Material Handling Industry

Material Handling is the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. The focus is on the methods, mechanical equipment, systems and related controls used to achieve these functions.

The material handling industry manufactures and distributes the equipment and services required to implement material handling systems. Material handling systems range from simple pallet rack and shelving projects, to complex conveyor belt and Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS). Material handling can also consist of sorting and picking as well as automatic guided vehicles.

Material Handling System

Material Handling System (MHS) is a fundamental part of a Flexible Manufacturing system since it interconnects the different processes supplying and taking out raw material, workpieces, subproducts, parts and final products. Due to the automated nature of the whole production process, the MHS must respond in concert with timeliness for all requirements of the processes and systems.

The material handling system is composed of warehouses, buffers, conveyors, transportation vehícles or systems, part sorters, feeders and manipulators.

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.

The material handling equipment is generally separated into four main categories: storage and handling equipment, engineered systems, industrial trucks, and bulk material handling.