by John Benson
Choosing a well designed, cost effective material handling solution is critical to streamlining workflow and maximizing manufacturing productivity. There are always multiple options in today’s marketplace, but ceiling mounted workstation cranes are very common and popular. Generically called “overhead bridge cranes,” these inexpensive ceiling mounted cranes are efficiently moved by the worker’s own power. They have also have proven to be the ideal material handling solutions for many companies because they can streamline and maximize productivity at little additional cost.
Many manufacturing floors have limited work space. Overhead crane systems are a perfect solution for floors with little space because they can provide necessary coverage without the use of support columns, which can take up valuable floor space. Many ceiling mounted systems can also be linked together with a monorail or another crane that uses interlock sections, making them a welcome addition to any floor already performing efficiently.
Overhead crane systems are supported by the existing building structure instead of requiring support columns. Consult with a qualified architect or engineer for the first step in deciding if an overhead crane system is the right solution for your company. These professionals are the right people to determine if your building structure is able to support the crane system.
After learning if your structure can handle an overhead crane, choosing one for your workshop includes several factors to consider. Crane capacity should be consideration no. 1. The higher the capacity, the more load weight – this can lead to dead weight on the bridge. This also leads to more weight for the operator to move. Typically, only one percent of the actual force weight is required for movement.
Three major points of consideration for companies considering an overhead crane solution are length, height, and width. The length of a crane runway is determined by the specific area requiring coverage, while height is measured from the floor to the point from which a hoist is suspended. The length of the bridge between the centers of two runways determines the width.
There are many different types of overhead cranes that fit the custom challenges of most manufacturing workshops, in addition to different sizes. Overhead cranes create easy, ergonomic movement for most operators if your company needs a crane solution for load transportation. Because they tend to operate more quickly, companies that have a fast paced working environment could find manual overhead cranes to be a better solution than motorized cranes.
Motorized systems can be used effectively if the application requires moving heavier loads in comparison to manual cranes. A motorized system should be considered for any manufacturing floor that requires its crane to transport 1000, 2000, or 4000 pound objects. The need for a motorized system also comes up when bridge travel across an inaccessible area is required.
Overhead cranes are a great solution for any manufacturing workshop that requires a cost effective solution for handling materials while saving precious workspace. There are many overhead crane options, however, so proper consultation and consideration should be done before making a purchase. Always make sure that the crane solution you select is truly the best fit for your business needs.
About the Author:
About the Author: John Benson is a freelance writer writes on several topics within the manufacturing industry, such as advancements in the productivity and safety of
overhead cranes. Efficiency of productivity and workflow are just a few of the topics he covered as a former project manager. Discover more about
overhead bridge cranes and other tools of the manufacturing trade.
Advice For Choosing An Overhead Crane For Your Material Handling Workshop
Choosing a well designed, cost effective material handling solution is critical to streamlining workflow and maximizing manufacturing productivity. There are always multiple options in today’s marketplace, but ceiling mounted workstation cranes are very common and popular. Generically called “overhead bridge cranes,” these inexpensive ceiling mounted cranes are efficiently moved by the worker’s own power. They have also have proven to be the ideal material handling solutions for many companies because they can streamline and maximize productivity at little additional cost.
Many manufacturing floors have limited work space. Overhead crane systems are a perfect solution for floors with little space because they can provide necessary coverage without the use of support columns, which can take up valuable floor space. Many ceiling mounted systems can also be linked together with a monorail or another crane that uses interlock sections, making them a welcome addition to any floor already performing efficiently.
Overhead crane systems are supported by the existing building structure instead of requiring support columns. Consult with a qualified architect or engineer for the first step in deciding if an overhead crane system is the right solution for your company. These professionals are the right people to determine if your building structure is able to support the crane system.
After learning if your structure can handle an overhead crane, choosing one for your workshop includes several factors to consider. Crane capacity should be consideration no. 1. The higher the capacity, the more load weight – this can lead to dead weight on the bridge. This also leads to more weight for the operator to move. Typically, only one percent of the actual force weight is required for movement.
Three major points of consideration for companies considering an overhead crane solution are length, height, and width. The length of a crane runway is determined by the specific area requiring coverage, while height is measured from the floor to the point from which a hoist is suspended. The length of the bridge between the centers of two runways determines the width.
There are many different types of overhead cranes that fit the custom challenges of most manufacturing workshops, in addition to different sizes. Overhead cranes create easy, ergonomic movement for most operators if your company needs a crane solution for load transportation. Because they tend to operate more quickly, companies that have a fast paced working environment could find manual overhead cranes to be a better solution than motorized cranes.
Motorized systems can be used effectively if the application requires moving heavier loads in comparison to manual cranes. A motorized system should be considered for any manufacturing floor that requires its crane to transport 1000, 2000, or 4000 pound objects. The need for a motorized system also comes up when bridge travel across an inaccessible area is required.
Overhead cranes are a great solution for any manufacturing workshop that requires a cost effective solution for handling materials while saving precious workspace. There are many overhead crane options, however, so proper consultation and consideration should be done before making a purchase. Always make sure that the crane solution you select is truly the best fit for your business needs.
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