What Is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC)?

A VRC is an efficient, cost effective, convenient means to move materials from one level to another. VRCs have use case scenarios in many different industries, including factories, warehouses, distribution centers, and other multi-story operations. These versatile pieces of equipment may be readily integrated with a building’s basement, mezzanine, balcony or any higher story levels.

VRC’s consist of a shaft, a cage, and a hydraulic or mechanical system. Vertical material lifts can be installed almost anywhere inside or outside of a structure. Gates and cages encircling a VRC shaft ensure employee safety and well being.

What Are Some Advantages of VRCs?

Safety: Many facilities rely on lift trucks to move their materials and merchandise from one level to another. While ideal for moving many different materials, lift trucks are mainly intended for the horizontal transport of materials. In the name of efficiency, employees may sometimes stretch their forklifts above their height limit or transport loads beyond their truck’s capacity rating. When such infractions occur, the probability of an accident increase substantially.

For some vertical transport of goods between levels, vertical reciprocating conveyors offer a safe and effective alternative to forklifts. Specifically engineered and fabricated for each facility’s application needs, VRCs significantly minimize the possibility of human error.

In addition, VRCs are designed to move more substantial loads more frequently. These faster throughput rates result in less labor expenses. For companies that have significant vertical transport needs, vertical reciprocating conveyors can improve safety and lower costs.

Customization: One significant benefit to VRCs is the degree to which they can be tailored to specific applications. Because standard elevators are designed to safely move humans, regulations have been put into place that constrain the weight capacity, speed and size of these mechanisms. Although such safeguards are appropriate for safely transporting people, they are prohibitive for high throughput movement of products in production facilities, storage facilities and distribution operations. VRCs can be freely customized because they are not subject to the same rules as passenger lifts.

Regulation: Vertical reciprocating conveyors are engineered to move freight only, while standard elevators are meant to move both passengers and materials. Due to this important distinction, VRCs are exempt from the strict elevator standards in most states.

In lieu of local code, VRCs are regulated by their own national code that is administered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), one of the first standards establishing organizations in the United States. More specifically, vertical reciprocating conveyors must comply with ASME’s Safety Standard for Conveyor and Related Equipment (ASME B20.1-2018). This standard defines the rules for the construction, installation, operating procedure and servicing of conveyor systems.

Raymond West Is A Full Service Supplier of Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors

If you’re in the market for a VRC, want questions answered or require engineering support, Raymond West can help. Our material handling experts can help plan, procure, set up and service a system that’s suitable for your business. Call us today!

Raymond West's Calexico facility serves Imperial County and Yuma County, Including Calexico, Brawley, El Centro, San Luis, Yuma and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Calexico Material Handling Equipment Supplier

285 Rood Rd
Calexico, CA 92231
(760) 768-8700