What Is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC)?

A VRC is an efficient, cost effective, simple way to transport materials from one level to another. VRCs have applications in countless industries, including factories, warehouses, distribution centers, and other multi-level operations. These versatile pieces of equipment can be readily incorporated into a structure’s basement, mezzanine, balcony or any upper floor levels.

VRC’s consist of a shaft, a carriage, and a mechanical or hydraulic system. Vertical material lifts can be added almost anywhere inside or outside of a building. Barriers and enclosures installed around VRC shafts ensure employee safety and well being.

What Are Some Advantages of VRCs?

Safety: Many operations are dependent upon forklifts to move their materials and merchandise from one level to another. While ideal for moving many different materials, forklifts are mainly designed for the horizontal transport of goods. To save time and effort, employees may occasionally take their forklifts above their height limit or move loads in excess of their equipment’s capacity rating. When these transgressions happen, the likelihood of an accident multiply.

For some vertical product movement, vertical reciprocating conveyors offer a safe and efficient replacement for lift trucks. Specifically designed and built for each operation’s application requirements, VRCs greatly reduce the possibility of human error.

Additionally, vertical material lifts are engineered to lift larger loads more often. These more rapid throughput rates result in reduced labor expenses. For companies that have routine vertical transport requirements, vertical reciprocating conveyors can enhance worker safety and decrease costs.

Customization: One significant advantage of vertical reciprocating conveyors is the extent to which they can be customized. Since passenger elevators are designed to safely move people, there are numerous regulations that constrain the weight capacity, speed and size of these mechanisms. While such safeguards are appropriate for safely transporting humans, they are inhibitive for high throughput movement of products in manufacturing plants, warehouses and distribution centers. VRCs can be freely customized because they are not saddled with the same laws as passenger lifts.

Regulation: VRCs are engineered to move materials only, while standard elevators are designed to move both humans and cargo. Due to this important difference, VRCs are free from the stringent elevator rules in most states.

On the contrary, VRCs are regulated by their own national code that is overseen by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), one of the preeminent 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 outlines the rules for the construction, assembly, 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 material handling experts can help design, procure, install and service a system that’s right for your business. Get in touch with us today!

Raymond's Reno / Sparks service operation includes all of Western Nevada, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Incline Village, Virginia City, Indian Hills, Johnson Lane, Fernley, Fallon, Dayton, Silver Springs, Spanish Springs, Yerington, Genoa and Zephyr Cove.

Raymond West | Reno / Sparks Material Handling Equipment Supplier

975 Terminal Way
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 356-8383