SIGMA Commercial Goods Lifts | Powerful Material Handling Solutions

Commercial Goods Lifts | Powerful Material Handling Solutions

Cargo lift, often referred to as a goods lift or freight elevator, represents a specialized vertical transportation system distinct from those designed for passengers. Its fundamental purpose is to safely and efficiently move heavy goods and materials within various commercial spaces. The design philosophy behind these lifts prioritizes ruggedness, durability, and the capacity to withstand demanding industrial and commercial use, rather than focusing on human comfort or aesthetic appeal. This focus on material handling is paramount for optimizing workflows and maximizing usable space in multi-level facilities.

While the terms are frequently used interchangeably, a subtle hierarchy and specialization exist within this category. "Goods lifts" broadly encompasses mechanical devices for vertical material movement. "Cargo lifts" typically refer to heavy-duty material lifts designed for diverse production materials, machinery, vehicles, pallets, or forklifts. "Freight elevators" are generally the largest and most robust members of this family, specifically engineered for the heaviest and most demanding industrial applications. This specialization, ranging from compact dumbwaiters for light items to massive freight elevators for industrial machinery, underscores a market trend towards tailored solutions. The selection of a lift is highly dependent on specific operational needs, load characteristics, and safety requirements, prompting manufacturers to innovate diverse models to meet precise demands.

Types and Classifications of Commercial Vertical Transportation Systems

Commercial vertical transportation systems for goods are broadly categorized by their operational mechanisms and further refined by their structural design and application.

Hydraulic, Traction, and Machine Room-Less (MRL) Lifts

The operational mechanism of a lift significantly influences its performance characteristics and suitability for different building types.

• Hydraulic Elevators: These systems operate by a pump that moves liquid, typically oil-based or vegetable-based, under pressure into a cylinder. A plunger within the cylinder then moves the elevator car as liquid is either pumped in or released through a valve. Hydraulic elevators are well-suited for low to medium-rise commercial buildings, generally with less than 60 feet of vertical travel, and operate at lower speeds, typically 200 feet per minute (fpm) or less. They are optimal for industrial environments. Classifications include "Holed" systems, where cylinders are placed in a drilled hole, and "Hole-less" systems, where the cylinder stands within the hoistway, eliminating the need for a drilled hole, though often limited to under 40 feet of travel.

• Traction Elevators: Geared traction elevators transmit power from a motor to a drive sheave through a reduction gear. These systems are ideal for medium to high-rise buildings, typically with more than 60 feet of travel, and can achieve higher speeds, often 200 fpm or more. Their construction often features rugged, all-steel components, making them suitable for demanding industrial jobs.

• Machine Room-Less (MRL) Elevators: MRL elevators represent a significant technological advancement, utilizing smaller, more efficient permanent magnet motors (PMM) that reduce the overall size of the electric motor used with traction equipment. This innovation eliminates the need for a traditional machine room above the hoistway, allowing architects greater flexibility in building design by integrating the machine as an integral component within the hoistway itself. MRLs are suitable for medium to high-rise travel, typically 50 to 300 feet, and operate at medium to high speeds, from 200 to 500 fpm. They are optimal for nearly any application, offering superior ride quality and reliable operation. Beyond performance, MRL systems provide significant space and cost-saving benefits, including no penthouse requirement, reduced overhead mechanical structural support, and more efficient, safer installation techniques. The reduced use of oil and energy for starting and running the elevator also contributes to environmental benefits and lower long-term operating costs.

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