Transport Equipment
Type of vehicle that do not require an operator; the vehicle can run on a designated fixed path.
Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV)
Used to feed small identical parts to automatic assembly operations
Parts feeder
These are reusable containers that can substitute cartons for process in-process handling
Tote pans
This is the most basic form of storing/stacking materials and results to minimal costs due to higher cube utilization
Block stacking
Unique bar/space patterns that represent various alphanumeric characters
Barcodes
A type of conveyor system used to merge, identify, induct, and separate products to specific destinations.
Sortation conveyor
Hoists
Identify two unit load equipment that can be used to bind products and materials
strapping/tapes/glues (for small to medium size items); and shrink or stretch wraps
Consists of a set of vertically or horizontally revolving storage baskets or bins; each level can rotate independently in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction
Storage carousel
An alternative to bar codes; has higher storage capacity and requires contact with a reader
Magnetic stripes
A type of conveyor used to move materials in a vertical or inclined path using buckets.
Bucket conveyor
Used to lift heavier loads while using minimal strength from the operator; can be used for horizontal and vertical movement
Manipulator
Large containers that can be used in land and sea transportation
Intermodal containers
A mezzanine can be an inexpensive way to provide additional space... What is the recommended height of clear space below a mezzanine?
At least 14 ft.
Devices that can communicate with a host computer through radio frequency or infrared link
Portable data terminal
Identify and describe at least three types of AGVs
Tow AGV, Unit Load AGV, Assembly AGV, Light Load AGV, Fork AGV (refer to the handout for descriptions)
Differentiate ball transfer table from rotary index table
Ball transfer table - used to manually shift or transfer material within a conveyor belt system
Rotary index table - usually acts with smaller sub process stations to make a compressed work center
What are the differences between pallets, skids, and slipsheets?
Pallets - rough thick boards, with holes to facilitate forklift; made of wood, plastic, or metal
Skids - pallet without a stacking ability (used for heavier loads)
Slipsheets - made of light materials; sheets are dragged using the tab by a machine; slower handling
Identify and describe at least two types of AS/RS
Unit load, man-on-board, mini load, deep-lane
How do the electronic data interchange (EDI) and the internet contribute to material handling systems?
they provide standards for inter-corporate transfer of purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices, and other frequently used business documents
Identify the three criteria that can help us decide which type of conveyor to use.
(1) Type of product being handled: unit load or bulk load; (2) Location of the conveyor: overhead, on-floor, or in-floor; (3) Whether or not loads can accumulate on the conveyor
Enumerate the general characteristics of positioning equipment
• Used to transport material from one point to another
• Differs from transportation/transfer equipment as it only involves the facility/workplace
• Transports material without the use of other equipment
• Subject to worker safety guidelines such as NIOSH
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of unit load formation equipment
Advantages: can be used to transform multiple smaller loads into a single large batch; allows ease of transport
Disadvantages: additional cost; increased loading and unloading times because of the size of the load; equipment has a need to be returned to point of origin
Identify and describe at least three types of rack/racking systems
Differentiate deterministic and probabilistic approaches in designing material handling systems.
Deterministic approach - variables and constraints are usually known and assume a constant value
Probabilistic approach - the values of the variables and constraints are unknown but may assume a certain range, given a probability; prescriptive, not descriptive