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MATERIALS HANDLING
I. INTRODUCTION
Material handling is a field involving the transport, storage, and control of goods and
products throughout the processes of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal of
all related materials.
6. Engineering Factors
7. Equipment reliability
Before planning, one should be very clear about perspective, material handling equation which
emphasizes the necessity of careful analyzing both the material to be handled and the move to
be made before selecting method.
MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEMS CLASSIFICATION
Mechanized System
Most mechanized systems combine different handling devices
Moderate fixed and variable cost with good flexibility
Automated System
Automated materials handling (AMH) refers to any automation that reduces or eliminates
the need for humans to check-in, check-out, sort material, or to move totes and bins
containing library material.
Highest fixed cost, lowest variable and labor cost with low flexibility
Semi-automated System
Information-directed System
Moderate fixed and variable cost with high flexibility and utilization
2. Engineered Systems
o Dolly - Three or more wheeled hand truck with a flat platform in which, since it has no
handles, the load is used for pushing
o Floor Hand Truck - Four or more wheeled hand truck with handles for pushing
or hitches for pulling. Sometimes referred to as a "cart" or "(manual) platform
truck".
Pallet Jack - Front wheels are mounted inside the end of the forks and extend to the floor
as the pallet is only lifted enough to clear the floor for subsequent travel
o
Walkie Stacker
o
o
Pallet Truck - Same pallet restrictions as a pallet jack
- Control handle typically tilts to allow operator to walk during
loading/unloading
- Powered pallet jack is sometimes referred to as a "(walkie) pallet
truck"
Platform Truck - used to provide support for nonpalletized loads
- Used for skid handling; platform can lift skid several inches to allow it
to clear the floor
- Greater lifting capacity compared to fork trucks because the platform
o
Narrow-Aisle (NA) Straddle Truck
- Similar to stand-up CB lift truck, except outrigger arms straddle a load and are used to
support the load instead of the counterbalance of the truck
o