Saturday, January 12, 2008
Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV)
Some AGVs use fork lifts to lift objects for storage. Transporting materials such as medicine in a hospital situation is also done. Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) is also known as Laser Guided Vehicle (LGV) or Self Guided Vehicle (SGV).
The limitations are it is automated and it is pre-programmed. Therefore it cannot do any other things which are not programmed for it. And also, it do not need an operator and it might be dangerous because if its spoilt, it will not be discover earlier and therefore might have a delay in the work.
posted at 8:23 PM
Friday, January 11, 2008
-Aisles are cluttered
-Over handling of product
-Dock confusion in loading/unloading
-Poor use of skilled labour
-Stock out on parts and supplies
-High loss and damage
-Excessive number of material handlers
-Excessive indirect labour costs
-Flow inefficiencies
-Confusing product storage
Material Handling Productivity Ratio (Formula)
Material Handling Labour Ratio = Personnel assigned to MH duties
Total operating personnel
Handling Equipment Utilisation Ratio (HEU) = Items or load weight moved per hr
Theoretical capacity
Storage Space Utilisation Ratio (SSU) = Storage space occupied
Total available storage space
Aisle Space percentage ratio (ASP) = Space occupied by aisles
Total space available
Movement/Operation Ratio (M/O) = Number of moves
Number of productive operation
Manufacturing Cycle Efficiency Ratio
(MCE) = Time spent in actual structure operation
Time spend in facility structure
Damage Load Ratio (DL) = Number of damaged loads
Total number of loads
posted at 11:16 AM
Conveyors
posted at 3:08 AM
Still introduces new hybrid and new electric forklift
Still GmbH has introduced what it claims is the most economical forklift in its class and the world’s only hybrid forklift. The RX70, sold in Still’s global markets, is available in 2.2, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 tonne load capacities. Manufactured in Hamburg, the RX70 was the world’s only forklift with hybrid technology, a Still spokesperson said. Still claims the forklift, which took two years to develop, consumes 2.5 litres of fuel an hour and is thus the most economical forklift in its class. The forklift is built at the Hamburg-Billbrook facility. The German forklift manufacturer also has added the RX60 to its electric forklift family. Manufactured in Hamburg and available worldwide, the RX60 has “low noise volume, fast battery change, optimised views and cabin layout, AC technology for travel and pump motors, reduced power consumption and increased performance”, the spokesperson said.Comments
As we can see from the case above, the recent trends of material handling is to built more enviromently-friendly equipment such as forklift truck that consume lesser fuel and reduced power consumption. The newly introduced hybrid and electric forklift have all these characteristics. I believe with this innovation, many companies can not only go "green" but also reducing their operating costs in term of lesser energy consumed by forklifts.
1) Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV)
--AGVs do not require an operator and is suitable for frequent movement on set routes.
--Good for high labor cost, hazardous, or environmentally sensitive conditions
AGVs good for low-to-medium volume medium-to-long distance random material flow operations (e.g., transport between work cells in a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) environment)
Two means of guidance can be used for AGV systems:
Fixed path: Physical guidepath (e.g., wire, tape, paint) on the floor used for guidance
Free-ranging: No physical guidepath, thus easier to change vehicle path (in software), but absolute position estimates (from, e.g., lasers) are needed to correct dead-reckoning error
1a) Tow AGV
Used to pull a train of trailers
Automated version of a tractor trailer
Trailers usually loaded manually (early type of AGV, not much used today)
1b) Unit Load AGV
Have decks that can be loaded manually or automatically
Deck can include conveyor or lift/lower mechanism for automatic loading
Typically 4 by 4 feet and can carry 1–2,000 lb. loads
Typically less than 10 vehicles in AGV system
1c) Assembly AGV
Used as assembly platforms (e.g., car chassis, engines, appliances)
Greatest development activity during the 1980s (alternative to AEMs)
Typically 50–100 vehicles in AGV system
1d) Light Load AGV
Used for small loads (<>
--AGVs do not require an operator and is suitable for frequent movement on set routes.
