Enlist the commonly used equipment for material handling applications? Describe any two in brief.

Commonly used equipment for material handling applications varies depending on the specific requirements of the task, the type of material being handled, and the environment in which the handling takes place. Some commonly used equipment includes:

1. Forklift Trucks: Forklift trucks, also known as lift trucks or forklifts, are versatile industrial vehicles used for lifting, moving, and stacking materials in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and construction sites. Forklifts feature a hydraulic lifting mechanism and forks or attachments for handling palletized loads, crates, and bulk materials. They come in various configurations, including counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, and pallet jacks, suitable for different applications and environments.

2. Conveyors: Conveyors are mechanical devices used to transport materials continuously or intermittently from one location to another within a facility or between production processes. Conveyors consist of a belt, chain, or rollers supported by a frame, with pulleys or drums to drive the movement of the conveying medium. Conveyors are commonly used in industries such as logistics, mining, food processing, and automotive manufacturing for handling bulk materials, packages, and products efficiently. They come in various types, including belt conveyors, roller conveyors, screw conveyors, and overhead conveyors, tailored to specific material handling requirements.

3. Cranes: Cranes are lifting machines equipped with a hoist, wire ropes or chains, and sheaves mounted on a movable platform or fixed structure to lift, lower, and move heavy loads vertically and horizontally. Cranes are used in construction, shipping, manufacturing, and other industries for lifting and positioning materials, equipment, and structures. Different types of cranes include tower cranes, mobile cranes, overhead cranes, and gantry cranes, each suited to specific lifting requirements and environmental conditions.

4. Pallet Trucks: Pallet trucks, also known as pallet jacks or pallet movers, are manual or powered vehicles used to lift and move palletized loads within warehouses, distribution centers, and retail stores. Pallet trucks feature forks or blades that slide underneath pallets to lift and transport them. Manual pallet trucks are operated by hand, while powered pallet trucks use electric motors for lifting and propulsion. Pallet trucks are essential for loading and unloading trucks, organizing storage racks, and transporting goods over short distances.

5. Stackers: Stackers are material handling machines used for lifting, stacking, and retrieving loads vertically in warehouses, storage yards, and distribution centers. Stackers feature a mast, forks, or platform that can be raised and lowered to lift loads to different heights. They are commonly used for stacking pallets, containers, and other unitized loads, as well as for order picking, inventory management, and loading/unloading operations.

Each of these equipment types plays a vital role in material handling applications, facilitating efficient and safe movement, storage, and transportation of materials and products in various industries. Proper selection, operation, and maintenance of material handling equipment are essential for maximizing productivity, minimizing downtime, and ensuring workplace safety.