Materials Handling Devices
Materials handing devices are of three types:
a. Lifting and lowering devices ( vertical movement)
b. Transporting devices( horizontal movement )
c. Devices which lift and transport ( combination devices)
Lifting and Lowering Devices
These devices are used for lifting and lowering the materials in a vertical direction only( up and down).
1. Block and Tackle : Block and tackle is one of the oldest and simplest methods of lifting something through a vertical distance. It is still used by moving men and in hoisting machinery into position. It depends in general on manpower and gives only the mechanical advantage that is possible for the various rope formations. If is crudest simplest form of lifting , the most inexpensive in cost, and the most wasteful of manpower.
It is the device that effect vertical motion by winding the rope or cable on a drum. Here it is possible whether using manpower or other to get a much greater mechanical advantage .
2. Winches : Winches are frequently used in loading heavy equipment into ships construction equipment into building and in similar jobs.
3. Hoists: Hoists are used for lifting the load vertically. They may be fixed in one place attached to crane mounted on monorail trolleys or on a single rail as shown in figure below. The simplest type is the chain hoist which is operated by hand. But hoists operated by compressed air or by electric power are most common. The most complicated forms of hoists are those which resemble elevators in every detail except that no rides upon them. They are operated by remote control.