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Machine vision
A system which takes pictures of objects and codes and sends the pictures to a computer for interpretation.
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Magnetic belt conveyor
A steel belt and either a magnetic slider bed or magnetic pulley is used to transport ferrous materials vertically, upside down, and around corners.
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Magnetic placard
Placard system made of magnetic material and used on metal racks and other metal surfaces.
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Magnetic stripe
Information storage medium on the back of cards such as credit cards, read by contact.
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Maintenance diagnostics
A process by which the frequency, amount and cost of maintenance to buildings and machines is evaluated on an on-going basis. Such a process ensures that the buildings and machines at a facility are being maintained at the correct levels in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.
Software programs designed specifically for this purpose are available.
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Manifesting
The act of creating a statement which describes and/or lists the load on a vehicle in transit.
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Manipulator
A stationary (does not mean that nothing moves) movement assist device that is often equipped with end effectors for handling different types of loads. End effectors include all forms of grippers, forks, barrel grabs, etc. Manipulators counteract the weight of the load, rendering it almost weightless by way of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, or simply by way of counter weights and the exercising of very limited manual control. Most manipulators require manual actuation and control and are therefore manual assist devices. They are mounted to the floor, wall or ceiling. In some cases, manipulators are mounted to a fixed base plate and the entire unit can be moved via a trolley, cart or frok lift truck.
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Manual handling
The handling of materials by hand or by using devices that are non-powered.
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Manual hoist
A suspended machinery unit that, by use of manual operation, is used for lifting and lowering of a freely suspended (unguided) load. Generally uses chain (roller or link) as its lifting medium
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Manually handled container
Containers designed to be handled by hand and not by machine.
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Manufacturing Resource Planning
A fully-integrated planning and control system, providing coordination and communication among finance, marketing, and production departments. Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) takes into account plans from these entities and assists management in developing a production plan, which must be adjusted on a daily or weekly basis to satisfy changes in demand.
Initially MRP was a list of components needed to produce a specified quantity of items as well as when and how manufacturing intends to use these components.
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Masked out
The design of an inductive loop sensor so that certain objects are not detected.
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Master carton
Utilized as a larger uniform shipping carton for smaller packages or carton, the master carton serves to lessen material handling time and adds protection during shipping to the smaller items.
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Master pack
A large box that is used to pack a number of smaller boxes or containers. Aids in protecting the smaller cartons or packages and reduces the number of cartons to be handled during the material handling process.
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Material flow
The function of maintaining a constantly available supply of materials needed for production. Such materials may include raw materials, purchased items, or assembled items.
The movement of materials to, through, and from productive processes; in warehouses and storage; and in receiving and shipping areas.
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Material Handling
Material Handling is the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. The focus is on the methods, mechanical equipment, systems and related controls used to achieve these functions. See also, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Third Party Logistics. Note that all of referenced terms are highly interrelated and their definitions are frequently intermingled.
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Material Handling Accessory Manufacturer
Material Handling Accessory Manufacturers
(See ICCM)
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Material Handling Principles
A principle is a general rule, fundamental, or other statement of an observed truth. Over time certain fundamental truths of material handling have been found to exist. The "principles" of material handling are often useful in analyzing, planning and managing material handling activities and systems. At the very least they form a basic foundation upon which one can begin building expertise in material handling.
These principles, that serve as a starting point to identifying potential problems and assessing need, are:
1. Planning
2. Standardization
3. Work
4. Ergonomic
5. Unit Load
6. Space Utilization
7. System
8. Automation
9. Environment
10. Life Cycle Cost
To receive a complete explanation for each of these :"Principles", contact the Material Handling Institute at (704) 676-1190 and ask for the document, "The Ten Principles of Material Handling".
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Materials Handling Management Society
The Materials Handling and Management Society (MHMS) is an independent professional society which was formed over 40 years ago as the American Material Handling Society (MHMS). The society provides opportunities for continuing education while offering a wealth of resources designed to enhance professional performance, including professional certification. Contact Allan Howie at (704)676-1190 or via e-mail at ahowie@mhia.org for more information.
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Mechanical lifter
A lifter composed of two or more rigid parts that move with respect to each other to attach the load to the hoisting device.
All movements of this grab as it attaches to the load are manually actuated.
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Mesh container
Often referred to as a wire mesh container, this material handling device is made from welded metal wire mesh and possesses a substructure to give the container strength and rigidity.
A container that is made of woven, knit or knotted material of open texture with evenly spaced holes.
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Mesh size
The center-to -center spacing of the wire elements on a wire mesh container.
For example, a 2x2 = wires on two inch centers in both directions.
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Metal container
A receptacle (such as a box, enclosure) or a formed or flexible covering for the packing or shipment of articles, goods, or commodities. Containers may be constructed of plastic, welded wire, corrugated steel or aluminum.
