While warehouses are characterized as being full of activity, they don’t necessarily have to be labor-intensive or chaotic. Having the proper equipment and systems can help improve the efficiency and productivity of warehouse workers. This can be done through specialized equipment and material handling solutions.
In this post, we’ll talk about material handling, a warehouse management system that involves specialized equipment. We’ll also talk about the various types of equipment that are commonly used in this operation.
In addition, we’ll talk about how our automated solutions can help improve the efficiency and productivity of warehouse operations. If you want to invest in high-end ergonomic equipment, browse Hovair’s material handling equipment solutions to find the type that best suits your facility. Let’s get started!
What is Material Handling?
The movement of goods and materials from one place to another is referred to as material handling. This type of operation is commonly utilized in warehouses, where goods need to be stored and retrieved. Various types of equipment can help with the movement and storage of these materials.
Types of Material Handling Equipment
The various types of equipment used in material handling are divided into four main categories: bulk material, industrial trucks, engineered systems, and storage & handling.
1. Storage and Handling Equipment
When your goods aren’t being used or are waiting for the next step in the supply chain process, storage and handling equipment can help secure them. Various types of equipment can be used to store and retrieve various materials, depending on the needs of your warehouse. Some of these include vertical steel structures designed to store products, shelves, bins, and drawers.
Another type of equipment commonly used in this operation is a type of wooden or fiberglass raised platform that can be used to store and retrieve various materials.
2. Bulk Handling Material Equipment
The bulk handling equipment used during bulk handling stores, controls, and transports loose-form materials in large quantities. These can include various types of materials, such as food and minerals, as well as metal and liquid components. Another type of equipment commonly used in this type of operation is a pair of conveyor belts.
For heavy materials, there is a wide range of heavy duty transporters to relocate goods. They are then placed in a stockpile or storage facility. Reclaimers are used to pick up other materials from the stockpiles. Bucket elevators are also commonly used to handle and lift large amounts of bulk materials.
3. Industrial Trucks
An industrial truck is used to move and store materials and goods within a warehouse. It can also be used to load and unload heavy objects. Some industrial trucks have a flat surface for lifting products, while others require additional equipment for this type of operation.
An industrial truck can be used to carry various types of goods. These include forklift trucks, used to raise and lower products, and hand trucks, manually operated and carry goods on a small ledge. Industrial trucks, also known as dollies, are made of two wheels and have a small ledge for carrying goods.
A forklift truck is commonly used to move and store various types of goods. Hand trucks are also manually operated and carry goods on a small ledge. Another type of equipment commonly used in this operation is a pair of order pickers, designed to safely lift and transport hard-to-reach materials.
4. Engineered Systems
An engineered system is a solution that combines the capabilities of robots and computers to move and store goods. It’s usually made up of multiple units controlled by a software program. One of the most common types of engineered systems is autonomous mobile robots. These are capable of navigating their environment autonomously.
Automated storage and retrieval systems are commonly used in warehouses to store and retrieve goods. Automated guided vehicles also serve the same purpose, capable of navigating their surroundings independently.
Benefits of Material Handling
A material handling system can help your company reduce its operational costs and improve its stock levels by allowing it to operate in smaller spaces. It can also help you control inventory in real-time, which can help decrease the amount of time spent on internal operations. There are many reasons why implementing a material handling system is beneficial for your warehouse.
1. Prevents Workplace Accidents
A survey conducted in 2021 revealed that overexertion is the most disabling workplace accident in the US. Falls and being struck by objects ranked second and third, respectively. With the proper equipment and materials handling systems, employees are no longer required to carry heavy items or reach high storage areas.
2. Improves Employee Satisfaction
The lack of motivation and job satisfaction can affect employees’ performance. With the help of materials handling systems, workers can no longer be expected to perform monotonous tasks and carry heavy loads. This eliminates one of the most common reasons why employees feel frustrated.
3. Increases Productivity and Efficiency
With the help of material handling equipment, employees can focus on more important tasks, such as quality control assurance. It can also help them locate and pick inventory, which makes them more productive and competent.
4. Saves You Money
Warehouse running costs are estimated to reach about 300 billion dollars annually. To prevent costly repairs and upgrades, invest in high-quality equipment and train your workers on how to properly maintain it.
Material Handling Equipment at Hovair Systems
For over 30 years, Hovair Systems has been providing high-quality compressed air systems for material handling. These systems are designed with advanced technology and are built with superior engineering. As a leading provider of heavy load-handling equipment, we have been able to establish ourselves as one of the most dependable companies in the industry.
We have a wide range of products, including air pallets, lift decks, vehicle turntables, and air bearing kits. These kits are designed to provide a comprehensive package of heavy load-handling services. Clients can choose from a variety of carriers that can handle different load requirements.
Most of our heavy load carriers use compressed air to power their equipment. These systems are designed to provide a convenient and easy way to transport and lift bulky loads.