--Good for high labor cost, hazardous, or environmentally sensitive conditions
AGVs good for low-to-medium volume medium-to-long distance random material flow operations (e.g., transport between work cells in a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) environment)
Two means of guidance can be used for AGV systems:
Fixed path: Physical guidepath (e.g., wire, tape, paint) on the floor used for guidance
Free-ranging: No physical guidepath, thus easier to change vehicle path (in software), but absolute position estimates (from, e.g., lasers) are needed to correct dead-reckoning error
1a) Tow AGVUsed to pull a train of trailers
Automated version of a tractor trailer
Trailers usually loaded manually (early type of AGV, not much used today)
1b) Unit Load AGVHave decks that can be loaded manually or automatically
Deck can include conveyor or lift/lower mechanism for automatic loading
Typically 4 by 4 feet and can carry 1–2,000 lb. loads
Typically less than 10 vehicles in AGV system
1c) Assembly AGVUsed as assembly platforms (e.g., car chassis, engines, appliances)
Greatest development activity during the 1980s (alternative to AEMs)
Typically 50–100 vehicles in AGV system
1d) Light Load AGVUsed for small loads (<>
1e) Fork AGVCounterbalanced, narrow-aisle straddle, and side loading versions available
Typically have sensors on forks (e.g., infrared sensors) for pallet interfacing
posted at 1:17 AM
Saturday, January 5, 2008
In material handling, it is the responsibility of the supervisor of the operation to make sure all personnel working under his or her control are instructed in and carry out safety precautions.The supervisors must make sure all personnel have training in materials- handling safety in the following areas:
Safety knowledge and training—Working personnel must be given instruction and training concerning potential dangers associated with their tasks. An awareness of these potential dangers and training to avoid hazards will assist in reducing accidents while performing tasks.
Knowledge of hazardous material—Some items such as flammable material, chemicals, acids and so forth, obviously require more care and attention than other items. The characteristics of the material being stowed will dictate the care and attention necessary to avoid risks and potential hazards. Personnel handling hazardous materials must have a knowledge of all potential dangers or hazards associated with those materials.
Design—Equipment is generally designed to perform a specific function. A potential hazard may be created when equipment is selected for use in operations beyond the rated capacity or for other than the purpose for which it was designed.
Attachments—Personnel must be trained in the use of all attachments on each piece of equipment including potential hazards associated with their use.
Maintenance—Equipment that is not in proper operating condition constitutes a hazard. Operators must be instructed not to operate equipment that appears to be mechanically
posted at 12:34 AM
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Semi automated system included equipment such as :
- Automated Guided Vehicle- AGV performs the same handling function as a mechanized tow tractor with trailer or rider pallet truck but only it does not require an operator.
- Sortation- Automated sortation devices are mainly used with conveyors. Products were sorted to specific shipment docks
- Robotics. A human like robot that can be programmed to perform warehouse activites.
Automated Handling
An automated system operates faster and more accurately. High degree of required capital investment and complex nature of development are needed.
One of the most well know Automated handling equipment is
Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS)
Automatic Storage and Retrieval System Video
posted at 12:05 AM
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Characteristics of industrial trucks
Pallet / Non-Pallet: Trucks have forks for handling pallets and the truck have a flat surface on which to place loads.
Manual / Powered: Trucks have manual or powered lifting or travel capabilities.
--Manual means that the operator provides the force needed for lifting loads and pushing the vehicle.
--Powered means that there are on-board power source like batteries used for lifting and travel.
Walk / Ride: The operator is required to walk or ride with/on the non-automated truck during travel.
Stack / No Stack: Truck used to lift loads for stacking purposes.
Narrow aisle: Lift truck designed to have a small turning radius or does not have to turn at all in an aisle when loading or unloading.
