When you need a light crane system to lift loads or assist with material flow, consulting an expert crane manufacturer or crane dealer will make sure you get the solution to meet your needs. When it comes to designing an enclosed rail track or monorail system, it’s critical to work with experts with the proper knowledge. As you identify your process and lifting needs, it’s important to understand the benefits of the types of components available and how they could optimize your project.
Light crane systems using steel or aluminum enclosed track are used to lift loads safely and efficiently to help improve material flow. There are many configurations that can be made to meet your needs. Light crane systems are often called workstation cranes because they can help an operator do one job or a series of jobs, for instance in assembly processes. These workstations can be attached to the ceiling structure of your building or on a floor mounted, freestanding system which keeps valuable floor space free of clutter and floor cart or lift truck traffic.
Crane and Monorail Systems
Enclosed track crane systems are a great solution for assembly line material flow in many industries including the automotive industry. These systems allow small or large components to be moved easily from one manufacturing area to another. Systems can get very complex with track switches, turntables, interlocks and other specialized track functions to create the necessary material flow.
Chain hoists and balancer in air or electric are commonly used for the lifting axis. End tooling, grippers, and rigging can be customized to complete the material handling solution. Working with your trusted crane manufacturer or dealer is key to creating the solution to meet your needs.
Comparing Steel and Aluminum Track Options
Steel and aluminum enclosed track are both excellent solutions that offer great benefits to your workflow. The profile of both types of track is enclosed so this keeps the running surfaces cleaner and prevents contamination on these surfaces. Both profiles are modular and allow for almost unlimited solutions and can be easily reconfigured or expanded to meet your changing work processes.
Ergonomics
Both profiles are designed to be highly ergonomic which is highly beneficial to both employers and operators. Systems that use articulating suspension components offer the very lowest possible rolling resistance while preventing binding and reducing the forces transmitted to the support structure. Ask your trusted crane dealer about the benefits of these features.
Whether your operation is occasional heavy lifting or light, fast and repetitive, enclosed track cranes and monorails can help relieve stress and prevent injury to operators. Consult organizations like OSHA for more information on the importance of an ergonomic workplace. Next we will look at other benefits of both steel and aluminum track and look at common situations where they are used together to bring the best of both situations.
Steel Track
One of the most common types of track used in light crane systems is steel track. When compared to aluminum track, steel track withstands higher capacities and offers longer spans. In most cases, steel track systems cost less than a similar system in aluminum.
Choosing a steel track that has a durable painted finish, such as powder coat, on both the inside and outside of the track is important. Tracks that are not painted at all on the inside surfaces (enclosed surfaces) allow for corrosion, which over time can contaminate the running surface of the track and increase the rolling resistance forcing the operator to expend more effort to move the product. A high quality finish on the outside of the track provides lasting protection and helps withstand rough handling during installation.
Aluminum Track
Track made from extruded aluminum offer a lower deadweight when compared with a similar strength profile in steel. They offer a smoother running surface due to their smooth, anodized finish and more exacting manufacturing tolerances. This makes them a top choice when you are looking for the smoothest, most ergonomic solution possible.
Using Steel and Aluminum Track Together
When steel and aluminum track are used together, you can get the best out of both types of track to meet your needs. Commonly, steel and aluminum are used in the same system when a very long crane bridge is needed. Here, the bridge can be made of steel to allow the longer span and the runway can be aluminum.
The aluminum runway offers the best rolling resistance when it comes time to move the longer, heavier bridge. Another situation where using steel and aluminum track together is beneficial is when you need shorter or lighter capacity bridge(s), but can only suspend the runway at longer distances. The stronger properties of the steel allow greater unsupported distances and the aluminum bridge keeps the deadweight low.
Whether your project uses steel or aluminium enclosed track, it is important to know the benefits of each. Configuring your light crane system with your trusted crane manufacturer or crane dealer will allow you to get an optimized solution for your needs. No matter what industry you are in, light crane systems may be able to optimize your processes.