What Is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC)?

A vertical reciprocating conveyor is an efficient, economical, convenient way to transfer goods from one level to another. VRCs have applications in a host of different industries, including factories, storage facilities, distribution centers, and other multi-level buildings. These versatile pieces of equipment may easily be incorporated into a building’s mezzanine, balcony, basement or any upper floor levels.

VRC’s consist of a column, a carriage, and a hydraulic or mechanical system. Vertical material lifts can be added just about anywhere inside or outside of a structure. Gates and enclosures encircling VRC shafts 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 primarily designed for the horizontal movement of materials. To save time and effort, workers may occasionally extend their forklifts beyond their height limit or move goods beyond their truck’s capacity rating. When these transgressions happen, the chances of an accident multiply.

For some vertical product movement, vertical reciprocating conveyors offer a safe and efficient replacement for lift trucks. Specifically engineered and manufactured for each facility’s application needs, VRCs greatly reduce the likelihood of human error.

Additionally, vertical material lifts are built to lift more substantial loads on a more frequent basis. These faster cycle rates result in less labor hours and lower costs. For businesses that have significant vertical transport needs, VRCs can enhance safety and lower costs.

Customization: One major advantage of VRCs is the degree to which they can be customized. Since standard elevators are designed to safely move people, there are numerous regulations that restrict the speed, capacity and size of these mechanisms. Although such regulations are necessary and advisable for safely moving humans, they are inhibitive for high throughput movement of goods in manufacturing plants, warehouses and distribution operations. VRCs can be readily customized due to the fact that they are not saddled with the same regulations as passenger elevators.

Regulation: Vertical reciprocating conveyors are designed to move materials only, while elevators are built to move both passengers and materials. Because of this fundamental difference, VRCs are free from the rigorous elevator standards in most states.

In place of local jurisdiction, VRCs are regulated by their own national code that is administered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), one of the first standards shaping associations 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 outlines the rules for the fabrication, installation, operation and maintenance of conveyor systems.

Raymond West Is A Full Service Supplier of Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors

If you need to purchase a VRC, want questions answered or require engineering assistance, Raymond West can give you a hand. Our conveyor system experts can help design, procure, set up and maintain a system that’s suitable for your business. Get in touch with us today!

Raymond West's Fremont facility serves all of the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, Fremont, San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Richmond, Vallejo, Concord, Pleasanton, Livermore and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | San Francisco Bay Area Material Handling Equipment Supplier

41400 Boyce Rd
Fremont, CA 94538
(800) 675-2500