What Is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC)?

A vertical reciprocating conveyor is an efficient, relatively inexpensive, convenient way to transfer goods from one elevation to another. VRCs have applications in countless industries, including manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, and other multi-level facilities. These adaptable pieces of equipment can be readily incorporated into a structure’s mezzanine, balcony, basement or any higher story levels.

VRC’s consist of a column, a cage, and a hydraulic or mechanical system. Vertical material lifts can be installed almost anywhere on the interior or exterior of a building. Barriers and enclosures encircling VRC shafts ensure employee safety and well being.

What Are Some Advantages of VRCs?

Safety: Many operations rely on lift trucks for vertical movement of products. While ideal for moving many different materials, forklifts are mainly designed for the horizontal transport of goods. In the name of efficiency, employees may occasionally extend their forklifts above their vertical limit or transport loads in excess of their truck’s capacity rating. When such infractions occur, the likelihood of a serious accident multiply.

For some vertical product movement, vertical reciprocating conveyors provide a safe and efficient alternative to lift trucks. Specifically engineered and manufactured for each facility’s application needs, VRCs significantly reduce the possibility of human error.

In addition, vertical material lifts are built to lift more substantial loads on a more frequent basis. These more rapid throughput rates mean less labor hours and lower costs. For companies that have significant vertical lifting needs, vertical reciprocating conveyors can enhance worker safety and lower labor expenses.

Customization: One significant advantage of vertical reciprocating conveyors is the extent 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 safety measures are necessary and advisable for safely transporting humans, they are prohibitive for high volume movement of materials in production facilities, warehouses and distribution operations. VRCs can be freely customized due to the fact that they are not bound by the same regulations as passenger elevators.

Regulation: Vertical reciprocating conveyors are designed to move materials only, while standard elevators are built to move both humans and freight. Because of this fundamental difference, VRCs are spared from the strict elevator regulations in most 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 preeminent standards establishing organizations in the nation. 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 requirements for the construction, assembly, operation 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 need engineering assistance, Raymond West can give you a hand. Our conveyor system professionals can help plan, procure, install and maintain a system that’s right for your business. Call us today!

Raymond West's Los Angeles facility serves much of Los Angeles County, including Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, La Mirada, Downey, Pico Rivera, Los Angeles, Montebello, El Monte, Rosemead, Alhambra, South Gate, Lynwood, Compton, Westmont, Gardena, Torrance, Carson, San Pedro, La Habra, City of Industry, Walnut, Inglewood, Hawthorne and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Los Angeles Material Handling Equipment Supplier

9939 Norwalk Blvd
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 944-8067