Material Handling Equipment

Material handling equipment is all equipment that relates to the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. Material handling equipment is the mechanical equipment involved in the complete system.  Material handling equipment is generally separated into four main categories: storage and handling equipment, engineered systems, industrial trucks, and bulk material handling.

Material handling equipment is used to increase throughput, control costs, and maximize productivity. There are several ways to determine if the material handling equipment is achieving peak efficiency. These include capturing all relevant data related to the warehouse’s operation (such as SKUs), measuring how many times an item is “touched” from the time it is ordered until it leaves the building, making sure you are using the proper picking technology, and keeping system downtime to a minimum.

(Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Material_handlingequipment &http://www.gatewaymaterialhandling.com)

Workbench

A workbench is sturdy table at which manual work is done. They range from simple flat surfaces to very complex designs that may be considered tools in themselves. Workbenches vary in size from tiny jewelers benches to the huge benches used by staircase makers. Almost all workbenches are rectangular in shape, often using the surface, corners and edges as flat/square and dimension standards. Design is as varied as type of work for which the benches are used but most share these attributes: A comfortable height for working with provisions for seated or standing  work, A way to fix the workpiece to the surface so that it may be worke with both hands and Provisions for mounting, storing and accessing tools

Workbenches are made from many different materials including metal, wood, stone, and composites depending on the needs of the work.Workbench types may be divided according to the particular work they are designed to accommodate:

Multi-purpose/portable

These benches are small, light, collapsible, and typically have built in clamps. Epitomized by the WorkMate, a bench invented and patented by Ron Hickman, they can be used for nearly all types of work.

Woodworking

May be used for general woodworking but may be specialized for joinery, cabinetmaking, patternmaking, stairbuilding, carving, carpentry or trim work. They are usually made from solid wood and have integral clamping mechanisms.

See also: Workbench (woodworking)

Metalworking

Metalworkers need benches built to handle grinding, welding, light casting and forging, and layout. Most of these benches include a metalworker's vise mounted to the top.

Gardening

Gardener's benches must be resistant to moisture and dirt. They are used for potting, seeding, and grooming, and usually have built-in shelving and storage.

Electronics

Formally a fixture in radio shacks, now used for assembly and repair of all sorts of electronic equipment including communication, computer, and home entertainment items. These benches usually have sources of power built in, along with shelves and task lighting. The height of most electronics benches are set for a seated worker.

General repair

Almost all family farms have one of these. Also found in small engine repair shops. Used for sharpening, cleaning, lubricating, assembly/disassembly, and light metal work.

Laboratory work

Utilized especially with the chemical and biological sciences. Surfaces are typically made of an inert material like slate. Most of these benches have water and fuel sources built in or near at hand.

Art and sculpture

These benches are most likely to be used in the round. They are designed so that the workpiece can be mounted firmly, usually from underneath, and accessed from all sides. Used by wood and stone carvers.

Jewelers and Watchmakers

Purpose built benches which generally have a "bench pin" - a small wooden work surface protruding out towards the worker, allowing for working on small parts. In addition there is usually a tray or leather apron underneath to catch precious metal filings or dropped items. They are designed so that when the worker is seated the work is at or near eye level.

Fitting and assembling

Used by machinists, pipefitters, electricians, textile workers, handloaders, and piece workers, these benches usually have space for layout and built-in tools, jigs and measuring devices to facilitate the work.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workbench & http://www.amazon.com )

Engine Stand

An engine stand is a tool commonly used to repair large heavy gasoline or diesel engines. It uses a heavy cantilevered support structure to hold the engine in midair so that the mechanic has access to any exposed surface of the engine.

While small single-piston engines can commonly be laid on a table for repair, a large engine is normally meant to be supported from its engine mounts or from the flywheel transmission case mounts, and fragile components such as oil pans and valve covers would be crushed if the large engine were placed on a flat surface.

Engine stands are typically mounted on large casters so than an engine can be moved around the shop to different test and repair stations, and the engine can often be rotated in midair to provide easier access to underside surfaces of the engine.

