Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors | Ontario

warehouse elevator

Raymond West supplies warehouse automation equipment such as VRC's.

We are among the largest suppliers of warehouse automation equipment in the state.

Call us today at (800) 675-2500.

What Is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC)?

A vertical reciprocating conveyor is an efficient, cost effective, convenient way to move materials from one level to another. VRCs have applications in countless industries, including manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, and other multi-level buildings. These versatile pieces of equipment may easily be incorporated into a building’s basement, mezzanine, balcony or any upper floor levels.

VRC’s are made up of a column, a cage, and a hydraulic or mechanical system. Vertical material lifts can be installed just about anywhere inside or outside of a building. Barriers and enclosures surrounding VRC shafts ensure employee safety and well being.

What Are Some Advantages of VRCs?

Safety: Many facilities rely on forklifts to move their materials and merchandise from one level to another. While ideal for moving many different materials, forklifts are mainly intended for the horizontal movement of materials. To save time and effort, employees may occasionally stretch their lift trucks above their vertical limit or transport goods beyond their equipment’s capacity rating. When these transgressions happen, the likelihood of an accident increase substantially.

For some vertical transport of goods between levels, vertical reciprocating conveyors offer a safe and effective replacement for lift trucks. Specifically engineered and fabricated for each operation’s application demands, VRCs significantly minimize the possibility of human error.

In addition, VRCs are engineered to move heavier loads on a more frequent basis. These faster throughput rates mean less labor expenses. For operations that have high volume vertical lifting needs, VRCs can improve safety and decrease labor expenses.

Customization: One major benefit to vertical reciprocating conveyors is the extent to which they can be customized. Because passenger elevators are designed to safely move people, regulations have been put into place that limit the speed, capacity and size of these mechanisms. Although such safety measures are appropriate for safely moving humans, they are prohibitive for high throughput movement of goods in factories, warehouses and distribution centers. VRCs can be readily customized due to the fact that they are not bound by the same rules as passenger lifts.

Regulation: Vertical reciprocating conveyors are designed to move goods only, while standard elevators are meant to move both people and freight. Due to this elemental distinction, VRCs are spared from the strict 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 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 outlines the requirements 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, have questions or require engineering assistance, Raymond West can give you a hand. Our material handling professionals can help plan, procure, set up and service a system that’s right for your operation. Call us today!

Raymond West's Ontario, California facility serves parts of Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County, including Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, La Verne, San Dimas, Covina, West Covina, Pomona, Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights, Chino, Norco, Eastvale, Corona, Jurupa Valley, San Bernardino, Rialto and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Ontario California Material Handling Equipment Supplier

4602 E Brickell St
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 930-9399