Hydraulics are integral in material handling throughout the supply chain. With movement, storage, protection and control of products, hydraulics help advance applications. They are required for completing complex sequences of motion control, enabling control of mechanical tasks within distribution centers.
By using hydraulics, distribution centers can adapt to safer and more productive work environments. First, hydraulics create a safer environment, allowing machinery to do the heavy lifting and providing better ergonomics for employees. Second, using hydraulics generates a fast-paced work environment with conveyor systems and other lifting machinery, making it easier for workers to do their jobs quickly and efficiently. For example, a conveyor belt that transports materials to a workstation before being packaged by an employee saves the distribution center time.
The types of equipment leveraging hydraulics
The equipment and machinery used in distribution centers are carefully designed to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency. For example, heavy-duty forklifts are standard hydraulic machinery used in distribution centers to move heavy objects. While this machinery cannot reach difficult angles, it can lift heavier loads much higher off the ground. This is because the hydraulic levers combine power with reach.
Another piece of equipment leveraging hydraulics is a conveyor, which can be operated at various speeds depending on the throughput required. A hydraulic conveyor utilizes pressurized fluids to move material along a route. These conveyors are very efficient at moving large volumes of product over a long distance. Additionally, they require less maintenance and energy and can be customized to fit specific needs, either high speeds or heavy loads.
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can be found in distribution centers to complete complex tasks at optimal speed. Many types of AMRs specialize in different tasks, such as sorting and storing goods for maximum productivity. This type of hydraulic machinery works alongside employees to help them become proficient in specific tasks.
The new age of material handling
According to Business Wire, the global automated material handling equipment market size reached $34.3 billion in 2021 while expecting the market to reach $52.6 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.39 percent from 2021 to 2027.
While current robotics and distribution center automation technologies quickly move many products, the future of distribution centers may incorporate more artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into their operations. While many industries have already started to realize the potential of automated material handling, not all distribution centers are sold on the idea.
The integration of AI and IoT in distribution centers can improve forecasting, resource allocation, process management and speed to market. Many markets are focusing on modernizing their manufacturing process, which includes increasing the flexibility of their warehouse operations by automating and digitizing their supply chain. Automated material handling can locate, move, retrieve and store materials on their own without manual intervention.
Conclusion
The use of hydraulics is fundamental in today’s distribution centers, where advanced technologies are becoming more prominent. Hydraulics play an integral role in safety, proficiency and efficiency. Therefore, quality should not be ignored when evaluating the types of hydraulic components for your machinery.
Reliability is the utmost concern in material handling and using quality hydraulic components is essential. Since 1953, Brennan Industries has offered a large selection of quality hydraulic fittings and adapters made of high-quality materials. The company utilizes specific metals to ensure exceptional temperature and corrosion resistant products. As a result, you can reduce replacement and maintenance costs because of Brennan’s product durability and cost-effective pricing. Learn more by visiting www.brennaninc.com.
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