heavy industrial machinery. Having people around who know what they’re doing is always a good idea, especially for first-time movers.

Time is money

Done with making a plan? Good, now let’s set some timelines for all the decided tasks. What you need to do is assign a time for every machine you move. The time should start the moment your machine is loaded in the truck until it is delivered to your location. Why are we emphasizing on time? Because most first-time movers make the mistake of allotting a single time slot for the entire transportation. This is where it all goes wrong; you could have many things that can up unexpectedly like a flat tire, traffic, or even setting up your machinery could take more time than you might’ve assumed. Therefore, assigning individual time slots for every machine movement gives you more flexibility.

Get to the details

If you think you’ve got it all figured out, then think again. After planning and allotting time for each transportation, you need to get into the details of how will you be moving your heavy machinery? The best way to do it by going through the manufacturer’s manual. It will guide you about everything that you should do so any and all accidents could be avoided while moving.

In the manual, you will find about how to safely remove the batteries, empty the engine fluids, secure loose parts, and other important things. Try to follow the manual as much as you can, as having an accident is the last thing you’d want.

Moving heavy machinery might also require special permits – this is where your transporter could help you. They are well aware of all the legal requirements and have the necessary Heavy Haul Equipment so your transportation could be without any trouble.

And lastly, you’ll need to cover all the sensitive parts of the machines. These parts are sensitive because there is a chance that they can be damaged by wind or rain. You need to remember that the heavy equipment will be transported in trucks, so the last you’d want is environmental damage.

We’re here for you

Transporting heavy machinery is a tough job, but with the right people, it becomes less troublesome. If you’re looking to get machines or services that could help you in moving heavy machinery, then you’ve come to the right place as Hovair Systems is in this business for more than 50 years. We have all the needed equipment like industrial and car turntables as they will ensure that you have a smooth machine moving experience.

 

How to Choose Material Handling Equipment?

Do you know that material flow directly affects the productivity along with your supply chain operations, meaning that the better your material flow will be, the more efficiently your supply chain will move. You might have heard the saying, “There is a tool for everything.” Well, we believe it’s completely true, especially when you’re in the material handling industry.

As mentioned earlier, using the appropriate tools will not only increase productivity, but it’ll also save you a lot of money and will make your supply chain operations much smoother. But it’s easier said than done, as finding out which equipment is ideal for what purpose is the real task.

You should start by inspecting the materials you’re handling; this will help you in finding out the equipment that you’ll be needing. We understand that identifying the ideal equipment for handling respective materials could be difficult; that’s why we’re going to mention a few tips that will help you in choosing the best handling equipment, making your warehouse operations much more efficient.

Understanding your needs

First things first, you need to know that there is equipment designed to handle every sort of material. So, what you need to do is understand and identify your requirements. You can start off by asking yourself the following questions.

  • Are the materials sensitive that you’re going to handle?
  • What is the frequency of their movement?
  • What do you intend to do with them?
  • Are the materials fragile?
  • Will the material be processed or stored?
  • What about the packaging?

Once you have the answers to all these questions, you’ll know what equipment to choose for what materials. Let’s say you are dealing with light materials that need to be moved to the top shelf, so an industrial scissor lift table could the perfect equipment for this task.

Understand the equipment

After understanding your needs, you need to understand the function of every piece of equipment in their particular tasks. While the functions could be complex, but all material handling equipment serves three primary purposes.

Light material handling

Forklifts are usually used for this purpose – materials that don’t get moved often and are usually stored in the warehouse mostly include small containers, pallets, and boxes.

Heavy material handling

It is advised to move bulk materials piece by piece. For this purpose, you might need special equipment that includes silos, trucks, elevators, conveyors, and drums.

Automation

These machines are best for people who have less space and want more work to be. Automated machinery will boost productivity at unimaginable levels. One example of such equipment is Vehicle Turntables – they work great in small spaces and provide the most efficient and safest entry and exit solutions in small spaces.

Processing requirements

Another factor to consider that could help you determine the best equipment for a particular task is how you process your materials. Let’s say that your manufacturing process needs a lot of moving parts, like:

  • High-speed packaging
  • filling totes, drums, or other containers

Such processes need heavy-duty equipment, and you’ll need to check this equipment regularly, so there are no breaks or halts at the assembly line.

One solution is to have customized automated machines that can make your processes much more efficient right from the start till the end.

