The manufacturing industry is a major contributor to the American economy. This sector accounts for 12% of America's overall GDP. For every $1 that is spent in manufacturing, $1.37 is added to the economy. Manufacturers in the U.S. maintain a high performance and productivity thanks to the numerous technological advances that are present — in particular, the implementation of equipment like overhead cranes. Although most overhead cranes appear identical to one another, there are subtle differences in their technology that can significantly influence overall productivity. If you're running your own manufacturing company and on the market for an overhead crane to carry large loads of equipments and materials, here are 3 technological advancements to look for.

More Accurate and Precise Control with Adjustable Frequency Travel Drives (AFTD)

The Adjustable Frequency Travel Drive is a special system responsible for controlling the motor system and the overall speed of the overhead cranes by altering and modifying the frequency of the supply voltage of the squirrel cage motor. This results in a stepless speed adjustment, which ensures that the overhead cranes run smoothly and that operators have a more accurate and precise control over the equipment. The Adjustable Frequency Travel Drive offers several distinct advantages and new features like an inverter, a crane user interface, brake control, electrical braking, control methods, limited switch functions and other forms of protection.

In addition, the advanced controls that come with the Adjustable Frequency Travel Drive will reduce mechanical wear experienced with high loads and impact loading. In short, this simple technological advancement can also improve the overhead crane's overall mechanical life and minimize the need for repairs. You can boost overall productivity within your manufacturing company, ensure that operators have more control over the movement of the cranes to prevent hazardous situations and also save a lot of money that would have been spent on repairs or maintenance.

Minimize Horizontal Movement with a True Lift

The True Lift is a new innovation that has revolutionized the overhead crane market. The True Lift technology ensures that the hoists of the overhead cranes move in a true vertical pathway, and will not sway horizontally between the lower and upper limit of its travel pathway. The True Lift technology relies on anchoring the rope at each end of the drum and winding it from the center of the drum outwards.

Without the True Lift technology, operators would have implemented a "double reeving" mechanism when handling larger loads. This mechanism requires having a drum that is quite a bit longer. As a result, hoist approaches are reduced and more sheaving is to be expected.  Although double reeving will provide you with the same abilities as the True Lift technology, you should expect higher operational cost that will easily take a huge chunk out of your profit margin. With the True Lift technology, you are also able to improve hoist precision and enhance overall security and safety within the manufacturing area since heavy loads are less likely to sway and accidentally bump into their surroundings. 

Reduce Oscillation Frequency with Tapered Diaphragms

The overhead crane design and style will also highly influence its performance level. Overhead cranes with tapered diaphragms in the design are capable of a reduced oscillation frequency of approximately 30%. The overall weight of the overhead crane will also be cut by about 17%, which can help double its overall service life to about 500,000 changes of load. Your company will require less maintenance servicing as a result, and you will not have to replace your overhead cranes as quickly.

All manufacturers promote unique overhead crane designs and styles. While they may not seem different at first glance, these subtle differences in the architecture design will have a huge influence on installation costs and overall operation performance capabilities. It is worthwhile to invest in a more expensive overhead crane with an exceptional design, as operational costs will be reduced and overall productivity will be boosted in the long run. 

Conclusion

Spend time researching the various technological advancements that have been introduced in the overhead crane industry. By investing in an overhead crane that incorporates and implements these technological advancements, you can easily boost operational productivity and reduce costs. You may also be able to handle larger loads, extend overall service life and reduce downtime associated with maintenance and repairs. If you are looking to buy a new overhead crane in order to boost productivity and save money, have a peek at this site.