MATERIAL PRESENTATION

Over/unders

Over/unders are usually used in applications where an operator is the prime change subject in the process. These units have three main value adds to a system and they both benefit the operator specifically.

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  • Time-saving: Generally speaking, over/unders provide the most value when applied to a process that only has one operator. Being able to accumulate full pallet loads prior to picking, prevents the single operator from having to delay picking in order to move pallets to the workstation to make them more accessible to pick from.

  • Space-saving: Over/unders allow the operator to use more vertical space to store pallet loads instead of floor space. As loads are loaded on the top and are emptied by the operator, the empty pallet or container is conveyed underneath the remaining full loads, allowing the empty pallet to only take up floor space that is already obtained by the full loads above. This is especially true when you’re handling a product that isn’t stackable.

  • Provides Organization: These units also enable operators to organize pallet loads when necessary. This value is most applicable when handling time-sensitive products like food or beverage that can be loaded FIFO (first in, first out). This helps to make sure the product is being prioritized based on things like the date received or product expiration date.

 

Tilters

When in pursuit of providing a solution to existing ergonomic problems, companies usually consider integrating a tilter into their system first. In comparison to other material presentation equipment, tilters provide only one value add, ergonomics. However, it’s the ability to customize these units to develop a tailored fit solution that makes them most attractive. Here are a few ways tilters can be customized to fit your application:

  • Tilt Angle: Not all applications require the same tilt angle. These units can be custom built to adjust to one fixed angle, or can be customized with the proper controls hardware to allow the operator to make their own adjustments on the spot! Giving operator control is very beneficial in an application that has numerous operators, of different physical heights, who would appreciate a custom fit for their shift. This is usually done with a foot pedal controller.

  • Product Weight: Tilters can be customized to handle a wide variety of weights. This can help reduce cost when you have more than one tilter in a single file conveyor line. If one work station receives a full load (2,500 lbs.) but doesn’t need to pick all the product, the second tilter in line can be engineered to handle a smaller load weight (1,000 lbs.). This usually comes at a lower cost than the first tilter.

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Lift and rotates

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In the collection of material presentation equipment, lift and rotates are the only units of the collection that is primarily seen as an alternative to a turntable, rather than a material presentation solution. However, their primary value is to keep the operator’s ergonomic tasks at a consistent height elevation. This is beneficial in a variety of different scenarios.

  • Numerous Load Heights: Having an adjustable lift and rotate enables the operator to adjust the load elevation to accommodate a variety of different pallet load heights. This is also applicable if a single load gets picked from more than one workstation.

  • Numerous Operator Heights: Being able to adjust the maximum load height also provides versatility for operators who may vary in height or physical ability.