This project involved the indoor installation and automation of three heavy-duty E-type vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) systems at an automated manufacturing and storage facility in China. The system is designed to handle high-frequency layer-to-layer transport of palletized cargo measuring up to W1,400 mm x L1,400 mm x H2,000 mm, with a maximum rated payload of 1,500 kg per pallet.
The lifts bridge three floor levels with a total vertical stroke of 16,500 mm (first-to-second floor: 6,500 mm; second-to-third floor: 10,000 mm) at a lifting velocity of 40 m/min. The E-type layout facilitates same-side loading and unloading to optimize warehouse floor space.
To create a fully automated sorting and packaging loop, the VRC is synchronized with three inline automatic stretch-wrapping machines and an extensive network of 24 external buffer roller conveyors (W1,500 mm x L1,600 mm), including three customized three-row roller lines to interface with low-profile hand pallet jacks. Floor levels are isolated using automated, yellow PVC rapid-roll safety doors with clear vision panels (W1,800 mm x H2,500 mm) controlled by Integrated Safety Interlocking Systems. The complete mechanical line is built to comply with ISO 12100 Safety of Machinery Standards, eliminating manual intervention between structural floor boundaries.
The following table details the mechanical, electrical, and structural parameters of the SJD 1.5-ton E-type vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC). These metrics align with automated warehouse and multi-floor sorting integration requirements.
| Equipment Type |
E-Type Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC) |
| Rated Load Capacity |
1,500 kg (1.5 Metric Tons) |
| Total Lifting Stroke |
16,500 mm (Level 1-2: 6,500 mm; Level 2-3: 10,000 mm) |
| Top Clearance Height |
6,500 mm (Level 3 Over-travel) |
| Stops & Stations |
3 Stops, 3 Stations |
| Vertical Lifting Speed |
40 m/min |
| Horizontal Conveyor Speed |
0 – 20 m/min (0.4 m/s VFD Controlled) |
| Installation Footprint |
W2,700 mm x L2,500 mm |
| Cabin Inner Dimensions |
W1,800 mm x L1,800 mm x H2,500 mm |
| Max Cargo Dimensions |
W1,400 mm x L1,400 mm x H2,000 mm (With Pallet) |
| Lifting Drive Power |
15 kW (Dongli Geared Motor & Reducer) |
| Hydraulic/Mechanical Pit |
0 mm (Surface Mounted) |
| Lifting Guide Rails |
Elevator-Grade Special T-Type Guide Rails (T90) |
| Lifting Chains |
Hangzhou Donghua High-Strength 16A Chains |
| Control Architecture |
Siemens SIMATIC PLC |
| Variable Frequency Drive |
Siemens Inverter Control |
| Operator Interface (HMI) |
7-inch Touch Panels (Weintek/Kunlun Tongtai) per Floor |
| Sensor Technologies |
Omron/SICK Photoelectric Sensors & Infrared Cargo Detectors |
| Bearings Specification |
SKF / HA Bearings |
| Leveling Accuracy |
Precision Leveling Inductors (≤ ±2 mm per floor) |
| Safety Mechanisms |
Safety Gear + Overspeed Governor Linkage; Polyurethane Buffers |
| Electrical Cabinet |
IP54 Sheet Metal Enclosure with Siemens/Schneider Electrics |
| Design Service Life |
15 Years (Continuous high-frequency cycle operation) |
