PFlow Industries Highlights VRCs as Powerful Alternatives to Freight Elevators

PFlow Industries highlights its vertical reciprocating conveyors, such as the M Series Mechanical VRC, as compelling alternatives to traditional freight elevators for industries seeking safer, more flexible, and cost-effective solutions for vertical material movement.

Engineered specifically for lifting materials—not people, the M Series offers an array of advantages over freight elevators in installation flexibility, operational efficiency, and total cost of ownership. Conforming to ASME B20.1 safety standards for conveyors and related equipment, the M Series avoids the costly and complex redundancy requirements of ASME A17.1, which governs people-moving elevators. This distinction not only reduces installation and maintenance costs but also expands installation possibilities, making VRCs viable for locations where elevators simply can’t go.

The M Series is designed to move materials between multiple levels quickly and safely. With a load capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, a standard speed of 25 feet per minute—and the option to increase up to 400 FPM—the lift accommodates both high-speed and high-cycle operations with ease. It features a heavy-duty roller chain lifting mechanism mounted atop robust 6-inch guide columns, and the system supports unlimited vertical travel and continuous operation. PFlow’s commitment to safety is evident in features such as chain tension sensors, limit switches, certified safety cams, and mechanically actuated brakes, all of which ensure safe carriage control even during power interruptions or in the rare event of a chain failure.

Beyond performance, the M Series stands out for its ability to adapt to unique operational demands. The lift can be configured in straddle or cantilever designs, each offering distinct advantages in space utilization and load access. Carriages can be tailored to suit a variety of sizes and loading patterns, including C, Z, and 90° configurations. Whether installed indoors, outdoors, or integrated into an existing elevator shaft, the M Series offers unmatched versatility. The M Series can even be customized for use in specialized environments like clean rooms, food processing facilities, and locations requiring explosion-proof components.

Compared to freight elevators, the PFlow M Series VRC offers a significantly lower total cost of ownership—driven largely by less stringent regulatory requirements, as VRCs are not designed to transport people. This results in lower equipment, installation, and long-term maintenance costs. PFlow M Series lifts integrate seamlessly with automated material handling systems—including AGVs and AMRs—to increase throughput and reduce labor requirements.

For more information, visit https://www.pflow.com.