What Is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC)?

A vertical reciprocating conveyor is a safe, economical, convenient means to move materials from one elevation to another. VRCs have use case scenarios in countless industries, including factories, storage facilities, distribution centers, and other multi-level buildings. These versatile pieces of equipment may easily be incorporated into a structure’s mezzanine, balcony, basement or any upper floor levels.

Vertical reciprocating conveyors are made up of a shaft, a carriage, 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 a VRC shaft keep workers safe and prevent accidents.

What Are Some Advantages of VRCs?

Safety: Many facilities rely on lift trucks for vertical movement of products. While ideal for moving many different materials, forklifts are mainly intended for the horizontal movement of goods. In the name of efficiency, employees may occasionally extend their forklifts above their height limit or transport loads beyond their equipment’s capacity rating. When such infractions happen, the likelihood of an accident multiply.

For some vertical transport of goods between levels, vertical reciprocating conveyors provide a safe and effective alternative to lift trucks. Specifically engineered and manufactured for each operation’s application demands, VRCs significantly reduce the likelihood of human error.

Additionally, VRCs are engineered to move larger loads more often. These faster throughput rates mean reduced labor expenses. For operations that have significant vertical transport needs, VRCs can enhance worker safety and lower labor expenses.

Customization: One significant advantage of VRCs is the degree to which they can be customized. Since passenger elevators are designed to safely move people, regulations have been put into place that limit the speed, capacity and size of these machines. Although such safety measures are necessary and advisable for safely transporting humans, they are prohibitive for high volume movement of goods in manufacturing plants, storage facilities and distribution operations. VRCs can be freely customized because they are not subject to the same rules as passenger elevators.

Regulation: Vertical reciprocating conveyors are designed to move goods only, while standard elevators are meant to move both passengers and materials. Due to this fundamental difference, VRCs are free from the rigorous elevator rules in most states.

On the contrary, VRCs are regulated by their own universal code that is overseen by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), one of the original standards defining 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, installation, 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, want questions answered or require engineering assistance, Raymond West can help. Our material handling experts can help design, procure, install and maintain a system that’s right for your operation. Call us today!

Raymond West's Santa Clarita / Valencia facility serves the northern region of Los Angeles County and the San Fernando Valley, including Valencia, Santa Clarita, San Fernando, Sylmar, Sun Valley, Reseda, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Hollywood and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Santa Clarita / San Fernando Valley Material Handling Equipment Supplier

28303 Industry Dr
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 206-0462