What Is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC)?

A vertical reciprocating conveyor is an efficient, cost effective, simple way to move goods from one elevation to another. VRCs have applications in countless industries, including manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, and other multi-story operations. These adaptable pieces of equipment may easily be integrated with a structure’s basement, mezzanine, balcony or any higher story levels.

VRC’s are made up of a shaft, a carriage, and a mechanical or hydraulic system. Vertical material lifts can be installed just about anywhere within or even outside of a structure. Gates and cages surrounding VRC shafts keep workers safe and prevent accidents.

What Are Some Advantages of VRCs?

Safety: Many facilities are dependent upon lift trucks to move their materials and merchandise from one level to another. While ideal for moving many different materials, forklifts are primarily intended for the horizontal movement of goods. In the name of efficiency, employees may occasionally extend their forklifts beyond their vertical limit or move loads in excess of their truck’s capacity rating. When these transgressions happen, the probability of a serious accident increase substantially.

For some vertical product movement, vertical reciprocating conveyors offer a safe and effective replacement for lift trucks. Specifically engineered and built for each facility’s application needs, VRCs substantially reduce the possibility of human error.

Additionally, vertical material lifts are designed to move larger loads more often. These more rapid throughput rates result in reduced labor expenses. For businesses that have significant vertical transport demands, vertical reciprocating conveyors can enhance worker safety and lower costs.

Customization: One significant advantage of VRCs is the extent to which they can be adapted to unique requirements. Since standard elevators are designed to safely move people, regulations have been put into place that constrain the weight capacity, speed and size of these mechanisms. While such safety measures are necessary and advisable for safely transporting humans, they are inhibitive for high throughput movement of goods in manufacturing plants, warehouses and distribution centers. Vertical lifts can be freely customized due to the fact that they are not subject to the same rules as passenger lifts.

Regulation: VRCs are designed to move goods only, while elevators are designed to move both passengers and freight. Because of this important difference, VRCs are exempt from the rigorous elevator regulations in many states.

On the contrary, VRCs are regulated by their own universal code that is administered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), one of the first standards defining organizations in the country. 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 fabrication, assembly, operating procedure and maintenance of conveyor systems.

Raymond West Is A Full Service Supplier of Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors

If you’re starting the procurement process for a VRC, have questions or require engineering assistance, Raymond West can give you a hand. Our material handling professionals can help design, procure, set up and service a system that’s perfect for your business. Get in touch with us today!

Raymond West's Fresno facility serves much of the Central Valley, including Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Visalia, Tulare, Lindsay, Hanford, Lemoore, Los Banos, Santa Nella, Dos Palos, Firebaugh, Kettleman City, Coalinga, Avenal, Mendota, Kerman, San Joaquin, and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Fresno Material Handling Equipment Supplier

2935 S Elm Ave #101
Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 264-7500