The engine stand is commonly used in combination with the engine crane to remove or install an engine in a vehicle, break in that engine, and perform repairs.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_stand & http://www.mikestoolsusa.net/ac-delco/acdelco-2000lbengstand.asp)

Spot Welding

Spot welding (RSW) is a process in which contacting metal surfaces are joined by the heat obtained from resistance to electric current flow. Work-pieces are held together under pressure exerted by electrodes. Typically the sheets are in the 0.5 to 3 mm (0.020 to 0.12 in) thickness range. The process uses two shaped copper alloy electrodes to concentrate welding current into a small "spot" and to simultaneously clamp the sheets together. Forcing a large current through the spot will melt the metal and form the weld. The attractive feature of spot welding is a lot of energy can be delivered to the spot in a very short time (approximately ten milliseconds). That permits the welding to occur without excessive heating to the rest of the sheet.

The amount of heat (energy) delivered to the spot is determined by the resistance between the electrodes and the amplitude and duration of the current. The amount of energy is chosen to match the sheet's material properties, its thickness, and type of electrodes. Applying too little energy won't melt the metal or will make a poor weld. Applying too much energy will melt too much metal, eject molten material, and make a hole rather than a weld Another attractive feature of spot welding is the energy delivered to the spot can be controlled to produce reliable welds.

Projection welding is a modification of spot welding. In this process the weld is localized by means of raised sections, or projections, on one or both of the workpieces to be joined. heat is concentrated at the projections, which permits the welding of heavier sections or the closer spacing of welds. The projections can also serve as a means of positioning the workpieces. Projection welding is often used to weld studs, nuts, and other screw machine parts to metal plate. It's also frequently used to join crossed wires and bars. This is another high-production process, and multiple projection welds can be arranged by suitable designing and jigging.

(source: www.millerwelds.com and welding-machinery-video.com)

Speedway Series 1404 110-Volt 30-AMP Spot Welder

Micrometer

The micrometer is a precision measuring instrument, used by engineers. Each revolution of the rachet moves the spindle face 0.5mm towards the anvil face. The object to be measured is placed between the anvil face and the spindle face. The rachet is turned clockwise until the object is ‘trapped’ between these two surfaces and the rachet makes a ‘clicking’ noise. This means that the rachet cannot be tightened any more and the measurement can be read.

Type

The topmost image shows the three most common types of micrometer; the names are based on their application:
• Outside micrometer (aka micrometer caliper), typically used to measure wires, spheres, shafts and blocks.
• Inside micrometer, used to measure the diameter of holes.
• Depth micrometer, measures depths of slots and steps
(Source : www.technologystudent.com, darsg.wordpress.com, toolmonger.com and bjcande.com)
 
.Anytime Tools Professional Machinist Inspection Tool Set: DIAL CALIPER / MICROMETER / Stainless Steel Ruler

Injection Plastic Moulding

Injection molding (British English: moulding) is a manufacturing process for producing parts from both thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic materials. Material is fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and forced into a mold cavity where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the mold cavity. After a product is designed, usually by an industrial designer or an engineer, molds are made by a moldmaker (or toolmaker) from metal, usually either steel or aluminum, and precision-machined to form the features of the desired part. Injection molding is widely used for manufacturing a variety of parts, from the smallest component to entire body panels of cars.
(Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/injection_moulding)
Mold Engineering

Centrifugal Pump

A centrifugal pump is a rotodynamic pump that uses a rotating impeller to increase the pressure of a fluid. Centrifugal pumps are commonly used to move liquids through a piping system. The fluid enters the pump impeller along or near to the rotating axis and is accelerated by the impeller, flowing radially outward into a diffuser or volute chamber (casing), from where it exits into the downstream piping system. Centrifugal pumps are used for large discharge through smaller heads.
(Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/centrifugal_pump and thomasnet.com)
1/2 HP Pool Centrifugal H.D. Water Pump

Air Compressor

An air compressor is a device that converts electrical power or gas into kinetic energy by pressurizing and compressing air, which is then released in quick bursts. There are numerous methods of air compression, divided into either positive-displacement or negative-displacement types.
Positive-displacement air compressors work by forcing air into a chamber whose volume is reduced to effect the compression. Piston-type air compressors use this principle by pumping air into an air chamber through the use of the constant motion of pistons. They use unidirectional valves to guide air into a chamber, where the air is compressed. Rotary screw compressors also use positive-displacement compression by matching two helical screws that, when turned, guide air into a chamber, the volume of which is reduced as the screws turn. Vane compressors use a slotted rotor with varied blade placement to guide air into a chamber and compress the volume.
Negative-displacement air compressors include centrifugal compressors. These devices use centrifugal force generated by a spinning impeller to accelerate and then decelerate captured air, which pressurizes it.
The air compressors seen by the public are used in 5 main applications:

• To supply a high-pressure clean air to fill gas cylinders
• To supply a moderate-pressure clean air to supply air to a submerged surface supplied diver
• To supply a large amount of moderate-pressure air to power pneumatic tools
• For filling tires
• To produce large volumes of moderate-pressure air for macroscopic industrial processes (such as oxidation for petroleum coking or cement plant bag house purge systems).

