Introduction on Material Handling Equipment

The purpose of this blog is to educate readers on the different kinds of Material Handling equipment (MHE) used in a warehouse or even a Distribution Centre. By definition MHE refers to equipment that is used for the movement and storage of material within a facility.

MHE can be classified into the following five key categories:

Transport Equipment

Transport equipment is used to move material from one position to another (e.g., between workplaces, between a loading dock and a storage area, etc.).

The major subcategories of transport equipment are;

• Conveyors
• Cranes
• Industrial trucks

Positioning Equipment

Positioning equipment is used to handle material situated at a single location. This is to ensure that is in the correct location for subsequent handling, machining, transport, or storage.

Unit Load Formation Equipment

Unit load formation equipment is used to restrict materials so that they maintain their veracity when handling a single load during transport and for storage. If materials are self-restraining (e.g., a single part or interlocking parts), then they can be formed into a unit load with no equipment.

Storage Equipment

Equipment used for holding or buffering materials over a period of time. Some storage equipment may include the transport of materials (e.g., the S/R machines of an AS/RS, or storage carousels). If materials are block stacked directly on the floor, then no storage equipment is required.

Identification and Control Equipment

Equipment used to collect and communicate the information that is used to coordinate the flow of materials within a facility and between a facility and its suppliers and customers. The identification of materials and associated control can be performed manually with no specialized equipment. Example would include Barcode, Radio Frequency (RF) Tag etc.

To view pictures and more detailed description of these MHEs, please click on the Topics as listed on your right :)