To obtain more information on the features and benefits on materials used to construct containers, please click below:
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Metric container
A container which has its dimensions and capacities expressed in metric terms. These containers are often designed to accommodate metric size and weight materials or goods, i.e, a one metric ton capacity container as opposed to a one imperial ton capacity container.
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Mezzanine
A stand alone structure constructed within an existing building or structure which is designed to maximize clear space under and above the mezzanine. Also referred to as a "free standing, wide span mezzanine", this type of mezzanine incorporates wide column spacing and high PSF (pounds per square foot) capacity. Usually engineered for a specific need
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MHAM
Material Handling Accessory Manufacturers
(See ICCM)
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Micro-Load AS/RS
A type of automatic storage and retrieval system that handles small items that are typically contained in very small containers, totes or trays, with load weights typically less than 100 lbs. See also AS/RS.
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Mini-Load AS/RS
A type of automatic storage and retrieval system that handles loads that are typically contained in small containers or totes, with load weights typically falling in the100 to 500 lb. Range, and occasionally as much as 750 to 1000 lbs. See also AS/RS.
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Minimum pressure accumulation conveyor
Conveyor minimum pressure accumulation is when product is accumulated and the driving force is not removed. It is called minimum pressure because the pressure of the driving force is kept to a minimum. Pressure will build up as more product accumulates, but can be overcome with controls designed specifically for the application. The advantage to minimum pressure conveyor is a higher discharge or single load release rate than with zero pressure accumulation.
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MMA
An independent incorporated trade association affiliated with the Material Handling Industry. The membership of MMA is made up of companies which produce the preponderance of patented and enclosed track underhung cranes and monorail systems.
Monorail Manufacturers Association, Inc.
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28217
Phone: (704) 676-1190 Fax: (704) 676-1199
Hal Vandiver, Managing Director
hvandiver@mhia.org
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Mobile equipment
Material handling equipment that is designed to move within and outside a facility to transport materials, people and maintenance/service supplies. Such equipment can range from industrial trucks, personnel carriers, lifts and AGV's.
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Mobile rack
A rack with wheels at the base that permit movement of the entire rack structure along tracks.
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Mobile shelving
A shelving system that is mounted on floor or overhead tracks. The self- contained unit may nest or move against other units to facilitate space savings or move away from each other to provide greater access.
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Modular drawer cabinet
Modular drawer cabinets make efficient use of storage space by providing secured enclosed storage for small or high value parts. The operator has a clear view of all stored items as the drawers are withdrawn from the cabinet.
An added value of modular drawers is that each drawer can be positioned or sub-divided into smaller storage cells. Modular drawer cabinets, used extensively in tool cribs, parts supply rooms and maintenance areas, provide higher density, improved organization, more security and protection and a greater utilization of storage space.
Such modular drawer cabinets may be wheeled or fixed in place.
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Modular drawers
Housed in cabinets (wheeled or stationary), modular drawers offer high density storage and retrieval of parts, tools, supplies instruments and equipment in commercial, industrial and institutional environments. These drawers are capable of being partitioned and compartmentalized to segregate items in the drawer.
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Modular drawers in cabinet
Mounted integrally into cabinet structures, these modular drawers make effective use of space and can be housed nearby other nearby items to be stored.
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Modular drawers in shelving
Mounted integrally into shelving arrangements, these modular drawers make effective use of space and can be housed nearby other nearby items to be shelved.
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Modular mezzanine
A standardized, pre-fabricated mezzanine structure built in "packaged"/"off the shelf" sizes, loading capacities and spans. Usually limited to lighter PSF (pounds per square inch) capacities and rapid delivery and rapid installation are benefits of the modular mezzanine.
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Molded pallet
A pallet formed in a mold and made from plastic, wood particles or wood flakes.
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Molded pallet
A pallet formed in a mold and made from plastic, wood particles or wood flakes.
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Monorail Manufacturers Association
An independent incorporated trade association affiliated with the Material Handling Industry. The membership of MMA is made up of companies which produce the preponderance of patented and enclosed track underhung cranes and monorail systems.
Monorail Manufacturers Association, Inc.
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28217
Phone: (704) 676-1190 Fax: (704) 676-1199
Hal Vandiver, Managing Director
hvandiver@mhia.org
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Monorails
A single run of overhead track on which carriers (trolleys) travel.
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Motor driven pusher
An electric motor driven conveyor sortation device. See Pneumatic pusher.
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Multi level shelving
More than two levels tiered one on top of the other with each tier serviced from a separate level.
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Multiple row, single face shelving
One generally continuous row of units joined together back to back to be serviced from one aisle for long items of considerable weight.
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Multiple trip pallet
A pallet designed and built for use in multiple trips and transports.
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