Most air compressors are either reciprocating piston type or rotary vane or rotary screw. Centrifugal compressors are common in very large applications. There are two main types of air compressor's pumps: Oil lubed and oil-less. The oil-less system has more technical development, but they are more expensive, louder and last for less time than the oiled lube pumps. However, the air delivered has better quality.
(Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/air_compressor and mikejoos.blogspot.com)
 
Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 1-Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor with Accessory Kit

Arc Welding Machine

Arc welding is a type of welding that uses a welding power supply to create an electric arc between an electrode and the base material to melt the metals at the welding point. They can use either direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current, and consumable or non-consumable electrodes. The welding region is sometimes protected by some type of inert or semi-inert gas, known as a shielding gas, and/or an evaporating filler material. The process of arc welding is widely used because of its low capital and running costs. Getting the arc started is called striking the arc. An arc may be struck by either lightly tapping the electrode against the metal or scratching the electrode against the metal at high speed.
(Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/arc_welding and cqyunda.en.alibaba.com.blogspot.com)
Speedway Series 1433 100 Amp 220 Volt Arc Welder

Dial Indicator

Dial indicators, also known as dial gauges and probe indicators, are instruments used to accurately measure small linear distances, and are frequently used in industrial and mechanical processes. They are named so because the measurement results are displayed in a magnified way by means of a dial.

A special variety of the dial indicator is the dial test indicator (DTI) which is primarily used in machine setups. The DTI measures displacement at an angle of a lever or plunger perpendicular to the axis of the indicator. A regular dial indicator measures linear displacement along that axis.

Dial indicators may be used to check the variation in tolerance during the inspection process of a machined part, measure the deflection of a beam or ring under laboratory conditions, as well as many other situations where a small measurement needs to be registered or indicated. Dial indicators typically measure ranges from 0.25 mm to 300 mm (0.015 in to 12.0 in), with graduations of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm (metric) or 0.00005 in to 0.001 in (imperial).
(Source : http :en.wikipedia.org/wiki/dial_indikator and littlemachineshop.com)

Grizzly G9849 Magnetic Base/Dial Indicator Combo - President's Special

Vernier Caliper

The Vernier Caliper is a precision instrument that can be used to measure internal and external distances extremely accurately. The example shown below is a manual caliper. Measurements are interpreted from the scale by the user. This is more difficult than using a digital vernier caliper which has an LCD digital display on which the reading appears. The manual version has both an imperial and metric scale.
Manually operated vernier calipers can still be bought and remain popular because they are much cheaper than the digital version. Also, the digital version requires a small battery whereas the manual version does not need any power source.
(Source : http ://www.technologystudent.com and glue-it.com)
 
Neiko Stainless Steel 6-Inch Digital Caliper with Extra-Large LCD Screen - Instant SAE-Metric Conversion

Punch machine

A punching machine works like a hole punch for paper. The punch presses the paper against the support of the hole punch and finally into a round opening. The scrap from the punching collects in the hole punch container.

Punching works exactly the same way: the sheet is positioned between the punch and the die. The punch moves downward and plunges into the die. The edges of the punch and the die move past each other in parallel, cutting the sheet. Observed in detail, the punching process proceeds in four phases. When the punch touches the sheet, the sheet is deformed. Then it is cut. Finally, the tension within the material is so great that the sheet breaks along the contour of the cut. The cut-out piece of sheet - the so-called punching slug - is ejected downward. When the punch travels upward again, it can happen that it pulls the sheet along. In that case, the stripper releases the sheet from the punch.

The higher the fraction of cut on the sheet edge, the better the edge quality. For precise fits, for example, preliminary holes are punched and then the final diameter is punched out with a slightly larger tool. The fraction of cut along such an edge is then as high as 100%.
(Source : allproduct.com)

Starrett 248E Drive Pin Punch For Machine Shop And Motor Service Work, 8" Length, 3/8" Punch Diameter

Axial Forming

Felss has redefined what can be done in terms of industrial manufacture of splines.