Automated: Trucks that can transport good without any operator
--Non-automated trucks incur direct labour cost of operator
--Semi-Automated trucks requires operator to control loading and unloading but automated transport control
--Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) requires no direct labour cost but higher equipment costs.
Purposes:
-Used to move materials over variable (horizontal) paths with no restrictions on the area covered (i.e., unrestricted area)
-Provide vertical movement if the truck has lifting capabilities
-Used when there is insufficient (or intermittent) flow volume such that the use of a conveyor cannot be justified
-Provide more flexibility in movement than conveyors and cranes
-Not licensed to travel on public roads - "commercial trucks" are licensed to travel on public roads
(1) Platform trucks
(i) Walkie Platform Truck
Walkie stackers are commonly used in the industryand are enormously versatile and can be used in a variety of applications. Stackers can lift up to 2.0 tonne with mast heights reaching 6.0 metres.
They are great for small warehouse where low numbers of pallets are moved or picked from shelves. It has the advantageof a pantographic reach that can reach out over a pallet meaning they can be double stacked. When unloading a pallet off a truck, the reach allows you to avoid the rear axle and having to drag pallets to the edge of the tray in order to pick them up.
At this stage, a forklift licence is not required to operate one of these machines. So that any employee can use the walkie stacker. But however, it is still highly recommended that a licenced operator staff is there to assist inexperienced users.
Operator walks next to truck
Floor hand truck is sometimes referred to as a "(manual) platform truck"
(ii) Rider Platform Truck
Operator can ride on truck
(2)Narrow-Aisle Reach Truck
8-10 ft. minimum aisle width requirementLoad rests on the outrigger arms during transport, but a pantograph (scissors) mechanism is used for reaching, thereby eliminating the need to straddle the load during stacking
Counterbalance of the truck used to support the load when it extends beyond the outrigger arms
(3) Order-picking Truck
Typically has forks to allow the truck to be used for pallet stacking and to support a pallet during less-than-pallet-load picking.
"Belly switch" used for operator safety during picking.
posted at 8:59 PM
Saturday, December 15, 2007
(I) Types of Conveyors
There are several types of conveyors that are commonly used. They are mainly:
(1) Roller Conveyor
There are two types of roller conveyors. It may be powered (or live) or nonpowered (or gravity).
Materials must have a rigid riding surface
Minimum of three rollers must support smallest loads at all times
Tapered rollers on curves used to maintain load orientation
(a) Gravity Roller Conveyor
Alternative to wheel conveyor
For heavy-duty applications
Slope for gravity movement depends on load weight
For accumulating loads
(b) Live (powered) roller conveyor
Belt or chain driven
Force-sensitive transmission can be used to disengage rollers for accumulation
For accumulating loads and merging/sorting operations
Provides limited incline movement capabilities
(2) Chain Conveyor
Uses one or more endless chains on which loads are carried directly
Parallel chain configuration used to transport pallets
Vertical chain conveyor used for continuous high-frequency vertical transfers (cf. vertical conveyor used for low-frequency intermittent transfers)
(3) Flat Belt Conveyor
For transporting light- and medium-weight loads between operations, departments, levels, and buildings
When an incline or decline is required
Provides considerable control over the orientation and placement of the load.
No smooth accumulation, merging, and sorting on the belt
The belt is roller or slider bed supported; the slider bed is used for small and irregularly shaped items
(4) Vertical Lift Conveyor
Carrier used to raise or lower a load to different levels of a facility (e.g., different floors and/or mezzanines)
Differs from a freight elevator in that it is not designed or certified to carry people
Can be manually or automatically loaded and/or controlled and can interface with horizontal conveyors
Personality, I think that this type of Vertical lift Conveyors are good for warehouses that have different levels of floors and is quick and convenient in carrying heavy goods.
