TPi July 2009

Handling Mater ials

Photo – Radius Systems Limited – UK – see page 52

Materials Handling A taxonomy of materials handling equipment created by Professor Michael G Kay of North Carolina State University identifies five major MHE categories: transport equipment (conveyors, cranes, industrial trucks); positioning equipment (for placement for subsequent handling, machining, transport, or storage); unit load formation equipment (for restriction of materials so that they maintain integrity while being handled); storage equipment (for holding or buffering materials over a period of time); and identification and control equipment (for collection and communication of the information necessary to coordinate materials flow within a facility and between the facility and its suppliers and customers). While very fully developed, the classifications were intended only to “provide information about the most common types of equipment to students unfamiliar with materials handling terminology.” For those who might wish to try matching wits with the students, here are a few excerpts from an examination paper: • What is the principal difference between a pallet jack and a pallet truck? • Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of using a slipsheet as opposed to a pallet to support a unit load. • What type of industrial truck is not used for transport of materials? • Explain why, as compared to a pallet jack or counterbalanced lift truck, a walkie stacker is likely to be the more economical and/or technically feasible choice for infrequent, short- distance movement of pallets from loading dock to pallet racks. • List five different types of bulk handling conveyors.

Not to worry; the answers will not be collected.

Fortunately — from long experience, informed by a deep respect for the complexity of materials handling — the people whose products and services are reviewed in this section of Tube Products International know the subject-matter very well.