What about maintenance costs?

That’s right, getting the machines isn’t one in a lifetime investment. You have to regularly maintain them so they can keep performing at optimal efficiency. Every machine or equipment you buy will need maintenance, some weekly, while some monthly. Therefore, we would advise you to calculate the cost of maintenance before you buy equipment as some machines are more expensive to maintain than others.

There are many tools and software also that could help you in calculating the cost of maintenance for every machine and equipment you own. Another tip is that instead of repairing parts, again and again, it’s better to replace them. This will actually save you money on constant repairs while also reducing downtime.

Machines and equipment designed for handling materials are a must-have for every warehouse or factory owner. Having such equipment on-board will make your operations and processes more efficient while saving you money. If you are in need of such equipment, then you’ve come to the right place as Hovair Systems has been manufacturing material handling equipment for 50 years and are the market leaders of their industry. We have the equipment you need to take your business to the next level.

Advantages of Pneumatic Systems for the Material Handling Industry

Within an industrial space, the moving around of heavy objects and equipment is inevitable. Replacing traditional and electrical moving equipment are pneumatic systems. Pneumatic systems are essential equipment that creates a film of air between the object and the floor, enabling the load to be lifted and moved around an assembly floor easily. Harnessing the use of compressed air, Hovair builds air-casters, airlift bags, and airbag jacks by banking upon their years of experience and specialist knowledge of operating within the manufacturing industry.

Proving their use within the pharmaceutical, food, automobile, textile, chemical, and several other industries, a pneumatic system trickles in ease for the user. Requiring precision in the execution of moving around a load, different industries rely on pneumatic systems for the range of advantages they offer. With electrical solutions exhibiting their limit within certain environments, pneumatic systems rise to the challenge by accommodating any given requirement. Facilitating today’s industrial environment through and through, pneumatic systems have become a critical component within assembly units, logistics units, warehouses, etc.

  • Decreased Vibration & Harshness

Constantly working with vibrating equipment and tools can cause operators to develop certain health conditions. Ranging from damage to joints to damage to sensory nerves, operators within the material handling equipment industry face long-term consequences. At a sharp contrast, air casters eliminate the presence of vibration, leading operators to use these systems with no hassles or inconveniences.

  • Increased Versatility air bag jack

Making the investment worthwhile, a pneumatic system works in areas where overhead lifts, forklifts, and cranes fail to work. Making the process of spinning a load or taking a u-turn easy, these systems allow operators to practice heightened maneuverability when moving around the load. Completing equipment movement in any location of the factory production space, these systems prove their efficacy as a flexible and omnidirectional system.

  • Increased Safety

Be it air lifting bags or air pallets, they are far safer when compared to traditional moving equipment. Banking upon their superior engineering and value-driven quality manufacturing, Hovair manufactures pneumatic systems that are safe for use. Loading on loads of different shapes, sizes, and materials, these systems stop working when overloaded. In doing so, they protect the user operating the system and the personnel working around the unit. Similarly, with no extensive pulling or pushing necessitated, the probability of risks are mitigated.

  • Doesn’t Entail Extensive Repair & Maintenance

Unlike conventional equipment, pneumatic systems don’t require lubrication or consistent maintenance. Running continuously for a long period, they are to be simply cleaned with water and soap. Thus, reducing the operator’s cost of following up on a maintenance schedule. Comprising no moving parts, they are a cost-effective solution for all material handling spaces.

  • No Damage To The Flooring

Riding on a cushion of air, the moving load and the floor have no contact. Spreading the load over a larger surface area, there is minimal to no risk to the structural foundation of the floors. Using wheels to move around loads can cause dents or damage to the floor, owing to the friction. Not bearing any damage to expensive flooring, these systems spare manufacturers the cost of frequently renovating their assembly unit.

  • Increased Productivity

Owing to the functionality of the system, a single person can move around a load weighing close to 5,000lbs. With such flexibility, one employee gets to execute the entire job, without requiring the need to involve several different hands and therein waste productive hours.

  • No Need For A Power Source

Relying on compressed air, a pneumatic system doesn’t require an electrical power source. This leads operators to feasibly execute jobs around the production unit and not worry about any sparks igniting an explosion. With such reliability, safety, and elimination of down-time involved, these systems work to make the lives of manufacturers and operators easy.