Air Bearings
Also known as Air Casters, Air Bearings can be utilized to carry heavy loads. These rigging systems can be used by placing modules under heavy objects and introducing compressed air. The modules will then lift the object from the ground.
With the help of air-bearing modules, you can easily move a load from one place to another. Place the modules under an object and introduce compressed air. The modules will then lift the object from the ground.
Air Beams
If you’re looking for a way to move heavy loads without overexerting your workers, air beams are the ideal choice. These compact aluminum-based beams are ideal for moving heavy loads that require low-profile devices. They have a profile height of around 2 inches. Their width can range from 1 to 4 feet.
Although air beams might not be able to handle the heavy loads you’re moving, their advanced design allows multiple pairs to distribute the load evenly. They can also be used to support unevenly-heavy loads. In addition, separate valves inside the air beams allow for the modification of the individual bearings.
Air Lifting Bags
These high-quality lifting accessories are made from either steel or Kevlar, and they can be utilized to place air-bearing modules in the correct locations before starting operations. MatJack Air Lifting Bags are ideal for moving heavy loads that have a clearance of one inch beneath the ground.
The lifting bag’s raised, conical, and interlocking surface is designed to grip the load. Its reinforced construction allows for gaps to be filled using strong lumber or plywood. Kevlar air lifting bags feature five layers of this high-quality material, making them some of the strongest in the industry.
Different models can utilize the various capabilities of air lifting bags. For instance, the range of capacities for a 1-ton lift can go up to 70 tons. However, this is not the maximum weight that the bag can carry.
Depending on the load being lifted and the position of the bag, its lift height might be less than stated. Check the specifications of the manufacturer for the ideal weight capacities.
Air Pallets
Air pallets are ideal for handling a variety of different types of loads. The push handle assembly at the rear of these air boxes provides better operational control. It includes various features, such as a switch that allows operators to trigger operations, a set of handlebars, an air inlet, a balancing valve, and a mechanism that gauges the available air supply.
These air boxes can handle loads that weigh up to 20 tons. They can be customized to meet the needs of different users. These are ideal for holding heavy loads, as they can be used to transport them without directly loading them.
The use of an air box facilitates the ability to move large and identical heavy objects within a warehouse. It eliminates the time and effort required to move equipment. Just lift the load, activate the air supply, and float it wherever you want it to go.
Aluminum Transporters
Aluminum-based load-mobilizing air boxes manufactured by the company known as the Hovair System utilize compressed air to lift standard sizes and shapes. Compared to other systems, their flexible and cost-effective solutions are ideal for handling large and identical heavy objects.
The weight and size of the air bearing included in your air box or lifter will vary depending on the type of load that you’re transporting. As the capacity of the air box or lifter increases, air bearings will also increase.
A standard air lifter typically has four A-type air bearings that support a weight of up to 4,000 pounds or 2 tons. It’s relatively easy to increase its capacity by replacing the entire set of air bearings. Doing so requires the removal of one bolt and five nuts.
Heavy-Duty Transporters
The heavy-duty air transporters and movers manufactured by Hovair Systems are known for their ability to handle large and complex loads. They’re also capable of moving equipment up to 300 tons. These are regarded as some of the first choices for moving giant aerospace components and heavy transformer equipment. The company’s air transporters are built to provide long-lasting and accurate operation.
A heavy-duty air transporter can carry up to 15 tons. It has various features, such as a guide and steering system, wireless operation, and external tugger control.
The air bearings utilized in the lower deck of heavy-duty load and transformer carriers are powered by a series of integral drives. These features allow for accurate steering and 360-degree control. Standard models also feature a flat deck area, and these can be customized to meet the needs of their customers.
An air-bearing lift-deck assembly can be used to allow the air carrier to slide underneath the load and move it away from its position before moving on to its destination. A tugger power control can also be utilized for smaller air carriers. These can be operated using either a wireless control panel or a joystick control unit.
Industrial and Specialty Turntables
Industrial turntables are manufactured by the leading manufacturer of industrial equipment in the material handling industry, namely, Hovair Systems. We also offer custom-built units for use in factories and automotive plants.
The various features of our industrial turntables are designed to meet the needs of our customers. They can be supplied with either air-bearing or electro-mechanical powered units, and they can be used for easy forklift truck moving. The control panel can be mounted on either a pedestal or a hand pendant, and they can rotate forwards and backward. They can also be installed without digging or excavating.
The industrial turntables can be easily installed into their position and feature a maintenance-free design. They are also easy to use and can be operated by anyone.
Get Heavy Lifting Equipment at Hovair Systems
Aside from the movement of goods, material handling is also a vital component of a warehouse operation. It allows for a standardized process of transportation and handling from one place to another.
Hovair Systems offers a range of heavy load handling systems at competitive pricing. These include lifting & rigging equipment, industrial turntables, automobile turntables, air casters, air skates, and load-leveling airbags for effective heavy load management.
Give us a call to speak to the load-moving equipment specialists who can work with you to help you streamline the best moving systems for heavy loads that suit your facility’s needs. Alternatively, request a free quote today!