Made for Engineers Archives

Jan042017

Keeping it Grounded: Is Your Crane Safe?

Did you know that you’re required to have a fourth ground bar on your overhead crane system? It’s been nearly 12 years since the National Electric Code (NEC) changed its requirements for overhead cranes. The newest requirement, added in 2005, mandates that all overhead cranes must have a grounded power bar or festooning. The Bureau... Read Full Article

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Sep012016

Overhead Cranes for Marine-Duty Locations

For most marine-duty applications, the overhead crane must be equipped to withstand harsh marine conditions in a corrosive salt-water environment. This application calls for specific types of overhead lift systems that are specifically designed for marine and outdoor applications. If you’re looking for a crane you can use within five miles of salt-water, we do... Read Full Article

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Dec232014

Understanding Overhead Crane Deflection and Criteria

Overall, deflection is literally defined as “deviation from an allotted course”. It can mean that something is deviated by turning aside or by coming off course. For overhead cranes, this definition translates to the relative vertical or horizontal displacement of a member or part of an overhead crane. So how does that impact the design... Read Full Article

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Jun102014

Crane Operator Conduct and Safety: Administrative Controls and Hand Signals

Conduct of crane operators is outlined by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ACME B30.17-1992) to promote the safe operation of overhead crane systems in industrial environments. It instructs crane operators to remain focused on the safe operation of their overhead crane system by never engaging in any practice that could divert their attention while... Read Full Article

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May222014

Spanco Honor Scholarship Winner: Margaret Hartigan

Each year Spanco awards a scholarship through the Material Handling Education Foundation to a rising undergraduate student in the field of material handling. We are pleased to announce that the winner for the 2014/2015 Spanco Honor Scholarship award is Margaret Hartigan, an aspiring engineer at Penn State University. This fall, Margaret will begin her senior year... Read Full Article

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May092014

Providing Fall Protection in Industrial Crane Environments

The crane industry has seen many fatalities due to insufficient fall protection for technicians who need to access facility cranes. Crane maintenance and inspections require workers to access overhead cranes system in areas that can be dirty, narrow, and cramped, with little space to move. There is also little information available about how to effectively operate... Read Full Article

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Apr252014

Protective Coatings and Paint Finishes: What Does Your Application Require?

Steel is one of the most commonly used metals in overhead cranes and material handling systems. That’s because metals like steel are strong, cost effective, and easy to manipulate. However, steel is also prone to rust in almost any environment, especially when used for caustic applications or if exposed to harsh conditions. To protect your... Read Full Article

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