A Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor definition involves multiple terms that need explanation.
A Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor VRC is material-moving equipment that carries cargo between multiple floor levels. This equipment carries materials from one fixed elevation to another.
A VRC is designed to address vertical material movement challenges in multi-leveled facilities. It is called a reciprocating conveyor as it alternates up and down carrying materials between floors. A VRC carries only materials and not passengers or operators.
Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor Benefits
A VRC consists of a carrier, which receives materials for transportation to another elevation. The carriage design includes gates and guards to protect the materials being transported. The carriage moves the materials from one level to the other for storage or delivery. There are enclosures and gates surrounding a VRC shaft to protect people working near the equipment.
A VRC Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor may work using hydraulic or mechanical actuation. The choice of the mechanism depends on several factors including VRC load capacity and extent of lift required.
VRCs are recommended for facilities that have multiple overhead storage areas or multi-storied process areas. These systems are known for their efficiency of material movement in such areas.
There are several benefits to installing VRCs, which explains their wide use in facilities such as factories, warehouses, and distribution facilities.
VRCs are Customizable
VRCs are highly versatile. They can be customized to a wide range of environments and space requirements. They can be installed indoors or outside buildings. VRCs can adapt themselves to high-temperature environments, explosion-proof spaces, and clean rooms, with ease. VRCs can be installed through floors as well.
A Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor can easily fit into your existing mezzanine layout, preventing the need for building modifications.
VRCs are available in a variety of parameters to suit your facility’s specific needs. There are automatic and manual models. Machines with a wide range of speeds, lifting capacities, and carrier platform sizes are available. If you are looking for a highly custom fit, you can have a system designed to meet your exact size and weight requirements.
VRCs are not Bound by Stringent Compliance Laws
Unlike elevators, which carry both people and cargo, VRCs move only cargo. This significant difference removes the stress of compliance with stringent regulatory codes from VRC use. There is no legal necessity for annual inspections of VRCs by state or local authorities. Many jurisdictions exempt VRCs from compliance with strict elevator codes.
VRCs are governed by the code of ASME or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers instead.
Adherence to the ASME code ensures the safety of design, installation, functioning, and maintenance of VRCs. The ASME code is not as stringent as elevator laws though, which saves time, money, and resources for facilities.
VRCs are Safe and Efficient
Equipment such as forklifts is efficient only for the horizontal movement of materials. Stretching the capacity of forklifts to address vertical movement needs can result in fatal accidents.
VRCs are extremely efficient in addressing this challenge of the vertical movement of goods. Vertical reciprocating conveyor manufacturers can design equipment that exactly meets a facility’s needs. As a result, material movement needs are aptly addressed, and the risk of human error is minimized.
VRCs are designed to safely move goods of any size, as frequently as needed, with only minimal human intervention. The structural design of a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor enables the machine to load and transport heavy loads safely as and when needed. This is an added advantage compared to forklifts, which can flounder under loads exceeding their capacity.
VRCs are Cost Efficient Solutions
There are tremendous Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor cost advantages that facilities may not want to miss out on. The design and function of VRCs deliver short-term as well as long-term cost benefits.
One of the primary cost benefits of a VRC is its ability to be easily installed in any space. No building modifications or costly preparations, such as specialized pits and footings, are essential.
These machines can be installed in minimal floor space. You will not have to spend on moving existing operations to a different floor, or to another zone within the same floor, to create additional space for a VRC.
VRCs installations require only a day usually, which reduces costs of downtime. As VRCs need only minimal human intervention, resources can be utilized for other major operations. The long-term maintenance required for these machines is also minimal.
With a load-protective design, damage to goods is minimized. As VRCs can be relocated in most cases, they save substantial expenses on new equipment acquisitions.
VRCs Contribute to Increased Productivity
With their structural strength and safe design, VRCs can move materials with greater speed and ability without compromising material integrity. This is significant when moving materials vertically between floors.
By choosing VRCs of varying capacities, facility managers can improve the material movement capacity of their facility dramatically. This leads to a faster turnaround, more efficient operation, and a more productive process cycle for your operations.
VRCs are bound by only limited laws. Facility managers and owners can focus more time on critical operations than on preparing for routine equipment inspections and maintenance. Facilities such as distribution centers and warehouses see high traffic of goods on a daily basis. Such facilities can improve productivity with the limited regulation benefit offered by VRCs.
In Conclusion
Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors VRC are an efficient and cost-effective solution for facilities in search of robust vertical material movement solutions. They are ideal for industrial plants, warehouses, factories, commercial buildings, retail stores.
A Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor is a safe, fast, and convenient material-handling solution. It is ideal for any facility that sees material transportation to and from balconies, basements, mezzanines, and different levels in multi-storied buildings.
With its advantages of limited regulation, better customization, significant cost savings, and increased safety and productivity, a VRC may be the best asset you can invest in for your unique operational excellence. To discuss options for your warehouse or distribution center, contact us today: info@GoSRSI.com
