Verein Deutscher Ingenieure

Determination of cycle time of cranes
 N VDI 4446

Annotation

The guideline is applicable to the cycle-time determination of transport sequences which are performed using cranes. Crane control can be manual, semi- or fully automatic (VDI 3653).

The following sequences of transport of unit loads or bulk material are considered:

- between two defined points

- into or out of a warehouse with a defined storage volume

- into or out of a warehouse with the storage volume varying stochastically

Working cycles between two defined points

The working cycle describes the transport from a starting point P1 to a destination P2 and back again, if required.

Example

- Loading of a machine, e.g. for changing an injection mould

Working cycles for warehouses with defined storage volume

The working cycle describes the transport between storage position E and retrieval position A in warehouses with defined storage volume, where the complete storage volume is stored or retrieved. Storage processes must not be interrupted by retrieval processes and vice versa.

Storage and retrieval positions can be arranged in different ways in warehouses. Such warehouses are characterised by identical loading units such as containers, pallets, skeleton containers, etc.

Examples