In short: The axial forming technology offers improved possibilities to form high quality internal and external splines made chipless, fast, reliable, and cost-effective.

In more details, the special low-frequency modulated axial forming process ensures the net shape forming of splines to the highest quality (IT5 quality classification) even after the part has been hardened, and on a very thin tube wall. This part quality is given by the combination of the forming process, the shape of the die design and the high-stiffness tool system that also offers unique possibilities for fine adjustment of the carbide splining die. The tool system can actively control the splined part diameter with +/- 0.03 mm (measured as over-pin diameter).

The Felss axial forming process is largely independent of the pressure angle of the die. This unique feature means that one can design the spline profile more freely than would be possible with competing technologies, and without giving in on the general die performance and service life.

Both external and internal splines can be formed by the Felss axial forming machine technology. Here it is very important to mention that internal spline forming in blind holes is offered as a standard solution in the same machine and just with one clamping. Because of the special tool exchange system, one can also make for example three different spline profiles on the same part in the same clamping.

Another key benefit of the axial forming process is the higher strength of the teeth compared to what can be obtained with conventional metal cutting technologies. Forming does not break the grain structure of the work piece, and this significantly contributes to the static and dynamic strength of the splined profile.

The repeatability and predictability of the axial forming process is also a very important benefit to mention. Of course, depending on the actual part and work piece material, the die will form approx. 1.6 km splines.

The machine concept is flexible. It is within certain limitations possible to add a tool exchange system, or add a second NC axis for internal splining from the bottom side, if required for new part production.

Turbine Steam Path Maintenance & Repair, Vol. 2

Shearing Machine

A shearing machine is disclosed which comprises a work table, a pair of upper and lower blades for cutting a work-sheet, and a feeder for feeding the work-sheet onto the work table for cutting by the blades. A scrap receiver receives scrap cut from the work-sheet by the blades and a scrap remover positioned in front of the blades clamps and holds a piece of scrap from the work-sheet and transports the scrap to the scrap receiver. The scrap remover is movable in a horizontal plane above the work table.Shearing Machine

1876 Engineering Shearing Machine Engine Manchester

Grinding Machine

A grinding machine is a machine tool used for grinding, which is a type of machining using an abrasive wheel as the cutting tool. Each grain of abrasive on the wheel's surface cuts a small chip from the workpiece via shear deformation.

The grinding machine consists of a power driven grinding wheel spinning at the required speed (which is determined by the wheel’s diameter and manufacturer’s rating, usually by a formula) and a bed with a fixture to guide and hold the work-piece. The grinding head can be controlled to travel across a fixed work piece or the workpiece can be moved whilst the grind head stays in a fixed position. Very fine control of the grinding head or tables position is possible using a vernier calibrated hand wheel, or using the features of numerical controls.

Grinding machines remove material from the workpiece by abrasion, which can generate substantial amounts of heat; they therefore incorporate a coolant to cool the workpiece so that it does not overheat and go outside its tolerance. The coolant also benefits the machinist as the heat generated may cause burns in some cases. In very high-precision grinding machines (most cylindrical and surface grinders) the final grinding stages are usually set up so that they remove about 200nm (less than 1/100000 in) per pass - this generates so little heat that even with no coolant, the temperature rise is negligible.

DEWALT DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder

Band Saw Machine

A bandsaw is a power tool which uses a blade consisting of a continuous band of metal with teeth along one edge to cut various workpieces. The band usually rides on two wheels rotating in the same plane, although some small bandsaws have three wheels. The saw may be powered by wind, water, steam, electrical motor or animal power. Bandsawing produces uniform cutting action as a result of an evenly distributed tooth load. Bandsaws are used for woodworking, metalworking, or for cutting a variety of other materials, and are particularly useful for cutting irregular or curved shapes, but can also be used to produce straight cuts. The radius of a curve that can be cut on a particular saw is determined by the width of the band and its lateral flexibility.

DELTA 28-206 Professional 14-Inch 1-Horsepower Woodworking Band Saw, 120-Volt 1-Phase

Shaping Machine

The shaping machine is used to machine flat metal surfaces especially where a large amount of metal has to be removed. Other machines such as milling machines are much more expensive and are more suited to removing smaller amounts of metal, very accurately.

The reciprocating motion of the mechanism inside the shaping machine can be seen in the diagram. As the disc rotates the top of the machine moves forwards and backwards, pushing a cutting tool. The cutting tool removes the metal from work which is carefully bolted down.