(II) Cranes
General characteristics of cranes:
-Used to move loads over variable (horizontal and vertical) paths within a restricted area
-Used when there is insufficient (or intermittent) flow volume such that the use of a conveyor cannot be justified
-Provide more flexibility in movement than conveyors
-Provide less flexibility in movement than industrial trucks
-Loads handled are more varied with respect to their shape and weight than those handled by a conveyor
-Most cranes utilize hoists for vertical movement, although manipulators can be used if precise positioning of the load is required
(1)Jib Crane
Operates like an arm in a work area, where it can function as a manipulator for positioning tasks
A hoist is attached to the arm for lifting
Arm mounted on the wall or attached to a floor mounted support
Arm can rotate 360°
The hoist can move along the arm
(2)Bridge Crane
Bridge mounted on tracks that are located on opposite walls of the facility
Enables three-dimensional handling
Top riding (heavier loads) or underhung (more versatile) versions of the crane
Underhung crane can transfer loads and interface with other MHS (e.g., monorail systems)
(3)Gantry Crane
Similar to a bridge crane except that it is floor supported at one or both ends instead of overhead (wall) supported
Used to span a smaller portion of the work area as compared to a bridge crane
The supports can be fixed in position or they can travel on runways
Can be used outdoors when "floor" supported at both ends
Storage Equipment
Storage equipment used for holding or buffering materials over a period of time.
(1)Drive-Through Rack
Loads are supported by rails attached to the upright beams
Lift trucks are driven between the upright beams/
Requires similar-width loads
Open at both ends, allowing access from bith ends (FIFO)
(2) Drive-In Rack
Same as drive-through rack, except closed at one end, allowing entry from only one end (LIFO)(3) Cantilever Rack
Loads are supported by cantilever "arms"
Used to store long loads (e.g., bar stock, pipes, lumber)
Similar to pallet racks, except the front upright beams and the front supporting beams are eliminated
(4)Sliding Rack
Only one mobile aisle is used to access several rows of racks
Location of the aisle is changed by sliding the rows of racks along guide rails in the floor
Typically found in library stacks
(5)Mezzanine 
Inexpensive means of providing additional storage or office space
Makes use of clear space over activities not requiring much headroom (e.g., restrooms, block storage, etc.)
At least 14 ft. of clear space is needed for a mezzanine
posted at 9:35 PM
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Adjustable pallet racking is particularly suitable for large quantities of single, mainly palletised articles. If required, pallets and other loads can also be stored a double deep configuration. Adjustable pallet racking reaches to heights of up 12 m, and can be extended up to 14 plus in VNA racking.Advantages:
Direct access to all articles
Random position allocation
Flexible in height/width of load unit
First-in-first-out can be achieved
posted at 6:46 PM
Friday, October 26, 2007
INTRODUCTION
Material handling equipment (MHE) is used for the movement and storage of material within a facility or at a site.
Industrial trucks used in warehousing are primarily for the movement of goods, over comparatively short distances, for lifting goods into and out of storage and for vehicle loading and unloading.
Objectives of material handling equipment includes:
Improve productivity –With the use of material handling equipment, there will be a raise the productivity of each worker as the frequency of handling is high.
Prevent damage- With good practices of material handling, damage of goods from the point of receiving to shipping will be greatly reduced. Also reducing the chances of delaying customers’ orders.
Reduce fatigue and injuries– Especially when the environment is hazardous or inaccessible.
Traditional and Modern Views
The traditional views of material handling sees material handling operations as a non-value adding and only contribute to the cost of a product. As such, material handling should be avoided and minimised as much as possible. Since material handling often involved a substantial amount of direct labour and labour is expensive, many material handling design engineers were very supportive of automation. This trend is even more pronounced in Japan and Western Europe where labour is more expensive.
The modern views recognise the space and time utility of material handling operations i.e. a product is worth more if it is in the right place and at the right time. The modern goals in material handling system design are to create flexible system that can be use for a variety of products and processes and to integrate the current designed material handling system in the overall material handling plan.
Assignment: Include the latest types, practices, concepts, trends, etc..
posted at 12:18 PM