Overhead lifting equipment can be required to facilitate the movement of goods throughout an assembly line.
Combining overhead lifting equipment within an assembly line can offer several benefits. This is especially the case when a manufacturing or assembly operation requires both material handling capability and the ability to adapt to changing products, volumes or processes.
Metreel is a leading UK supplier of material handling equipment, including overhead cranes and monorails that can be used to create flexible assembly lines.
When it comes to designing a flexible assembly line that incorporates overhead lifting equipment, there are some key considerations to consider.
In today’s post, the Metreel team is here to cover some of the main points that will help promote safety and productivity.
Establishing The Lifting Requirements And Overall Objectives Of The Installation
All great things start with a plan, and choosing the right type of lifting equipment is no exception.
Gaining flexible overhead lifting functionality can solve several challenges for an assembly line. In particular, overhead lifting equipment can easily adjust to different shapes, sizes and weights.
Crucially, overhead lifting on an assembly line can also allow repositioning of lifting points or tools as products change, which supports quick reconfiguration of stations without major downtime.
Therefore, it’s good to start by determining what the overhead lifting solution will need to bring to the table.
Some good points to consider include:
- What type of materials are to be carried by the overhead lifting equipment along the assembly line?
- What are the typical material weights and sizes involved?
- What will be the required rate of production?
- What is the desired level of flexibility?
If you work with us here at Metreel, we can provide an in-depth consultation to help determine the answers to the above considerations.
Ultimately, the aim is to ensure the correct lifting solution is chosen to ensure productivity, safety and overall value is achieved.
Layout Planning
Flexible lifting within an assembly line can be achieved in several ways. The best solution for your operations will very much depend on the characteristics of the path (i.e. a U-shape or straight line).
Another way to gain flexibility is to opt for a modular design that can be reconfigured as needed. Likewise, identifying areas of the building which could support future expansion of the system if required.
Remember, all layout designs should also allow for the safe and efficient flow of goods without risk of coming into contact with any obstructions along the route.
Choosing The Right Overhead Lifting System
At Metreel, we offer a fantastic range of overhead lifting systems which can meet several objectives.
However, generally speaking, the top options to consider when overhead lifting is needed for an assembly line include:
- Bridge Cranes
- Freestanding Rail Systems
- Gantry Cranes
- Jib Cranes
- Monorails
Based on the above considerations (i.e. the type of materials being lifted and the required lifting layout), it should be straightforward to match your requirements to the applicable lifting equipment.
That said, consulting with the overhead lifting experts here at Metreel can help ensure that the equipment type is selected with all possible points considered. For instance, the weight capacity, hook travel distance, vertical lift height, frequency of use and integration with other tools.
Enquire About Our Overhead Lifting Solutions For UK Businesses
There is so much we can cover about designing a flexible assembly line which incorporates overhead lifting equipment. Since every project is unique, it’s important to seek advice from our experts.
Metreel is based in Derbyshire, and we install lifting equipment for companies across the UK and beyond.
If you own or work on behalf of a business in search of an overhead lifting solution to support an assembly line, contact us here at Metreel today.
Or, to place an order with our team for our lifting equipment, such as our cranes, gantries or monorails, please give us a call on 0115 932 7010.