Sponsored jointly by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and International Material Management Society, this single source reference is designed to meet today's need for updated technical information on planning, installing and operating materials handling systems. It not only classifies and describes the standard types of materials handling equipment, but also analyzes the engineering specifications and compares the operating capabilities of each type. Over one hundred professionals in various areas of materials handling present efficient methods, procedures and systems that have significantly reduced both manufacturing and distribution costs.

Tens of thousands of mechanical engineers are engaged in the design, building, upgrading, and optimization of various material handling facilities. The peculiarity of material handling is that there are numerous technical solutions to any problem. The engineer’s personal selection of the optimal solution is as critical as the technical component. Michael Rivkin, Ph.D., draws on his decades of experience in design, construction, upgrading, optimization, troubleshooting, and maintenance throughout the world, to highlight topics such as: • physical principles of various material handling systems; • considerations in selecting technically efficient and environmentally friendly equipment; • best practices in upgrading and optimizing existing bulk material handling facilities; • strategies to select proper equipment in the early phases of a new project. Filled with graphs, charts, and case studies, the book also includes bulleted summaries to help mechanical engineers without a special background in material handling find optimal solutions to everyday problems.

Management textbook on materials handling and goods transport - covers technical aspects of production control, planning, costing, storage, maintenance, work study, factory organization, equipment, ergonomics, occupational safety, methods and materials in the packaging industry, containerisation, etc., and includes a listing of audiovisual aids.