Many companies, production halls or workshops use material handling equipment, the purpose of which is to automate the position and improve transport and logistics. The most popular of them are stationary cranes and gantries. Apparently devices that perform similar work, but definitely different from each other. They are universal, used to automate and speed up logistics and transport processes.
Crane and gantry – structure
The crane structure consists of a pole fixed permanently to the ground. A crane arm, the so-called jib on which the hoist moves. The crane’s range of motion is selected depending on the space available and the needs of a given position, it always rotates.
The crane can reach a rotation angle of 360 degrees, but the crane arm is not required to be mounted on the pole. Depending on the needs, they can be mounted directly on the machine or wall, and a folding arm can also be used.
The gantry crane is made of a load-bearing frame that moves along the tracks. The tracks are mounted to the alloy or, when this is not possible, a structure is built to hold the entire device. A hoist moves along the supporting frame. The movement of the crane limits the length of the tracks and the height of the entire structure. The crane requires a much larger area than the crane.
Cranes and gantries – similarities and differences
The common feature of cranes and overhead cranes is the fact that they are subject to technical supervision. When considering overhead traveling cranes, cranes or hoists with a lifting capacity of up to 250 kg, a simplified technical supervision form is used. What does it mean? There is no need to report these devices to the UDT. However, you should carry out proper maintenance and operate the equipment in accordance with the documentation. The simplified form of technical supervision does not require machine operation qualifications.
Another common feature is the fact that cranes and gantry cranes can move the load in three planes, but they are used differently. Stationary cranes are used in places where the space is limited or where the position requires only detailing.
The crane works only within the reach of its arm, it is used, for example, to insert and remove details from numerical machine tools. Cranes are perfect when the station requires moving parts from the pallet to the machine and the movement takes place at a short but constant distance. The gantry has a different application.
Overhead cranes allow you to move details at distances that are allowed by the tracks. Move things from point A to point B within yourself. Some cranes extend over the entire production hall, then several load-bearing frames are installed and several crane stations can be used at the same time. They are used in the industrial, automotive and logistics sectors.