The shaping machine is a simple and yet extremely effective machine. It is used to remove material, usually metals such as steel or aluminium, to produce a flat surface. However, it can also be used to manufacture gears such as rack and pinion systems and other complex shapes. Inside its shell/casing is a crank and slider mechanism that pushes the cutting tool forward and returns it to its original position. This motion is continuous.

The World Market for Metal Shaping or Slotting Machines: A 2009 Global Trade Perspective

Drilling Machine

Drilling is one of the most effective and common activities often observed in metal processing industry or manufacturing industry. These tools are used for preparing holes of prescribed diameter and surface finish over the surfaces. The drill bit and power change according to the nature of operations and the surface over which hole is to be drilled.

Suppose you need to drill a hole in your bathroom in the ceramic tiles for hanging a towel holder, you need to select the drill which should be able to make a hole without damaging or affecting the tile. Likewise you may also need to create a hole in the kitchen. The accuracy and finishing of the hole also depends a lot on the skill operator.

While selecting a drilling bit, one should consider the following points. The very first thing is that the torque of the machine you are thinking of. The torque is the factor which will enable you to determine other features of a drill bit. The drill with torque of about 400 to 500 per minute will be best for all your light tasks of the home.

If you need to make a hole in concrete or in brick or any other solid thing then you may need a heavy duty drill as light weight drills will not serve the purpose effectively.

These are also available in several types such as electric, hand operated and battery operated. Nearly all of the drilling machines have changeable drill bits so that you would be able to make hole of desired size.

Depending upon the nature of the job drill machine should be selected, the portable and light weight machine can be used which is either powered by electricity or battery. The best choice is to go for battery powered drilling machine which would help you with all the drilling applications.

The battery drills are available in several capacities such as 18 to 24 volts, 14 to 14. 4 volts and from 6 to 12 volts. If you are using the machine with higher voltage, then the batteries will last long and generate greater power. Hence according to the job they should be selected.

Another thing which should be considered while purchasing a drilling device is the brand. If you have selected a branded or reputed drill, then you will be assured of its performance and efficiency. Most of the leading brands of the market are a bit costly but this factor is compensated by their performance. The leading brands of the market include Black & Decker, DeWalt, Hitachi, Ridgid and many more are meant for meeting every drilling requirement of your job.

These are available with some additional features such as they come with smart chargers, some of the drills come with flashlight but if you are going for these features, it will certainly add to the cost of the machine.

The cost of the drilling machine is another concern and varies according to the voltage and power out of the device. These devices should be selected from the specialist drill bit supplier so that in case of any discrepancies, the problem should be resolved immediately.

JET 350017/JMD-15 Milling/Drilling Machine

Ball Mill Machine

Introduction : Ball mill is an efficient tool for grinding many materials into fine powder. The Ball Mill is used to grind many kinds of mine and other materials, or to select the mine. It is widely used in building material, chemical industry, etc. There are two ways of grinding: the dry process and the wet process. It can be divided into tabular type and flowing type according to different forms of discharging material.

Ball Mill Application : The ball mill is a key equipment for regrinding. It is widely used for the cement, the silicate product, new type building material, fire-proof material, chemical fertilizer, black and non-ferrous metal, glass, ceramics and etc.

Our ball mill can grind ore or other materials that can be grinded either by wet process or by dry process.

Ball Mill Working Principle : This ball mill is horizontal type and tubular running device, has two warehouses. This machine is grid type and its outside runs along gear. The material enters spirally and evenly the first warehouse of the milling machine along the input material hollow axis by input material device. In this warehouse , there is a ladder scaleboard or ripple scaleboard, and different specification steel balls are installed on the scaleboard, when the barrel body rotates and then produces centrifugal force.Meanwhile , the steel ball is carried to some height and falls to make the material grinding and striking. After grinded coarsely in the first warehouse, the material then enters into the second warehouse for regrinding with the steel ball and scaleboard. In the end, the powder is discharged by output material board andthe end products are completed.

Ball Mill Features and Benefits : This machine is made up of feeding part, discharging part, gyre part, transmission part, (decelerator, small transmission gear, generator, electrical control ) and so on. The hollow axis adopts the cast steel and the lining can replace , the rotating big gear processes in the way of casting rolling gear. The barrel body is wearable well and bears wearable scaleboard. This machine run steadily and works reliably.
JOKER MACHINE CHOKE KNOB BALL-MILL 950109BMC