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Subject - Material Handling Systems (ME 40042 / MA/MP 40042)
Branch - Mechanical Engineering
Semester - 4th Semester
Components of Material Handling Systems
Material handling systems consist of various components and attachments that help in lifting, moving, and positioning materials efficiently and safely. These components ensure proper load handling, reduce manual effort, and improve workplace safety.
4.1 Flexible Hoisting Appliances
Hoisting appliances are lifting devices used for raising and lowering loads. These include chains, ropes, and lifting tackles, which must be strong, durable, and flexible.
1. Welded Load Chains
✅ Description:
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Made of high-strength steel links welded together.
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Available in various grades depending on load capacity.
✅ Applications:
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Used in chain hoists, cranes, and lifting tackles.
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Ideal for lifting heavy loads in construction and manufacturing.
2. Roller Chains
✅ Description:
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Made of interconnected rollers and pins.
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More flexible and smooth compared to welded chains.
✅ Applications:
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Used in conveyor systems and mechanical hoists.
3. Hemp Ropes
✅ Description:
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Made from natural plant fibers, offering good flexibility.
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Low strength compared to steel ropes.
✅ Applications:
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Used in lightweight lifting applications such as small pulleys and manual hoists.
4. Steel Wire Ropes
✅ Description:
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Made of multiple steel wires twisted together to form strands.
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High strength, durability, and flexibility.
✅ Applications:
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Used in cranes, elevators, and hoisting winches for heavy-duty lifting.
5. Fastening Methods for Wire & Chains
To secure wire ropes and chains, different fastening methods are used:
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Wire Clips: Used to clamp the wire ends together.
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Sockets: Metal fittings attached to rope ends for extra security.
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Thimbles: Protect the rope from wear at the looped end.
✅ Applications:
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Used in lifting slings, rigging, and heavy load suspensions.
6. Eye Bolts
✅ Description:
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A metal bolt with a looped head (eye).
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Used to attach hooks, chains, or ropes.
✅ Applications:
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Used in lifting, securing, and anchoring loads.
7. Lifting Tackles & Rigging Practices
✅ Description:
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Lifting tackles include hooks, pulleys, shackles, and slings used for lifting operations.
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Rigging practices involve proper load securing, angle calculations, and weight distribution.
✅ Applications:
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Used in construction sites, shipyards, and heavy engineering industries.
4.2 Load Handling Attachments
Load handling attachments are specialized tools used to improve material handling efficiency and safety. These attachments help secure and balance loads.
1. Hooks
a) Various Types of Hooks
✅ Forged Hooks:
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Made by hammering heated metal, ensuring high strength.
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Used in cranes and hoists.
✅ Triangular Eye Hooks:
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Has a triangular loop (eye) for secure attachment.
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Used in lifting heavy loads with slings or wire ropes.
b) Appliances for Suspending Hooks
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Swivel hooks: Allow rotation to prevent load twisting.
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Spring-loaded safety hooks: Prevent accidental load release.
✅ Applications:
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Used in cranes, pulleys, and lifting hoists.
2. Crane Grab for Unit & Piece Loads
✅ Description:
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A mechanical attachment that opens and closes to grab items.
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Can have hydraulic or pneumatic operation.
✅ Applications:
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Used in ports, warehouses, and factories for moving logs, pipes, and scrap materials.
3. Electric Lifting Magnet & Vacuum Lifter
✅ Electric Lifting Magnet:
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Uses electromagnetic force to lift metal objects.
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Magnet is activated/deactivated by electricity.
✅ Vacuum Lifter:
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Uses suction pads to hold and lift glass, sheets, and fragile materials.
✅ Applications:
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Electric magnets are used in steel plants, scrap yards, and heavy metal handling.
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Vacuum lifters are used in glass industries, electronic factories, and construction sites.
4. Grabbing Attachment for Loose Materials
✅ Description:
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A claw-like attachment designed to pick up sand, gravel, coal, and grain.
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Uses hydraulic pressure to open and close.
✅ Applications:
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Used in mines, shipping ports, and construction.
5. Crane Attachment for Handling Liquids & Molten Metals
✅ Description:
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Special ladles and containers designed for handling hot molten metals.
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Equipped with insulation and controlled pouring mechanisms.
✅ Applications:
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Used in steel plants, foundries, and metal casting industries.
Conclusion
Material handling systems include a wide range of hoisting appliances, fastening systems, and load-handling attachments. These components ensure safe, efficient, and precise movement of materials, making industrial operations faster and more reliable.
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